Toyota Camry Class Action Lawsuit, Settlement Payments Available—Claims Accepted Through 2026
Meta Description: Toyota Camry settlement still open for 2014-2015 owners—claim deadline May 31, 2026. Get reimbursed up to $100 for AC/mold fixes. California residents affected. File your claim now.
Toyota Camry Settlement Still Open: File Your Claim Now
If you own a 2014-2015 Toyota Camry in California and paid to fix moldy AC smells after May 31, 2024, you can still claim up to $100—deadline is May 31, 2026.
The settlement covers California residents who owned or leased 2012-2015 Toyota Camry XV50 vehicles and paid out-of-pocket to fix HVAC system problems causing foul odors and mold. Claims for expenses before May 31, 2024 closed on May 31, 2025, but 2014-2015 Camry owners can still file for future repairs through May 2026.
Check if your Camry qualifies using the VIN lookup at www.ToyotaCaliforniaHVACSettlement.com—you have until May 31, 2026 to file.
What You Can Get From the Settlement
For 2014-2015 Toyota Camry (Still Open): Up to $100 reimbursement for charcoal filter replacement costs paid after May 31, 2024. Deadline: May 31, 2026.
For All 2012-2015 Toyota Camry (Closed): These deadlines passed May 31, 2025:
- Unlimited reimbursement for repairs before May 31, 2024 (charcoal filter replacement or evaporator flushing)
- Up to $100 for repairs after May 31, 2024 (2012-2013 models only)
What the Settlement Covers:
- Replacing and installing charcoal air filters
- Flushing the evaporator
- Repairs done at any facility (doesn’t have to be Toyota dealer)
What You Need to Get Paid:
- Receipt or invoice showing you paid
- Proof showing what repair was done
- Date of service
- Your VIN (vehicle identification number)
Who Qualifies for the Toyota Camry Settlement
You’re eligible if:
- You owned or leased a 2012-2015 Toyota Camry XV50 in California before May 31, 2024
- Your car had foul odors or mold smell from the AC/heating system
- You paid to fix the problem after May 31, 2024
- Your Camry is model year 2014 or 2015 (2012-2013 deadline passed)
Check Your VIN: Go to www.ToyotaCaliforniaHVACSettlement.com and use their VIN lookup tool. Your VIN is on your driver’s side dashboard (visible through windshield) or driver’s side door jamb.
California Residents Only: This settlement is only for people who lived in California and owned/leased the vehicle there.
How to File Your Camry Settlement Claim
Step 1: Gather Your Documents You need:
- Receipt showing you paid for the repair
- Invoice with repair details (what was done)
- Proof of vehicle ownership (registration, title, or lease agreement)
- Your VIN number
Step 2: Go to the Settlement Website Visit www.ToyotaCaliforniaHVACSettlement.com
Step 3: Fill Out Online Claim Form Enter:
- Your VIN
- Repair date
- Amount you paid
- Type of repair (charcoal filter replacement)
- Repair shop info (name, address, phone)
Step 4: Upload Documentation Attach scans or photos of:
- Your receipt/invoice
- Proof you own the vehicle
Step 5: Submit and Save Confirmation You’ll get a confirmation code by email—save it. That’s your proof you filed.
Or Mail Your Claim: Salas v. Toyota Settlement
Notice Administrator
P.O. Box 2682
Portland, OR 97208-2682
Questions? Call: 1-888-907-6966
What Was the Toyota Camry HVAC Defect?
Toyota Camry owners complained about disgusting smells coming from their car’s air conditioning and heating systems. The lawsuit claimed 2012-2015 Camry XV50 vehicles had defective HVAC systems that trapped moisture, which caused:
The Problem:
- Foul, musty odors when turning on AC or heat
- Mold and mildew growth in ventilation system
- Smell that wouldn’t go away even after cleaning
- Moisture accumulation in air conditioning components
Why It Happened: Plaintiffs said Toyota’s HVAC design let water collect in places it shouldn’t, creating perfect conditions for mold. Replacing the charcoal filter or flushing the evaporator would temporarily fix it, but the smell often came back.
Toyota’s Response: Toyota denied the allegations and said nothing was defective. But after 9 years of fighting in court, they agreed to the settlement in 2024 to end the lawsuit. They didn’t admit any wrongdoing.
Court Approval: Judge Hernan D. Vera gave final approval on October 30, 2024. The settlement received final approval in January 2025 and is now active.
Case Details: Salas v. Toyota Motor Sales
Court: U.S. District Court for the Central District of California
Case Number: Case No. 2:15-cv-08629-HDV-E
Judge: Honorable Hernan D. Vera
Lead Plaintiffs:
- Alfred Salas (receiving $7,500 service award)
- Gloria Ortega (receiving $5,000 service award)
Filed: 2015 (case went on for 9+ years)
Final Approval: October 30, 2024; settlement became effective January 2025
Attorney Fees: $4.1 million plus $350,000 in litigation expenses (paid by Toyota)
Lead Attorney: Cody Padgett of Capstone Law APC
Settlement Amount: Not publicly disclosed, but covers reimbursements for all eligible California Camry owners
Why Only California Camry Owners Get Paid
This lawsuit started nationwide but ended up covering only California residents. Here’s why:
Class Certification: The court certified a settlement class limited to California residents. Judge Fernando M. Olguin found that over 250,000 eligible Camry vehicles were sold in California, which justified the state-specific class.
