In this paper, we consider the fault estimation and tolerant control problem for a class of nonlinear systems described by Takagi-Sugeno (T-S) fuzzy models. Based on the fuzzy proportional-integral observer scheme, the state controller presented can compensate the system's actuator fault and track the corresponding reference faulty-free model system. According to the Lyapunov stability theory, we propose the robust stability analysis of the closed-loop systems. Some sufficient conditions for the existence of fault estimation observer as well as robust tolerant controller are obtained in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). Finally, a numerical example is given to demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach.