New 2013 - suspension rust ?

[LStick]

I went round and round with the same frame rust issue on a GMC.
If the CS person you are dealing with has to check with his "internal resources" for answers, you're just getting jacked around. Elevate your complaint.

[Tenring]

Mr. GTO, if I make it to Florida I will be sure to look you up so I can shake your hand



I received a call back Friday from the GM agent, who by the call center's description is a Specialist (of what I dont know). His tone was lets say better than our last conversation and he again understood my long term concern with the rust/corrosion issue.

I explained my last attempt to work something out with the dealer, he said he was going to find out who was involved with their offer and said he would have them call.....and stopped mid sentence and said I will call you back. So at that time I am still hopeful that this can be worked out.

Today I get a call from the Service Manager saying that GM had not approved replacing any parts and again told them to clean-up and touch up the rust.....stating that it is only surface rust. So through the call center I left another message for the Specialist-Agent to give me a call.

Also, checking KBB the resale of the car is diminished by $4000 having rust that needs to be worked on/cleaned up........not even sure that is possible with mine and give a guarantee or statement.....there it is as good as new!

[MS3DALE]

Personally,I consider the corrosion under there normal,my 2011 arrived from Oshawa in a very similar appearance right off of the carrier,trucks can be,and usually are even worse....heres a TSB from GM concerning the issue.........


Service Information


2013 Chevrolet Camaro | Camaro VIN F Service Manual 3106 | Document ID: 3681579
#PI0281D: Underbody Component Corrosion - (Jan 16, 2014)
Subject: Underbody Component Corrosion
Models: 2015 and Prior GM Passenger Cars and Light Duty Trucks This PI has been revised to add model years. Please discard PI0281C.
The following information may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
Some customers may comment that one or more of their vehicle's underbody components are showing some form of corrosion.
This corrosion may be red in appearance (rust) if the component is steel, forged iron or cast iron.
This corrosion may also be grey or white in color if the component is constructed of an aluminum alloy.
Note: Extended outside storage may increase the opportunity for brake rotor rust. Vehicle braking systems tend to be self-cleaning while vehicles are in use, preventing any build-up of corrosion on the brake rotor surfaces. At times more extensive corrosion can cause pulsation due to thickness variation. This usually happens when the vehicle is parked for long periods of time in humid type conditions and the braking surface area under the pads corrode at a different rate compared to the rest of the braking surface area. Cleaning up of braking surfaces (burnishing) can be accomplished by 10-15 moderate stops from 56-64♦km/h (35-40♦mph) with cooling time between stops. If multiple, moderate braking stops do not correct this condition, refer to the latest version of Corporate Bulletin Number 00-05-22-002 - Disc Brake Warranty Service and Procedures for additional information.

Corrosion Protection General Motors uses a large variety of materials in the manufacture of vehicles. Many of these components undergo an extensive corrosion protection process. These components include major body structures, powertrain, wiring and electrical components and various other areas of the vehicle. General Motors engineering determines the effects of corrosion on every vehicle component.

Acceptable Corrosion General Motors has determined that the performance of some components is not affected by surface corrosion and no longer takes preventative steps on these parts.


Rust This corrosion may be red or brown in appearance if the component is made of steel, forged iron or cast iron.
These are typical underbody or mechanical components such as but not limited to propshafts, propshaft yokes, U-joint, steering knuckles, brake rotors and calipers, axle housings, springs, shock absorbers, suspension control arms, tie rod ends and exhaust system components. As the rust ages, it turns from an orange-red like appearance to a darker brown like appearance.


Aluminum Oxidation Cast aluminum alloy components may appear to have a grey or white coating on the surface commonly known as “surface oxidation.” Uncoated aluminum alloys begin to oxidize as soon as it is exposed to the atmosphere. This coating does not affect the serviceability or performance of the component.

Many mechanical components are cast in aluminum alloys, these components may include, but are not limited to oil pans, valve covers, transmission and transfer case housings, steering gears and axle housings.

Typical Appearance  


Front axle housing

Steering linkage

Steering knuckle

Tie rod end

Propshaft yoke

Leaf spring

Rear differential housing

Under hood components

Exhaust system components
Note: During transit between the plant and the dealer, some of the exhaust system components may corrode as a result of salt exposure. These exhaust parts are made of a bare mild-grade stainless steel that will oxidize, or appear rusty. Over time, these components will have a uniform rust-like discoloration, which should be considered a normal condition.

Recommendation No repair or consideration should be given for this concern. Surface corrosion on unprotected components will vary with age and exposure. Corrosion on these components has no detrimental impacts, either in short or long term durability.

GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.

WE SUPPORT VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION

© 2014 General Motors. All rights reserved.

[Tenring]

Wow – thanks for posting that all this time I thought the dealer was being difficult and trying to hide or get away with something.

I had no idea that some “New” GM vehicles were pre-rusted/corroded; some more than others (and even some like mine with the rust/corrosion very accelerated) and that it was acceptable.

I have a hard time believing this because it has really never been an issue on any of my other vehicles. I go through lots of vehicles for work so I will just include the GM ones that I can remember mostly trucks. 77 GMC Sierra Grande (was my favorite), 86 GMC, 92 Chevy, 96 Chevy, 01 Suburban, 02 GMC, 03 Chevy, 04 Avalanche, 05 GMC, 09 GMC, 11 Buick…..I am missing some……Oh ya, 02 Firebird just bought for my Son to drive to HS.

