Now into the 5th month in trying to solve this issue. The dealer is doing everything they can to correct the issue, but we are now into having them try and match the paint . Four months to get a replacement console that turned out to be a different color, now we are approaching 5 with only the hope the will be able to match the color.


Any one know the contact information for a regional manager in S. NJ?

 

Call Chrysler Customer Service.

1-800-992-1997
M-F 8:00AM-5:00PM

or

DaimlerChrysler Customer Assistance Center
P.O. Box 21-8004
Auburn Hills, MI 48321-8004

 

I remember reading on the mercedes forums that armor all causes this problem with the painted surfaces.. make your dealer order that parts that are damaged to resolve it rather than trying to repaint it...

-marc

 

I believe this is something almost everyone will experience. My concern is what happens once 3/36 warranty is expired. I see it as an ongoing problem even after replacement. I have had both side panels of the console (emergency brake back to rear) replaced, and they are a different color gray. They did not want replace the front panels (where knee rests) because it required extensive labor (as they put it: they would have to tear console up to replace). They kept the panels that were replaced. Were going attempt to obtain a color/dye match. I have had Crossfire since 8/03. Noticed right at one year anniversary.

 

I wish one year. I had the car 6 months before I noticed it.

 

I haven't bought my car yet, how widespread is this problem? Am I better off with an Audi TT Roadster or an S2000?

 

on the mercedes forum it seems that only those using armor all had the problem. The ones using a damp cloth to clean have never had the issue on their slk.

 

To Those Of You On This Forum That Have Had The Problem Of Flaking Paint On The Console Was It Only Armorall Induced Or Have Any Of You Experienced The Problem Without Ever Having Used Armorall?

 

never used anything but a damp cloth.

 

I don't think it is necessarily the product being used that is causing it, but rather a contaminated paint issue. Having worked for a parts manufacturer at one time, I learned really quick that unless the surface is properly prepped for the application of the paint, then it will flake in areas where it was not. So, maybe another way of looking at it is the serial number range in which this is happening.

I had a black 84 Corvette that I bought off the showroom floor. One year into owning it, the paint started flaking off of it in chunks. Finally reaching the right person within GM, he admitted that for whatever reason that GM had problems getting the black and white to adhere to the Corvettes. Weird, but true.

 

There is definitely some merit to the surface preparation being done properly. I could see where they may have had a run of defects that may have been caused by lack of good material preparation.

You mentioned the black corvettes; I have a buddy who ordered a brand new '84 Corvette and it was backordered for almost a year (remember the '84 model ran for 1.5 years) because of black paint problems; there was also an issue with the new 4 + 3 manual transmission and he had ordered both options.

 

Is the chipping paint coming off any particular interior color? I've heard grey mentioned how about the Cedar? Thats the color I'm planning to order.

 

light gray

 

Well after 6 + months of trying to find a solution, Chrysler came through with an offer to buy back the car.

New SRT 6 is sitting in the driveway.

 

Well that's a solution I could live with.

 

Is there actually a TSB on this issue? My dealer is actually refusing to do anything about the paint flaking off of the console as he claims it is routine wear and tear for 20,000 miles.

 

I got all the parts replaced under warranty.

 

So far I have not been so lucky. The dealership has simply refused. I contacted Chrysler Corporate yesterday and, after multiple disconnects and two hours on the phone, I finally found someone who agreed to look into it. I should know more in the next few days, hopefully.

They, corporate, claim they have never heard of the interior paint flaking off of the Crossfire's.

 

I just hit 20,000 miles. Will go to battle with Daimler-Chrysler. It's nice to see that some of the members have made progress. I am asking for the base black instead of gray. My chipping is around the console. Im concerned about the door arm rest later on. Other than this problem I have enjoyed the car. Last sports car I had was 280zx turbo 1982.

 

I've not been so lucky, either... The dealership here in Knoxville, TN (no name, but near Cedar Bluff) claims that Chrysler Corporate will not allow them to replace the console. The console is so bad that rubbing my hand across it actually leaves black paint flakes on my hand, I can't fathom for a second this is normal wear and tear.

On a side note, I finally got my car back after a month in the shop. The center console wasn't put back on correctly and is coming off, the car was covered from head to seat in grease and earlier today the fuel door, that they repaired, refused to open. After dealing with a technician for a half an hour on the phone, in an attempt to find the emergency release and accidently pulling out some cable that blows air when I lock the doors now, I had to physically rip the door off to get gas. The left headlight, low beam, was out and while driving to get a replacement the other one went out... so much for their inspection of the car before it leaves the shop.

Don't get me wrong guys, I really enjoy my Crossfire... the simple fact is this particular one is a piece, per the listing of 10 or 15 items I previously posted wrong with the car, and the dealership isn't much better. Hopefully Chrysler will come through for me, but I'm hesitant since I'm not getting calls back from corporate at this point either. I've never had this kind of headache from a car.