I got my tl in January, and the chemical smell in the trunk has never gone away. It's actually gotten worse. I can't use the trunk because anything I put in it takes on that awful smell. I took the tire out, let it air out, pour baking soda in it.... nothing. It actually smells worse right after i turn the car off. Today I noticed I had the AC on and the windows down and the smell started coming into the main part of the car.

If anyone can tell me what to do, I would appreciate it. I'm taking it to service tomorrow. I hope they can help me.

 

I would hose down the car and then check any of the interior panels in the trunk for dampness. One of the drain lines may be clogged an be backing up into the trunk.

 

I will try that, but would it be a chemical smell or a moldy smell if that were the case? In my heart I'm thinking it's cheap particle board, foam, etc that is offgasing - especially once heated by the car running. I'm really worried they won't do anything about it. It goes to the shop Wednesday morning.

 

You are right about plastics offgassing- the trunk is full of them
The dashboard is all plastic too, and there is a center air vent than goes under the armrest, exits the console just behind the drivers seats-
best to keep that vent open all the time-

There are a few things to try if the dealer doesnt see something like a fuel line problem or ac leak. New cars have things to be worked out- that are hastily assembled and a few tweaks afterwards are often a part of the deal- thats what warranty is for

A; Stuff can be added into the AC evaporator core to kill any mold- even a new car can be subject too it. Prevent by running just the fan with no ac for a minute before turning the car off- that gives it a chance to dry out moisture in the vents
B; Get an Ionizer- whether 15$ or 50 or 150, they will help in a different way

Do you park outside with the windows open a little- and the sunroof? to give the escaping gasses- which produce more offgassing when heated in any way.... an escape route?!

Think of the FEMA trailers and formaldahyde from all the plastics,,, and no one opened the windows on them- just lived inside with the AC running~ could be same idea here

 

would mold have a chemical smell to it? maybe I should just wash the entire lining of the trunk (the carpet). What do you think of a trunk tray? I'm anxious to get it to the dealer tomorrow morning, but so worried at the end of the day they will tell me they can't find a problem and I will just have to deal with the chemical smell.

 

dont wash anything- let them look first- checking for water leaks is one thing they will be doing