Sticky Dashboard?

[Deb Moran]

I have read a previous thread about melting dashboards and I would like to share my situation. I live in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia and my 2007 Toyota Aurion ATX has the same sticky melted dashboard that others have written about. I am certain that this is an issue that Toyota globally do not want to do anything about unless enough people en-mass complain and keep complaining. I have taken it up with Toyota Corporate Australia. And I've taken it to be assessed at Kedron Sci Fleet Toyota dealership and the same response was given to me as to everyone else - It is out of the warranty period and Toyota won't be doing a thing. Even I know that this is not a warranty issue - it is a manufacture issue - there was no sign of it in the first 3 years. And my car is mostly parked in a garage. So it also has something to do with heat as well. I have driven Toyota vehicles all of my life and never have I had one that has done this. I intend to report this to the Dept Qld Fair Trading in the first instance. I've noticed that when there has been other global issues that got ignored the only way that seemed to get action is through the people and social media. I encourage anyone who has this issue with their dash to make it known on social media sites and through the authorities in your country. From the number of people who have told their stories about sticky dashboards - Toyota definitely know about this problem but hope that the problem goes away. Another Sci Fleet Toyota dealership tell me that they had 3 people bring in this same problem in the last fortnight. Toyota claims that it stands behind the quality of its vehicles - so I will do whatever it takes to make them live up to their quality reputation and to replace these sticky dashboards.

 

Facebook page relating to this issue can be found here:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/803730803039477/

[Deb Moran]

So I have good news about the sticky dashboard situation. Toyota USA has agreed to replace sticky dashboards! Breaking news from the journalist that I have been communicating with in the US a few hours ago! http://www.wptv.com/money/consumer/help-for-melting-dashboards

I am still fighting for Oz!

Edited December 19, 2014 by Deb Moran

[Deb Moran]

So I have good news about the sticky dashboard situation. Toyota USA has agreed to replace sticky dashboards! Breaking news from the journalist that I have been communicating with in the US a few hours ago! http://www.wptv.com/...ting-dashboards

I am still fighting for Oz!

[Bonjit]

Hi Deborah,

Have you heard anything from fair trading about your sticky dashboard, I have the same problem too, I have a 2007 Aurion Prodigy where the dashboard is so sticky, it looks like it is melting because of the heat, it basically affects the drivers side where the instrumentation panel is. It would cost me $700 to buy a new dash plus labor, but if Toyota will replace it, it would be good. Let me know so I will know my next step.

[Deb Moran]

Hi Bonjit

I had a phone call from Dept Fair Trading and they wipe their hands of it because they state that it is out of warranty and therefore not interested. I had more words and an email with Toyota Motor Corporation Australia and their Customer Experience Centre which gave no assistance what so ever. Their statement that:

"The Aurion is assembled and parts sourced from different markets to the USA, and as such, any recalls or issues affecting vehicles in the North American market would not affect vehicles released for the Australian market."

I can't completely accept that their supply chains and suppliers for Australian market are not affiliated with the US suppliers and they're all made in China, Taiwan, or Korea or somewhere where the labour is cheap and they get economy of scale. It is just too suspect that the same issues of melting dashboards are happening for owners in the States as we are in Australia.

I was quoted in excess of $1300 to fix my dashboard - so I guess the $700 is just for the dashboard part.

There has to be something that Aurion owners with this problem can do - just as they have done in the US.

The latest regarding the situation in the States is at this link:

http://www.wptv.com/money/consumer/toyota-parts-shortage-delays-melting-dashboard-repairs-until-may-2015-refunds-start-immediately

I have made a complaint to the ACCC last week after the Toyota email. The way that these things get action is when a lot of people band together and demand a solution. I don't mind getting the ball rolling - but I've struck little support in Australia. The journalist who assisted these people to get their dashboard replaced says that I should keep going - but I think that I need someone in the media who will expose this to get the attention of the majority of people.

Do you or anyone else have any ideas that we could try?

[trentmeyer23]

As a matter of fact, quite a lot of parts are produced here for the Aurion as it has many parts that are different from the US, Euro, etc. Camry variants.

[Bonjit]

Hi Deborah,

I think there are other people who have the same problem as us , we just have to band together and see if Toyota will fix up the issue. My smash repairer quoted me $650 for the dash plus $350 for the labor, $1000 in total . A lot of money to spend unless I just put up with it. I'll call up my Local Toyota dealer tomorrow and see if they would help me out. I just don't like the service manager there, they just want to rip me off, I'll see how it goes though, let you know.

