Problems with 2008 Toyota Camry STRUCTURE

Front dashboard has become sticky and shiny. the glare is now worse than typical and makes it difficult to drive. *tr

I have a 2008 toyota camry and noticed several months ago that the dashboard started to have a sticky feeling. i live in west palm beach, fl and within the last few days i noticed an article on the channel 5 news station that had a report on the melting dash in these cars. after reading several complaints from other camry drivers, i know i'm not the only one. this seems to be a "recall" issue with toyota and they need to fix it! i've seen the estimates other drivers have received after speaking with toyota and they seem to charge around $2500 for the replacement of the dashboard; and it's not even the responsibility of the driver! this is a growing problem and toyota needs to start taking care of it now! i will never buy another toyota again, regardless of the hype of their everlasting products. *js

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 toyota camry. the contact stated that the dashboard had prematurely deteriorated causing extensive cracks and a sticky residue due to the failure. the contact stated that there was a manufacturer recall for the dashboard and that the part was not available for over two years. the contact notified two dealers of the concern and they were unable to determine when the manufacturer would be able to supply a permanent remedy for the condition. the vehicle was not repaired and the contact continued to have poor visibility due to the glare on the dashboard. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was not available.

when pulling into a gravel parking space at less than 5mph. car suddenly accelerated full throttle, jumped a concrete parking stop, became partially airborne on the right side , coming down in a depression after 25 ft. brake was fully depressed through event. visual inspection and manual check after incident showed nothing impeding either gas pedal or brake. mats firmly attached. we have photos of the acceleration tracks and the ditch where it landed. damage to fascia, bumper, air dam. alignment, possible tire damage. est. $800 - $1200. our complaint is car sat at dealer for 2 months deemed unsafe to drive. the outcome was that nothing was recorded on the black box and vehicle passed inspections on a lift. therefore even though this was an unintended acceleration issue toyota will do nothing. recommendation from both consumer reports and edmunds is a brake override should be installed. when this was mentioned they said no the car doesn't need it. one of our complaints is toyota motor sales u.s.a. took 2 months to resolve this. they didn't return phone calls or notify the dealer of any results. dealer stated toyota wouldn't let them work on the car and it was listed unsafe to drive. during this 2 months we had to rent a car out of pocket (insurance paid 2 weeks). over $1000. both my wife and i feel very lucky this incident didn't happen on a busy highway or next to a solid wall. if it had there was a good chance we could have been injured and the damage much worse. dealing with both the dealer and toyota u.s.a. was frustrating and pointless. we have picked up the car and are considering trading it in but are shocked to find in 2 years it has deprecated by $8000! this has been a complete nightmare and a monetary loss as well. to at least get the brake override would be some satisfaction. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

In march of this year i noticed an area on the dashboard. thinking someone had spilled something, i attempted to wipe it and the cloth literally stuck to the dashboard. it was gooey. over the next few months it got worse and more widespread to now be all the dashboard area. i am finding out that this issue is becoming more and more common. toyota should recall the dashboard and replace this defective equipment in the vehicle. it is a safety issue in the shiny sticky material reflects sunlight back into the eyes of the driver. additionally, keeping the car clean is extremely difficult because everything sticks to it and is impossible to remove without further damage to the vehicle. the problem has gotten so bad that there are spots where the dark material of the dashboard surface has come off and the surface beneath is now showing. i called the dealer and was advised that toyota knew about the issue in 2011 but i was never contacted as the owner of the vehicle. the vehicle was purchased brand new and i have been the only owner/driver of the vehicle. additionally, the vehicle is now out of warranty, so toyota will never be responsible for their defective manufacturing and cutting corners. please investigate this issue and ensure that for the good of the public and the safety of consumers purchasing these defective vehicles a recall is enacted. *tr

Recall - need the melting dash and resulting glare fixed. *tr

The dashboard of our 2008 toyota camry has a residue on it. we have tried cleaning it, however the more you touch the dashboard, holes appear. the dash seems to disintegrate. the glare on the dashboard is a hazard while driving. we were told by the dealership that the vehicle is out of warranty. there are several websites of people having the same issue with this same model. *tr

My dashboard has practically melted. it shines and reflects onto the windshield while i'm driving, impairing my vision. whenever i try to wipe it, whatever i'm using sticks to it and won't come off without tearing and leaving pieces on it. not only is it an eyesore, but it makes it very difficult to drive. *tr

