Toyota Australia has agreed to pay $750 million to settle two long running class actions over faulty diesel particulate filters, one of the largest consumer settlements the local car industry has seen. The deal covers 264,170 examples of the Toyota HiLux, LandCruiser Prado and Fortuner bought in Australia between October 2015 and April 2020.
What the fault was, and who is covered
The cases centred on the diesel particulate filter fitted to the 2.4 litre and 2.8 litre turbo diesel engines. Owners said it failed to burn off soot properly, producing white smoke, a foul smell and extra servicing. The settlement folds in the original Williams action from 2019 and the newer Taylor action launched in 2025 for later private buyers. Toyota has not admitted fault and says a free mechanical and software fix has been available since 2020.
Cartell Assessment
This is a big number, well down on the $2 billion once floated, but still a serious result for a quarter of a million diesel owners. Toyota's name is built on durability, which is exactly why a payout this size stings more than the dollars alone.
AU Outlook
The settlement still needs Federal Court approval, so no money moves yet. If you bought an affected HiLux, Prado or Fortuner in that window, do not wait on a letter. Register with the class action lawyers now so you are in line when the court signs off.
