AC system in 2022 Tacoma - musty mold smell?

I did see Toyota had a class action lawsuit for the HVAC system in multiple models. I know the Tacoma isn’t listed but have seen a fair number of posts about mildew smell after sometime coming from the AC vents. Seems like the system design isn't ideal.

Question: for 2022 Tacoma is this still an issue?
-I ask because once it takes hold even with the evap cleaning kit seems like it really is a pain to deal with?

I saw the best thing is to turn off re-circulate and to try and turn off the AC prior to destination arrival to let the evaporator coils dry.

Looking for feedback and if this issue would cause anyone to pass on the truck for something else. Is it just bad circumstances and use/environment that even some new will have it?

Cheers!

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/a-c-smell.730030/

 

When was the last time you changed your cabin air filter?

Did you extend your AC drain line?

Have you checked to see if it's plugged or even just partially blocked, if the condensate tray doesn't have the chance to evaporate or drain it will get pretty nasty in there.

 

I noticed some AC odor in my 2019, I started turning of the recirculate and the smell went away and never came back.

 

Turn off recirculation and AC. Let it run for awhile and it should clear it out. My 96 4runner, 12 Tacoma and dads Prius all do this.

 

Maybe the smell is you. Have you showered recently?

 

Have this also, just need to turn off recirculate 5 min before arriving at destination. Have the same problem in my '15 Prius C. My experience tells me this is a Toyota only issue unless someone here has experienced it in a different make as well?

 

It's the recirc, and same exact smell in two of my cars (different brands). I don't know what the main culprit is, but I hate it. The dealer will usually spray some "A/C perfume" in there if you complain about it. Works for about 10 minutes, LOL.

 

I've had it happen on Fords and my CTS-V.

 

So from the time you owned the truck have you always turned off the re-circulate when running the AC and still got the funky smell?

 

Never had this in previous vehicles and didn't treat them well either - took them camping, full of gear, didn't get cleaned often...

 

I wonder how many people have this issue who just live with it or end up trading the truck if it gets really bad.
Considering Tacoma US sales are +200K trucks per year makes you wonder how many are impacted.

 

All you have to do is turn off the recirculate for a couple mins before you turn the truck off and it's not an issue. It's really not that big of a deal.

 

No, the smell hasn’t always been there and isn’t every day. Occasionally I will smell it. Turning off the recirc gets rid of the smell.

 

I have never had that problem from any Toyota. Maybe you are thinking tooo much?

 

My dad had a Nissan parked in his garage that sat for awhile. A rat worked it's way into one of the air intakes and croaked..talk about a nasty smell when the A/C kicked in! Check your air intakes....

 

The little one has asthma and just trying to manage that, which is hard sometimes with some of the environmental triggers.

http://www.imcool.com/articles/aircondition/evap_stinks.htm

 

This was an interesting read from a long time ago:
http://www.imcool.com/articles/aircondition/evap_stinks.htm

 

It’s pretty common in a lot of cars as the water will start to grow the smelly mildew. If you want to kill the bacteria that grows in there blow some white vinegar up your drain.

 

My daughter has asthma. She is 30yo now and grew up with no cabin filter!