Received recall to replace melted dash and i have been trying to get it fixed for 3 years. toyota dealership keeps giving me the run around. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 toyota camry. the contact stated that the entire dashboard in the vehicle was melting and became sticky. an independent mechanic stated that this could prevent the air bags from deploying in the event of a crash. the failure occurred for six months. the manufacturer was notified. the approximate failure mileage was 71,000. remailed 08/20/14*lj updated 09/15/14*lj

During the past year i have noticed my dashboard melting. the dashboard is sticky and is now shiny. it has progressively gotten so bad that at this point it is causing a glare on the windshield which is obstructing the driver's view. *tr

Dash is melting. shiny spots are affecting vision. cannot clean it. wheels are rusted, all paint is gone. dealer said they cannot fix. said it is my fault. *js

The dashboard seems to be melting with sun exposure, it's also very sticky. it causes a bad glare on windshield while driving making it difficult to drive. a recall is urgently needed for safety reasons. *tr

The dashboard of my camry se began to crystallize and became sticky to the touch. it is now so sticky that the least touch and nick pulls the vinyl right off. it is so shiny that it gives off a reflection while driving. it is very distracting when driving as it seems that something is in your eyes. the glare makes for a dangerous situation because your judgment is affected. this is a safety hazard and should be recalled by the dealer. i have several others with camrys having the same problem. *tr

The dashboard is melting. it has become very sticky and shinny. it is very difficult to see out the front window due to the glare from the dashboard on sunny days. i am worried that the glare may cause an accident. *js

Have 2008 toyota camry xle. dashboard is sticky and seems to be melting. have fidelity platinum warranty, they refused to cover it. toyota regional director offered to cover the repair at 50% which would be over $800 out of my pocket. this is a factory flaw and the amount of incidents reported online is staggering... why should i have to pay anything when others are getting it replaced free of charge. next report is to help me [xxx] and/or attorney. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

My dashboard has been melting for over a year now. at first it was a little sticky, but now it flakes if you touch it. my husband ordered me a cover over the dashboard because it was causing a glare and it was hard for me to see. i talked to the toyota dealership and they said there had not been a recall on it. it would cost $2800 to replace it. something needs to be done because there have been many complaints about the dash causing an obstruction. *tr

The dashboard is melting from the sun and it throws a glare upon the driver's front window and obstructs the driver's visibility. *tr

My dash on my camry is sticky and shiny. when the sun hits my dash it causes a glare on my windshield. there is documentation online about some camry's having issues with this. this is a defect with the car and toyota refuses to replace the dash for free. i am told the price to replace the dash is $1,586 and that the dealership will give a 10% discount. the toyota corporate office i contacted stated they would offer assistance to fix the dash and my portion would be around $700-$750. i feel like this should be replaced free of charge as this is not normal wear and tear and is obviously a defect from the manufacturer. *tr

My 2008 toyota camry dashboard is melted and sticky. its so bad its putting glare on my windshield and i can barely see when driving. this issue is making driving very dangerous. i don't feel safe driving it in the middle of the day when the sun is out because i know my visibility will be limited due to the glare making it unsafe for me and putting other drivers at risk. i have read that it is a common problem on my year/make/model car and i'm hoping something can be done to resolve this matter. *tr

The dashboard on the camry is melting in the texas sun. the car is parked inside our garage except for the early mornings. when it is hotter than 75 outside the dash becomes extremely soft and sticky. when it gets above 80 the dash starts to get shiny, real shiny to where it reflects on the inside of the windshield making it difficult to see. additionally the off gassing from the dash causes a film on the windshield that has to be cleaned every weekend. i have searched online for repairs/remedies and have come across hundreds if not thousands of owners in hot climate zones with the same exact issue on their camry and lexus of the same production model years. *tr

Dashboard is melting and sticky. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 toyota camry. the contact stated that the dashboard melted and impaired her vision of the road. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacture was made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 80,000 and current mileage was 106,000. updated 08/19/14*lj

The dashboard has a sticky residue on the entire surface. the residue can cause a distracting sun glare at certain times of the day. i have tried cleaning it with several non abrasive products and it is still a persistent problem. *tr

Our family owns a 2004 toyota tundra which we love so that made us buy a camry in 2008 big mistake! ever since i bought this car new in 08' had nothing but mechanical issues and as of date 6 recalls and counting. a month after i purchased the veh they replaced my axle, brakes and then that's when the recalls starting coming in. from my visors falling to now the window recalls. my front dashboard is nasty sticky no matter how i clean it it's gross the sticky won't go away and the arms rests on the driver door and passenger sides are both rotten from the inside their cracked and broken. i don't use arm rests so they shouldn't be! the top ceiling cloth in my car fell down the 4th month i had my vehicle so my father spray glued it (how sad is that!). this was my first car i purchased brand new so going thru this after complaints at the dealership they still didn't do anything. i'm so upset i have no words left to say about this vehicle i'm driving a crap car that's falling apart from the day i purchased it. thank you toyota!!!!! unless they take care of my car situation i will never recommend toyota to anyone nor buy another toyota it's sad!!! *tr

