Replaced passenger airbag; now huge dash crack

[Vinny2010]

I replaced the airbag in late April without any cracks being on that side of the dash. I have recently noticed a growing HUGE! crack right on the passenger airbag starting from the navigator air vent on that side. I will be talking to a manager this weekend about it, has anyone else run into this issue? and anything to help me win this issue?

I always crack both front windows sometimes all 4 if really hot and put up a sun visor and keep my interior clean.

[AZhitman]

Why was the airbag replaced? It's a 12-year old car, so I suspect Infiniti won't care. Check out the thread about dashes cracking in the Altima section - new cars.

[Vinny2010]

It was replaced due to the recall.

[AZhitman]

Ah. So, the dealer didn't do it?

[Vinny2010]

Sorry for the miscommunication the dealership replaced the air bag and ever since the crack on the dash has been growing more and more since then.

[EdBwoy]

So, the dash had no cracks -> you had the airbag replaced during the recall -> you left the dealership with no cracks -> now the dash is cracking pretty badly

Am I following correctly? If so, unfortunately the dealer doesn't have any liability because the car left their premises with no defects.
In reality, some here have had their dashboards damaged during the replacement, so I don't doubt something they did could have exacerbated the problem on our already crack-prone dashes; but this could be hard to prove.

How long have you had the car for, and how long ago was the bag replaced?
Do you have any pictures to show?

[Vinny2010]

I have had the car for 2 years now, and the car did have some cracks randomly placed on the dashboard just not on the passenger side. This is now the biggest crack on the dash. The airbag was just replaced in late April this year.

[Larz]

Infiniti dealers take photographs of each dash when the recall procedure begins and a second set of photos when the car ius sent back out of the service area to return to the customer. If those photos show no crack in the area you are indicating, there is no recourse. In fact, my service rep told me at the time of my replacement, even when photos clearly show damage was done BY the service, Infiniti usually denies any liability.
I suggest buying a dash cover. Not really a solution, I know but it will hide the damage.

[Vinny2010]

If I buy a cover does that interfere with the airbag going off?

It's always worth a shot, I'm either going to tell them I'll complain to corporate or work a deal out with them about fixing some small minor stuff.
I know corporate always hear and ignores this stuff but its just a BS call.

[AZhitman]

My bad, Vin - I misunderstood.

Ed's probably right, unfortunately. Keep us posted on how it goes.

To answer your question, most dash mats have a flap for the airbag. Truthfully, however, if your bags blow in a collision, a scrap of carpet isn't gonna be in the way regardless.

[Larz]

If I buy a cover does that interfere with the airbag going off?

It's always worth a shot, I'm either going to tell them I'll complain to corporate or work a deal out with them about fixing some small minor stuff.
I know corporate always hear and ignores this stuff but its just a BS call.

If you buy a dash cover, it is held down onto the dash with velcro. When I did mine, I used velcro where the cover meets the front wind screen and just a few other key places to hold it down. I didn't put any velcro in the airbag area. That way, when the bag fires, the cover will rise up and out of the way to allow the bag to do it's job.

Here is a good price for a custom fit cover on Ebay:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fits-2006-2010- ... tu&vxp=mtr

Some vendors offer them in velour, carpet-like material, etc. Just do a little searching. In fact if you use google, maybe find the actual dash cover company and they might have lots more options.

[Vinny2010]

I went in last Friday and they said if we don't have a video of your dash that has the crack we will replace it. I got a call back this Monday and they don't even have the video so I will be getting a new replaced dash under warranty!

My only worry is how good they're at replacing dashes. I know components have been settled into my current dash and I'm afraid they might disturb something and cause it to eventually break, do we have a post about this happening or anyone have storys to tell me about this?

[Larz]

First of all ....... Bloody Great News !!
The components like the air vents, etc are much more sturdy than the crap material they used for the dash. I doubt that any of the components will be damaged. Removing those from the existing dash will probably destroy the old dash, but remember they will be installing them into a new, softer, fresher dash. Now I reckon all that's left is the long wait for them to locate a new dash.
My dealer is still waiting for dashes that were ordered in March. Hopefully, it won't take so long where you are.

[midnightclub619]

I finally got my recall notice to come and take it in. I've been waiting for this for so long, however, I've been reading all the bad experiences with the dash cracking once it leaves the dealership and honestly I'm scared to bring it in bc my dash right now has not one single crack/scratch on it and I want to keep it that way. But I also don't want that airbag to explode while i'm in the car or have a passenger in it.

I've read all the threads on this... does anyone have suggestions on what I should do to be prepared before I take my M in?

[EdBwoy]

I haven't gotten mine and I don't look forward to that dilemma. However, what I decided to do is to just take pictures and record video of it showing it's condition and mileage. Then discuss my concerns of the dashboard being cracked during/ after the work with someone as I drop it. For this conversation, video evidence would be cool, but people might object to being recorded, so I'd do secret audio (check your state laws about consent to private recordings). My point is to make it clear that the dash has been OK for 150K miles etc. Even if it comes out ok after the recall, only one recent event would have triggered it to start cracking soon after.

In reality, some here have had their dashboards damaged during the replacement, so I don't doubt something they did could have exacerbated the problem on our already crack-prone dashes; but this could be hard to prove.

I usually don't say this much, but it would be nice for some corporate responsibility on this one beyond replacing the airbags, Just replace the dang dashboard too. Someone screwed the pooch, and would have gotten away with it, had Takata not screwed their pooch too.
Seriously though, what happened to the idea of making dashboards with removable passenger airbags... or good quality dashboards?

