General Imperfections on coloured dashboard (pic)

[jamesbrownontheroad]

Howdy all. Thought I'd share this. I only spotted it after a few days of ownership.

The 2012 Panda has, as you know, a coloured panel that runs around the "rim" of the dashboard and shelf facia. However the inside edge of the passenger side of mine - for a length of about three or four inches - appears "worn down" - or more likely not sprayed consistently with whatever surface finish is used in production.

See the pic attached. That's not brightness or light reflecting off the dash - it's the actual surface that reveals the white of the plastic underneath

Jay at Desira in Norwich has agreed that it's a manufacturing fault that can be fixed under warranty, but incredibly the coloured band is not a separate part - the whole dashboard will have to be replaced!

Given the hassle involved in replacing it, I'm beginning to wonder whether it was worth my complaint. Has anyone else found a similar imperfection in their Panda?

Cheers

 

[Most Easterly Pandas]

It's a shame they have to change the whole dash, will never be the same again normally, rattles and the like along with the odd clip broken in the process

 

[catnash]

Mine has a similar thing, not as bad as that though. Havent told the garage yet, I've decided not to do anything yet as I wouldnt want the dash removed.

 

[stringy]

I couldn't give a nick if the dash rattled afterwards. I would take it back in and tell them to fix the rattle that THEY have caused.

They would get sick before I did, and eventually do it properly. What I wouldn't do though is live with a defect like that, it would bother me too much to ignore, especially when it's as obvious as in the pic.

 

[krugoval]

Just wanted to say that i discovered the same kind of "worn out" paint discoloration on my panda. Btw it`s the same paint scheme (grey) i also discovered that the AC temperature dial (the dial with red and blue paint that you turn for hot or cold air ) is flacking its color, i had two spots with no color but when i scrach it with my nail the paint just falls off. Also i discovered my panda rattled at about 60km/h. So today i went to my dealer and solved the rattling problem with a propper tire balance. They took photos of my dash and were amased to see what happened. Told me that they will order spare parts immediatly and should get them in 4-5 days. I`m a little dissapointed in fiats fit & finish and attencion to details, but i am verry happy with the ride and fuel consumption.. Any thoughts on this?

 

[Ulpian]

Very disappointing is the answer, especially as Fiat prices it's cars as premium products and (in the UK) sells them with the worst warranties in the industry.

The paint is now scratching off my radio buttons, but my car is ten years old, not brand new.

 

[krugoval]

The dealer called me yesterday and said that the parts have arived. So today i went to the dealer to got the dashboard and the hot/cold turning thingy replaced. It took them a couple of hours and they did a great job. As i understand the replacement is quite straight forward and they just unscrew the grey dashbord cover, replace the turning thingy and put the new dashbord cover. All in all im glad i fixed the dashbord. Loving my new panda as always

 

[catnash]

Same here mentioned it to my Fiat Dealer in Swansea and they fixed it for me and had a courtesy car. Glad I got it done it was always there.

 

[bgunn]

It's a shame they have to change the whole dash, will never be the same again normally, rattles and the like along with the odd clip broken in the process

I always hear people say this: I've taken dashboard fascias out of many cars and often *cured* rattles, certainly never made any. If you take care in removing it, there won't be any problems. It's a bit like saying "Your car will never be the same again" after a clutch change. Of course it will, if the workmanship is up to scratch.

 

[Ralf S.]

Clips usually come undone okay when they're new.. they're obviously more brittle with age. It'll be okay.

As an idea (if your car was out of warranty)... would a SMART repairer be able to fix it? I've seen holes in the dash repaired invisibly (fill, texture and blow over). Someone somewhere must be able to fix this "as new" if it happens later in the car's life.


Ralf S.

 

[SCORCHIO12]

I have noticed mine is starting to wear in the same pics as the dashboard and also the hot/cold switch has started to flake a little.

When i get a spare half day im going to go and get these sorted by fiat.

On a plus side the boot mech is still working!

So far the issues that i have had (boot mech, dash and heater switch)
appear to be common problems.

Apart from that i still love the drive of the panda.

 

[SCORCHIO12]

Dealer agreed that its covered by warranty for new dash and heater switch. Luckily its not a whole dash out and that the silver trim unscrews.

Parts on order...

 

[SCORCHIO12]

:slayerarts now in stock. going to get fitted on friday...

 

[sheratonlodge]

I had the same imperfections on my new Panda (Sept 2012). The dealer - Bishops Guildford - ordered the new part (after much chasing from me) and fitted it. Nothing but noises and rattles from the dashboard since. I have overheard members of the engineering team refer to my car as 'the dashboard car'. They are not confident of fixing it.:bang:

Currently trying to renegotiate a new car. Don't see why I should put up with these imperfections.

Not happy with Bishops at all. They have a very poor attitude.

In the meantime, I'm driving around in one of the dealers pool 500s. Give me an un-rattling Panda any day!!!

 

[SCORCHIO12]

Amazing, take the car on friday and get a call 4 hours later saying the car can be collected but is not repaired!!

Apaprently after having the part in they never bothered to check it and was in a far worse condition than the one on my car!

FIAT service depts are bloody hopeless!!:bang::bang::bang::bang:

 

[deeyup]

Amazing the quality control on these dash panels.
Is there no one checking at point of manufacture??

 

[Murano16v]

Amazing the quality control on these dash panels.
Is there no one checking at point of manufacture??

You can see a guy here personally checking the dash panels.

 

[deeyup]

Yep, see him at 3:20.

I'm sure I saw him then other week in my local kebab shop. He had a white stick and a yellow dog with him!

 

[SCORCHIO12]

New dash replaced and heater switch. Done a great job to be fair. No marks on dash or rattles. All looks new again