Toyota Camry Bau Apek, Every Owner In California Gets Compensation From Toyota Of IDR 1.5 Million

Toyota Camry 2015. (Doc. Toyota USA)

JAKARTA - Toyota Camry owners in the United States, especially in California, are celebrating their victory after successfully suing Toyota due to the issue of the pungent smell on their car's AC system. Toyota finally agreed to compensate the affected car owners.

Carscoops reported, quoted Monday, August 12, that the legal battle between the owner of Toyota Camry and the Japanese automotive manufacturer actually started in 2015 but not in California but Florida. At that time the Camry owner complained about the unpleasant aroma that appeared when the AC was turned on. Even though it has been fixed, this problem is repeated. Allegedly the owner, the design of the defects in the AC system allows moisture to accumulate, so the mushrooms grow and cause a smell.

After a long journey, the lawsuit filed by Camry owners was finally rejected by a judge in Florida but when the case was brought to California the judge sided with consumers. Toyota decided to settle the case, despite denying all charges.

As a result, Toyota Camry owners or tenants produced 2012-2015 in California have the potential to receive compensation of 100 US dollars or around Rp. 1.5 million from Toyota.

But there are also other conditions for compensation in addition to 2012-2015 production Camry XV50 owners also domiciled in California before May 31, 2024, and lastly has evidence of spending on replacing carbon filters after May 31, 2024. Well, those who replace it before May 31, 2024, can file claims for reasonable and unpaid reimbursement for installing filters/or cleaning AC evaporators.

In addition, each plaintiff in this case is entitled to compensation of US$7,500 (Rp119.8 million). Lawyers representing the plaintiff will ask for a lawyer's fee of US$4.1 million (Rp65.5 billion) and an additional fee of US$ 350,000 (Rp5.5 billion) but for this, further court decisions are needed whether to agree on October 30, 2024.