I have a 2010 and the center display that has the temp, clock, bluetooth icon etc sometimes does not have a backlight. There are 3 legitimate conditions: 1 = off, 2 = on (bright in daylight) and 3 = on (dimmed when the lights are on). My display is sometimes off when I start the car and it stays off until the next time I start the car and then it will work fine for a few days. It is very intermittent but the data to the display is always correct because if you get the reflection just correct, you can actually see the data being displayed.
Has anyone else experienced this phenomenon?

 

Interesting, I know this has probably run across your mind a few times, but maybe take it to the dealer? Sounds like something may be wrong with the light switch.

 

As previously mentioned, it is intermittent so, needless to say, it never failed at the dealer and the dealer will not order a new display until he is satisfied that it is bad.
As you probably know, when you change conditions with the light switch numerous things can and do happen. Everything else works fine so obviously the light switch is fine. Unless, of course, the light switch has at least 20 poles or a computer built into it.

 

The whole cluster has to be replaced which is very expensive; that is probably why the dealer is hesitant to replace. Have you checked the "auto interior lighting" setting in the MID?