Moldy smell from evaporation pan

[Sue Lipton]

I'd like to know if anyone else has had/solved this problem. Had the A/C system flushed (probably with noxious chemicals!), filter changed, and a few weeks later the stink is back. Thanks.

[Russ in ABQ]

Sue Lipton wrote:

I'd like to know if anyone else has had/solved this problem. Had the A/C system flushed (probably with noxious chemicals!), filter changed, and a few weeks later the stink is back. Thanks.

Russ replies: I don't know the solution, but I sure have the problem. The "solution" didn't even last for one week. I've had the car back to the dealer about this a second time, and they say they've never seen or heard of this problem before. The mildew smell is strong and pervasive (now even when the AC isn't running), and I very much doubt that my car is the only Prius experiencing this.

[Stephen Nemrava]

Russ in ABQ wrote:

<quoted text>
Russ replies: I don't know the solution, but I sure have the problem. The "solution" didn't even last for one week. I've had the car back to the dealer about this a second time, and they say they've never seen or heard of this problem before. The mildew smell is strong and pervasive (now even when the AC isn't running), and I very much doubt that my car is the only Prius experiencing this.

We are experiencing the same...took the car in for the 1st oil change and complained about mildew smell. They did the flush and the odor came back. I brought the car back today (it's my wife's car) and they played stupid. I intend on contacting the dealer and call the BBB.

[Karen]

I took my car in for its first oil change today with the same problem. They told me they didn't find anything wrong with the filter, and everything looked fine. By the time I got home, my car had an even stronger mold smell. I'm sure I'll have the car back to the shop in a few days...

[Kim]

The moldy smell started about four weeks ago and now I just gag every time I start my much loved Prius! I called the dealer and they said they are aware of the problem and to bring it in for a flush. The service guy also asked me if I ran the air conditioner with the inside air intake on, rather than the outside air intake. I replied "inside air" because that is the default when you use the air conditioner. He said that was the problem and i should run it on the default until the car was cool then switch to the outside air intake, thus evaporating any condensation lying in the system. I'm taking the car in on Thursday, so will give an update in a week or so.

[prim2]

Your service guy is correct. Moist recirculated air has been a source of mould on millions of cars for years. Drying out the interior air by using the external source works well if you use the procedure from new or following a deep-clean of the a/c system and ducts.

[Kim]

Update

It has been a week and all is well...as long as I do what the service guy said (see above). Started the car this morning and forgot to change the air intake and the mildew smell was there, although very faint, so I immediately changed the air intake, no more smell!

[Kim]

P.S. I'm from neither Irving, TX nor Broad Run, VA!
Not sure why it posted that way. I'm actually from Winchester, VA :)

[John]

Moldy smell from Toyota 4 runner. Toyota apparently knows this is a problem. The default operation in the A/C system IS recirculated air. Toyota won't provide data on how many owners have complained about this problem. Does anyone know how to obtain this data from any other sources?

[Ruth]

We have the same problem with our 2004 Prius. I think Toyota knows something and is not sharing. i just hope it is not toxic.

[JSL]

Sue Lipton wrote:

I'd like to know if anyone else has had/solved this problem. Had the A/C system flushed (probably with noxious chemicals!), filter changed, and a few weeks later the stink is back. Thanks.

DON'T BOTHER WITHT HE DEALER. MY DAD HAD THE SMELL AND TRADED THE CAR IN.
NEW CAR HAD THE SMELL TOO

[don_ miami_florida]

second RAV4 in two years have same problem.Turn air conditioning on stink for the first 5 minutes.Sold both cars for a loss. I am looking for a class action, I lost $18,000 in two years.

[don_ miami_florida]

John wrote:

Moldy smell from Toyota 4 runner. Toyota apparently knows this is a problem. The default operation in the A/C system IS recirculated air. Toyota won't provide data on how many owners have complained about this problem. Does anyone know how to obtain this data from any other sources?

RAV4 has same problem,I owned two of them in the last 2 years.Toyotadoes not admit problem

[Paulette_fort lauderdale]

I can feel for all of you. I have a Toyota solara convertable that I purchased Jan 07. In December, I noticed a mildew smell that got worse. I have taken it in 5 times. They have flushed my line and replaced the rag top and it's still there. They're now trying to tell me it's normal. I am getting ready to file it as a lemon. Has anyone tried this?

[Paulette_fort lauderdale]

Ok, i will try to post again. I have a Toyota Solara convertable I bought Jan 07. This Jan I noticed a mildew smell that grew increasingly worse. i have had the line flushed and the rag top changed for them to tell me it's normal. i am getting ready to file thye car as a lemon. Has anyone tried this?

[Richard]

Purchased 08 Toyota Rav4 in Oct 07. I did not need to use AC then. When Started to use AC around May 08 I noticed a chemical smell similar to Pinesol that comes on in times and fades slowly. I contacted the dealer they told me that's because of first time use and it will go away in time. 3 months later during the summer it still comes. I sent my wife and had her check in with them. They said they will charge us $150.00 to fix because on the build in mold. Guess I spent close to $30,000 on a car full of mold. I will fight this.

[Barbara C]

I don't know whether my problem is the same as those posted so far. I have a 2005 Prius, which I love EXCEPT that, since August, there is periodically a smell reminiscent of driving behind a car with a defective exhaust system. This generally happens a couple of times an hour. When I first noticed it, during 5 hour drive, I developed a cough that lasted for weeks. Now, every time I drive the car for half an hour or more, the same thing develops! I'm concerned about this as a health issue. Of course, the dealer (2X) treats this like I'm crazy. Any ideas?

[Phil]

You can all guess why I've been looking at this forum... Grrr...

This seems to be reoccurring as I've not yet learnt the lesson about leaving the AC off for a while - which I will try.

However, I did find that taking out the filter (easy to get to behind the glove box) and cleaning it with lots of washing up liquid and hot water helped a lot. The water was disgusting.

This didn't seem to harm the filter. So I advise anyone with this problem to give it a go - I certainly will once in a while.

[Phil]

Our 2009 Camry developed mold inside the door panels, which toyota replaced. 3 weeks later an even stronger smell of mold came from the A/C vents. They replaced the evaporator and blower. Smell was gone but my wife and daughter still have allergic reactions when in the car more than ten minutes. I was told at the dealership that "we've never heard of this before". I've stared the arbitration process but don't expect much help.

[Michelle Tampa FL]

I have a 2006 4 Runner in mint condition. I believe I have the same smell. I am taking it to the dealer tomororow for the service techs to look at it. If they find "nothing" the dealer said they will assume it is mold and mildew in the AC and do the cleaning. By reading what others have written I am leary the AC cleaning will work. I have owned 6 Toyotas and IF they ever admit they have a known issue that has not been made public - I will NEVER by another one.