Toyota has agreed to pay $78.5 million in a class action lawsuit that claims certain vehicles had defective air bag control units. These issues may have prevented airbags from working properly during crashes, raising serious safety concerns for drivers and passengers. Although Toyota has not admitted any wrongdoing, the company decided to settle to support its customers and avoid a long legal battle.
The problem affected many Toyota models built between 2011 and 2019. If you own or lease one of these vehicles, you might be eligible for compensation. Toyota plans to offer several types of benefits, including repair refunds, warranty extensions, and free inspections. There’s also a cash payment available for some owners, depending on how the airbag defect affected them.
To receive any of the settlement benefits, eligible Toyota owners need to file a claim with the proper documents. Claims must be submitted by December 16, 2026. If you think your car might be part of this case, it’s important to check your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and take action before the deadline.
Why the Lawsuit Was Filed
The lawsuit started because some Toyota vehicles were found to have faulty air bag control units. These units are supposed to make airbags deploy during a crash. However, due to electrical issues, they might not work as expected, putting passengers at risk of serious injury.
The case also claims Toyota delayed taking action even after knowing about the defect. While the company denies any wrongdoing, they agreed to settle the case to ensure drivers get help and support.
Main Safety Concerns in the Case
The lawsuit raised several serious issues about Toyota’s airbag systems:
- Airbags Failed to Work: In some crashes, airbags did not inflate, making the accidents more dangerous.
- Faulty Control Units: Electrical problems inside the airbag control system caused them to malfunction.
- Higher Risk of Injuries: Without working airbags, the chance of injury during an accident was higher.
- Delayed Recalls: The lawsuit says Toyota waited too long to alert customers or fix the issue.
How to File Your Claim
To claim your share of the settlement, follow these steps:
- Check Vehicle Eligibility: Use the VIN Tool on the settlement site.
- Gather Proof: Collect repair bills, ownership papers, and any recall letters.
- Fill Out the Claim Form: Submit the online claim form or mail it in.
- Submit Before the Deadline: All claims must be filed by December 16, 2026.
Required Documents:
- Proof of Ownership (registration, lease, or title)
- Repair Receipts (if requesting a refund)
- Recall Notices (if available)
Missing the deadline means losing the chance to get compensation.
Who to Contact for Help
If you have questions or need help with your claim, contact the settlement team:
Toyota Air Bag Control Unit Settlement
- Mail: Kroll Settlement Administration LLC, P.O. Box 225391, New York, NY 10150-5391
- Email: info@airbagcontrolunitsettlement.com
- Phone: 833-747-5737
- Website: www.airbagcontrolunitsettlement.com
Legal Background of the Case
This case is part of a wider group of lawsuits involving multiple car makers over airbag safety problems. Toyota chose to settle this particular case to offer compensation and avoid more legal delays.