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Mazda extends warranty for melting dash boards

Posted at 5:14 PM, Feb 11, 2016
and last updated 2016-02-11 18:06:02-05

Mazda is sending letters to about 300,000 drivers alerting them about an extended warranty to fix melting dashboards.

Michelle Ferrara and others have filed complaints about dashboards that have melting into a sticky and shiny messes.

It’s not only unsightly, it is a safety issue.  The shiny surface reflects in the Florida sun and blocks a driver's view.

Until now, Mazda required owners to pay half the repair bill.

With a child in college, this single mom kept driving. The problem grew worse along with Ferrara's frustration.

In the past year, Mazda's competitors Toyota and Lexus rolled out a repair program for its sticky dashboards. But Mazda did not budge.

Now a year later, the car maker is changing directions, finally following the same path as its competitor and fixing the problem in 300,000 vehicles. They include the 2009-2013 Mazda 6 and 2010 Mazda 3.

Ferrara has put in her dashboard order.

If you are among those who paid out of pocket to get yours fixed -- you'll get a refund.

It's unclear "when" these Mazda repairs will start.

Dealers say the parts are in short supply and that's why they have a waiting list.