A TikToker has gone viral for tipping off Toyota Camry owners about what she says is an easy way to make some cash—by joining a lawsuit.
Sakura Moto (@sakuramoto144), who regularly shares what she calls "legal side hustles," told followers that Toyota is facing a new lawsuit and that some drivers could be eligible for payouts. Her video, which has already racked up more than two million views, breaks down what’s behind the case.
"I have a Toyota Camry and I just saw that they’re getting sued," Moto says in the clip. She goes on to explain that the lawsuit centers on mold growth in the car’s ventilation system, which allegedly causes "foul smells."
According to Moto, drivers who’ve noticed similar issues might qualify for compensation.
"If you’ve experienced this, or if you have a Toyota Camry, you can get miles or reimbursement back," she tells viewers. She also urges them to check whether they’re owed money through sites like claimmoney.com.
"Check if you are owed money, guys," she adds. "This is huge." In her caption, she drives the point home even harder: "Toyota owes us MONEYY."
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Are Toyota Camry Drivers Owed a Payout?
Toyota Camry drivers in California might be owed money after a class-action settlement was approved for certain model years. The case centers on complaints about foul odors coming from the HVAC systems in 2012 to 2015 Toyota Camry XV50 vehicles.
Under the agreement, owners and lessees can get reimbursed for money they spent trying to fix the issue. That includes items such as charcoal filter replacements and evaporator cleanings. Those who paid for repairs before May 31, 2024, can get full reimbursement for reasonable expenses, while anyone who incurs costs after that date can receive up to $100.
To qualify, you must have owned or leased one of the affected Camry models in California before or as of May 31, 2024. Drivers can confirm their eligibility by entering their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the official settlement website, located at www.toyotacaliforniahvacsettlement.com.
The settlement received final court approval in January 2025, so it’s now active. In other words, if you’re a Camry owner in California who’s dealt with that unpleasant smell, it might be worth checking if Toyota owes you a payout.
Commenters Prepare to Cash In
Viewers who saw Moto’s video jumped into the comments section to share their own experiences—and a few bragged about how much money they’ve made through class action claims.
"GUYSSS U need to start filing a bunch of class actions on claimmoney.com I legit made $390 from one settlement on there!!" one woman wrote, urging others to give it a try.
Some said they’ve dealt with the same foul odor issue but drive different Toyota models, meaning they don’t qualify for the Camry payout.
"The same thing happened to me, but I have a Corolla," one person said. "One day, the AC just smelled really bad. I even replaced the air filter in there, and it was the same."
"MY COROLLA 2020 HAS THIS ISSUE," another chimed in, while someone else added, "My sister’s 2021 Hyundai Elantra has this problem too?!?"
Others were just disappointed to be left out of the cash opportunity.
"Me having a 2017," one viewer wrote alongside a crying emoji.
"Cries in corolla," another joked.
Several Camry owners, though, said Moto’s video might finally explain the mystery smell in their cars.
"Wait, stop," one person said. "My car been smelling weird."
Another added, "That’s happening to me, and I’ve tried EVERYTHING, AND the smell continues."
"Omgg this make[s] sense now!!" someone else said. "Sometimes my car would smell like it farted like rotten eggs, I swear!"
A fourth commenter agreed, saying, "I have a 24 and my Camry would smell weird from the vent."
Motor1 has reached out to Moto via a direct message on TikTok.
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