Spiders Webs Spark A Recall On 870,000 Toyotas

Toyota are making a recall on a number of vehicles from their 2012 and 2013 ranges due to a problem with a component in the air conditioning system that could lead to airbags deploying in the worst case.

As many as 870,000 Toyota Avalons, Camrys and Venzas are affected and includes all models of these vehicles including hybrid versions. Believe it or not though, the problem in some cases has been caused by a spider making itself at home inside on the of the drainage tubes that come from the air conditioning condenser units.

As the webs are made, they can lead to a blockage that in turn causes the condensed water to flow in a direction that was otherwise not intended and drip onto the module that controls the airbags and cause a short-circuit inside.

In most cases, this has led to a warning light coming up on the dashboard of the vehicle, however there have been instances where the power steering system has failed, or as seen in at least three cases, the driver side airbag has deployed without warning.

Toyota have stated that in the 35 cases of warning lights coming up on the dash, there was a consistent discovery of spiders webs however they have not stated if this is the direct cause for each incident.

As part of the recall, Toyota will make a modification to the drainage tube in question to prevent it from dripping on to the airbag module and owners of affected vehicles will be notified via post to take their vehicle to their nearest dealer where the works will be carried out free of charge.

Source: CNN

Image Courtesy of Toyota