True to my habit of informing my readers of pertinent recalls, Toyota announced the recall for the 2012-13 Avalon, Venza and Camry models. The recall concerns the airbag system in its relation to the air-conditioning condenser. I have included the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recall announcement for you perusal.

Please make sure that you warn your customers of the ramifications of not following the recall instructions.

Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Summary:

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.

Consequence:

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.

Remedy:

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 manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Toyota at 800/331-4331.

Notes:

Owners may also contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888/327-4236 (TTY 800/424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.