I have a melting dashboard that is impossible to clean. there are a lot of scratches and indentations from trying to clean it. small bugs tend to cling to it because of the stickiness. *tr

I noticed a while ago that my dashboard had a shiny appearance to it. upon touching it, my finger left an imprint and realized it was melting. also, upon driving, the glare coming off of the melting dash is distracting when it reflects on the windshield. when this occurs, it makes driving more difficult whether it be in the day or evening hours causing "blindness". i can't even put the sunshade up due to the fact that it'll leave an impression in the dash. this is all very dangerous and an impediment to the driver, passengers and others on the road. something needs to be done and i know i'm not the only person with this problem. thank you. *tr

I am an owner of a 2008 toyota camry se. the dashboard on my vehicle started melting, became sticky/shiny and has an awful glare on the windshield. this started after the warranty had expired on the vehicle and my extended warranty purchased does not cover trim for the vehicle. i brought the vehicle into toyota for routine service for scheduled maintenance and inquired about the dashboard. i was told by the service manager that this is a recurring problem for these vehicles and they have already changed multiple dashboards. i was told this was an expensive problem to resolve (1100 for part and 660 for labor), and to call toyota customer service to file a complaint to see if they would help resolve this issue. after a review by toyota they said they would pay for the part but i would be responsible for the labor. i was told that due to this not being a recall they are not required to offer anything by law. i am concerned because it is creating a shiny "reflecting" effect on the windshield that impairs visibility while driving. this is a recurring problem and needs to be addressed given that it is a hazard to the general public. due to this i am biting the bullet and will pay to have this repaired. although, what worries me are the drivers having this problem and unable to afford the repairs due to toyota not honoring their product. please consider investigating this matter further. *tr

Dashboard became sticky, started to peel, and crack. dashboard is melting in the sun. *tr

The dashboard is extremely sticky / melting. it creates a bad glare making it hard to see when daytime driving. *tr

I'm experiencing a melting dashboard that causes a such glare on the windshield that it has the effect of of us not being able see thorough the windshield as was intended by its installation. we now wear uv sunglasses in order to try to combat the glare. this melting dashboard is a safety hazard! i've sent/spoken with toyota and its dealers and they have not agreed repair or replace my melting dashboard. did i mention it is a safety hazard and has further decreased the re-sale value.

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 toyota camry. the contact stated that the windshield exhibited an abnormal glare, causing the contact's vision to become impaired. the contact stated the glare was due to a sticky dashboard. the contact took the vehicle to the dealer, who stated that the entire dash board needed to be replaced. the contact did not have the dashboard replaced. the failure mileage was 81,000.

Dashboard is melting and very sticky. this is causing it to be very shiny and causing a dangerous glare in the windshield that makes it very difficult to see oncoming traffic. *js

I have a 2008 toyota camry and the dashboard is very sticky to the touch. i noticed it a while back and when i took my car to a dealership for service about a year and a half ago they asked me if i noticed it. they first asked me if i was using anything in particular to clean it and when it first started happening. i had not used any amoral or anything that could have damaged it and i bought the car used so i can't really tell when it started. since then, i have spoke with car dealers and car detailers that have told me that it is a very common occurrence and should be a recall due to the poor material they used, but none of the manufacturers were recalling the melting dashboards. *tr

I have a toyota camry xle 2008. my dashboard started melting and almost disintegrating. this started within the warranty time where it became "sticky" but has now gotten progressively much worse. i am concerned because i am unsure if the effects of this melted dashboard will have an affect on the airbag deployment system or other interior structures. it is also creating a shiny "reflecting" effect which makes it harder to see while driving. i take very good care of this car and it is in great condition, only has 40,000 miles on it. the dealer said that he was aware of such problem but because it was after warranty has quoted me $1,300. this seems to be a very common complaint as i have heard the same thing from many others, appears to be a factory defect that toyota should do something about. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 toyota camry. the contact stated that the dash board was melted. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection where they stated that the dashboard needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 89,000.

