Toyota encountered a lawsuit due to problems with the air systems in specific Camry models manufactured between 2012 and 2015. Owners reported that these systems were prone to mold growth, unpleasant odors, and moisture accumulation.
The lawsuit, Salas, et al. v. Toyota Motor Sales USA Inc., has now been settled.
Key Takeaways
- Toyota settled a lawsuit for bad air systems in Camrys from 2012 to 2015.
- California owners can get money back if they paid to fix these issues.
- They must submit a claim by May 31, 2026.
- The settlement covers costs like filters and cleaning.
- Check your car’s VIN on the settlement website to see if you can claim.
This problem got so big that car owners in California decided to take action together in court. The lawsuit, Salas, et al. v. Toyota Motor Sales USA Inc., aimed at getting back money spent on fixing this issue.
Now, there’s a chance for folks who had these HVAC problems to get some money back if they live in California and follow specific steps by May 31, 2026.
Overview of Salas, et al. v. Toyota Motor Sales USA Inc Lawsuit
In August 2024, car owners sued Toyota over bad air systems in Camry cars. The alleged issues at hand are moisture, odors, and mold in the HVAC units.
Toyota has agreed to pay money to fix these problems. The good news it, car owners can get back what they spent on repairs like charcoal filter replacements and evaporator flushes.
Camry HVAC Class Action Settlement Details
Toyota Camry models from 2012 to 2015 faced serious issues with their HVAC systems. These problems included moisture build-up, foul odors, and mold growth inside the system.
Owners of these vehicles often found themselves dealing with uncomfortable driving conditions and costly repairs.
This matter led to a class action lawsuit, Salas v. Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., filed in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. The case number is 2:15-cv-08629-HDV-E.
It claimed that Toyota knew about the defective HVAC systems but failed to notify owners or offer proper solutions.
Settlement Eligibility for California Residents
California residents who owned or leased a Toyota Camry between 2012 and 2015 as of May 31, 2024, can join the class action settlement. The lawsuit focuses on defective HVAC systems that may cause moisture buildup, odors, and mold in vehicles.
To be part of this settlement, your car must fall within certain model years and you need to be living in California. This is your chance to get reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses tied to fixing the HVAC system issues.
The deadline to submit a claim is May 31, 2026. Make sure you check your vehicle identification number (VIN) using the VIN lookup tool provided by the settlement notice administrator. This step confirms your eligibility before you file a claim.
Don’t miss out on reimbursements for HVAC repairs if you’re eligible.
Claims Deadline: May 31, 2026
For Toyota Camry owners with models from 2012 to 2015, mark your calendar for May 31, 2026. That’s the final date you can submit a claim if your car had HVAC system issues.
If you faced losses before May 31, 2024, or have a model from 2012-2013 and encountered problems after this date, you need to act by May 31, 2025.
Owners of later models (2014-2015) experiencing troubles after May 31, 2024, also have until May 31, 2026. Make sure to check your vehicle identification number (VIN) to confirm eligibility.
Submitting your claim is straightforward. Fill out the specific form provided by the court overseeing this settlement in the Central District of California under case no.2:15-cv-08629-hdv-e.
This step ensures compensation for any out-of-pocket expenses linked to moisture accumulation or mold in your car’s aircon system—a key focus of Salas et al v Toyota Motor Sales lawsuit resolution efforts—getting back what you spent on repairs without unnecessary hassle or delay.
Allegations Against Toyota for Issues with HVAC Systems: Moisture, Odors, and Mold
Owners of Toyota Camry models from 2012 to 2015 alleged problems with their HVAC systems. Water would build up, causing bad smells and mold to grow over time. Owners became unhappy with their Camry vehicles as the air in their car became unpleasant smelling.
Fixing these issues cost drivers money out of their pocket. Owners of these vehicles requested that Toyota reimburse for out of pocket expenses.
Settlement Amounts by Toyota
Moving on from the issues with HVAC systems, Toyota has agreed to a settlement. The company will pay an undisclosed amount to settle claims of moisture, odors, and mold in Camrys from 2012-2015.
