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Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra Undercarriage Rust
I purchased a 2008 GMC Sierra this weekend and after I got it home I noticed that the undercarriage had quite a few areas with surface rust. The rearend housing also has a bit of rust and the backs of the front spindles are rusted. It is all just surface rust, but it still kind of bothers me. I took the truck in to get detailed at the GMC dealer today and asked about the rust. They said that there was a technical service bulletin for this issue and proceeded to spray a little flat black paint of areas that are easily seen. I guess they thought that I would look under the truck. I would prefer something a little more factory like the rubberized black paint normally used on the undercarriage.
Are areas of surface rust on the undercarriage normal on a new truck? Should I even worry about it? Lastly, what if anything does the dealer have to do for a technical service bulletin?
Thanks in advance.
See Also
How Much Undercarriage Rust Is Normal?
Are areas of surface rust on the undercarriage normal on a new truck? Should I even worry about it? Lastly, what if anything does the dealer have to do for a technical service bulletin?
Thanks in advance.
See Also
How Much Undercarriage Rust Is Normal?
0
Comments
If there was a tsb regarding surface rust, I ASSURE you that spraying flat black paint on unprepped surface rust IS NOT part of any TSB. There are sites like alldatadiy.com where you can get a detailed list of the TSBs available for your truck. The manufacturers really don't like you doing this as you may find problems with your truck that you never really noticed in the past but because of a description in the TSB suddenly you need to make a warranty service appointment.
warranty service doesn't seem like a likely option - any ideas?
(nbs1500wt, 2008)
Sorry about the extra post I had to delete.. I'm new here..just trying to figure out how the boards work.
I am currently suing GM right now for this very problem. I live in coastal FL and have extensive corrosion throught the undercarriage. GM refused to cover under the warranty because they say it was caused by the environment. Of course it was. All corrosion is caused by the environment.
FYI. I have deposed the senior GM manager from Michigan who developed the coating spec for the undercarriage wax coating. He says it was only designed to last and protect the vehicle for a year in the most hostile environments (the 95th percentile as they call it), and that GM fully expects the coating to fail and the vehicle to begin corroding after a year.
GM added an exclusion for corrosion due to sea air and road salt in the 2007 warranty. I have a 2005, which does not have this exclusion (they clearly added it because they knew their vehicles were vulnerable). Yet they still will not cover it, claiming that there is an exclusion for airborne fallout (they consider salt in the air and even water in the air to be airborne fallout, though it does not say this in the warranty).
The warranty is a sham and I believe I will win in court two weeks from now.
Can you give me more info about your vehicle. My action may help you.
I have a 2005 Silverado 2500 and the entire undercarriage is corroded. Started to get bad after about a year. I live in coastal FL.
I have deposed the GM corrosion engineer who developed the spec for the wax undercoating. GM does not apply this coat. It's suppliers do, and some parts are uncoated. He says its for cosmetic protection only and only designed to last a year in the worst environments (GM designs its coating for what it calls the 95th percentile of environments). After that, GM expects the coating to flake off and the vehicle to corrode.
GM refuses to cover undercarriage corrosion because they say it was caused by the environment. Duh. All corrosion is caused by the environment.
GM also says that their bumper to bumper warranty doesn't cover undercarriage corrosion, only sheet metal. This is not true. The bumper to bumper warranty covers everything except that which is not specially excluded, and there is no exclusion for the undercarriage. There is an exclsuion for corosion caused by airborne fallout, but GM is claiming that salt and even rain count as airborne fallout.
Note that GM added a further exclusion for sea air and road salt to its 2007 warranty. It shows they know their vulnerability.
GM should repair your vehicle or give you a new one under the warranty, but they won't. That business with the black paint is nonsense. The dealer made it up. Either that or GM has really stepped in it.
Can you get me the number of that TSP.
Also, can you tell me where you live? State and proximity to salt water. Do they use road salt. What is the extent of the corrosion.
You may be able to get relief based on the outcome of my case. I'm thinking it might even develop into a class action.
I believe GM is misleading the public about its corrosion vulnerabilty and warranty.
I am suing GM for this right now. Case goes to court in two weeks.
