Jendi said:

I have a 2014 Fiat 500 Lounge and also have this problem. I think it appeared a couple of months ago. I will go to the ACCC site and make a complaint.

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Might be simpler just to fit a dash-mat.

Too late once it’s happened but regular treatment with something like aerospace 303 might prevent the plastic going brittle

I've just had this happen to me tonight with my 2013 500S. It's been in the dealers overnight for break cylinders being replaced (wasn't done during service a month ago as a part had seized and they didn't have the part) but on collecting it tonight the first thing my wife has seen opening the door to get in is this lump. My pic is almost identical to OPs.

I reported it to my rep and they took pics, but I don't think they are going to do anything about it on an 8yo car out of warranty.

Any update on this issue? It would appear that it is a manufacturing fault and should be covered.

My 2012 fiat 500c just developed the same dash crack near the airbag. An old car but nonetheless very disappointed as I’ve owned it less than 6 months. Did anyone have success with manufacturing fault claim?

F allen said:

My 2012 fiat 500c just developed the same dash crack near the airbag. An old car but nonetheless very disappointed as I’ve owned it less than 6 months. Did anyone have success with manufacturing fault claim?

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Hello and welcome to the forum.

Most folks reporting this issue are based in Australia, so I'm thinking it's related to the amount of sunshine falling on this part of the dash. Plastics are well known for degrading rapidly when exposed to UV light.

Looking at the photographs, I'm thinking this fault might show signs of impending failure before a split actually appears. Anyone buying an older used 500, particularly one from a sunny climate, might consider checking this area of the dash for any sign of bowing or swelling.

F allen said:

My 2012 fiat 500c just developed the same dash crack near the airbag. An old car but nonetheless very disappointed as I’ve owned it less than 6 months. Did anyone have success with manufacturing fault claim?

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Update - a car upholsterer said they couldn’t repair crack without replacing the entire dash and for a 10yo car recommended instead I purchase a dash mat so here it is. https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/362576443728

That's what I suggested above - looks much better and may help to prevent the damage getting worse.

It's a pity you couldn't buy just the plastic part from the UK less the airbag second hand would only cost £20 for postage ish