sifuacura

iTrader: (1)

thats how mine is

Healingduck

Just wanted to double check, do 2008 models already have the new dashes? As in they won't crack?

jwmraz

I noticed the dash in my '04 Acura TL started cracking around the airbag (just the right side only) last week My TL only has 75K miles. My car is generally garage kept and well cared for and in great shape other than this--so I hate the idea of losing resale value now. Ironically, my airbag light has been intermittent for the past few months, and I had the local dealership resolve this--it had to do with the driver's seatbelt sensor going out (odd).

Anyway, I had a thought this morning. Because the crack is perfectly forming around the curve in the airbag, what if I were to use a razor blade and perfectly cut around the airbag "opening" in the dash? I thought this relieve the "stress" around the dash and perhaps keep the cracks from "spidering" at odd angles. It also would look clean, and I don't think it would look half-bad.

Although if I wanted to file a claim later with Acura, that might void any chances of success...

What do you guys think and have you seen anyone doing this on the board? I did a search on a couple of these threads including the word "razor" and didn't find anything...

Thanks!

erdoc48

I don't think I'd take it upon myself to cut the dash. It's not a bad idea in thought, but your cuts likely would be irregular, and there's no guarantee that by doing this, you'd lessen the likelihood of getting further dash cracks. You might take a dash that doesn't look optimal with a single crack and make it substantially worse.

You have 2 options: either try to have Acura goodwill the dash replacement or at least pay for part of it or get a dash cover.


I think another issue is that a 2004 TL is now 8 years old, and you might have some difficulty getting Acura to goodwill it, despite the low mileage and other people here having the same issue. If mine cracks, I'll probably get a cover for it. I don't want to pay a lot of money for the repair even if partially covered, and I don't want a bunch of new sqeaks in the car that might occur as a result of a new dash installation.

One other option for you is to Google dash repair, as there are some shops that repair vinyl dashboards. It's worth a search.

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

I had zero luck with Acura taking responsibility for it...they did offer 1/2...but honestly...that's still $700.

I opted for a dash cover and called it a day...haven't even thought about the crack since then.

blkmz3

it has been 100+ deg the past few days here in Dallas. Realized small crack start around passenger airbag area. really upset right now. never had this issue when i was in the northeast but this texas heat is no joke.

handy911

I have a 2006 TL with about 57K miles on it. The dashboard is still okay, but only looking faded with some vague white spot ...is this a sign that it will eventually crack?

Actually the fading has started a years ago. Knowing about this issue, I tinted my front window and has always used sun shade when I park outside.

Any advise about how to make the fading less bad? This is one of the threads I read about dashboard cleaning: https://acurazine.com/forums/wash-wax-23/front-dashboard-862500/

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

Try keeping it protected with Aerospace303...recently, Honda started carrying the stuff (my guess it's to say that NOT putting it on is the reason for the damage).

Either way, mine was garage kept on weekends and sun shade religiously at work and I still got the crack...and once you try crack, you can never go back.

handy911

Thanks. Yeah will be looking for 303. Hate to pay shipping as much as the product cost when it comes to online shopping.

Another thing that I've read is the sun itself will not cause damage, but the change in temperature will. Kinda like when you install wooden floors..need some space to breathe.

I have also seen cracking in 06 or even 07 in some other forums, which is kinda scary to know. Should I be thinking of selling my 06 now before it happens? I still like the car tho.

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

I love my car NO less now that I have the cracked dash with a dash cover. Honsestly...not one bit.

GeeteeDan

iTrader: (4)

My 04 finally started cracking yesterday. Waiting to call corporate monday but doubt ill hear anything good.

GeeteeDan

iTrader: (4)

Ironically mine is exactly the same. Go figure

EvilJoker

GUYS!!!!! You have to realize parking in garage or outside, whatever. Vinyl WILL dry out over time, which causes it to shrink and pull apart when it cracks. Since I bought my TL in July, I have been treating the dash and all the weatherstripping once a week (4 days in a row the first week) with Black Magic Natural Finish protectant to get the moisture back into the vinyl and weatherstripping. It looks like the factory vinyl look ,NOT greasy looking, and doesnt rub off like the greasy stuff and it has a "matte" finish.

http://www.blackmagicshine.com/natur...protectant.php

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

^^^Sounds like you're going at it aggressively...let us know if it keeps it from happening.

My guess would be no, but that's just my experience after being pretty good about keeping it "moist" and keeping the sun off of it. It should not be cracking...the cars are all under 10 years old. This didn't happen in older cars.

And to be honest...rubbing astroglide on it every 16 hours to prevent it from happening isn't something I'd want to have to deal with.

SpencerCharif

I am an attorney in florida, and I am working to bring a class action regarding this obvious defect. Please visit this site and submit your information if you are or were affected by this defect in manufacture and/or design.

http://www.acuradashboarddefect.com/

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

^^^Wow...if that pans out, I'd be very grateful. I don't mind the dashmat, but if they HAD to swallow it and fix it that would be great too.

Contact info added.

