Published
March 11, 2024
Updated
July 16, 2026
This settlement resolves claims that a defective airbag control unit could keep the airbags from deploying in a crash. If you own or owned a 2011–2019 Toyota Corolla, Avalon, Tacoma, Tundra, or Sequoia, it is now final — file for out-of-pocket reimbursement, a residual payment up to $250, and a 12-year parts warranty.
What Is the Toyota Airbag Settlement About?
A $78.5 million class action settlement resolves allegations that Toyota designed and sold vehicles with a defective Airbag Control Unit (ACU) — the component responsible for deploying the airbags in a crash. Plaintiffs allege the ZF-TRW airbag control unit in these vehicles is susceptible to electrical overstress, which could lead to airbag non-deployment or other safety-system failures during a collision. Toyota denies the allegations and any wrongdoing.The same ZF-TRW airbag control unit defect was at the center of separate settlements with other automakers, including the $62.1 million Hyundai and Kia airbag control unit settlement. The case is In re: ZF-TRW Airbag Control Units Products Liability Litigation, No. 2:19-ml-02905-JAK-JPR (MDL No. 2905), in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. The court granted final approval on November 28, 2023, and the one appeal was dismissed on December 11, 2025 — so the settlement is now final and being implemented.
Status
Claims Open
Final — approved Nov 28, 2023; appeal dismissed Dec 11, 2025.
Claim Deadline
December 11, 2028
Set after the appeal resolved — confirm the current date on the official site.
Settlement Value
$78.5M cash ($147.8M+ total)
Reimbursement, residual up to $250, 12-year parts warranty, inspection.
Covered Models
7 Toyota models (2011–2019)
Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Avalon, Avalon HV, Tacoma, Tundra, Sequoia.
Proof Required
Yes
VIN and proof of ownership; expense docs or an affidavit for reimbursement.
How Do I Know If I Qualify?
The settlement covers people who owned or leased one of the vehicles below — sold or leased across the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. territories — as of July 31, 2023:• Toyota Corolla — 2011–2019
• Toyota Corolla Matrix — 2011–2013
• Toyota Avalon — 2012–2018
• Toyota Avalon Hybrid — 2013–2018
• Toyota Tacoma — 2012–2019
• Toyota Tundra — 2012–2017
• Toyota Sequoia — 2012–2017
The Tacoma, Tundra, and Sequoia were not part of the original recall, so owners of those models cannot claim out-of-pocket recall expenses (there is no recall to complete) but can still register for the residual payment. If you are not sure whether your vehicle is included, use the official VIN Lookup Tool on the settlement website. Your 17-digit VIN is on the driver's-side dashboard or the driver's-side door jamb.
How Much Can I Get Paid?
Qualified class members can receive several benefits:• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket recall-related expenses: transportation to and from a Toyota dealer (including rental costs if a loaner isn't provided), towing, childcare while awaiting recall completion, unreimbursed ACU repair costs, and lost wages for time off to drop off or pick up your vehicle.
• A residual payment of up to $250: after out-of-pocket claims are paid, any funds remaining are distributed on a per-person basis to qualifying class members who submit a valid claim (the cap can increase only with court approval).
• A 12-year extended new-parts warranty: for vehicles that complete the recall, covering the new parts installed as part of the recall (starting July 31, 2023).
• A vehicle inspection program: for a covered vehicle that was in a frontal crash where Toyota was told the airbag and/or seatbelt pretensioner did not deploy.
• A loaner / rental program and an outreach program to help owners complete the recall.
How Do I File a Claim?
File online at AirBagControlUnitSettlement.com. Start by entering your 17-character VIN to confirm eligibility, then submit a claim for out-of-pocket reimbursement and/or register for the residual payment. Keep documentation of any recall-related expenses (receipts, invoices, bank statements, or order confirmations); if you have no receipt, a signed affidavit may be accepted. The settlement administrator is Kroll Settlement Administration, LLC; if you have questions, use the contact options on the official settlement website.What Is the Claim Deadline?
With the appeal resolved, the claim deadline has been set for December 11, 2028. This date superseded an earlier placeholder ("no earlier than December 16, 2026") from the original notice, so confirm the current deadline on the official settlement website before you rely on it. The portal is open now, so there is no need to wait.Is Proof Required?
Yes. You need your 17-character VIN to check eligibility and file, plus proof that you owned or leased a covered vehicle for the relevant period (registration, title, lease, or insurance documents). For out-of-pocket reimbursement you also need documentation of the expense — a receipt, invoice, bank statement, or online order confirmation — or a signed affidavit if you have no receipt. The residual-payment-only path still requires the VIN and your owner or lessee status as of July 31, 2023.Case Information
• Caption: In re: ZF-TRW Airbag Control Units Products Liability Litigation• Case No.: 2:19-ml-02905-JAK-JPR (MDL No. 2905)
• Court: U.S. District Court, Central District of California
• Final Approval: Granted November 28, 2023 · appeal dismissed December 11, 2025
• Administrator: Kroll Settlement Administration, LLC
Sources
- Official Settlement Website — AirBagControlUnitSettlement.com
- U.S. District Court, Central District of California — In re: ZF-TRW Airbag Control Units Products Liability Litigation, No. 2:19-ml-02905-JAK-JPR (MDL 2905)
For more open class actions keep scrolling below.
Settlement Amount
$78,500,000 ($147.8M+ total value)
Case Title
In re: ZF-TRW Airbag Control Units Products Liability Litigation
Case Number
2:19-ml-02905-JAK-JPR (MDL 2905)
Court
U.S. District Court, Central District of California
Final Approval
November 28, 2023
Appeal dismissed December 11, 2025 — settlement now final
Claim Deadline
December 11, 2028
Administrator
Kroll Settlement Administration, LLC
Official Website
Air Bag Control Unit Settlement.com
