Toyota Camry Class Action Lawsuit, $9M+ HVAC Settlement Approved – Claim Your Reimbursement Before May 2026 Deadline
The Toyota Camry class action lawsuit over defective HVAC systems has been finalized, with the settlement approved on January 8, 2025, by the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California (Case No. 2:15-cv-08629-HDV-E). California owners and lessees of 2012-2015 Toyota Camry XV50 vehicles can claim reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses related to mold and foul odors from their heating and air conditioning systems.
Critical deadline: Model year 2014-2015 Camry owners have until May 31, 2026, to file claims for expenses after May 31, 2024. The May 31, 2025 deadline for 2012-2013 models and pre-May 2024 expenses has passed.
What Is the Toyota Camry Class Action Lawsuit About?
Plaintiffs Alfred Salas and Gloria Ortega filed the lawsuit in November 2015, alleging that Toyota Camry XV50 models contain defective HVAC systems causing mold growth and foul odors. The lawsuit originally included all U.S. Camry owners from model years 2012-2015 but was later narrowed to California residents only.
According to the complaint, the defect lies in the evaporator, which absorbs heat and collects moisture that can lead to mold growth. Plaintiff Alfred Salas testified the smell from his 2014 Camry vents was “like dried-up urine in a fabric that’s been out in the sun,” while Gloria Ortega described her 2012 Camry AC smell as “old, moldy, dirty socks”.
Plaintiffs claimed Toyota acknowledged in its 2005 Camry repair manual that “A/C system odors” were a “common complaint” with “no permanent mechanical repair”. The company allegedly offered only temporary relief through replaced components and repeated foam flushes.
Legal Claims and Court Proceedings
The lawsuit included claims under California’s Consumer Legal Remedies Act, California’s Unfair Competition Law, and statutory breach of implied warranty under the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act and Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.
In April 2024, U.S. District Judge Fernando M. Olguin certified a class of California residents who purchased or leased 2012-2015 Toyota Camry XV50 vehicles through authorized dealers. Toyota confirmed more than 250,000 class vehicles were sold in California.
The Court held its final fairness hearing on October 30, 2024, and issued final approval on January 8, 2025. Toyota has not admitted any wrongdoing but agreed to settle to resolve the litigation.
Settlement Amount and Compensation Structure
While Toyota has not disclosed the total settlement fund, attorney fees of $4.1 million and litigation expenses of $350,000 suggest a settlement value between $9 million and $12 million. Lead plaintiff Alfred Salas will receive $7,500, and plaintiff Gloria Ortega will receive $5,000.
Reimbursement limits:
- Expenses incurred before May 31, 2024: Unspecified amount (no cap)
- Expenses incurred after May 31, 2024: Maximum $100 per vehicle
Who Is Eligible for the Toyota Camry Settlement?
You qualify if you are an individual who resided in California and owned, leased, or previously owned/leased a model year 2012-2015 Toyota Camry XV50 as of May 31, 2024.
Eligible vehicle models:
- 2012 Toyota Camry XV50
- 2013 Toyota Camry XV50
- 2014 Toyota Camry XV50
- 2015 Toyota Camry XV50
Check your eligibility using the VIN lookup tool at www.ToyotaCaliforniaHVACSettlement.com.
What Expenses Can You Claim?
The settlement reimburses reasonable, unreimbursed out-of-pocket expenses for replacing and installing a charcoal filter in your vehicle and/or having the evaporator flushed.
Covered repairs:
- Charcoal air filter replacement and installation
- Evaporator flushing services
- Related diagnostic costs for HVAC odor issues
The settlement specifically addresses repairs for “noxious and foul odors from debris and contamination in the HVAC system, as well as possible growth of mold”.
How to File a Toyota Camry Settlement Claim
Submit your claim online through the official settlement website at www.ToyotaCaliforniaHVACSettlement.com.
Step-by-step filing process:
- Visit the settlement website and locate the claims portal
- Enter details about your repairs, including repair date, expense amount, and type of repair
- Upload documentation supporting your expenses (receipts, invoices, repair orders)
- Submit the form online and receive a confirmation code via email
- Keep your confirmation code for your records
The court-appointed Settlement Claims Administrator will review your claim materials to verify your out-of-pocket expenses.