State Consumer Laws: The lawsuit relied heavily on California consumer protection statutes:
- California Consumer Legal Remedies Act
- California Unfair Competition Law
- Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act
Practical Reality: Most automotive class action settlements end up being state-specific even when the alleged defect affects cars nationwide. Proving a defect exists in California doesn’t automatically mean it exists everywhere.
If You’re Outside California: You’re not eligible for this settlement even if you have the same car and same problems. You’d need to file your own lawsuit or join a different class action if one exists in your state.
What Happens to Unclaimed Money
Toyota submitted hundreds of thousands of pages of documents during this 9-year legal battle. The settlement doesn’t specify a total fund amount, but includes these provisions:
Unclaimed Settlement Funds: Any money left over after all valid claims are paid won’t go back to Toyota. Settlement agreements typically redistribute unclaimed funds through cy pres awards (donations to related nonprofits) or additional distributions to claimants who filed valid claims.
Attorney Fees: Plaintiffs’ lawyers get $4.1 million plus $350,000 in expenses—paid by Toyota, not from claimant payments.
Lead Plaintiff Awards: Alfred Salas gets $7,500 and Gloria Ortega gets $5,000 for representing the class through 9 years of litigation.
Other Toyota Settlements You Might Qualify For
While the Camry HVAC settlement has mostly closed (except for 2014-2015 owners), there are other active Toyota settlements:
$78.5M Toyota Airbag Control Unit Settlement: Affects 2011-2019 Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Avalon, Tacoma, Tundra, and Sequoia. Claim deadline: No earlier than December 16, 2026. Covers recalled airbag control units.
RAV4 Battery Settlement (CLOSED): 2013-2018 RAV4 battery terminal defects. Deadline passed July 1, 2025. Final approval granted November 19, 2024.
Check settlement administrator websites to see if you qualify for other Toyota settlements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still file a claim for the Toyota Camry settlement?
Yes, but only if you own a 2014-2015 Toyota Camry XV50 and paid for charcoal filter repairs after May 31, 2024. Your deadline is May 31, 2026. Claims for 2012-2013 models and all repairs before May 31, 2024 closed on May 31, 2025.
How much money will I get from the Toyota Camry settlement?
If you’re still eligible to file (2014-2015 models with expenses after May 31, 2024), you can get up to $100 for charcoal filter replacement costs. Those who filed before the May 2025 deadline got unlimited reimbursement for pre-May 2024 repairs or up to $100 for post-May 2024 repairs.
I have a 2012-2013 Camry. Can I still file?
No. The deadline for 2012-2013 model years passed on May 31, 2025. Only 2014-2015 Camry owners can still file claims for expenses incurred after May 31, 2024.
Do I have to get the repair done at a Toyota dealership?
No. You can get the charcoal filter replaced or evaporator flushed at any repair facility. Just keep your receipt with details about what was done.
What if I haven’t gotten the repair done yet?
You can file a claim for future repairs as long as they happen before May 31, 2026 (the claim deadline for 2014-2015 models). Get the repair, save your receipt, then file your claim.
I’m outside California but have the same Camry model. Can I file?
No. This settlement is only for California residents who owned or leased the vehicle in California. You’re not eligible if you live in another state.
How do I check if my specific Camry is included?
Use the VIN lookup tool at www.ToyotaCaliforniaHVACSettlement.com. Enter your 17-digit VIN to see if your vehicle is part of the settlement class.
When will I receive my payment after filing?
The settlement administrator reviews claims to verify your expenses and determine your reimbursement amount. Processing times vary, but expect several weeks to months after submitting your claim.
What if my claim gets denied?
The settlement administrator’s decisions are final and not appealable. However, class counsel and Toyota’s attorneys may meet and confer to resolve denied claims. Make sure you submit complete documentation when you file.
Do I have to do anything else besides filing a claim?
No. Once you file a valid claim with proper documentation, you’re done. You’ll automatically be part of the settlement class and can’t sue Toyota about the HVAC issues separately.
Settlement Contact Info:
Salas v. Toyota Settlement
Settlement Notice Administrator
P.O. Box 2682
Portland, OR 97208-2682
Phone: 1-888-907-6966
Website: www.ToyotaCaliforniaHVACSettlement.com
Court Information:
U.S. District Court for the Central District of California
Case No.: 2:15-cv-08629-HDV-E
Judge: Honorable Hernan D. Vera
The May 31, 2026 deadline applies only to 2014-2015 Toyota Camry owners for expenses incurred after May 31, 2024. All other claim periods have closed. Check your eligibility and file your claim at www.ToyotaCaliforniaHVACSettlement.com before the deadline.
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
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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