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OEM Sunshade Scuffing Dash

2423 Views 16 Replies 10 Participants Last post by  ZeekZirconPPT
Just an alert that I saw reports on Reddit that the Mazda sunscreen is causing scuffs on the dashboard. Sure enough, I have some too and so far I haven't been able to remove them--some owners on Reddit are saying they seem permanent. Theories are that the fit is too tight and/or then the shade's edge trim is too abrasive for the dash material. Will be interesting to see if Mazda addresses this via a TSB.

So, advice is to buy an aftermarket shade like the Weathertech or for former CX5 owners like me go back to using that model's shade. Mine is Covercraft, and I prefer their products anyway. Only got the OEM as CV still doesn't have one customized for the 50. The CX5 one fits okay, but there are some gaps at the edge and I also had modified mine to fit a dashcam.
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Just an alert that I saw reports on Reddit that the Mazda sunscreen is causing scuffs on the dashboard. Sure enough, I have some too and so far I haven't been able to remove them--some owners on Reddit are saying they seem permanent. Theories are that the fit is too tight and/or then the shade's edge trim is too abrasive for the dash material. Will be interesting to see if Mazda addresses this via a TSB.

So, advice is to buy an aftermarket shade like the Weathertech or for former CX5 owners like me go back to using that model's shade. Mine is Covercraft, and I prefer their products anyway. Only got the OEM as CV still doesn't have one customized for the 50. The CX5 one fits okay, but there are some gaps at the edge and I also had modified mine to fit a dashcam.
Thanks for starting this thread Lee. I was one of the commenters on the Reddit sub. My weathertech is on the way. My mark is in the deep right corner so it is not as noticeable. I'm going to show my dealer so it's documented that the OEM shade is definitely marking up the soft-touch dash material. I'm deep in research to find a cleaning solution for our dash material. As others have mentioned on the Reddit thread, if you simply use water and a microfiber towel it will not remove the marks. Also, DO NOT rub too hard for you can actually make it worse.
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I am the one who started the thread on Reddit. After showing the dash on a couple of detailing subreddits, it seems my scuffs are permanent, including one in the middle of the passenger side of the dash. I was able to successfully return the shade to the dealer I bought it from, so at least I am not out money.

I also have emailed Mazda about it but have yet to hear back.
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I am the one who started the thread on Reddit. After showing the dash on a couple of detailing subreddits, it seems my scuffs are permanent, including one in the middle of the passenger side of the dash. I was able to successfully return the shade to the dealer I bought it from, so at least I am not out money.

I also have emailed Mazda about it but have yet to hear back.
Dang, I’m hoping someone out there comes up with something. Even if this eventually makes it to Mazda corp. after enough people complain and a TSB comes out, how do they plan to remove what seems to be permanent marks? I'm just wondering how many people have similar marks and don't care or don't know what is causing it.
I'm just wondering how many people have similar marks and don't care or don't know what is causing it.
A recent multi-state trip included the Amtrak AutoTrain, and because I had only noticed the scuffs after the train, I assumed it was something Amtrak workers did. As soon as I saw the Reddit thread, I realized the actual cause. My scuffs are also mostly in the corners and not yet too bad, but I also have some on the dash edge immediately in front of the screen. That seems odd, but I'm going to watch my method for sunscreen placement to see if it hits the dash there.
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Are these oem sun shades the ridged cardboard type? Ive been using my old one from my s3 which almost fits perfectly and its the soft roll up type..no scuffs on my dashboard. I believe weather tech has the same type which ill order as soon as the floor mats are available.
Are these oem sun shades the ridged cardboard type?
Yes, the OEM one is rigid, but so is my old CX-5's Covercraft and that doesn't scuff. They use very different edging material--the OEM shade in back has a more rigid ribbed edge while the Covercraft in the front has soft felt-like edging.

I haven't owned any previous OEM shades so I can't compare, but if Mazda uses the same source and materials for all their sunshades then I suspect the issue is that there's something unique/different with the CX-50's dash material and this is an inadvertent clashing of materials. Otherwise, we'd likely see this complaint across other Mazda models (unless the CX-50 sunshade is itself unique).

