2022-2024 Toyota Camry Musty Odor Remediation TSB

Some 2005–2024 Toyota vehicles, including the 2022-2024 Toyota Camry, that have experienced water intrusion may develop a persistent musty odor. This Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) T-SB-0055-24 Rev1, revised on July 29, 2024, provides comprehensive guidelines for Toyota dealerships to remediate this odor and address the underlying water intrusion issue.

The TSB details a multi-step process for preparing and treating the vehicle's interior to eliminate the musty smell. It emphasizes identifying and repairing the source of water intrusion before proceeding with odor remediation. This process is crucial for maintaining vehicle hygiene and owner comfort.

What Owners Should Know

Toyota has issued several important advisories regarding this odor remediation process:

• The procedures described in this service bulletin are NOT applicable to vehicles that have undergone severe freshwater or saltwater intrusion, such as those involved in floods, storms, hurricanes, or other incidents where a significant volume of water has entered the interior.
• This bulletin is NOT applicable for general HVAC odor concerns; it specifically addresses water intrusion-related odors.
• BEFORE beginning any remediation, the source of water intrusion MUST be identified and repaired. The bulletin does not apply if the water leak source has not been fixed.
• Dealers are instructed to ALWAYS use proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as per current EPA guidelines during the remediation process.
• Soft parts (e.g., floor mats, carpet, insulated pads) that have come into contact with moisture MUST be removed and replaced with NEW parts and should NOT be reused.
• Hard parts (e.g., plastic trim, ductwork) that do not absorb moisture generally do not need replacement.
• If any organic growth or staining is found on the dash panel insulator assembly, it MUST be replaced.
• A cabin air filter should NOT be installed in the HVAC system during the remediation process. A NEW high-performance charcoal filter must be installed AFTER the entire remediation is completed.
• If the dash panel insulator assembly requires replacement, it MUST be removed and replaced with a NEW part BEFORE remediation. Dealers are advised NOT to attempt to cut out affected areas or treat the dash panel insulator assembly.
• Door panels and headliners can typically remain installed UNLESS they show evidence of water contact.
• A clearance test for mold is NOT required by Toyota, but customers or dealers may opt for third-party testing.

Symptoms

Owners of affected Toyota vehicles, including the 2022-2024 Toyota Camry, may notice a distinct musty odor inside the cabin. This odor is typically a result of water intrusion, which can lead to mold or mildew growth in absorbent materials within the vehicle's interior.

Diagnosis and Trigger Conditions

The primary trigger for this condition is water intrusion into the vehicle's interior. This can stem from various sources, such as leaks in the body structure, seals, or other areas. Technicians must first identify and repair the exact source of the water leak before proceeding with odor remediation. The process involves a thorough inspection of the entire interior floorboard and all soft and hard parts for signs of moisture, organic matter growth, or staining. This ensures all areas contributing to the Toyota Camry musty odor are addressed.

Repair Procedure Summary

The odor remediation process, identified by OP Code 743991, is a dealer-performed service that involves several key stages:

1. Preparation and Disassembly: The vehicle interior is prepared by taping door opening thresholds to protect painted surfaces. Components surrounding the water leak source, such as seats and lower trim panels, are removed. If present, HV or EV batteries are safely removed or disconnected, and the cabin air filter is removed and discarded.
2. Inspection: A detailed inspection of the entire interior floorboard is conducted to identify all affected areas. Soft parts (like carpets, floor mats, and insulated pads) are checked for moisture or organic growth and marked for replacement. Hard parts (like plastic trim) are inspected for staining or organic growth.
3. Component Replacement: Any soft parts affected by moisture or organic growth are replaced with new ones. If the dash panel insulator assembly shows signs of water contact, it is replaced before any cleaning begins.
4. Cleaning Procedure: Loose debris is removed from the floor pan. Affected hard parts and the floor pan are then sprayed and scrubbed with a heavy-duty cleaner to remove staining. Following this, a 3M™ Quat Disinfectant product is applied, ensuring the surfaces remain visibly wet for at least 10 minutes and soak for a minimum of 30 minutes. The surfaces are then thoroughly wiped dry.
5. Reassembly: The vehicle interior is reassembled using the treated hard parts and all new soft parts. A new High Performance Charcoal Filter is installed in the HVAC system. Technicians confirm all interior systems are functioning correctly and clear any diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
6. Ozone Treatment: After reassembly, the vehicle's A/C is set to recirculation mode, and an Ozone Machine (part number RBO521011 or equivalent) is run for one hour. The machine is then turned off, and the vehicle is aired out for two hours.

Required Tools and Parts

Dealers performing this remediation will utilize specific tools and parts:

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): 3M™ (or Equivalent) N95 Certified (or Higher) NIOSH Approved Respirator, Safety Goggles/Eye Protection, Protective Gloves.
• Cleaning Supplies: 3M™ Quat Disinfectant Cleaner Concentrate 5, Heavy Duty Cleaner (like Spray Nine or similar), Pump Spray Bottle, Scrub Brush, Painter's Tape.
• Specialized Equipment: Ozone Machine (or Equivalent), Toyota Part Number RBO521011.
• Replacement Parts: High Performance Charcoal Filter (part number varies by model), Insulator Assy., Dash Panel (part number varies by model).

Owner Action

If you detect a musty odor in your 2022-2024 Toyota Camry or other applicable Toyota model, especially after a known water intrusion event, you should contact your authorized Toyota dealership. Explain the symptoms and mention the possibility of water intrusion. The dealership will perform the necessary diagnosis and the Odor Remediation Process (OP Code 743991) under the Toyota Basic Warranty, which covers 36 months or 36,000 miles from the vehicle's in-service date, whichever comes first.

---

NHTSA ID: 11006161