Hi all, 

 

I noticed by my Kodiaq a strange marks to appear on the top of the dashboard after 1 year since I own my Kodiaq car, so I wonder if someone can help me understand what those strange marks are and if this happened to someone else and what the cause of this is? How did you solve this issue (warranty repair - replacement) and if this is defect? It's like a U shape mark on the passanger side of dashboard. It first looks like someone put something on it but this appeared on its own after 1 year. Thank you for help. 

 

B.R. Alex 

Looks like the indent for the airbag. The indent shouldn’t be visible like that though. 

How can this be solved then? Change of motherboard under warranty? 

The plastic is purposely thin there, so that in a crash, the airbag will rip through the plastic, then inflate and try to save the passenger.

 

it isn’t normal that you can see the thin area, though.  You can try requesting a new dashboard top under warranty, but I can't see how any motherboard is involved.

We had the same on our 1.5TSI Karoq. Skoda admitted it was a fault eventually and replaced the dashboard under warranty.

I would see if you can live with it, just imagine the idiots at your local Skoda dealer ripping out your dash and badly fitting a new one, there will be marks on all the trim and it will rattle like mad forever.

It looks identical to mine, perfectly normal. As mentioned its where the passenger airbag deploys from.

 

Even if it wasn't normal, I agree as per above, having my local Skoda dealer attempt to replace the entire dashboard would 100% result in more marks, scuffs, rattles and overall dissatisfaction compared to the very faint outline that is there at present.

So what was mentioned above is that in this case it’s better to leave it as it is instead of getting dashboard replaced? Might first stop by dealer, so they take a look at this issue and then will see what they suggest as so far they solved 2 small issues with the car perfectly. Thank you all for the info. I hope this gets solved, but its not something that would make me love to use and love my car more. 

Its always worthwhile mentioning things like to to the dealer for their opinion.

 

If you think of the complexity of removing and refitting a new dashboard. All of the Climatronic controls, the infotainment system, the dials and binnacle, the glovebox and upper storage compartment. The centre console will more than likely have to be partially assembled around the gear lever. The A-pillar trims will need to come out. All the hoses and ducting for the heating and ventilation, then the airbags themselves.

 

All those nuts, bolts, clips, tie wraps, foam padding etc. etc.

 

It all needs to come out and then be properly replaced. What are the chances of the dealer getting everything 100% perfect, not dropping a screw, or a washer, not tightening something up properly. Not pushing a duct back in correctly. Not ensuring all the clearances and tolerances are maintained to stop stuff rubbing against something else?

 

The use of screwdrivers, other hand tools and trim removal tools. Introducing more scuffs and scratches that weren't there before? All for a small differentiation on the dash, which is the same on most other Kodiaq's, mine included. 

 

A dashboard removal and refit would be one of my worst nightmares for an invasive repair, it really wouldn't be worth the risk in my opinion.

 

Edited 20 May, 20197 yr by silver1011

One thing to be wary of, don't put anything on top of that area, like a phone holder or such like, as it could then make the airbag less efficient!

Yeah right! 🙄

 

The explosive charge that deploys the bag and ruptures the dash panel over a large surface area is enough to launch a fat adult several feet into the air as some idiots have shown on Youtube

Edited 20 May, 20197 yr by J.R.

What I was meaning is the object on the top of the airbag could then be launched at the passenger at that speed, resulting in more severe injuries.  So, instead of limit your injuries, you get an iPhone through your skull!  

In the mid 90's the passenger airbag was the location of choice for Dubai taxi drivers to screw in the meter. 

 

Made for an interesting journey back on board! 

So if the airbag goes off is the whole dash buggered................ie new dash required or the car is written off??? (assuming not written off by the bump).

 

I know they design stuff and make it difficult for the DIY'er to mend, but that seems mental if correct?

1 hour ago, Tilt said:

So if the airbag goes off is the whole dash buggered................ie new dash required or the car is written off??? (assuming not written off by the bump).

 

I know they design stuff and make it difficult for the DIY'er to mend, but that seems mental if correct?

 

Usually its a complete new dash if the airbag deploys, yes. depending on he severity of the crash the seats will need to be replaced, door cards, headlining etc. etc. There are airbags all over the car these days that can make it very expensive to get the car back on the road

Edited 26 May, 20197 yr by SuperbTWM

Yep, as I thought then................Mental, Lol.

I wasn't at the dealer yet, but will stop by them in the upcoming week or so to see what they say about it. I was able to minimize the marks of this airbag thing with special dashboard wiles from Armorall that delivers more mat finish to the dash so its not noticable that much now but still for the price you pay this should be addressed to Skoda dealer anyway. Will see what they will say. Will reply back here once I get their opinion on this.