Case Overview: A class action lawsuit has been filed against John Deere, alleging a defect in the brake system of certain Compact Utility Tractors. The plaintiff claims that the recall issued by John Deere does not fully address the issue.
Consumers Affected: Owners of John Deere Compact Utility Tractors, models 1023E, 1025R, and 2025R, manufactured between November 2017 and July 2024.
Court: U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina, Greenville Division
Deere & Company, the manufacturer of John Deere agricultural and construction equipment, is facing a class action lawsuit alleging a defect in the braking system of certain Compact Utility Tractors.
Filed by Leroy Workman in a South Carolina federal court, the case claims that John Deere tractors sold between November 2017 and July 2024, specifically models 1023E, 1025R, and 2025R, have a defect that can cause a loss of braking ability, potentially leading to accidents.
The lawsuit centers on a component within the tractors' brake linkage known as the front bell crank. Workman claims this component is prone to failure, which can result in a complete loss of braking function, posing a safety hazard to tractor operators and others.
Workman alleges that John Deere was aware of this defect but did not take adequate action to address it and continued to sell the tractors without properly informing consumers about the potential safety risk.
In September 2024, John Deere issued a recall of nearly 148,000 Compact Utility Tractors due to a potential brake defect. This recall was prompted by four reports received by the CPSC of brake linkage failures, including one incident resulting in hospitalization, two causing impact injuries, and one leading to minor property damage. The CPSC issued a notice urging consumers to immediately stop using the tractors and contact an authorized John Deere dealer for a free repair.
However, Workman's lawsuit contends this recall does not offer a permanent solution to the brake system defect. He claims the repair provided by John Deere is only a temporary fix and that the tractors may experience the same brake failure again.
The lawsuit also raises concerns about the recall process itself, noting that it requires tractor owners to take time to transport their tractors to a dealer for the repair, which can be inconvenient.
Further, the lawsuit asserts that the recall has negatively impacted the resale value of the tractors, as they now have a documented history of brake problems.
“Even if one was to presume that the Recall was effective and offered a true fix, which is by no means a fair presumption, Plaintiff is still burdened with a tractor that has been devalued by Defendant’s actions because the value of a tractor with a known history of faulty brakes is worth much less than a tractor with properly working brakes, or at least a history of working brakes with no critical issues,” the lawsuit states.
This isn't the first time John Deere has faced legal action over an alleged defect in its tractors. Earlier this year, a lawsuit was filed against the company concerning a design defect in certain tractor models that lacked engine shields. These tractors, manufactured in 2018 and 2019, reportedly caught fire due to the absence of these shields. However, the lawsuit was dismissed because John Deere's warranty only covered defects caused by materials or workmanship, not design flaws.
In the John Deere compact utility tractor class action lawsuit, Workman aims to represent all individuals in the United States who purchased or leased any of the affected John Deere Compact Utility Tractors between November 2017 and July 2024.
He seeks damages, including compensation for the diminished value of the tractors, the cost of repairs, and the inconvenience caused by the recall. Workman is also asking for a court order requiring John Deere to implement a more comprehensive recall that provides a permanent solution to the brake system defect.
Case Details
Plaintiffs' Attorneys
Have you experienced brake problems or other issues with your John Deere Compact Utility Tractor? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below.
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