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I purchased the OEM Sun screen from the dealer 2 days ago along with the all weather mats (love the mats btw). Didn’t like the sunscreen and returned it.
First, it’s well made which makes it heavy and rigid. Second, it is very large. In Texas I need to use it often and need it within reach so I have to store it in the back seat. It’s big and takes up a lot of space. Third, it fits really really tight letting virtually no sunlight in at all. Almost too tight that it took a lot of time to get it into the correct place and very difficult to get it around the rear view mirror. I am guessing the right fit is causing some of the scraping note by the OP and others.
In sum, I’d rather use my cheap collapsible one for ease of use and I can slip it into the pocket behind the passenger seat.
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I purchased the OEM Sun screen from the dealer 2 days ago along with the all weather mats (love the mats btw). Didn’t like the sunscreen and returned it.
First, it’s well made which makes it heavy and rigid. Second, it is very large. In Texas I need to use it often and need it within reach so I have to store it in the back seat. It’s big and takes up a lot of space. Third, it fits really really tight letting virtually no sunlight in at all. Almost too tight that it took a lot of time to get it into the correct place and very difficult to get it around the rear view mirror. I am guessing the right fit is causing some of the scraping note by the OP and others.
In sum, I’d rather use my cheap collapsible one for ease of use and I can slip it into the pocket behind the passenger seat.
Hey @ATXdevil welcome to the forum! It's odd that the OEM one isn't foldable. How are you liking the CX-50 so far?
Hey @ATXdevil welcome to the forum! It's odd that the OEM one isn't foldable. How are you liking the CX-50 so far?
. Love the CX-50. First time Mazda owner and am impressed all around.

The OEM is foldable but even when folded It’s about 4” thick, 6” wide and and ~ 3’ long (whatever the height of the windshield is). It doesn’t even come close to fitting in the pocket behind the passenger seat. The current one I’m using is the wire type where your twist it and it collapses. It’s not model specific.

oh and while driving yesterday I noticed scuff marks on the dash above the instrument panel and passenger side. I only put the shade up twice and it was enough to cause damage. Wish hadn’t tried it now. 🤬

I’ll definitely be following this thread
Thanks to all on this thread. I have black/brown interior and a PolyMetal Gray Metallic Turbo Prem. Plus. I have an off-brand shade and have decided not to use it. Live in VA, and summers get hot, but frankly with a great A/C and ventilated front seats, the car cools down pretty fast. Just an FYI for others. Heat/cold are personal preferences, of course.
Copying my Reddit post for those not on the CX-50 sub there.

“Got my weathertech in today, fits just as tight, way easier to put in, and doesn’t mark up the dash!

Not sure if it will work for everyone that has marks from the OEM shade, but I was able to minimize the look of the scuffs using my Adam’s waterless wash spray and Adam’s ultra plush edgeless microfiber towel. My marks had a silver color to them from the color transfer of the silver edging material on the OEM shade. After cleaning, the silver coloring is gone and all that is left is a slight color difference in the black dash material. Not 100% removed but I am happy. Still annoyed by Mazda for not testing the OEM shade with the soft touch dash more, but no manufacturer or car is perfect."
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If anyone has had the OEM sunshade damage their dash, please consider contacting Mazda. There is an email address and phone number on their website. Mazda has told me they are forwarding complaints to the department that decides on recalls and stop sales and if there are enough complaints, they will pull the sunshade.

On another note, my WeatherTech shade arrived yesterday and it seems to work much better. It still fits very well and covers the entire windshield snuggly but is flexible and much easier to install.

Lastly, be careful with this dash in general. After talking to detailers online about repairing the damage, it seems these soft touch dashes are very fragile. If it is hot, any pressure you put on it will mar the finish. So whether it is a sunshade or wiping it down or any other interaction with the dash, do not put pressure.
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Just wanted to give an update. Mazda USA told me to go to the dealer to see if they could do anything about the scuffs on the dash. The dealer said they would not warranty it since it happened when I put the sunshade in and any repair would be at my expense. They also told me they could not give me a quote on the repair since the car is too new. They suggested I go to an auto retailer to see if they could fix it. I have called and left a message with my person at Mazda USA but they have not been helpful at all to this point.

so just to reiterate. I do not recommend the OEM window shade at all. It will damage your dash and you will be responsible for the repair.

My first customer service experience with Mazda is not off to a good start.
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Glad I saw this I was planning to purchase the sunshade when mine arrives.
FYI, Covercraft has a custom sunshade for the CX-50 finally. https://www.covercraft.com/us/en/sunscreens
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I can't help reading thinking people need to be a little more careful installing the shade and removing it. Just my opinion.
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