Does Your Camry Stink? You Could Get $100 From Toyota

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 fault with the HVAC system could cause a foul smell to emanate throughout the cabin during winter and summer.

A class action related to the alleged stinky problem was filed in Florida in 2015. It claimed owners were experiencing unpleasant odors when the air conditioning was turned on, and even after repairs, the smell persisted. The plaintiffs in the lawsuit believed that a defective design from the factory allowed moisture to accumulate in the system, triggering the growth of mold.

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While a judge in Florida ruled in favor of Toyota, the lawsuit was later picked up in California and this time, it’s proven successful. Toyota has agreed to settle the case, although it denies all allegations.

Anyone who lived in California before May 31, 2024, and owned, purchased, and/or leased a 2012-2015 Camry XV50 in the state could get reimbursed up to $100 for certain out-of-pocket expenses incurred from replacing and installing a charcoal filter.

Interestingly, this $100 payout is only for owners who have incurred out-of-pocket expenses after May 31, 2024. Those who had unexpected expenses on or before May 31, 2024, can file a claim for the reimbursement of reasonable, unreimbursed expenses to install a charcoal filter and/or have the A/C evaporator flushed.

Each of the plaintiffs involved in the lawsuit stands to receive $7,500. The attorneys representing the class will request $4.1 million in attorneys’ fees and $350,000 in expenses.

A court will decide whether or not to approve the settlement on October 30, 2024. Owners can head to this website and check their eligibility for a payment with a VIN lookup tool. They can also file a claim through the website.