Spiders spur Toyota Camry, Venza and Avalon recalls

We always knew those spiders were up to something. Lurking in dark corners of our homes wasn't enough; they're taking their plot for domination on the road. Their most recent strike in what we can only assume will be a knock-down drag-out fight? Causing the recall of hundreds of thousands of Toyota Camry, Venza and Avalon models for the risk of unexpected airbag deployment.

Automotive News reports that the recall hits 803,000 2012 and 2013 Camrys, Venzas and Avalons, including hybrids, in the United States; globally, 885,000 vehicles are impacted.

The actual risk of airbag deployment comes from blockage of the air conditioner condenser drainage tubes. By building webs in those mini-waterspouts, spiders prevent condensation from being channeled away from delicate components. When that water hits delicate electronics like the airbag sensor, it can cause a short, which in turn can trigger the airbag warning light -- or cause the driver's side airbag to deploy.

Getting punched in the face by an errant airbag while idling in your driveway would be awful enough. Add nests of spiders to the mix and it becomes downright horrifying.

Toyota says it will be notifying owners of affected vehicles about the recall. Our humble suggestion? Get this one taken care of right away.

By Graham Kozak