NHTSA Complaint #11693447 — 2019 TOYOTA TACOMA

On 10/9/25 said vehicle was brought to Central Florida Toyota (CFT) for the investigation of water intrusion into the rear passenger compartment. The cause of water intrusion was due to a defective duct (vent) assy (PN: 62930-04040. There are 2 vents located at the rear of the passenger cab.). The cost for the repair was estimated to be $15,153.39. This exorbitant fee includes the replacement of the entire carpeting system and the need to remove the vehicle bed to access the vents. Based on a musty smell CFT assumed that the carpet had been damaged by molds. Subsequently, CFT was requested to have the 2 vents replaced, only, and not the carpeting. In return, CFT stipulated that I must sign a health hazard waiver due the assumed (no evidence) moldy condition. Now, not only can 2 simple mechanical vents cause such an exorbitant fee to repair it has now evolved into a potential health safety issue. Yet, Toyota has failed to provide any caution/warning to the effect of water intrusion into the rear of the passenger area. No caution/warning in owner's manual that vehicle owner must periodically inspect the rear passenger for water, no warning tags/labels inside vehicle. On the other, my Toyota OEM floor mats have all sorts caution/warning plus installation instruction. It is recommended, as a minimum, Toyota must issue a recall to confirm the integrity of all vents in circulation. On my vehicle, the defective vent was due to bad seal which implies poor manufacturing. Secondly, the location of the vents is simply poor engineering. Even, if there's no damage to the carpeting the cost to replace the 2 vents would be $2,500 due to the need to vehicle bed removed.