Toyota Grande 1.8 (2024) AC Bad Odor Issue – Seeking Feedback from Fellow Owners & Experts

[pwuser155612264262]

Hello PakWheels Community,

I recently purchased a Toyota Grande 1.8 (2024 model) from Toyota Airport Motors, Lahore, and since day one, I’ve been experiencing a persistent bad odor from the blower/AC vents when the AC is off. However, the smell disappears once the AC is turned on and then returns when it is switched off.

I initially thought it might be a temporary issue, but even after weeks, the odor persists. After researching, I suspect it could be due to the evaporator’s drain pipe not draining properly, leading to moisture buildup inside the AC system.

Steps I’ve Taken So Far:
* Reported the issue to Toyota Faisalabad Motors, but no proper resolution yet.
* Informed Indus Motors, awaiting their response.
* Checked with other Toyota owners, and some have reported similar experiences.

Why I’m Posting Here:
1. Toyota Owners: Have any fellow Grande (or Corolla) owners faced a similar issue? If so, how did you fix it?
2. Honda & Suzuki Users: Do newer models of Honda Civic or Suzuki sedans face such issues? Looking for comparisons in AC performance and reliability.
3. Experts & Mechanics: Any technical insights into what might be causing this and the best solution?

It’s frustrating to have this issue in a brand-new car, especially at this price point. I want to gather feedback and explore possible solutions before escalating further with Indus Motors.

Looking forward to your expert opinions and experiences. Thanks in advance!

Best,
Samiullah

[pwuser153796752163]

Happened to a GLi that I owned. The moist smell was particularly present whenever I would use only the blower without AC.

Tried everything including getting an AC deodorising foam spray, but to no avail. Later found out the AC drain pipe was disconnected and AC water would leak into the car cabin. Fixed the drain pipe and car never smelled bad again.

I later read this is a recurring issue in Corollas. I don't know if this would help you, but it won't hurt to check your drain pipe. It's on the foot-well of the passenger side firewall.

[pwuser155612264262]

Thank you for sharing your experience! It’s concerning to hear that this is a recurring issue in Corollas.

I have already connected with Indus Motors as a warranty customer since my vehicle has only been driven 10,000 km in one year. I have been facing this bad odor issue since day one. Indus even sent their team to inspect my vehicle, but in the end, they simply told me that this is normal.

If Indus Motors considers this kind of bad smell as "normal," do you think we should form a group of affected customers and take this matter to consumer court? This issue needs to be addressed properly instead of being dismissed as something usual.

Looking forward to hearing thoughts from other users on this!

[dayrider]

form a group of affected customers and take this matter to consumer court

This will only drain time and money, no good will come off of it. This isn't a common fault, had it been, many others would face it too. As for the drain pipe, that has nothing to do with the ac off, because condensation happens when the ac is on.

Have you pinpointed what sort of odour it is

[pwuser155612264262]

This will only drain time and money, no good will come off of it. This isn't a common fault, had it been, many others would face it too. As for the drain pipe, that has nothing to do with the ac off, because condensation happens when the ac is on.

Have you pinpointed what sort of odour it is

I understand your point, but this odor issue has been there since day one, and Indus Motors has already inspected my vehicle under warranty. In the end, they simply told me that this is normal, which I find hard to accept for a brand-new car.

The odor is a dirty, unpleasant smell that comes from the blower after turning off the AC. It’s not a typical moisture smell but something that feels like stale or damp air lingering in the vents.

I have already requested Indus Motors for a proper solution or even a full refund, but so far, they have not provided any real fix. If this is their definition of "normal," it raises serious concerns about quality standards.

Would like to hear if anyone else has faced a similar issue or found a reliable fix!

[haseeb.basharat]

In my case it was a mould build up. It was a real bad odour.

What solved my issue?

https://s.daraz.pk/s.03qGu

Take out ac filter. Open fresh air vent, set the fan to blow at max speed with ac on. Spray all the foam from the opening located under your wipers. You will hear noise of fresh air being sucked in when you set the ac to full. Close all doors and let it be like this for 15 minutes. Move your car and check what comes down the drain..in my case it got full of black dirt. I perform this procedure before every summer now.

[pwuser153796752163]

Yeah I've used the same stuff on my GLi, great product. Still have some left. Unfortunately in my case, this did not totally resolve the issue as it was something else completely. But it did reduce the smell to an extent.