Fungus (!!!) growing inside dashboard glass

I don't understand how Toyota can be at fault for a condition that is likely the result of climate, rather than the car... I think if there is a serious mold or fungus issue, one is far more likely to get an insurance claim going on it rather than expect Toyota to purchase the car back. Of course, this depends heavily on the quality of the insurance company and policy, and how extreme the symptoms are. I would start with getting the dash issue fixed and then monitor things.

 

In general I agree with this statement, but only if the conditions are exceptional. If it turns out that many Prius sold in Singapore develop a fungus problem, then I would assume that Toyota has a design or marketing problem - if they want to sell cars in a wet climate they have to work there. On the other hand, if it turns out that the OP's garage is a sauna, that's a different story.

Tom

 

I agree. By selling a car in Singapore, Toyota implies that a car would work there under normal circumstances. If all the cars would melt as soon as it gets off the lot, then they should not sell it.

I am hoping for the owner's sake that he has a leaking hose for collecting AC evaporator water condensate or something like that. A condition that can be fixed. If mold just grows even if the car is 100% to spec, it will likely come back.

 

That's like saying that its not Toyota's fault that you lose braking because you live in a place with potholes. This is the PIII's first year and there will be problems like this.

 

The answers of most of us on this forum are going to be worth less to you than we might think.
If you can't negotiate a good solution with your dealer in Singapore, the answer will largely depend on what remedies the contract and consumer protection law gives you there. I'm a lawyer in the US, and I have no idea what the law on this in Singapore is.
On your question whether you should want a new car, I think that depends on whether the problem is limited to inside the dash, and if the car is good otherwise. If the car is a good one, and the problem can be fixed because it's limited to the dash, I would sure go with fixing it, because I always worry that a different car will have a worse problem.

 

Maybe not. It really turns on a simple analysis of whether the mold type is benign or toxic. Even toxic molds can be abated.

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I live in Southwest Florida and I have the same problem in my Gen III. I didn't think of it as a fungus, the display had cloudy spots that have been getting larger! I thought it was some sort of delamination going on. I actually signed on tonight to see if anyone else was having the same problem. So it is not an isolated incident!

 

Yes, the fungus is eating your lens coatings.

 

Had same thing on my G3 in Florida. Took the car back to the dealer who had no knowledge of what causes the problem but ordered a replacement display. Took about 2 hours to replace and car is as good as new with no reoccurance.

 

Well, i am from Israel, and I have two markings on the inside of the display glass.
I could swear it was not there when the car was new, but had no idea what it is and how it got there.

one is directly in front of a digit of the odometer.
When the call to come and have the brakes software updated, I will show this to the service manager.

I never had a similar phenomena in any car i previously owned, or drove in.
it definately can be because of the materials toyota chouse to use.

 

Sounds like an happy ending. I am concerned that there is a leak in a new car. The dash should be air tight so I am surprised that air can get into it at all. During winter starts you don't see your dash board forg up do you? Well you shoudn't. I am just really concerned about the quality of the new Prius at this moment. Everything seems to be on the cheap.

 

I have the same problem. bought in November 2009, just a bit over 2000 miles on it. Very upset. It does not look like a fungus to me, more like a condensation on the inside of multi-information display. I figured, fungus would need some time to spread out, but in my case it happened overnight. scheduled an appointment for tomorrow - will see what they think about it.
Hope scratches squeaks rolling sound issues got resolved.

 

I too have the same fungus problem, it is exactly like the picture earlier in the thread. I live in central Florida and the summers here are very hot and humid. I purchased my gen III Prius in September and have about 7300 miles on it. I just noticed the problem a week or so ago and it is growing. I will bring it into the dealer shortly and let you know if I also get a reasonable resolution.

 

I think the VFD was a poor choice. A small high resolution LCD would have been much better.

 

leave it alone.

you could have had a bumper crop of corn.

 

I wonder if spraying some scented Lysol on the cabin air filter would help minimize the problem? Maybe every month or so. Could be a PIA though.

 

I'm wondering is this a product of the solar ventilation system pushing humidity inside the car? I leave mine off in a rainy day just in case! I believe the solar it's an expensive joke! because the solar doesn't help when the car is running or maintain at least the 12V battery (Not Traction), having the 12V at high level would be a benefit as some people had the 12V drain in long periods of time due to key less system

YES very bad choice of using a VFD instead of a nice color LCD the most advanced efficient car looks like '80 design!