I haven't dared to buy a American since 1985. My wife surprised me with a 2008 chevy equinox, saw it in the light for the first time and there is a perfect rectangular crack around the passenger airbag. Thanks chevy! See you again in 2044.

 

I came to this forum after searching resolutions for a problem that's apparently common....maybe someone can point me in the right direction?

I seem to be having the same issue with the dash. Mine is cracking at both speakers and it rattles horribly while driving. I live in TX and do NOT use Armor All. I have 41k miles on my '09 Avalanche that is Certified Pre-Owned, and carry a Major Guard GMPP. I have about had it with Chevrolet and the issues with the "plastic." The rear of my truck is hideous and I have yet to get that solved and now the crap with the dash. My family is all GM, but I'm seriously reconsidering my next purchase.....

Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance!
Bree

 

I also came across this thread after looking for answers online for a few months now. I am the 2nd owner. My 07.5 nnbs is very well maintained. I was turned down a few months back when I had just one crack near the airbag. The other day I get in the truck and I immediately see this new crack that goes across the middle. It is embarrassing every time someone gets in my truck and points out the so obvious cracks. I've always had Chevys and I'm a die hard Chevy guy. But the truth is I've had nothing but problems with this pos. here's just to name a few. These are all very common problems and have occurred at all ranges in time owned or mileage.
dash cracks
Speakers and radio just stopped working on and off
Window switches work on/off
A/C noises in the vents
All kinds of back seat rattles
Driveshaft clunk

It's going to be really weird for me to go into a tundra especially owning several Chevy classics.

 

This is a serious safety issue due to the airbag. GM is horrible so I wanted to document this in case someone gets hurt. This is the actual online GM Customer Service conversation. I've blanked out my last name and Vin#.


Jason [11:14 AM]: GM - Question/concern about a vehicle I own


System [11:14 AM]: Connection established.


System [11:15 AM]: Thank you for your patience. We are currently assisting other customers. You will be connected to the next available agent.


System [11:15 AM]: Welcome to GM


System [11:15 AM]: General Motors | Official Global Site | GM.com


System [11:15 AM]: Connecting…A live chat agent is now entering the chat.


System [11:15 AM]: Welcome to chat.


Stacy [11:15 AM]: Thank you for contacting GM Customer Assistance. My name is Stacy. How may I assist you today?


Jason [11:17 AM]: Hi Stacy, I have a 2007 Avalanche and the dashboard has a bunch of cracks in it. I've read online that this is a common problem and that many dealerships are repairing this past warranty but my local dealer has declined. It's a safety issue if the airbag goes off the shaft pieces with be bad I think. Jason


Stacy [11:18 AM]: I am sorry to hear about that. To look into this a bit further, may I have your VIN, approximate mileage, and the dealership that you went to?


Jason [11:19 AM]: 3GNE**************


Jason [11:19 AM]: 120K miles,


Jason i [11:19 AM]: West Chevrolet in Alcoa TN


Stacy [11:20 AM]: Did the dealership even look at the vehicle or no?


Jason [11:21 AM]: I called on it a few times over the years to see if they'd do anything or if there was a recall and each time they said no it'll be full price to repair etc. Now it's really bad with about 10 bad cracks and some pieces have broken totally off around the top vent.


Jason [11:21 AM]: No they never saw it in person but made it clear it was my problem to pay for


Stacy [11:24 AM]: I understand. Typically, this issue would of been covered over the Bumper to Bumper warranty. However, you are over the warranty by time and mileage, so any repairs that do need to be completed, would be at the expense of the customer. Let me look into this a bit further. One moment.


Jason [11:24 AM]: ok, thank you.


Stacy [11:27 AM]: Thank you for holding.


Stacy [11:28 AM]: I do apologize, but we would not be able to assist due to the fact that the vehicle is out of the warranty set by GM.


Jason [11:29 AM]: That's horrible since it's obviously a well known defect and will cause injury if the air bag goes off. How can I deactivate my airbag to prevent this possibility?


Stacy [11:30 AM]: I do not have any information on how to deactivate any items in the vehicle, as the airbag is safety related.


Jason [11:31 AM]: There's sharp plastic pieces covering an explosive airbag designed to shoot at someone's face in the event of a crash. This is very bad. Is GM seriously not willing to fix this?


