Hello everyone,
I just bought a 2022 hybrid highlander limited. My issue is with the second row A/C as the air flow and cold air are so weak compared to the third row, which is noticeably stronger and colder. I went to the maintenance 3 times, but it seems that they either don't know the reason or don't recognise it as a problem as it seems the problem also exists in other cars, so they assumed that this is the car design. Anyone who sits in the second row can notice the weak A/c, especially in this heat. Does anyone know the reason for this problem or do you have it in your car (so it could be the default)? I need to get back to the maintenance with a compelling evidence on my complaint. Do you also have the A/C diagram so I can check any loose or faulty ducts inside?

Funny I just used the rear a/c for the first time in my 2021 hybrid. but I MANUALLY set the fan speed to its highest setting. Second row was blowing out cold air just fine. I didn't check third row since I never use it. But I can speculate that maybe the 3rd row is biased to get more air since the second row get a little benefit from the first row. Try manually setting the rear temp to its coldest setting and the fan speed to its hightest setting and then if that doesn't cure it, try shutting the third row vents and see what happens. If your A/c is in auto mode and the drivetrain is in ECO mode, the A/C will not operate at its maximum cooling ability.

 

Hello Ruby,

Thanks alot for your reply. Actually I tried all of the above but to no avail. My car is always on the sports mode for maximum cooling. When I shut the third row vents, the amount of air blowing to the second row doesn't increase suggesting that there is something blocking the air flow to this section. Given that the third row is working fine, I think the problem could be in one of the ducts blowing air to the second row. The maintenance insists that the car is designed this way, which I doubt.

 

Ours works fine on our 2020 Hybrid Highlander. We can freeze out the grandkids.