Toyota, the Japanese auto giant, has agreed to a $78.5 million settlement in a class action lawsuit concerning defective airbags in a number of their vehicle models. Allegations were raised that Toyota had designed and sold vehicles with airbags that could malfunction due to electrical overstress scenarios during a collision, potentially resulting in non-deployment or other safety issues. The models affected include the Toyota Corolla (2011-2019), the Toyota Avalon and Avalon HV (2012-2018), as well as several others. The lawsuit's outcome is significant as it underscores the importance of safety in vehicle production, and could serve to caution other manufacturers about potential legal repercussions of safety lapses. Under the settlement agreement, consumers who had vehicles in the stated model range are eligible for a portion of the $78.5 million fund. Benefits for qualifying class action members include reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses related to recalls, potential residual payments of up to $250, an extended warranty for new parts installed in the recalled vehicles, and a thorough vehicle inspection program. Toyota is also expected to initiate an outreach program to increase the number of recalls completed and inform about future Airbag Control Unit recalls. This lawsuit mirrors previous cases involving other vehicle manufacturers and defective airbags, such as the massive Takata airbag recall, underscoring the global automotive industry's increasing focus on improving safety standards.