Only California residents are eligible for payouts, as the class action was successful in that state.
If you own a 2012-2015 Toyota Camry that was purchased or leased in California, you may be eligible for a $100 payment from the company. The reason? A defect in the HVAC system could cause a foul odor to fill the cabin during winter and summer.
A class action lawsuit over this stinky issue was initially filed in Florida in 2015. It claimed that owners were experiencing unpleasant smells when the air conditioning was turned on, and even after repairs, the odor persisted. The plaintiffs argued that a factory defect allowed moisture to accumulate in the system, leading to mold growth.
Although a judge in Florida ruled in Toyota’s favor, the case was later pursued in California, where it has now been successful. Toyota has agreed to settle the case, though it denies all allegations.
Anyone who lived in California before May 31, 2024, and owned, purchased, or leased a 2012-2015 Camry XV50 in the state may be eligible for up to $100 in reimbursement for certain out-of-pocket expenses related to replacing and installing a charcoal filter.
Interestingly, this $100 payout only applies to owners who incurred out-of-pocket expenses after May 31, 2024. Those who had expenses on or before that date can file a claim for reimbursement of reasonable, unreimbursed costs to install a charcoal filter and/or have the A/C evaporator flushed.
Each of the plaintiffs involved in the lawsuit could receive $7,500. The attorneys representing the class are seeking $4.1 million in fees and $350,000 in expenses.
The court is set to decide whether to approve the settlement on October 30, 2024. Owners can visit the provided website to check their eligibility for a payment using a VIN lookup tool and file a claim.