This decision comes without Toyota admitting any wrongdoing.
The deal means money back for California owners who paid out of pocket to fix their heating and cooling systems. It covers specific repairs related to the lawsuit’s complaints. Those eligible can get reimbursed for some expenses they faced due to these defects.
To benefit, car owners must submit valid claims by May 31, 2026. This ensures affected drivers receive some relief for their troubles with defective air conditioning units in their vehicles.
Reimbursement Procedure for Camry HVAC Expenses
Toyota offers money back for HVAC issues in specific Camry models. Owners must show they paid out of their pockets to fix these problems.
- Check if your Camry model year falls between 2012 and 2015.
- Make sure you live in California, as this settlement only covers residents there.
- Gather all receipts showing you paid for repairs or changes to the HVAC system before May 31, 2024. This includes costs for new filters or cleaning the evaporators.
- If you spent money on these repairs after May 31, 2024, Toyota limits your reimbursement to $100.
- Fill out a claim form with your vehicle’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) to confirm it’s part of the lawsuit.
- Attach copies of all relevant receipts and documents to prove your expenses.
- Submit this form and supporting paperwork by the deadline, May 31, 2026.
- Claims will go through a review process; make sure all info is correct to avoid delays.
- The federal court overseeing this case will need to approve your claim before payment is made.
By following these steps carefully, eligible Toyota Camry owners can get their money back for certain HVAC repairs and updates.
Claim Submission Process and Deadlines
Filing a claim is easy, just follow the steps. Make sure you submit before the May 31, 2026 deadline.
Steps to Submit a Valid Claim
Submitting a valid claim necessitates careful detailing and adherence to deadlines. Assemble all important documents before beginning the process to confirm an untroubled submission. Here are the steps:
- Verify your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the official settlement website to ensure eligibility. Your Toyota Camry should be within the 2012-2015 model years for participating in this class action.
- Gather evidence of purchase or service records that show you paid for repairs related to the HVAC system defects—receipts, repair statements, or invoices are vital.
- Obtain a claim form from the settlement agreement page specified for Salas, et al. v. Toyota Motor Sales USA Inc., case NO. 2:15-cv-08629-HDV-E.
- Complete the claim form with accurate data about yourself and your vehicle. Incorporate details of any costs you bore due to the defective HVAC system.
- Append copies of all verification documents that confirm your out-of-pocket expenditures relating to HVAC system repairs or replacements.
- Cross-check your claim form and attached documents thoroughly for completion and correctness.
- Dispatch your filled claim form and attachments by postal mail or via the internet submission option offered in the U.S District Court for the Central District of California’s website before May 31, 2026, making sure it’s received by this deadline.
- Retain duplicates of your sent claim form and all related documents for your files if you need to reference them later or if further validation is needed.
- Anticipate a message from class counsel concerning the progress of your claim—this may involve extra directives if more information is necessary or validation of reimbursement amount agreed in the settlement agreement.
- Be aware that submitting false claims can negatively impact other eligible class members and bring about penalties; hence, honesty is vital throughout this process.
VIN Verification for Eligibility
To check if your Toyota Camry is part of the settlement, use the VIN lookup tool on the website. This tool tells you quickly if your car can get money from the lawsuit.
You need to enter your vehicle’s unique number, found on your dashboard or registration papers, into this tool. If it says yes, you can move forward with submitting a claim.
For California residents who own Camry models between 2012 and 2015, this step is key. The deadline for claims is May 31, 2026. Make sure to act fast so you don’t miss out on getting back money spent on fixing the HVAC system issues like moisture and mold.
Final Thoughts
The Toyota Camry HVAC lawsuit settlement gives money back to Camry owners for defective HVAC systems. California owners of 2012-2015 models can get cash to fix it, however they need to act by May 31, 2026, to claim their share.
Managing Editor
Christopher is an automotive technical writer. When he’s not at the local autocross event, he can often be found working on one of his cars. Specializes in automotive class action law, industry trends, and automotive maintenance. Email me direct, or learn more about us