Jason [11:31 AM]: I'm shocked


Stacy [11:32 AM]: You have the ability to go get the vehicle diagnosed by the dealership, but there is no guarantee of assistance, as the vehicle is over its warranty by time and mileage.


Jason [11:35 AM]: These cracks have been forming for years and as I've mentioned the dealer said no to assisting which I why I'm here today. I can't sell it, or trade it or safely drive it. This is horrible customer service and truly dangerous. Again I'm totally shocked that at corporate level you're unconcerned.


Stacy [11:35 AM]: I apologize, but regardless, the vehicle does need to be seen by the dealership. That is with any vehicle, and not just yours.


Jason [11:37 AM]: I don't understand what you're saying. Needs to be seen by the dealer why? You and they have said they're not going to assist with fixing it. Why take it to the dealer? I'm confused.


Stacy [11:37 AM]: You feel as if this is a safety issue, so I would have to refer you to a dealership.


Jason [11:38 AM]: Oh I get it. This is how you're covering yourself...or trying to by saying you told me to bring it in even though they're not going to fix it.


Stacy [11:39 AM]: I am not covering myself Jason. I am only doing my job. Was there anything else I could assist you with?


Jason [11:41 AM]: Apparently not. I've screen shotted this and it'll be posted on the boards soon. No help as everyone with this problem has been saying. Incredible and very disappointed as I'm sure you would be if in the same situation.


Stacy [11:42 AM]: I understand. Your concern has been documented and saved in my system. Your case number is 71-1431029789. Thank you for chatting in. Have a wonderful day.


System [11:42 AM]: You have been disconnected from the chat session. If you require further assistance, please start another chat session.

 

Don't you love it?! Same crap here. I own a 2007 Chevy Avalanche and my dash is also cracked next to the airbag. I live in Toronto Canada and I'm getting the same B/S and runaround. Very disappointed with the GM mans their service. Obviously this is a safety issue and defect and GM needs to step up to the plate and fix this!!

 

Don't you love it?! Same crap here. I own a 2007 Chevy Avalanche and my dash is also cracked next to the airbag. I live in Toronto Canada and I'm getting the same B/S and runaround. Very disappointed with the GM mans their service. Obviously this is a safety issue and defect and GM needs to step up to the plate and fix this!!

If any GM person. Reading this please help us out once and for all.....

 

I've been a Chevrolet (GM) guy all my life... but I'm starting to doubt them. My LTZ Avalanche has about a 6" crack on the drivers side dash area. SMH :/

 

Hello 08AnyGuy,

I'm very sorry to hear you're experiencing a crack in your dashboard. We'd be more than happy to contact the dealership on your behalf to explore possible repair options. Please send your VIN, mileage, contact information, and preferred dealership in a private message if interested.

Look forward to your message,

Jasmine
Chevrolet Customer Care

 

I have the same problem with mine, it is an 08 and the dash has been cracked for a while, but when I took it in for that before the warranty ran out, the dealer said there was nothing that they could do about it, and that I would have to live with it, and now I am hearing this is a common problem and it sort of pisses me off. There are so many fit and finish problems with this truck, that it will probably be the last Chevrolet that I buy, which is saying something since I have not owned anything but Chrevrolet.

 

I wanted to update my post. I ended up changing the entire dashboard myself. The dealer wasn't willing to do it but their parts guy happened to have an avalanche with a cracked dash (hahaha) so he sold me the parts for a discount. $700 total for both the top piece that has the defrost vents and also the main dash panel that goes all the way down below the radio on my 2007 LTZ.
It took me about 6 hours to change everything. It wasn't really difficult to do but it does take a while and you have to be organized. I was pretty intimidated getting started but everything went smoothly. I already had the Haynes repair manual and it was helpful for finding a few clips and the order of removal etc.
Once I removed it I was surprised by how many cracks were hidden on the back side. Basically the whole dash was crumbling and cracking in about 100 different places. Seriously.
It's total BS that Chevy doesn't cover this problem but if you're careful and organized you can fix it yourself with basic tools...and $700 in parts. I figured it was worth doing just for resale value and making the rattling stop while I drive, plus the safety issue of the airbag danger.
Good luck if you tackle this job yourself.