Toyota agrees to a record $750 million settlement with HiLux, Prado and Fortuner owners over faulty diesel particulate filters
Toyota Australia has agreed to pay $750 million to settle two long-running class actions over defective diesel particulate filter systems in the Toyota HiLux, LandCruiser Prado and Fortuner. It is believed to be the largest class action settlement in Australian history.
The settlement is not final. It must be approved by the Federal Court of Australia, and the approval hearing is expected on 20 November 2026.
Which vehicles are covered
The claims relate to HiLux, Prado and Fortuner vehicles fitted with the 2.8-litre 1GD-FTV or 2.4-litre 2GD-FTV turbo-diesel engine. Two proceedings are being settled together.
| Class action | Who it covers |
|---|---|
| Williams | People who acquired an affected vehicle, new or used, between 1 October 2015 and 23 April 2020 |
| Taylor | People who bought an affected vehicle second-hand by private sale between 24 April 2020 and 31 July 2025 and still own it |
The Williams case alone covers about 264,000 vehicles. Not every Toyota diesel with a particulate filter is included, only the specified models and engines.
What the court already found
The Federal Court found in 2022 that the affected vehicles were not of acceptable quality under the Australian Consumer Law because of their defective filter systems, and that Toyota engaged in misleading or deceptive conduct when marketing and selling them. Owners reported blocked filters, excessive white smoke, foul-smelling exhaust and repeated unscheduled dealer visits.
The High Court of Australia upheld owners' entitlement to compensation in November 2024 but sent the amount back to be reassessed, taking into account the fix Toyota introduced in May 2020. The two sides then entered settlement talks in 2026, ahead of a further hearing that had been listed for October.
What Toyota says
Toyota Australia confirmed it has agreed to a settlement that remains subject to court approval. The company said it remains committed to assisting affected customers and to providing the free-of-charge remedy it has offered since 2020.
What owners should do now
Individual payment amounts have not been announced. The official class action website told group members they needed to register by 4pm on 26 August 2026 to receive money from any settlement. People who did not register remain group members but may not be paid, and the settlement terms may stop them making a separate claim later.
If your vehicle has not had the free filter repair, contact a Toyota dealer. Owners looking at a newer ute can compare the current HiLux range or browse other diesel four-wheel drives such as the Nissan Patrol.
