Prius HVAC Systems Make Cars Smell Like Urine, Socks, Suit Says

Several models of Toyota Motor Corp.'s Prius hybrid vehicles have a design defect that allows moisture to accumulate in the heating and air conditioning system, resulting in toxic microbial growth and foul odors, including the smell of urine and “rank, sweaty socks,” a consumer says in a proposed class suit filed Wednesday.

Toyota hid the problem and made money from “special filters, HVAC servicing, and other ‘repair’ fees,” as well as from selling more Priuses, James Bettles alleges in the complaint.

He seeks to represent a nationwide and a California class in the U.S. District Court for the Central District ...