A lot of dashboards are given a soft-touch finish with vinyl to make them look sleeker than normal plastic. However, in some makes and models, these vinyl covers tend to melt under high temperatures.

In 2015, Toyota and Lexus started customer support programs to replace around 3.5 million dashboards that had cracked, melted, or emitted unpleasant odors in high heat and humidity. These programs involve repair and reimbursement, although coverage will vary depending on the vehicle’s year, model, and purchase date.

More than just an aesthetic issue, melted dashboards can be a hazard. They become shiny, which can create a glare on the windshield and impair your vision. The odor they emit can also make you and your passengers sick.

Because they are sticky, they also trap dirt, dust, and gunk.