Used 2006 sonata has crack on dash along passanger air bag panel.

A few weeks ago we purchased a used 2006 Sonata from a dealer (the same
dealer we've purchased three new Hyundai's from over the last 5 years). The
Sonata has about 35,000 miles on it, and was originally sold about 3 years
ago and has had a single owner (per "Carfax"), and has 2 years left on the
transferred warranty.

We feel like we got a pretty good deal on the price, and the car is in good
shape overall, however, we have noticed a crack in the top of the dashboard.
It's about 4 inches long along the left side of the "blow out" panel (I
don't know the exact term) from where the passenger side air bag would come
out. There's no other scratches, scuff marks, etc. on the dash, so it
doesn't look like it was treated roughly.

I realize it's probably a lot of labor to replace the top of the dash, but
is it something that should be covered by the Hyundai warranty?

We mentioned it to the dealer, and he said it wouldn't get worse and we
shouldn't worry about it. However, I'm concerned that over time it will
spread and the longer we wait the less likely we would be able to get it
take care of.

Should we push the dealer to take care of this? If it's not covered under
the warranty, about what would something like this cost? I was thinking
maybe we could work out a partial deal with them if necessary.

Mike O.

 

Yes, it's covered. Yes, you should push the dealer to take care of it.

In fact, I've seen this on a couple 2006 Sonatas. They apparently mad
some of the dashes a little too thin in the passenger air bag area.

On the other hand, if you had to pay for it, it wouldn't be worth thinkin
about. $1000 comes to mind

 

We have a 2006 Sonata and the 'crack' is all the way around the blow out
panel. It was not there initially but starting appearing after a few months
of sun baking it. For me, I'll live with it rather than have the Hyundai
dealer screw something else up since the dash is a major job.

 

I wonder if it was something specific to the 2006 models? We have a 2004
Sonata (just sold it to my son), and had a 2003 Santa Fe (traded it in for a
2008 Santa Fe last summer). Neither of those had any problem with the dash.

 

Sort of like saying my apple is rotting so I'm throwing out this loaf of
bread as it must be bad also.

Different design, different material, different tooling, possibly different
suppliers, different colors,

 

Hey I have teh same issue with my 07 Sonata. Only had 18,000 miles 2
years 5 days old. Took it to the dealer and they said they'd order a
new dash kit and take care of it for me. So check out your dealer!

 

06 & 07 Sonata and Azera models exhibit this flaw, especially southern
vehicles. These are covered for 5yr / 60k miles, even for 2nd owners.
Hyundai has used a lot more more of their warranty reserves than they
had planned. HMA is looking at dealer warranty claims very closely,
particularly trim items. If a dealer has had a lot of seat cushions and
dash panels, they will try to pass on doing the repair or at least put
if off as long as possible. The last thing any car dealer wants - even
in great financial times - is a warranty audit from the vehicle
manufacturer. Even the best dealers will end up paying thousands of
dollars to the company. For a struggling dealer, it could very well mean
going out of business. If you have another dealer in your area, take it
there. If you get no satisfaction, call Hyundai consumer affairs.
They'll get the ball rolling.