In a significant legal development that could impact thousands of Toyota vehicle owners, the automotive giant has agreed to a $78.5 million class action settlement to resolve allegations related to defective air bag control units in multiple models. This class action lawsuit claims that Toyota vehicles manufactured between 2011 and 2019 may contain faulty air bag systems that can fail to deploy during a crash. The issue poses a serious risk of injury to drivers and passengers, prompting legal scrutiny and ultimately a settlement, despite Toyota’s denial of any wrongdoing.
Rather than endure a lengthy court battle, Toyota chose to settle the case in order to provide affected customers with financial compensation and other benefits. The settlement is not only financial but also includes extended warranties, safety inspections, and repair reimbursements to make sure the affected vehicles are properly serviced. Toyota maintains that the settlement is a step toward customer satisfaction and a commitment to improved safety standards moving forward.
If you own or lease one of the affected Toyota vehicles, you may be eligible for compensation. Claimants could receive reimbursements for air bag-related expenses, extended warranty coverage, and possibly even a $250 residual payout depending on certain factors. The deadline to file a claim is December 16, 2026, which gives plenty of time for eligible individuals to prepare their documentation and submit the necessary forms.
Background: The Toyota Air Bag Control Unit Lawsuit
The origins of this lawsuit stem from complaints that certain Toyota vehicles were equipped with defective air bag control units. Investigations revealed that these control units may experience a condition known as electrical overstress, which can prevent the air bags from deploying properly during an accident. This issue effectively renders one of the car’s most crucial safety features non-functional when it’s needed the most.
The plaintiffs alleged that Toyota was aware of the potential defects in the air bag systems but failed to act quickly. According to the lawsuit, there was an unacceptable delay in issuing recalls, putting countless vehicle occupants at unnecessary risk. Though Toyota denies these accusations and maintains that it acted responsibly, the company agreed to a $78.5 million settlement to bring the matter to a close and offer remedies to affected customers.
Which Toyota Vehicles Are Covered?
The settlement applies to a variety of popular Toyota models produced between 2011 and 2019. These include sedans, SUVs, and pickup trucks. Below is the full list of eligible vehicles:
Both current and former owners and lessees of these models may qualify for compensation. Vehicle owners are encouraged to use the VIN Lookup Tool available on the official settlement website to check if their vehicle is included.
What Safety Issues Were Raised?
The class action lawsuit outlined several alarming safety issues that stem from the defective air bag control units. These include:
- Non-Deploying Air Bags: The air bag system might fail to deploy during a collision, drastically reducing the car’s ability to protect occupants.
- Defective Control Modules: The electronic control units may malfunction due to internal defects or electrical overstress.
- Increased Risk of Injury: The failure of air bags to deploy in critical moments increases the chance of severe or fatal injuries.
- Toyota’s Response Time: The lawsuit accused Toyota of dragging its feet on issuing recalls even after becoming aware of the issue.
Toyota has not admitted to any of these claims but agreed to the settlement as a means of customer relief and safety enhancement.
Full Breakdown of Compensation and Benefits
The settlement includes several different forms of compensation and support for affected vehicle owners and lessees:
1. Reimbursement for Repair Costs
If you paid out of pocket for air bag-related repairs in one of the eligible vehicles, you may receive a full or partial refund depending on your documentation.
2. Residual Distribution Payments
If your vehicle was not part of an official recall but falls within the affected range, you may still receive up to $250, subject to remaining settlement funds.
3. Extended Warranty
Toyota will extend the warranty for air bag control unit repairs, giving owners peace of mind that future defects will be fixed at no cost.
4. Free Vehicle Inspection
A comprehensive inspection program is available, allowing customers to have their vehicles examined and repaired if air bag defects are found.
5. Outreach and Notification
Toyota has pledged to proactively inform eligible customers about safety risks, recalls, and their rights under the settlement via a detailed outreach campaign.
The total amount any individual receives will depend on several factors including recall status, prior repair expenses, and availability of remaining funds after the initial claims are paid out.
Step-by-Step: How to File a Claim
To receive compensation under the settlement, follow these steps carefully:
- Check VIN Eligibility
Visit the settlement VIN lookup page and enter your Vehicle Identification Number. - Gather Required Documentation
Collect all documents related to:- Vehicle ownership (title, lease, or registration)
- Air bag-related repair receipts
- Any recall notices you received
- Submit the Claim Form
Use the official settlement claim form to file your claim online or by mail. - Meet the Deadline
All claims must be submitted no later than December 16, 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted.
How to Contact the Settlement Administrator
For further assistance or questions about your claim, you can contact the settlement administrator via:
- 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
Case Summary and Legal Details
This settlement is part of a broader litigation campaign targeting multiple automakers over defective air bag control units, particularly those involving ZF-TRW components. Toyota’s case is officially titled:
- Case Name: In re: ZF-TRW Air Bag Control Units Product Liability Litigation
- Case Number: 2:19-ml-02905-JAK-MRW
- Court: United States District Court for the Central District of California
- Defendant: Toyota Motor Corporation
The legal settlement allows Toyota to resolve these claims without admitting liability, while offering affected vehicle owners a chance to secure compensation and enhanced safety.