2009-2016 Nissan GTR Instrument Panel and Center Console: A Guide to Cracks, Glare, and Replacement

Symptoms of Instrument Panel Bezel Failure

Failure of the GTR's instrument panel and center console is almost exclusively cosmetic but can have safety implications. These issues are widely documented by owners and were the subject of a class-action lawsuit. The problems typically progress in stages and are most common in vehicles exposed to heat and sunlight.

• Melting or "Shiny" Dashboard: The first sign of failure is often the dashboard material degrading. It loses its matte finish and develops a sticky, reflective, or shiny surface. This is caused by the plasticizer chemicals in the dashboard material breaking down under UV light and heat.
• Dangerous Windshield Glare: As the dashboard surface becomes shiny, it creates a strong reflection on the inside of the windshield. This can severely obstruct the driver's view, especially in bright sunlight, posing a significant safety hazard.
• Visible Cracks: After becoming shiny and brittle, the plastic will begin to develop cracks. These often start as small hairline fractures around high-stress areas like air vents, speaker grilles, or the edges of the center console, and can grow into large, unsightly splits over time.
• Rattles and Squeaks: As the plastic warps and mounting tabs become brittle from heat cycles, the panels may no longer fit together tightly. This can lead to persistent rattling or squeaking noises from the dashboard area, especially when driving over rough surfaces.
• Noxious Chemical Odor: During the melting phase, some owners report a chemical smell inside the cabin as the dashboard materials break down.

Known Issues, TSBs, and Recalls

There are no official recalls or Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) issued by Nissan specifically for the cracking or melting instrument panel bezels on the 2009-2016 GTR. However, the problem is so widespread that it led to a class-action lawsuit filed in Florida, alleging that Nissan was aware of the defective material but failed to provide a remedy for owners. This lawsuit highlights that the issue is a known defect with the vehicle, even without an official recall. Owners are typically quoted $2,000 or more by dealerships for a full dashboard replacement.

Buying a Used Instrument Panel Bezel

Due to the extremely high cost of a new OEM dashboard, a used part is the most common solution. However, careful inspection is critical to avoid buying a part that will fail again quickly.

What to Inspect on a Used Part:

• Check the Surface Finish: The most important check is for a uniform, matte finish across the entire surface. Avoid any parts that look shiny, glossy, or feel sticky to the touch. This is the earliest sign of failure.
• Inspect for Hairline Cracks: Examine the part under bright light and from multiple angles. Pay close attention to corners and cutouts for the vents, shifter, and display screen. These are the most common areas for cracks to start.
• Verify Mounting Tabs: Flip the panel over and inspect every mounting tab and clip location. These plastic tabs become very brittle with age and often break during removal. A bezel with broken tabs will not install securely and will almost certainly cause rattles.
• Ask About the Donor Vehicle: If possible, find out the history of the vehicle the part came from. A part from a low-mileage, garage-kept car from a cooler climate is much more likely to be in good condition than one from a high-mileage car from a hot, sunny region.

Used OEM vs. Aftermarket Covers

You have two main alternatives to a full replacement: a used OEM bezel or an aftermarket cover. A good-condition used OEM part provides a factory look but carries the risk of eventually developing the same cracking issue. Aftermarket covers, typically made of carbon fiber or vinyl, are designed to be installed directly over your existing cracked panel. They are a cost-effective way to hide the damage and upgrade the interior aesthetic, but they do not fix the underlying broken panel.

Cost Comparison

Replacing the GTR's instrument panel components can vary wildly in cost depending on the approach.

Installation Guide

Replacing the center console bezel pieces is a manageable DIY project for most people with basic tools. Full dashboard replacement is a complex job and is not recommended for beginners.

• Difficulty: 2/5 (for center console bezels)
• Estimated Time: 1-2 hours
• Tools Needed: Plastic trim removal tools, Phillips head screwdriver.

The general process for removing the center console involves carefully prying up trim pieces, starting from the rear and moving forward. Several video guides demonstrate that the main bezel around the shifter and MFD is held in by clips and can be removed with firm, careful pulling using plastic pry tools to avoid scratching adjacent panels. 🎬 See how to safely remove the center console trim pieces. Always disconnect the battery before unplugging any electrical connectors for the shifter, MFD, or control modules.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)