Multiple Toyota and Lexus models suffer from a buildup of white dust on the dash. The dust can also be found in the air conditioning vents, tucked up against the windshield and on the front of the passenger window trim. The dust normally has a grit to it rather than normal dust you’d find around the house.
White dust on the dash
The dust is a direct result of the air conditioning’s evaporator flaking off small pieces. CARspec’s heard multiple explanations as to why the evaporator does this: the protective coating on the evaporator flakes off, the evaporator’s aluminum corrodes, etc. The blower takes these bits of debris and pushes them through the vents into the cabin. The solution to fixing the problem is, unfortunately, to remove the entire dash, crash bar, most of the front harness, air/heater box and replace the evaporator core with an updated part – an expensive proposition – while cleaning all of the vents that may house residual dust.
If your Toyota or Lexus shows signs of this and is still under warranty, bring it to the attention of your local Toyota or Lexus dealership service center – if they deem the dust to be from the evaporator they’ll be happy to take care of the issue for you. Otherwise, CARspec is happy to offer Toyota and Lexus evaporator repair and replacement at significant cost savings vs. the dealership.
As Eden Prairie and Chanhassen’s Toyota and Lexus repair specialist, we hope this helps owners and auto mechanics alike correctly diagnose and repair the issue!
my car has same problem. white dust from the vents.
my car 2012 toyota camry hybrid and 80,000 miles on the car.
do I still have covered by warranty ??