Hi all,
I wish it was in better circumstances that I contact the forum, but I'm encountering the dreaded dashboard melt issue with my Liberty. 2006 model, Premium pack, maintained by Subaru for all but the last service. Parked undercover as much as possible (At home, and if possible at work)
Over the past 5 months, the dash has gone from near perfect condition, to cracking at every corner. The rubber has softened to the point where it pulls off with finger pressure. The surface on a hot day becomes so shiny that it blinds from sunlight, and an unusual vapour/residue has started coating the inside of the windscreen, obscuring visibility at low sun angles and night driving (Downright dangerous whilst driving into oncoming headlights).
After a bit of research, I have found that Subaru in America has had this same issue to the letter, and has offered full replacement and labour costs to all models affected between 2004 and I think 2010, as a one off extended warranty offer. Strangely enough Mazda, Toyota and Lexus both overseas and in Australia have developed the same issue, initially denied that it was a problem, but have now admitted that the dashboard does fail in this manner, and have offered full replacement and labour. All following significant consumer pressure and legal action in several cases.
Subaru Australia up till now says that although the failure is identical to American vehicles, and to a range of Australian vehicles of other manufacturers, that the disintegration of the dash on a 10 year old Subaru is in no way related.
I'm seeking feedback from fellow Subaru owners regarding similar failures in their vehicles. Starting with Liberty owners, but I'll contact other forums as well to see if the issue extends to other models. I know from a few other forums that this problem has occurred. I hope that by making Subaru aware of this, they will be more inclined to repair or replace the defective part. A dashboard on an under 10 year old car should not fail this spectacularly, and certainly should not be obscuring vision.
Many thanks,
Joel