iPhone 3G - Cracks in Plastic Housing

Have a 16GB White iPhone 3G with cracks by "mute" switch and by SIM card slot. What a disappointment! My 2G phone was flawless when I sold it after 15 months of use. Durability of metal v. plastic? No contest...

I have the same problem similar as yours. There are hairline cracks near the headphone jack. When I look at it under the bright desktop light, it seems there is another crack starting from the plastic close to the chrome bezel. It's quite similar as what you described. I have a feeling that those two cracks might eventually connected.

Although this crack issue is quite upset me, I don't want to exchange it yet. I have my iphone for less than 2 months only. But overall the one I have is perfect (except the stupid cracks). If I exchange it now, they probably will give me a refurbished one which I don't want to. It might be worst than the one I have. Moreover, the crack might appears on the exchanged one too. Since the phone is working fine at this moment, I will stay put unless the plastic fell off the case.

I have the same problem. My crack is near the vibration button and at the base. I am also having serious sync trouble. Every time I try to sync, my computer shuts down.

Have Apple not acted on this problem as yet?
I am still pondering whether to get one or not, I have my invisible shield and I'm ready to go but I really dont want to shelve out hard earned cash on something that obviously has a problem if you see what I mean.............

The phone is fantastic. I've had my 3G since 7/19/08 and haven't had any issues or cracks yet. I keep waiting for something to show up or for it to crash....but so far it's been working great. I look it over every week and still looks perfect. So, not all phones are going to have cracks, dead pixels, dust or other issues. Ask anyone you see that has one and ask them if they have had any problems. Apple seems to be responsive to any complaints, so I wouldn't worry about potential problems.

I haven't figured out how to complain. In Canada the phone is sold through the cell carrier.

I BABY my phone. It's currently sitting on a tissue to avoid placing it on a hard surface. I found the start of another thread:
http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=8168338#8168338

here are my comments there:

I have the same issue. small crack right above the silent/ringer switch. Strikes me the plastic Apple is using can not withstand the impact force of the switch.
I've tried to process a request for repair through Apple but the service website is ridiculous and I can't find a phone number to call to simply ask someone.

This SHOULD be a warrantee issue but I'm in Canada and the iPhone is only sold through my cell carrier. (still waiting for reply from them).

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FYI: Black 8G purchase July 17

Otherwise the phone is fantastic, but I'm stuck with a three year contract and am now worried that the hardware won't last, did I say I BABY! my iPhone.

I'd even be happy to purchase a third party replacement housing, esp. if it's aluminum.

Hi, i found a hairline crack yesterday called apple(australia) and i now am sending it away and apple is replacing it:D

I got 16G black iPhone 3G on day it was released (Factory 86, week 27). Never dropped the phone. Apart from tons of daily call drops, I never noticed a thin 1/4 inch crack near the headphone jack until yesterday. Took it back to Apple store and got it replaced. The new one (5K series - refurbished?) has one dead pixel which was not noticeable in bright Apple Store. Will take it back tomorrow. Am so frustrated with Apple now. Is there a way to get off the contract, and give phone back to Apple? I've already begun to miss my sturdy blackberry.

If you are within the 30 day window after the purchase date, you can return it for payment credit less a 10% restocking fee.

If you are past the 30 day window, it is yours.

It happens with the blacks... its just harder to see.

Mine looks ok (I think)... had it since the first week of August.

I put it in Countour hard case the day I got it...

16gb black.

I have a 16gb white iPhone i have a BGz on it and i dont have any cracks or what not

question... Are these hairline cracks noticeable on the iPhones?

No cracks in mine

@AaronJpak: Yes. These are easily noticeable. Check out pictures on MacRumors (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=525177)