Required Documentation for Claims
To maximize your reimbursement, provide:
- Repair invoices or receipts from authorized dealers or independent mechanics
- Service records showing HVAC-related repairs
- Credit card statements or cancelled checks proving payment
- Vehicle registration or lease agreement proving California ownership
- Detailed description of the odor or mold issue experienced
Your claim will be rejected if you submit fraudulent information.
Critical Claim Filing Deadlines
The May 31, 2025 deadline has passed for expenses incurred on or before May 31, 2024, and for 2012-2013 model year vehicles regarding expenses after May 31, 2024.
Active deadline:
- Model year 2014-2015 Toyota Camry owners: Claims for expenses incurred after May 31, 2024, must be postmarked or filed electronically by May 31, 2026
If you own a 2014-2015 Camry and incurred HVAC repair costs after May 31, 2024, you have approximately 6 months remaining to file.
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?
If you do nothing, you will not receive settlement benefits, and you will give up the right to sue Toyota about the issues in the lawsuit. Missing the deadline means:
- No reimbursement for your HVAC repair expenses
- Loss of legal claims covered by the settlement
- Release of Toyota and related parties from liability regarding HVAC defect claims
The settlement does not release claims for personal injury, wrongful death, or physical property damage from the vehicle.
Recent Settlement Updates and Status
On January 8, 2025, the Court issued its Final Orders and Final Judgment approving the class action settlement, and given that no objections were filed, the Final Effective Date has been reached. This means:
- The settlement is now legally binding
- Claims processing is active
- Eligible claimants can receive payments once claims are approved
The settlement represents the conclusion of a nine-year legal battle that began in 2015.
Common Settlement Misconceptions
Myth: All Toyota Camry owners nationwide qualify Reality: Only California residents who owned or leased 2012-2015 Camry XV50 vehicles as of May 31, 2024, are eligible
Myth: You’ll receive a check automatically Reality: You must submit a valid claim form with supporting documentation by the applicable deadline
Myth: The settlement fixes the HVAC problem Reality: The settlement only reimburses expenses for charcoal filter replacement and evaporator flushes, which provide temporary relief
Legal Authority and Regulatory Context
The settlement operates under California consumer protection statutes designed to hold manufacturers accountable for defective products. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act provides federal backing for implied warranty claims, while California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act offers additional state-level protections.
For questions, call the settlement administrator toll-free at 1-888-907-6966 or visit www.ToyotaCaliforniaHVACSettlement.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my Toyota Camry qualifies for the settlement?
Use the VIN lookup tool on the settlement website (www.ToyotaCaliforniaHVACSettlement.com) to check your vehicle’s eligibility. You must have been a California resident who owned or leased a 2012-2015 Camry XV50 as of May 31, 2024.
What documents do I need to file a claim?
Submit repair invoices, receipts, service records, and proof of payment for charcoal filter replacements and evaporator flushes. Include documentation showing California ownership or lease of your Camry during the relevant period.
How much money will I receive from the settlement?
For expenses before May 31, 2024, there is no specified reimbursement cap. For expenses after May 31, 2024, the maximum reimbursement is $100. Actual payment depends on your documented out-of-pocket costs and claim approval.
Can I still file a claim if I already sold my Toyota Camry?
Yes, if you owned or leased a qualifying Camry in California at any time before May 31, 2024, and incurred eligible repair expenses, you can file a claim.
What if I paid for repairs but lost my receipts?
Contact the repair facility where the work was performed to request copies of invoices. Alternatively, provide credit card statements, bank records, or other documentation showing payment for HVAC-related repairs. The Settlement Claims Administrator reviews all claim materials to verify expenses.
Can I file a claim if I repaired the HVAC system myself?
The settlement covers “out-of-pocket expenses” for professional repairs. Self-performed repairs without documented professional service likely won’t qualify, though you can file and let the administrator review your specific situation.
Will filing a claim affect my ability to pursue other legal action against Toyota?
Yes. By participating in the settlement, you release Toyota from liability regarding the HVAC defect claims, but you retain the right to sue for personal injury, wrongful death, or physical property damage.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Class action settlements involve complex legal issues with specific eligibility requirements and deadlines. Consult an attorney for specific legal guidance regarding your eligibility for this settlement. Settlement terms are subject to court approval and administrative procedures. Visit the official settlement website at www.ToyotaCaliforniaHVACSettlement.com for the most current information.
About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
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