The Toyota Camry Conundrum: Owners Get Paid to End the Stink

2012-2015 Toyota Camry. Image: Carscoop.

Toyota owners in California are set to receive compensation of up to $100 from the manufacturer due to an issue with the HVAC odor control system in 2012-2015 models. A class-action lawsuit was initially filed in Florida back in 2015 by a group of Toyota Camry owners who experienced an unpleasant odor coming from their sedans’ air conditioning systems. Despite repeated repair attempts, the issue persisted.

The owners attributed the problem to a manufacturing defect that allowed moisture to accumulate within the AC system, leading to the growth of mold and mildew, resulting in the foul odor. While the Florida lawsuit was ultimately dismissed in favor of the manufacturer, a subsequent lawsuit in California ruled in favor of the consumers. Toyota has agreed to provide compensation, despite denying any wrongdoing or liability.

The 2012-2015 Camry XV50 cabin experienced unpleasant odors when the AC was in use. Image: Carscoop.

California residents who owned 2012-2015 Toyota Camry XV50 models will be reimbursed for expenses incurred in replacing and installing activated carbon filters to eliminate the odor, up to $100. Each participant in the lawsuit is also entitled to an additional $7,500 in compensation. Owners can check the compensation and reimbursement amounts using their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the California Court’s website.

The Toyota Camry XV50 was manufactured and sold in the United States from 2011 to 2020 and was the first model to offer a 6-speed automatic transmission in the country. During its production run, the XV50 was priced between $21,955 and was a popular choice in the sedan segment.