Carrier/rack problems of the 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser

The design of the ventilation system in the Fj Cruiser (and other Toyotas) allows easy access for disease-carrying rodents to enter the ventilation system and the cabin. In the southwest deer mice are carriers of hantavirus, a severe respiratory disease spread via the feces and urine of these mice. (nearly 30% of the deer mice in new mexico are infected and every year people contract the virus usually via sweeping mouse droppings while cleaning enclosed areas. Check the cdc website. ) because the mice can easily access the cabin filter and blower they could spread this virus to occupants of the vehicle through the vents and directly by infesting the interior. My local dealer has dealt with many rodent nests infesting Toyotas--sooner or later someone will be infected with this deadly virus. Thecenters for disease control documents the serious threat of hantavirus. I park a Honda accord and a civic next to my fj and have never had this infestation problem. The air vent under the windshield cowl and all open vents need to be screened to keep rodents out of the vehicle. Under warranty Toyota should retrofit with screening all access points that allow rodents to enter the cabin.