[trentmeyer23]

What are you cleaning it with?

[Deb Moran]

To be honest - no product what so ever. The reason I first noticed this problem was because the dashboard appeared to be very dusty. I thought that I should wipe the dust off it - but when I looked closer and touched it I decided that wiping it with a clean cloth probably wouldn't get the dust off as the dust seemed stuck to the dash. I've never used any amour oil (or anything else) and only wiped the interior with a dry cloth or a sponge if it seemed necessary. So no product has contributed to the sticky greasiness that is evident on the dash.

[Defyant]

LOL walks out side to see if this is true.... Touch the dashboard and guess what! stickier than fresh jizz.....

ive also never used any product. old school 'ers know the downsides to that.

sign me up for some class action.

[nihonjin]

I'm in as well. My 2006 aurion had a fly that got stuck as the dash was so sticky.

[trentmeyer23]

I'm in as well. My 2006 aurion had a fly that got stuck as the dash was so sticky.

Sounds like the dash is doing you a favour.

[Deb Moran]

Good to know that others have also discovered this sticky issue outside of the warranty period.

An update regarding Toyota USA fixing 4.5 Million sticky dashboards:

http://www.wptv.com/money/consumer/toyota-parts-shortage-delays-melting-dashboard-repairs-until-may-2015-refunds-start-immediately

Need a consumer watchdog to assist us in Australia. Any suggestions?

[Bonjit]

Just got my local Toyota Dealer to take a picture of the sticky dashboard this morning, they will respond once they get something from Toyota, hope for the best that they would replace it! Let you guys know what the response is.

[MrMeToo]

I've had the same issue in my 2008 Prodigy. I hope Toyota does something about it. My car as whole is pretty clean apart from the sticky, dusty dashboard!

[Bonjit]

Got a response from Toyota, They will not replace the dashboard because it is out of warranty. We might have to go to a consumer watch dog, anybody got connections here?

[Wendy Eddins]

I have the same sticky dash problem with my 2006 Aurion. Same response from Toyota - out of warranty. I have sent a follow up email to Toyota and I am still waiting for a reply.

[Bonjit]

Hi Wendy,

Toyota knows there is a problem, but they don't want to do anything about it. We all should go to the media and complain, maybe they will listen!

[Deb Moran]

More people with sticky dashboards on another forum on this website:

http://au.toyotaownersclub.com/forums/topic/41194-dashboard-pad-sticky/

[kiranarch]

Hi Guys,

I own a 08 Aurion in the middle east.I had a similar situation where the Toyota dealer quoted 5000 aed= 1700 aud. Obviously i wouldn't spend that kind of money on the dashboard so i went hunting for an local vendor and to my luck found one.This guys hails from Iran they did a fabulous job in replacing the entire factory material with leather for 750 aed = 260 aud.Will post pics soon.... i guess i don't have to sell my car after all..... This is by the way in Dubai where the Aurions are in few numbers due to which there is exclusivity. ;)

[07Prodigy]

This is ridiculous, I thought I had done something wrong, never thought to see if it was a camry/aurion thing. I noticed a couple camry's that have the same issue aswell.

You can count me in, mine is getting worse and worse.

[Brendo88]

Add me to the list guys. My beloved 07 Aurion Sportivo sx6 now has a melting dash in parts. It's that sticky every bit of dust sticks permanently to it and you can move the melted pool of vinyl around with your finger.

I'm pleased with the reliability of the car and performance but the interior is truly shocking quality wise. I've had to cover my dash with an ugly dash mat. I pray we will have some luck getting it replaced in the future like our USA Counterparts but I'm not that hopeful.

[Michael Melas]

Just thought I would drop a line to tell of the bad service I have received over the last few days in regards to my melting dash.They got fixed in USA but not here,hre is the link enjoy as will pass this link on everywhere. http://www.wptv.com/money/consumer/help-for-melting-dashboards .iF we get enough people with this problem we too can win check out the link.

[Rebz]

What its around night time or when the sun goes down, make sure the dash is cool and not warm..

Spray 'Aerospace 303" onto the dash and wipe it off using a gentle microfiber cloth. apply 2 layers.


that should protect further damage.

[HelenC]

I have sent messages. I have the media interested in doing a story on melting dashboards now, but I need your support. Please message me.