Automotive Class Action
MLG’s team of trial lawyers is responsible for filing some of the most notable class action cases in the automotive industry – cases which have led to Congressional hearings, Department of Justice investigations and billion-dollar settlements.
MLG has litigated cases against nearly every major auto manufacturer in the world, resulting in substantial verdicts and settlements. We have also filed some of the most notable automotive class action cases in the nation such as:
- MLG Takes on Apple in Class Action, Demands Texting and Driving Safeguards
- BMW Sued in National Class Action Over Faulty Electric Vehicles
- $10 Billion “Historic” Class Action Settlement Reached with Volkswagen
- MLG Automotive Law Files Class Action Against Uber for “Fraudulent Business Practices
- Chrysler Sued in Class Action Case for Ignition Switch Defect
Our experienced automotive lawyers have a unique understanding of the nation’s motor vehicle laws, and how they play into the automotive recall system. Under federal law, carmakers are required to immediately recall a vehicle once a safety defect is discovered. Unfortunately, however, many manufacturers fail to discharge this duty, putting the public at significant risk.
MLG has sought to hold these manufacturers responsible by filing class actions, demanding compliance with the recall system and seeking punitive damages to prevent future misconduct. Our cases have involved millions of vehicles across multiple manufacturers, and have had a substantial impact on increasing corporate responsibility and promoting public safety.
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Notable Class Action Cases
ZF-TRW Airbag Control Unit
Automakers Kia, Hyundai, and FCA (Fiat-Chrysler) recalled approximately 12.3 million vehicles due to faulty airbag control units (ACU), which posed the risk failing to engage the airbags in the event of a collision. The same defect is also linked to Toyota, Acura, Honda, Mitsubishi, Porsche, and Volkswagen vehicles.
GM Ignition Switch Fraud
In early 2014, General Motors recalled approximately 800,000 vehicles due to faulty ignition switches, which posed the risk of spontaneously shutting off the vehicle’s engine during normal operation. On March 21, 2014, MLG’s auto lawyers filed a class action lawsuit against General Motors relating to this massive recall.
Volkswagen Emissions Scandal
The Volkswagen emission scandal surfaced in September 2015, when Volkswagen admitted that it had been falsifying emissions data for nearly 500,000 diesel cars sold in the U.S., and that it had instructed its software engineers to develop a sophisticated “defeat device” that would conceal the vehicles’ true emissions levels from regulators.
Apple Texting and Driving
On January 17, 2017, MLG’s team of auto lawyers filed a class action lawsuit against Apple, Inc., to address the extremely serious problem of texting and driving which endangers the lives of tens of millions of people every day. The case was filed in state court in Los Angeles, and is entitled Julio Ceja v. Apple, Inc.
Hyundai and Kia Power Window Defect
MLG’s team of auto lawyers identified Hyundai and Kia vehicles with dangerous power windows, capable of amputating passenger body parts. On October 29, 2019, MLG filed the class-action lawsuit of McCready v. Hyundai in California state court in an effort to force Hyundai and Kia to correct its power window systems.
Uber Fraudulent Business Practices
As the company was beginning to build momentum, ride-share sensation Uber was alleged to have made numerous misrepresentations to the public about the safety of its driver background checks. On January 26, 2015, MLG filed a class action lawsuit against Uber for fraudulent business practices.
BMW i3 Range Extender
BMW’s new all electric vehicle, the i3 REx, is alleged to contain a faulty and dangerous “range extender” feature. On May 17, 2016, MLG filed a class action lawsuit against BMW for these defects in the 2014 to 2016 models.
Toyota Soy-Based Wiring
In the mid-2000s, Toyota began replacing its plastic wire coverings with a soy-based product. The move was intended to be more environmentally friendly, but it had a very disastrous side effect: the soy materials invited rodents to chew through the insulation, causing severe damage to vehicles’ electrical system.
Kia Fuel Economy Fraud
MLG’s team of auto lawyers sought to hold Kia responsible for their false statements regarding Kia’s purported fuel efficiency. On January 9, 2013, MLG filed a class action lawsuit against Kia, alleging the car company misrepresented the gas mileage capabilities of certain 2011-2013 model vehicles.
Maserati's Defective Locking System
Maserati North America, Inc. was faced with a class action filed by MLG for its 2014 to 2016 model year Ghibli vehicles equipped with a defect that allows the key fob to be locked inside the vehicle without a way to unlock it, creating a dangerous situation if a pet or child is locked inside the car.
Apple Texting and Driving
Apple puts profit before consumer safety. According to the filing, the company has had the technology to prevent texting and driving since 2008 – and even received a patent on it in 2014 – but refuses to use it over concerns that it will lose market share to other phone-makers who do not limit consumer use.
The destruction created by the practice is enormous. The lawsuit claims that, based on data provided by the Federal Highway Administration and the California Highway Patrol, Apple’s iPhones are responsible for 52,000 automobile accidents in California each year, and an average of 312 deaths. Julio Ceja of Costa Mesa, California was injured in an accident caused by a driver who was on her iPhone. The class action is brought on behalf of all California residents, and seeks to halt all iPhone sales in the state until the lock-out device is employed.
Final Outcome
Just days before Julio’s trial was to commence, Apple released a long anticipated update to their iphone software that addressed many of the concerns associated in the class action. True to our mission, we hold manufacturers responsible for the products they sell and to change this industry; even if that puts us out of business.
Ever Since
“Since that time, I have made it my mission in life to stand up for families who are not able to fight for themselves and to hold automakers responsible for the products they sell. Through this, we have changed policies, forced the recall of defective vehicles and helped deliver justice to those in need.”
-Jonathan Michaels