[Vinny2010]

Well, hopefully they figured out why the dash was cracking on everyones Infiniti and fixed the issue with new dashes that are ordered thats all I have to say. And my Infiniti dealership in VA records the interior (or whatever area they're working on) before they start. So, since they couldn't even find evidence of a video of them working on my car before the recall was done, I lucked out. So I would go with taking a video like EdBwoy said of the dash condition and mileage on it and getting paper work of when and what milage the dealership did the recall, and if it does crack or become damaged tell them to fix due to your evidence.

[midnightclub619]

Thanks for the info EdBwoy & Vinny. I'll definitely do all you've said as backup for my proof. And i'll be sure to raise my concerns prior to dropping off my vehicle and tell them what some of us have experienced so that they know that we are aware that some dashes are not of great quality and expect them to repair any defects their products may develop.

[DMO13247]

Just got my airbag serviced last week, and what do you know, I get it back with a damaged dash. Chips everywhere where they pulled it apart. They took photos before, but be sure to do the same! Thankfully, the dealership here in San Diego took full responsibility and just ordered a replacement dashboard for me. Now I'm just hoping the quality is OEM, and not a cheap version. I have a feeling his recall is going to lead to many dash replacements, so be careful.

[midnightclub619]

I almost want to ask if there is a How-To on replacing our own dashes? hahaha. I'm curious if our own DIY'ers on here could do a better job replacing our own dashes. This forum has a real good How-To list compared to other sites. It's just so frustrating that the dealership could be so deliberate at not trying to be careful with our vehicles...smh

[EdBwoy]

None that I've seen. However, I've removed my dash. I didn't find it too bad, but it's the kind of job I'd definitely not mind being done on someone else's dime and time.
Not to brag, but I'll say that even without looking at any instructions, the dash can be removed without causing any additional cracks, chips, bends or creases. (Didn't keep it long enough to see if it started cracking later though)

Maybe if I get a helper next time I'm getting into such a project I'll make an instructional the best way I know how to - video.

[paulypotz]

Just thought id share my experience. I recently move to a new town and took my car ,2006 m35x, in for both recalls (gas pedal and airbag). The service advisor warned me that this one day job can take up to 2-3weeks because the dash might crack and depending on inventory they will need to order and install a new dash if that's the case. He gave me a loaner for the day and also said I would have the loaner for the duration of the repair as well, no matter how long it takes he said here is no real reason why they crack because the mechanics take the dash off the same way. I'm guessing it may be where you live and the season you do the repair. Maybe hotter weather makes the dash more plyable? Anyway, my dash didn't crack and look just as it did when I brought it in.
Btw, this was the best dealer experience I've ever had, they washed the car inside and out and even shine the tires all for a free service visit. Holman Infiniti maple shade, nj

[midnightclub619]

So I finally went to the dealership to get it replaced but they did find a really small crack at my left air vent. The crack was maybe an inch but really unnoticeable, even I didn't see it when I was going over it with a fine tooth comb. The tech at the dealership checked all the spots that they know of that will crack the dash. So we both checked all the vents and any corner that the dash had...all vents, center speaker, vents for windshield, and I mean every corner. Since he did find that one crack he said he would order a new dash that day and would call me back once it came in. So looks like i'll be returning in a month to get the replacement done.

[Vinny2010]

Ummm, should everyone go and get their airbags replaced ASAP just to see if they dash will crack anyway? Im starting to get worried that not everyone will get a dash or replacement.
Im also thinking since its summer time the crack will appear anyway, so if you like your dash the way it is (not responsible if you dont replace the airbag recall ASAP) get it replaced when it gets colder out?

[midnightclub619]

I decided to get my airbag replaced ASAP because it's been humid recently on the Southwest Coast so I didn't want any issues since I read humidity can be a cause of the airbag malfunction (i could mistaken)... But I'd rather be safe right now and get this done soon as I can. I have all my windows tinted (including windshield) so the tech said this could've been a factor for the dash crack not being worst and longer than it was right now.

[kmiles]

I feel bad for all those who have had their dashboards crack - I'm curious as to what the real percentage of customers are that experiencing this after a getting their airbag recall repaired. I'm one of the lucky ones - I had my airbag replaced on 6/22/17 and see no cracks at all and I've been checking closely. I live in Western Washington and the car is in the garage when at home. I don't get the really hot sun baking my car like some of you do.

[midnightclub619]

@kmiles, yeah, thats another good point. Fortunately, I don't drive my M everyday to work so when its at home its in a garage all day so thats another bonus to the dash not cracking. I would say for those M's that sit in the sun, it would expedite the cracking and would recommend those to get some kind of sun shade to block that sun from the dash. I'm nervous about the replacement dash that they are going to give me. I hope its OEM but have doubts in terms of quality. At this point I only have to wait and see for the job to be completed.

[Vinny2010]

Well, I'm in Virginia and the summer right now is up and down with the heat, but no matter what I do since I got the car with some light cracks in the dash it has still been slowly growing. That is with me taking precautions like putting the window visor up and cracking both front windows and sometimes back since I have the window vents. I even have 35% tint all around and 5% on top.

[Larz]

I reckon the likelihood of cracking is dependent upon the history of the car. In my area which has been designated as the highest risk area due to humidity, temps, etc the chances of dash damage with ANY repair that involves handling the dash is probably greatest. Some people don't drive the M every day, it sits in a somewhat ventilated garage, protected from direct sunlight and high internal temps. Those people could still see damage but certainly less likely and hopefully less extensive damage. My car was delivered from Japan to Florida and has remained in Florida since. The previous owner did not garage the car and I have no room in my garage for it until I complete the sale of the 19.8 foot long, 5,600 lb 1968 Fleetwood that currently hogs 75% of the two bay space. The good news is that when the new dash was installed, it made the whole car look new again. It still looks 100% pristine and I now keep a dash cover over it at all times.