The problem
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Avalon, Avalon HV, Venza, Camry, and Camry HV vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the drain hose for the air conditioning condenser may become clogged causing water to accumulate at the bottom of the air conditioning condenser unit housing. The accumulated water may then leak through a seam in the housing onto the air bag control module potentially resulting in a short circuit of the module.
The risk
A short circuit may cause the air bags to become disabled or inadvertently deploy. An inadvertent airbag deployment can increase the risk of injury or the possibility of a crash. An inoperative airbag can increase the risk of injury in a severe crash. The power steering assist could also become inoperable resulting in increased steering effort and can increase the risk of a crash at low speeds.
The fix
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will seal the air conditioning condenser unit housing and install a protective cover on the airbag control module, free of charge. The recall began on February 5, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 13V-442 (13V442000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Toyota Motor Corporation |
| Component | Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner |
| Report date | October 17, 2013 |
| Owners notified | February 5, 2014 |
| Vehicles affected | 802,769 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the a/c & heater
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 13V-442 repair free?
Yes. Toyota dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will seal the air conditioning condenser unit housing and install a protective cover on the airbag control module, free of charge. The recall began on February 5, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 802,769 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.