I have deposed the GM corrosion engineer who developed the spec for the wax undercoating. GM does not apply this coat. It's suppliers do, and some parts are uncoated. He says its for cosmetic protection only and only designed to last a year in the worst environments (GM designs its coating for what it calls the 95th percentile of environments). After that, GM expects the coating to flake off and the vehicle to corrode.
GM refuses to cover undercarriage corrosion because they say it was caused by the environment. Duh. All corrosion is caused by the environment.
GM also says that their bumper to bumper warranty doesn't cover undercarriage corrosion, only sheet metal. This is not true. The bumper to bumper warranty covers everything except that which is not specially excluded, and there is no exclusion for the undercarriage. There is an exclsuion for corosion caused by airborne fallout, but GM is claiming that salt and even rain count as airborne fallout.
Note that GM added a further exclusion for sea air and road salt to its 2007 warranty. It shows they know their vulnerability.
I believe GM is misleading the public about its corrosion vulnerabilty and warranty.
Let me know if you are having corrosion problems with your GM vehicle. Together, we can hold GM accountable.
I worked as a body repair person for quite some time and one was a slap it together joint where we "fixed" vehicles being sold, resold and resold again by used car lots. Many were GM models full of rust and quite often BIG rust holes were covered with fiberglass and nothing more..the first big bump and your car suddenly has a gaping hole in it.
While this is not the same as a new vehicle it just shows that the auto industry in their zeal to sell more and more new cars and trucks build them to last as short a period as possible. Remember, GM invented "planned obsolescence" with the infamous Corvaire. Don't let them forget that period of GM's history in court. It appears that they have changed nothing and it's why GM needed a massive bailout..again.
The GM corrosion expert I deposed said that widespread corrosion under the vehicle would not be covered anywhere in the U.S., even in a desert.
How extensive is the corrosion. Where are you located? Have you used the vehicle off road. Do you garage it, wash it, etc.
how does one measure corrosion? wax has pealed off every inch of the frame revealing a rust colored surface
chicago area, never off road, but municipal road crews use salt in the winter
I am in Melbourne Beach, FL. Never been off road, but am near beach, with high salt and humidity.
Have you followed up with the dealer tosee GM's opinion. Email me at kmarrin@davismarrin.com to discuss further. I might be able to help you.
What is your situation?
I am suing GM right now for undercarriage corrosion. I have also filed a complaint with NHTSB.
My brake rotors were taken out in pieces when the vehicle was two years old, and they are toast again now at 29,000 miles.
Do you have other corrosion issues on the undercarriage, or just the rotors.
I have deposed the GM expert from Detroit who designed the undercarriage corrosion protection. I have lots of good info if you are interested.
Please email me at kmarrin@davismarrin.com
I am suing GM for undercarriage corrosion right now.
My email is kmarrin@davismarrin.com
How is your truck doing now?
I am in a lawsuit with GM for undercarriage corrosion and have deposed the GM corrosion expert from Detroit.
He says that their wax undercoating protection is designed to last only one year and that many components aren't protected at all.
My amil is kmarrin@davismarrin.com.
I am still in court with GM now on my undercarriage corrosion.
My email is kmarrin@davismarrin.com
kcram - Pickups/Wagons Host
I apologize that you have had concerns with your vehicle. Can you please email me at socialmedia@gm.com so I can look into your situation further? Thank you,
Mariah GM Customer Service
I am in court with them right now on my undercarriage corrosion.
2005 Silverado HD with 2500 miles.
Have you filed a comlaint with NHTSB. They are doing an ivestigation on brake lines right now.
Where do you live and do you garage the vehicle.
Do you have any photos?
And undercoating voids the warranty.
I have looked at hundreds of vehicles in my area that are left outside 24 x 7, have never been undercoated, and have never been washed, and the undercarriages are in perfect condition.
The trucks that are rusting prematurely have inadequate protection from the factory.