And if anyone is leery...he's not asking for any more info than your name and your email address. Also, googled screen name and he is an attorney in Miami.
Sorry, being from South Florida myself...I'm always skeptical.

J.

blkmz3

sent in my info. ive seen class action lawsuits go through. I used to have an E46 M3. This model was prone to cracking in the subframe. Class Action lawsuit was settled and dealer ended up replacing subframe by dealer.

whudini3000

iTrader: (1)

Smh @ everyone's dash cracking in the exact same spot(s). I've already thrown a dashtopper across the dash(looks great btw, Thanks Rockstar). I will submit my info as well to protest shoddy craftsmanship.

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

^^^thanks Buddy...so glad you're happy!
If this works, out icing on the cake!

Jackass

How does this impact the passenger airbag? Is it still functional? Or is the passenger going to get blasted with the topper in an accident?

whudini3000

iTrader: (1)

I would imagine it's still functional and as long as it deploys we're good. I guess it beats leather shard being blasted in your face

TLDude876

iTrader: (7)

Like everyone else in this thread, my dash is cracked and I am currently awaiting my sedona seude in the mail. I just submitted my info!

Edit: Btw, I think the link should be put in a more general area in the 3G section so everyone can see it.

Bruce Banner

iTrader: (2)

I was using that stuff, but I never got the impression the dash absorbed it.

I've swapped over to meguiars ultimate protectant. This stuff definitely sticks on.

It has a sheen to it, but if it can protect from the cracking, I don't care.
https://acurazine.com/forums/wash-wax-23/review-meguiars-ultimate-protectant-866985/


Going back to the matter, does anyone know for its fro UV sun exposure? I've read members garaging it, and sun shading it and religiously applying 303 and it still cracked. Some hint it may be just air temp.
It's still cracking on people using 303, so I wouldn't depend on it, even if Honda is recommending it.

hofiveo

Just signed up at the litigation site. Cheering you on. Holding off on dashmat. Mine cracked in July of this year here in Memphis, temps constantly in 100's in June, July and August. Mine is same as others here, pass. air bag and above gauge cluster. Used 303 exclusively and garage kept with fan and venting. No windshield blocker thing. What kind and where to get the windshield blocker thing by the way(sorry, to lazy to search right now) Thanks.

Bruce Banner

iTrader: (2)

Any autostore will have it, including walmart

Slpr04UA6

Here is a link to what a lot of members are using. I haven't bought this one, already have a cheapy Walmart one. Will eventually put this on my "to buy" list.

https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-2004-2008-93/covercraft-sun-shade-custom-fit-gap-857851/

hofiveo

Slpr04UA6 Thank You, that is the one.

jptypeS

i gotta sign up for that class suit

Bruce Banner

iTrader: (2)

This thread scares me, I thought it only cracked at the air bag side, apparently no part of this dash is safe. I miss my old CB7 now. 19yrs and the dash was crack free and pristine. These new cars now a days seem to really be skimping on quality of materials.

jptypeS

hey i have had 2 cb7, and im looking for my 3rd one now, i want a 92-93 ex sedan, make it a nice DD, :-) and yes they were built tough

lacho337

Hey guys im a new member to acurazine, i own an 06 acura tl 3.2 n was wondering if anyone knows where i can get my dash board fixed its cracked and is continuing to crack even more. Any help will be appreciated thank you

Bearcat94

You're not the first, as you can see by the multi-page thread your post was moved to.

Just search 'cracked dash'.


Good luck.

RedsTL

Any confirmation of 2007/2008 TL w/ cracked dash?

youraway

Looks like this is an old post and I'm not sure if the dash was ever replaced, but here's my story. I bought a CPO 2000 TL in 2003 in Florida. I drove to California and dropped my car off at Concord Acura. They changed oil, filter, etc, but called me to say I had numerous problems and we needed to talk. They identified a defective front and passenger side motor mount, a defective air bag seat sensor, and a leaking rear view mirror. They gave me a new TL to drive and a few days later I picked up my 00 TL with everything replaced at no charge. Yes $0. My experience has been nothing but great. Now years later we're still driving the 00 TL and have just purchased an 06 TL from a private owner, hopefully all goes well with this one.

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

...I'm glad to hear of your happy ending, but I'm not sure how this story ties in with the large sum of us suffering from a defective dash.

Trust me, your experience is a butterfly flying out of a unicorn's ass of Acura dealership experiences.

Bueller

Hmm...

ez12a

probably referring to the fluid inside used to dim the mirror.

tonydize21

the pictures ive seen here look great compared to mine ,mine is horribly cracked it has go around the passenger airbag ive been calling acura for the last 3 years nothing hope this lawsuit acomplishes something

Sutitan

Hey Guys, thought id give you an update on my dash. Im a firm believer that im in probably the top 10% of worst dashes in the country, so if anyone wants an idea of how far this cracking really goes, check it out. thumbnails are clickable incase you want to check out the cracks in a bit more detail

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

^^^yours is so bad and consistent, it almost looks like it's designed that way.

please, check out our newest dash feature...Mayan Bronze with the unique desert floor cracked vinyl dash...really, quite elegant!