Scratches on the center console?

Hryb · 02-03-2007, 08:44 PM

I have a little over 300 miles on my 2007 Prius. I noticed today, that the driver's side of the center console is scratched! Imagine the horror when I looked down and saw a dozen or so scratches. I have attached photos so you can see the evidence.

So, the question is WHERE did they come from? You'll notice in the images that the seat belt latch is near the area, but I don't think that I am missing the latch that much when I attach the seat belt. Is this a design flaw with the seatbelt? I can't check the other side, since I don't have a passenger w/ me most of the time so I wanted to turn to you guys for your thoughts.

Needless to say I am pretty ticked off. Anyone have any ideas? Or better yet, how can I buff them out? I have not tried anything yet, pending consultation from you all.

Should I try for warranty replacement of the center console and claim it's the seatbelt since I don't have any other working theories yet.

unruhly · 02-03-2007, 08:56 PM

I actually took delivery of mine with a fairly deep scuff/scratch exactly in that same spot. I think it's inevitable that these scuffs will show up from the seatbelt.
Since it's textured, you won't be able to buff it out, and as far as warranty goes, normal wear and tear is excluded.

I know it stinks, but I'd bet just about everyone has scuffs there.

jimmylozza · 02-03-2007, 10:50 PM

I noticed two small scratches around the area where the key goes, even though I never put the key in to operate the vehicle. It seems the plastic gets scratched rather easily. I had some luck just rubbing it really hard with my thumb. I'll bet that one of those Mr. Clean Magic Eraser things might help reduce their appearance, but I'd try testing it on an inconspicuous spot first.

BORNGEARHEAD · 02-03-2007, 11:01 PM

I'm guessing at some point you had your keys in your hand while buckling or unbuckling your seatbelt.

Why do you think Toyota should pay for replacing the console for you?

Hryb · 02-04-2007, 12:18 AM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(BORNGEARHEAD @ Feb 3 2007, 08:01 PM) [snapback]385018[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

I'm guessing at some point you had your keys in your hand while buckling or unbuckling your seatbelt.

Why do you think Toyota should pay for replacing the console for you? [/b]

The Smart Key is always in my pants pocket.....so it's not keys. If it is the seat belt, then it's a bad design. I don't really know...that's why I am posing it to the group here.

TheForce · 02-04-2007, 12:39 AM

Judging by the angle of the scratches and the location its either the seatbelt that caused them or maybe a watch or ring that you may have causing the scratches.

Remember nothing will stay perfect forever.

Hryb · 02-04-2007, 12:43 AM

I don't wear a watch...and while it could be my wedding ring (I only wear the one ring) I am starting to think it's the seat belt. If that's the case...then perhaps I can get a rubber cover for the metal part to prevent the scratching.

richard schumacher · 02-04-2007, 06:02 PM

If it's not getting scratched when you insert the buckle, then it's getting scratched when you hit the release button and the buckle flies out. I had to train myself to hold the buckle as I release it so that it won't fly around.

tomegan · 02-05-2007, 09:50 AM

I always assumed the scratches on my console were from my work keys, since I don't use the seatbelts. I keep the keys clipped on my belt on my right side. But after reading all these replies, it is most probable that my wife puts the scratches there when she uses the seatbelt. She rarely drives my car, but I will begin to pay attention now to see if my problem gets worse after she's been 'touring around'.

richard schumacher · 02-06-2007, 11:23 AM

Uhhh... you don't use the seat belts? That is infinitely more serious than any amount of scratching.

02-03-2007, 08:44 PM	#1
Hryb electic Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: NW Posts: 80 My Car: 2007 Prius Model: Package: #8 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post Friends: 0	I have a little over 300 miles on my 2007 Prius. I noticed today, that the driver's side of the center console is scratched! Imagine the horror when I looked down and saw a dozen or so scratches. I have attached photos so you can see the evidence. So, the question is WHERE did they come from? You'll notice in the images that the seat belt latch is near the area, but I don't think that I am missing the latch that much when I attach the seat belt. Is this a design flaw with the seatbelt? I can't check the other side, since I don't have a passenger w/ me most of the time so I wanted to turn to you guys for your thoughts. Needless to say I am pretty ticked off. Anyone have any ideas? Or better yet, how can I buff them out? I have not tried anything yet, pending consultation from you all. Should I try for warranty replacement of the center console and claim it's the seatbelt since I don't have any other working theories yet. Attached Thumbnails __________________ *2007. Black. Non-Touring. Leather, Nav. etc.*

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02-03-2007, 08:56 PM	#2
unruhly Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 205 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	I actually took delivery of mine with a fairly deep scuff/scratch exactly in that same spot. I think it's inevitable that these scuffs will show up from the seatbelt. Since it's textured, you won't be able to buff it out, and as far as warranty goes, normal wear and tear is excluded. I know it stinks, but I'd bet just about everyone has scuffs there.

02-03-2007, 10:50 PM	#3
jimmylozza Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 140 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	I noticed two small scratches around the area where the key goes, even though I never put the key in to operate the vehicle. It seems the plastic gets scratched rather easily. I had some luck just rubbing it really hard with my thumb. I'll bet that one of those Mr. Clean Magic Eraser things might help reduce their appearance, but I'd try testing it on an inconspicuous spot first.

02-03-2007, 11:01 PM	#4
BORNGEARHEAD Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 73 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	I'm guessing at some point you had your keys in your hand while buckling or unbuckling your seatbelt. Why do you think Toyota should pay for replacing the console for you?

02-04-2007, 12:39 AM	#6
TheForce I Plug-In My Prius Join Date: May 2005 Location: Wheelersburg, Ohio Posts: 2,736 My Car: 2006 Prius Model: Package: #7 Thanks: 2 Thanked 159 Times in 117 Posts Friends: 22	Judging by the angle of the scratches and the location its either the seatbelt that caused them or maybe a watch or ring that you may have causing the scratches. Remember nothing will stay perfect forever.

02-04-2007, 12:43 AM	#7
Hryb electic Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: NW Posts: 80 My Car: 2007 Prius Model: Package: #8 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post Friends: 0	I don't wear a watch...and while it could be my wedding ring (I only wear the one ring) I am starting to think it's the seat belt. If that's the case...then perhaps I can get a rubber cover for the metal part to prevent the scratching.

02-04-2007, 06:02 PM	#8
richard schumacher Destination: Eschaton Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: United States Posts: 5,510 My Car: 2004 Prius Model: N/A Package: #6 Thanks: 99 Thanked 93 Times in 66 Posts Friends: 0	If it's not getting scratched when you insert the buckle, then it's getting scratched when you hit the release button and the buckle flies out. I had to train myself to hold the buckle as I release it so that it won't fly around.

02-05-2007, 09:50 AM	#9
tomegan Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 8 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	I always assumed the scratches on my console were from my work keys, since I don't use the seatbelts. I keep the keys clipped on my belt on my right side. But after reading all these replies, it is most probable that my wife puts the scratches there when she uses the seatbelt. She rarely drives my car, but I will begin to pay attention now to see if my problem gets worse after she's been 'touring around'.

02-06-2007, 11:23 AM	#10
richard schumacher Destination: Eschaton Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: United States Posts: 5,510 My Car: 2004 Prius Model: N/A Package: #6 Thanks: 99 Thanked 93 Times in 66 Posts Friends: 0	Uhhh... you don't use the seat belts? That is infinitely more serious than any amount of scratching.