I have owned my '03 X-type since 2009. From the day I got it it had crackling in the paint on the hood. "Crackling" isn't exactly the right word - that word makes me think of the glaze on an old vase where all the cracks connect. The paint has little straight 1/2-inch cracks evenly spaced throughout the entire surface. The cracks appear on the hood, with a few on the trunk lid too. There aren't any on the roof of the cabin - or on the sides of the car - but there are a few along the very top edge of the front fenders along the line where it meets the hood. From 8-10 feet away you can't really see them. This picture is more or less life size.





So, what would have caused this? I suspect a manufacturing flaw..? If it were sunlight/elements, then the roof would have them too, and the trunk lid would be just as bad as the hood. Engine heat is an unsatisfying answer - the car only had 35,000 miles when I got it, and it was there already, and then why the trunk too.

It looks to me like the cracks show through to the whitish primer underneath the paint.

Beyond the cause - to eliminate the cracks permanently, you'd probably have to strip all the paint and primer and start over entirely, correct? I'm afraid painting over them without stripping everything will just lead to their rapid reappearance.

I got a lowball quote of $300 to repaint the hood - but I think it needs more love (and stripping) than he intends to do.

Do other people have this too? and has anyone successfully corrected it?


cracking in the paint

 

Meatbag: Mine is the same thing,just the hood, looks like miniature crater field. Must be a reaction with the engine heat and the paint.It dosen't matter what it is it has to be striped and repainted.

 

I have just bought a 04 X type and after a few days, I noticed the same thing. I thought it was my fault as I washed it and waxed it, thank goodness some one else has the same problem....it stinks though. Would love to hear if anyone else has the same problem or maybe a fix?