I was cleaning my dashboard and noticed the interior was wiping off with it. as i continued cleaning... it left gashes... and lent from the cleaning cloth stuck to the dashboard. recently, i notice a glare ( the same effect a mirror has when light hits it) coming from the dashboard as well. i am concerned that there could be internal problems occurring underneath the dashboard from all of the melting. i hope there is something that can be done now instead of later before more problems occur. *tr

The entire dashboard of the car is melting. it is very sticky, soft and cannot be touched. it appears wet and slick and is making a glare appear when you look out of the front window. this is dangerous as it is impairing the driver's vision. *js

My vehicle crashed into a van, there is very heavy damage to the driver side front, i am surprised to note that no air bags were deployed, even though the left front is totaled. *tr

Due to the deterioration of the dashboard, where it is basically melting and very shiny and sticky, when driving in the direction of the sun, the suns rays reflecting off of the dash basically are a blinding factor on visibility of the driver. it is very difficult to see clearly through the windshield. i contacted toyota care center and explained the issue with the dash deterioration to them. their rep acknowledged they recognized other owners had reported an issue with the dash but unless the car was under original warranty, they can not do anything to rectify the situation. the rep also noted toyota determined the cause to be "environmental" and primarily occurring in florida, where i live. in researching other owners complaints on-line, this issue is clearly systemic. and, there are other complaints of this condition effecting visibility. has the nhtsa investigated the potential safety concern to the public due to toyota's systemic defect in 2008 and 2007 camry's they have sold? i can provide photos upon request. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 toyota camry. the contact stated that there was an unknown sticky substance on the dashboard that reflected onto the windshield. as a result, the contact's vision was obstructed when driving. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 47,000. the vin was unavailable.

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 toyota camry. the contact stated that the driver's side of the dashboard became melted. the contact mentioned that the sunlight would reflect off the sticky surface on the dash board creating a visibility hazard for the driver. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the contact notified the manufacturer of the problem but no solution was offered. the failure mileage was 70,000.

I purchased my 2008 toyota camry se on 8/18/2012. several days after the purchase i noticed that the dashboard was excessively sticky and shiny, so much so that the glare on the windshield made it difficult to see through the windshield while driving. i then returned to the dealership to complain about the matter, but no one at the dealership had any answers and their only solution to remedy the problem was to suggest that i purchase a dashboard cover. *tr

Dashboard is melting took to dealership, toyota stated they will pay 300. an my cost 1100. *tr

My dashboard is melting. i am not sure exactly when it started but i noticed a very bad glare on my windshield a couple of years after we purchased the vehicle. the glare kept getting worse and was making it very hard to see out of the windshield. in 2012 we realized that the dashboard was disintegrating. if you touch the dashboard your hands will stick to it and the black sticky substance will stay on your hands until you wash with soap and water. i thought i was the only one with this problem until today when i saw a news article about other people having the same issues. not only am i concerned about the lack of visibility due to the glare, i am also concerned about the possibility of toxic fumes from the melting dashboard inside my vehicle. we have spoken to multiple vehicle mechanics and they all say the dashboard needs to be replaced. at this point we have purchased a dashboard cover to help with the glare but i feel the dashboard is a defected product and toyota should replace it at no cost to me. *js

Sunvisor has lost all tension and just hangs straight down interfering with visibility on driver's side. toyota will not assume responsibility when i called and discussed it with them at their customer service center although i have read this is a fairly common problem with camry 2008. had to remove sunvisor. *tr

Dash board and steering wheel is melting and the dash is causing a terrible glare on drivers wind shield making visibility hard . hands tend to stick to the steering wheel. i did buy a cover to help with this.

Dashboard is melting, very sticky and makes a reflexion on the windshield that make it very difficult to drive. sun visor driver side does not stay up,suddenly fails to work properly causing extremelly dificult time for driving. both issues put the life of the driver and passengers in danger. *js

Dash board melting in the heat. *tr

I'm reporting on my 08 toyota camry. the dashboard has a shine to it and is sticky. it has been getting worst over the past 2 years. it has gotten to the point where i can't even wipe the dashboard off to clean it. i have to be extremely careful around the dashboard or bits and pieces of the vinyl will come off exposing the foam layer underneath. this has already happened by my driver side ac vent while cleaning the dash over a year ago. the shine of the dashboard causes a glare on the windshield from the sun and oncoming cars at night. i contacted toyota's customer service and also my local toyota dealership both which refused to admit that it was a manufacturing defect and would not replace or discount any repairs. hopefully this will be fixed and anyone else who is experiencing these problem and myself can have piece of mind of our safety and the safety of our passengers not to mention our investment. *tr