I have a 2004 GMC Sierra 2500 HD. I Have had brake and the serious rusting problems on the frame and suspension. I first noticed it about 2 years ago. I thought the rusting was a bit excessive as the truck now only has 58000 miles. I sprayed paint on it then and have been watching it. . I was airing up a low front tire yesteday and I noticed serious corrosion and heavy crumbly bubbly rust on the frame and suspension arms. I have only seen rust like this on old steel that has been left to rot in a field. I also own a 1978 GMC Sierra 1500 Four Wheel Drive which I purchased new when I graduated school. This truck has been in water up to the carb several times packed with mud and everything else. I went in the garage just to look at its frame and was shocked at how nice it looked compared to my 04. Whats up with that? I have taken care of both vehicles very well but this 04 is experiencing accelerated corrosion. It almost makes me think the it is a metal composition problem or something with make up or treatment of the frame material. Any thoughts any one? I do see a lawsuit in progress Thanks eames
Now i have been reading the post about this and if i'm wrong correct me but if you undercoat it voids the warrenty, WHAT WARRENTY??????? If it's only for as year what does that tell you, GM wants off the hook as quick as possible.
DO NOT USE UNDERCOATING FROM A CAN That stuff hold moisture like you cannot imagine. Even though from the surface it hides the truth which lies beneth it, and when moisture gets trapped you think you have problems now.
I have been doing some research on rust prevention and the best one that i can somehow believe in right now is by the company KROWN. I'm having my truck done this friday for 140 bucks,
This stuff repels water and can stop and in some cases slowly reverse the rusting process. My rear bumper is also rusting not to the extreme but it has started.
I can't sit back and watch my investement rust away so i need to try something.
You can't sit by and wait for GM to fix the problem, your warrenty is void anyway if nothings gets done. Take matters into your own hands and research Krown on the net, i have talked to several customers of this product and they all swear its an amazing rust prvention system.
My 2005 is in FL beachside and rusted out within two years, but the signs were there within a few months.
GM would not do anything for me. They claimed that they are not responsible for any corrosion due to the environment (which is ALL corrosion). But your vehicle is much newer.
You need to demand a NEW vehicle. The problem you have will only get worse, and there is nothing you can do to stop it. There is something fundamentally wrong.
I have posted in various areas of this Silverado form with many different issues from rust to electrical, after driving GM products for over 30 years i can honestly say this will be my last GM product, I have only had my truck for a year now and just realized that i have already done over 4 grand in extra repairs just to maintain the thing.
I try not to come to this site much as its always bad news when it comes to Silverado trucks. and to all my fellow Silverado posters hope you have better luck than me
I apologize for your experience. Can you please send me your VIN?
Christina
GM Customer Service
I understand your frustrations with your situations. As all major companies or corporations, we have standard operating procedures. GM does handle their customers individually, not all situations are the same, so they must be handled on a case by case basis. I am here to help make GM aware of our customer’s situations. The only way I can do this is with the customer’s assistance. My first step is to gather their contact information (including a good number to reach them), VIN, current mileage, involved dealer, and a break down of what they are experiencing. The best way to get me this information is a direct email. The next step in the process is the vehicle must be taken to a GM Dealer. They have a contract with GM and must look at the vehicle. For GM to know their customers are experiencing issues, they must contact GM; whether it is me via email or Customer Assistance via the telephone. This will help identify the problem and how large it is. I understand when customers are experiencing these concerns these processes can be frustrating. All concerns, whether it is with a dealer or your vehicle, are documented in the cases set up if GM is contacted directly. Just because one person did not get the resolution they expected this should not prevent anyone from speaking with them. As most situations have variances. Any customer that would like to call Customer Assistance and speak with someone the number is in your owner manual, or email me and I can provide it to you. Any customer that would like me to assist them, please feel free to email me the information requested above.
Christina
GM Customer Service
If you take your car to the dealer, the dealer will take pictures and call the GM area manager, who will tell you the same thing.
GM has stated in court that they do not cover any corrosion caused by the environment, regardless of where in the country was purchased, how it is used, and how it is stored and maintained. If you bought it in the middle of the desert and it rusted out in a year stored in a climate controlled clean room, GM would tell you that they do not cover corrosion caused by the environment.
Government Motors!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
There IS a corrosion problem with these GM trucks.