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I wanted to post my experience in case anyone else is noticing a funky odor that they can’t pinpoint on their 4Runner or other similar tnga chassis vehicle or Toyota product.
Also, I want to preface that we are really enjoying our new 2025 4Runner TRD sport premium overall, and this is something that has been bothering us since we got it new back in April of 2025
After a rain or a car wash, the window trim belt mouldings/felts hold moisture for days, and eventually get a a very musty/mildewy smell to them. The window will actually be wet if you roll it up and down after even a few days sometimes.
If you are chasing a funky odor that you can’t pinpoint the location, but you can replicate when it is most intense, this will help.
I went to the car wash Thursday night and by Friday morning, the smell was very strong in the window mouldings where it touches the bottom of the windows at all windows, including the back glass.
This smell is exacerbated and accelerated when it is warmer outside, as it would be less noticeable before I went to the car wash if it had not been wet for a week or more.
I would go through the wash, get out and wipe off the car, then go to the grocery store next door. By the time I spent 10 minutes in the store, the belt mouldings were already starting to smell very strong.
I eliminated the smell from the AC system as turning on the heat didn’t help, nor did changing to a charcoal cabin filter. The cabin filter does help remove the smell some as you drive when the ac is on and the windows are closed. As soon as you stop, it is back.
Needless to say, I took it to the dealer on Friday after washing it Thursday night.
They called and said it was ready to be picked up anytime, and they are replacing all of the lower window belt mouldings on all the glass positions. They confirmed the mouldings are holding moisture and have a very strong odor.
Of course, those parts are on backorder now, but at least we found a solution.
Also, I want to preface that we are really enjoying our new 2025 4Runner TRD sport premium overall, and this is something that has been bothering us since we got it new back in April of 2025
After a rain or a car wash, the window trim belt mouldings/felts hold moisture for days, and eventually get a a very musty/mildewy smell to them. The window will actually be wet if you roll it up and down after even a few days sometimes.
If you are chasing a funky odor that you can’t pinpoint the location, but you can replicate when it is most intense, this will help.
I went to the car wash Thursday night and by Friday morning, the smell was very strong in the window mouldings where it touches the bottom of the windows at all windows, including the back glass.
This smell is exacerbated and accelerated when it is warmer outside, as it would be less noticeable before I went to the car wash if it had not been wet for a week or more.
I would go through the wash, get out and wipe off the car, then go to the grocery store next door. By the time I spent 10 minutes in the store, the belt mouldings were already starting to smell very strong.
I eliminated the smell from the AC system as turning on the heat didn’t help, nor did changing to a charcoal cabin filter. The cabin filter does help remove the smell some as you drive when the ac is on and the windows are closed. As soon as you stop, it is back.
Needless to say, I took it to the dealer on Friday after washing it Thursday night.
They called and said it was ready to be picked up anytime, and they are replacing all of the lower window belt mouldings on all the glass positions. They confirmed the mouldings are holding moisture and have a very strong odor.
Of course, those parts are on backorder now, but at least we found a solution.
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