Toyota Australia has agreed to pay $750 million to settle two class actions over defective diesel particulate filters fitted to HiLux, Prado and Fortuner models, in what would be one of the largest automotive payouts in Australian history. The deal covers 264,170 vehicles and remains subject to approval by the Federal Court of Australia.
The affected diesels were sold new in Australia between October 1, 2015, and April 23, 2020, and the settlement also reaches certain second-hand vehicles later sold on by their original owners.
The litigation concerns DPF systems that the Federal Court has already found were not of acceptable quality. The filters could become blocked, producing excessive foul-smelling white smoke, higher fuel consumption and repeated unscheduled inspections, servicing and repairs. The court also found Toyota engaged in misleading or deceptive conduct when marketing and selling the vehicles.
The affected HiLux models carry the 2.4-litre 2GD-FTV or 2.8-litre 1GD-FTV turbo-diesel engines, while the Prado and Fortuner use the same 2.8-litre unit.
What happens next
The settlement now goes to the Federal Court for approval, the standard step in Australian class action practice. Owners who believe they are covered should hold on to service records and proof of purchase, and wait for the approval hearing before expecting any payout process to open.
The smarter move for affected owners is to check which class action covers their situation. The two actions split along ownership lines, and the Taylor action in particular excludes anyone who no longer owns their vehicle.
