2024 Equinox AC Mildew

[MrDabee]

My 2024 Equinox reeks of mildew when the AC is on. It might be black mold because I sneeze violently every time I start the car. A new cabin air filter did not make any difference.

Has anyone else had this issue with their 24 Equinox? How did you fix it? (I don't know whether the warranty will cover it, but I don't have all day to sit at the dealership waiting for them to look at it.)

 

[2025 Red Equinox]

My 2024 Equinox reeks of mildew when the AC is on. It might be black mold because I sneeze violently every time I start the car. A new cabin air filter did not make any difference.

Has anyone else had this issue with their 24 Equinox? How did you fix it? (I don't know whether the warranty will cover it, but I don't have all day to sit at the dealership waiting for them to look at it.)

You could make an appointment and not have to wait all day, or use the night drop off service?

The base warranty should cover the repair.

 

[CocoaJeff]

I have never had an issue with my '24. I live in Florida, so my A/C runs pretty much all the time. Definitely sounds like you have a blocked drainage tube or something. I don't have a clue where you should look to check that, but I'm sure someone else in here will have some suggestions.

And I know it sucks to have to waste time at the dealer, but I would definitely get it checked out soon... especially if you think black mold is involved. That's nothing to mess around with.

Please let us know what you find out.

 

[nds76]

I changed my cabin air filter, it is HEPA rated. Maybe that would help?

 

[CocoaJeff]

I changed my cabin air filter, it is HEPA rated. Maybe that would help?

He said in his first post that a new filter didn't make any difference.

 

[Red2018]

My 2024 Equinox reeks of mildew when the AC is on. It might be black mold because I sneeze violently every time I start the car. A new cabin air filter did not make any difference.

Has anyone else had this issue with their 24 Equinox? How did you fix it? (I don't know whether the warranty will cover it, but I don't have all day to sit at the dealership waiting for them to look at it.)

 

[Red2018]

It's common in all cars and there's a way to avoid it. First to remove the smell, get a can of Lysol spray, remove the cabin air filter, start the car, max the fan, switch on all air channels and put the A/C on max. Be sure to leave all four windows open not to choke from the Lysol.
The trick to not have the odour to come back is if you use the A/C always leave the A/C on and do not shut any vents. The worst thing to cause the odour is if you decide to shut off the A/C while your driving and just want plain air, that's where the mold and bacteria grows. If you want to shut off the A/C and use outside air only, wait the next day just after you start your car. Also always use the air recirculation feature when using A/C, this way no outside humidity will be in the car consequently less water accumulation.
I do this and never have issues with any smell whatsoever.