I started noticing water collecting on rubber floor mat, and took it to dealer for solution. Dealer told me that there was a severe mold/fungus issue and that it was not covered under warranty due to "clogged water condensation drain tube from the AC". I do not know how the tube became clogged, or how to prevent it in the future, because we did not do it! We drive the vehicle only on city streets and highways, keep it clean, and do not drive it off road. The interior of the vehicle had to be removed, including, steering wheel, gas pedals, all plastic, seats, carpet, padding, sound deadener.
It has been in the shop almost 2 months and is basically down to the metal only. It took three attempts by mold remediation company, they do guarantee so we are paying for the first attempt only, $1800. We have had it serviced at only the dealer at which it was purchased, they apparently do not examine the AC water condensation drain tube at regular service for maintenance. We also purchased the extended warranty, which is also reported to not cover this "leak". I believe that this should not happen to a 2 year old car. It is a design flaw and and should be serviced regularly to ensure that this does not happen to other Toyota Customer, or to us again. One of the service advisors made a statement like, "we've been getting a lot of this lately". We believe Toyota is responsible for this issue. Has anyone else had this issue? I see there have been lawsuits regarding mold in AC systems and Toyota. I'm not a litigious person, but this is unacceptable. I have filed a case with Toyota Experience and they are investigating. I'll let you know if Toyota pays for the repairs.
Update from Oct 29, 2019: Toyota Corporation ended up reimbursing us for all repairs!!!
I started noticing water collecting on rubber floor mat, and took it to dealer for solution. Dealer told me that there was a severe mold/fungus issue and that it was not covered under warranty due to "clogged water condensation drain tube from the AC". I do not know how the tube became clogged, or how to prevent it in the future, because we did not do it! We drive the vehicle only on city streets and highways, keep it clean, and do not drive it off road. The interior of the vehicle had to be removed, including, steering wheel, gas pedals, all plastic, seats, carpet, padding, sound deadener.
It has been in the shop almost 2 months and is basically down to the metal only. It took three attempts by mold remediation company, they do guarantee so we are paying for the first attempt only, $1800. We have had it serviced at only the dealer at which it was purchased, they apparently do not examine the AC water condensation drain tube at regular service for maintenance. We also purchased the extended warranty, which is also reported to not cover this "leak". I believe that this should not happen to a 2 year old car. It is a design flaw and and should be serviced regularly to ensure that this does not happen to other Toyota Customer, or to us again. One of the service advisors made a statement like, "we've been getting a lot of this lately". We believe Toyota is responsible for this issue. Has anyone else had this issue? I see there have been lawsuits regarding mold in AC systems and Toyota. I'm not a litigious person, but this is unacceptable. I have filed a case with Toyota Experience and they are investigating. I'll let you know if Toyota pays for the repairs.
Update from Oct 29, 2019: Toyota Corporation ended up reimbursing us for all repairs!!!
- Barbara D., Independence, US