A massive RICO Case Against Toyota has landed in federal court. Toyota faces $5.7 billion in potential damages over alleged fraud involving its hydrogen-powered Mirai sedans. The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.
Attorney Jason M. Ingber represents the plaintiffs in this sweeping legal action.
What the Lawsuit Claims
The 142-page complaint accuses Toyota of running an organized, fraudulent enterprise. It alleges the automaker knowingly hid catastrophic safety defects in its Mirai vehicles. The lawsuit also names Toyota’s financing arm and California dealerships as defendants.
Plaintiffs claim all parties engaged in racketeering activity under federal RICO statutes. The lawsuit alleges Toyota coordinated with hydrogen partner FirstElement Fuel (True Zero). Together, they allegedly marketed vehicles despite knowing about serious safety problems.
The Alleged Safety Problems
According to the filing, Mirai owners experienced dangerous mechanical failures. These included hydrogen leaks near hot engine components and sudden power loss. Drivers also reported braking failures and complete loss of vehicle control.
Many were left stranded when California’s hydrogen refueling network collapsed. Some owners couldn’t refuel their cars for weeks. The complaint describes a systematic effort to conceal these problems from consumers.
Ingber argues this goes beyond a simple product defect. He calls it “organized fraud” designed to protect Toyota’s hydrogen investment.
The RICO Case Against Toyota and Past Legal Troubles
This isn’t Toyota’s first major legal battle over safety issues. In 2014, the company signed a Deferred Prosecution Agreement with the DOJ. That agreement resolved allegations Toyota concealed defects during its unintended-acceleration crisis.
The company admitted to hiding safety problems from regulators and consumers. The new lawsuit claims Toyota violated that 2014 agreement. Plaintiffs argue the company failed to report safety issues truthfully as required.
This breach allegation adds weight to the RICO Case Against Toyota. It suggests a pattern of deceptive conduct spanning more than a decade.
Toyota’s Hydrogen Ambitions
Toyota has championed hydrogen fuel cell technology for years. The company positioned it as central to its clean-energy future. The Toyota Mirai was launched in 2014 as a breakthrough in zero-emission technology. Toyota marketed it as the future of sustainable transportation.
Now that these allegations seriously damage the reputation. The lawsuit challenges the entire foundation of Toyota’s hydrogen strategy. As of early November 2025, Toyota hasn’t issued a detailed public response. The company is expected to contest these claims in court vigorously.
California’s Failing Hydrogen Network
California’s hydrogen infrastructure has struggled with persistent reliability problems. In early 2024, Shell permanently closed all its public hydrogen stations across the state. Only a handful of operational refueling sites remain in California today.
Mirai owners frequently report finding pumps out of service or completely offline. Many drivers have been forced to park their cars for extended periods. Finding a working hydrogen station became nearly impossible in some regions.
These infrastructure failures support the plaintiffs’ core argument. They claim Toyota misrepresented the practical viability of hydrogen-powered driving in California. The collapse of the refueling network left early adopters feeling betrayed. Some even paid premium prices for vehicles they could barely use.
What Happens Next
The case is formally titled Aminah Kamran et al. v. Toyota Motor Corporation et al. It remains in early procedural stages as both sides prepare their arguments. Plaintiffs are seeking treble damages under RICO statutes. They also want injunctive relief and a federal order shutting down Toyota’s hydrogen operations.
Whether the court accepts their arguments remains to be seen. Toyota could also choose to settle before the trial begins. The outcome could reshape the future of hydrogen vehicles in America. Other automakers are closely watching this RICO Case Against Toyota.
Conclusion
The RICO Case Against Toyota represents one of the auto industry’s biggest legal battles. It questions whether hydrogen technology was oversold to American consumers. The allegations go beyond typical product liability claims. They suggest coordinated deception across Toyota’s entire hydrogen ecosystem.
How this case unfolds will determine hydrogen’s credibility as a transportation solution. For now, Toyota faces years of litigation and potential billions in damages. What are your thoughts on this $5.7 billion RICO Case Against Toyota? Let us know in the comments below. Keep following the Arabwheels Blog for more content like this.
