I have just noticed the dashboard leather has bubbled in a patch near the windscreen on my 2008 XF premium luxury .
Has anyone struck this problem and is there a fix .
It feels like the burgundy leather has separated from the backing .
I would appreciate some feedback .
Regards
David T

 

Hey David , the dashboard leather on these cars is very problematic. Mine split near the window in three places. This caused it to bubble and ripple. Mine is CPO so I had them replace the whole dash leather free of charge. I then bought the Jaguar sunshade for my front window! Australia gets pretty hot in the summer so I would think that you need one too. Also do not put armorall or any oil based product on that dash. This will only accelerate the problem. Oil+Sun = cracks!

 

Thanks for your info .
I haven't got any cracks yet just a slight bubbling in a section about 3 inches square .
I have a sun shade which I use if the car is parked in the sun but I have used leather cleaner / conditioner on the dash which is supposed to be recommended so the Jaguar manual says !
I don't think the dealer would entertain any repair as I have no extended warranty .
What do you think.

 

The early models have this problem. Jaguar actually improved the way the leather dash was made to prevent the bubbling, I believe after 2011. The cost for replacing it is around $3K if you are out of warranty.

 

I bought the jaguar sunshade shortly after getting my xf and put it up whenever the car is parked to ensure minimal sun exposure. Better safe than sorry.

 

This is an issue on many earlier XFs. It can be an expensive repair.

Depending on how bad it is, it may be able to be repaired. Yelp a few automotive upholstery shops in your area and see if they can fix it for you. GET A SUNSHADE!!!

If you live in a sunny locale, I would recommend supplement with window tinting, doesn't have to be dark, to cut the UV.

If all else fails...call Jaguar (800-452-4827) and complain. Ask for help. They are in a good place financially now, and I have many clients getting goodwill assistance.

They may not pay for the whole thing, but I just had someone who NEVER brings their car in for maintenance (not a loyal dealer client) get 80% factory assistance.

 

+1, Jaguar NA paid for $2000 of my dash replacement.

 

There is a film that's nearly clear and when applied to the windshield is very effective in diminishing the UV factor. However, many states and provinces may prohibit the use of any film on a windshields, so it would be a gamble to have it installed. But, the results are incredible!


More examples of governmental overreach. Especially after I discovered that the local police have the windshields tinted in their cruisers. They discovered that there was a savings in fuel since they often idle their cruisers for hours at a time, with the A/C at max, while they are on traffic duty or similar, not wanting to get back into a hot car.


Luck with the problem
King Fala