Spiders Add to Problems for Toyota

Toyota announced a recall of more than 800,000 of its 2012-13 Camry, Avalon and Venza models, including hybrids, due to a problem that could cause the airbag to deploy inadvertently. In some cases, the problem may come from an unexpected source: spiders.

Water from the air conditioning condenser-unit housing has the potential to leak onto the airbag control module and cause a short circuit, according to a press release from Toyota. This can cause the airbag to become disabled or to deploy unexpectedly.

"In limited instances, the power steering assist function could also become inoperable if a communication line in the airbag control module is damaged," according to the release.

Anyone driving one of these vehicles should bring it to a Toyota dealer, who will apply sealant and install a cover on the air conditioning condenser unit house seam above the airbag control module.

CNN and other media outlets are reporting the problem is caused by spiders in some cases. Webs can "create a blockage in the drainage tube coming from the air conditioning condenser,"according to an article on CNN.com. 

"Toyota is aware of three airbag deployments … and 35 cases of warning lights coming on," according to CNN.

Elmhurst Toyota Scion is located at 440 W. Lake St., and the number is (630) 279-2160. For more information, call Toyota customer service at (800) 331-4331.