Also, lately I have been to three Chevrolet dealerships looking at Camaros and some trucks, I have yet to find any even remotely close to the rust/corrosion I have on my New Camaro, even used ones. So I am not sure how the TSB applies. I have got some pretty funny looks from the sales people following me around; probably thinking why is this guy under the car and in the engine bay but never sits inside of one of them! lol

If rust/corrosion “is now” acceptable on a New GM vehicle and customer service is out the window, I wish I would have known before I bought it. I always wanted a sports car. So I bought the Camaro joined this form and a local Camaro club to keep it clean and add some cool looking/performing stuff, from top to bottom (including underneath).

But if that is GM’s position then everyone should and needs to know, so they dont make the same mistake I did!
Including Kelly Blu Book, they need to change how they value used cars Excellent to Fair …..even new cars for that matter, maybe write in an exception for GM…….Anyone buying a new or used GM vehicle need to know that excessive rust and corrosion are ok it’s a GM vehicle.

I have had a hard time keeping wifeee out of this. When I told her about it, she brought me the contract and told me right here it says NEW - not used and wanted to fight. (She knows most everybody here in the NW Valley loves to talk and likes a good fight……ask me how I know!). I told her to keep it to herself until all the facts are found out. She owns her own business, is very active and volunteers in two school districts, sits on a few boards and has a Bible study that includes a local news personality. Whom, I found out she did tell and it seems are very interested in running this/any story regarding GM. I guess those news people think that once someone is in the news, the more fuel they can add to the fire, good or bad it is news.


I will wait for a call from the GM rep this week and see what GM’s position really is……….I remain hopeful that they will do what is right and are the Company I thought for so many years they were.

[PAUL SS]

The issue I have with the TSB above and the OP's car is this, his photo's show rust coming through painted components and some of the rust looks much heavier than surface rust shown in the examples given. Also some of the rusted edges look like they have damage from some kind of contact (bent, gouged edges). Review the pictures in the first post and tell me they look like the examples in post #45.

[Tenring]

Originally Posted by PAUL SS

The issue I have with the TSB above and the OP's car is this, his photo's show some of the rust coming through painted components and rust looks much heavier than surface rust shown in the examples given. Also some of the rusted edges look like they have damage from some kind of contact (bent, gouged edges). Review the pictures in the first post and tell me they look like the examples in post #45.

This is correct but it is not isolated to a few painted areas, it is all over the painted areas, some pushing through and pin size specs that are poping through or just starting pop out.

[J666]

Looks pretty normal to me. I've seen countless GM cars drive off the truck that looked worse than your car. It's at least two years old, correct? What's the mileage?

This is what my truck looked like after 2 years:

[Tenring]

No, I bought mine new off the lot like this noticed it about 3 and a half weeks about 1000 miles. Has not been driven in the rain.

[Ohten]

Originally Posted by Tenring

No, I bought mine new off the lot like this noticed it about 3 and a half weeks about 1000 miles. Has not been driven in the rain.

Some are missing the point that you purchased the car new and it was a rust bucket new.I found that mine was the same after I purchased it.

The examples given by GM are no where close to what you have and what I had.GM knows these cars are out there and knows the cause but refuse to do anything.They want to play dumb and lay it on the dealerships shoulders.

Both are to blame here GM knows where these cars have been and what caused this excessive rust condition.The dealership did a pre delivery inspection and did not inform the op of the condition.

With that being said I still believe that my car that was taken back and the op's car may have shared the same location at one point in time.

[Avalnch]

Wow, those are totally bogus pictures and some obviously taken from vehicles that have been on the road for a very long time.

Originally Posted by MS3DALE

Personally,I consider the corrosion under there normal,my 2011 arrived from Oshawa in a very similar appearance right off of the carrier,trucks can be,and usually are even worse....heres a TSB from GM concerning the issue.........


Service Information


2013 Chevrolet Camaro | Camaro VIN F Service Manual 3106 | Document ID: 3681579
#PI0281D: Underbody Component Corrosion - (Jan 16, 2014)
Subject: Underbody Component Corrosion
Models: 2015 and Prior GM Passenger Cars and Light Duty Trucks This PI has been revised to add model years. Please discard PI0281C.
The following information may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
Some customers may comment that one or more of their vehicle's underbody components are showing some form of corrosion.
This corrosion may be red in appearance (rust) if the component is steel, forged iron or cast iron.
This corrosion may also be grey or white in color if the component is constructed of an aluminum alloy.
Note: Extended outside storage may increase the opportunity for brake rotor rust. Vehicle braking systems tend to be self-cleaning while vehicles are in use, preventing any build-up of corrosion on the brake rotor surfaces. At times more extensive corrosion can cause pulsation due to thickness variation. This usually happens when the vehicle is parked for long periods of time in humid type conditions and the braking surface area under the pads corrode at a different rate compared to the rest of the braking surface area. Cleaning up of braking surfaces (burnishing) can be accomplished by 10-15 moderate stops from 56-64♦km/h (35-40♦mph) with cooling time between stops. If multiple, moderate braking stops do not correct this condition, refer to the latest version of Corporate Bulletin Number 00-05-22-002 - Disc Brake Warranty Service and Procedures for additional information.

Corrosion Protection General Motors uses a large variety of materials in the manufacture of vehicles. Many of these components undergo an extensive corrosion protection process. These components include major body structures, powertrain, wiring and electrical components and various other areas of the vehicle. General Motors engineering determines the effects of corrosion on every vehicle component.

Acceptable Corrosion General Motors has determined that the performance of some components is not affected by surface corrosion and no longer takes preventative steps on these parts.


Rust This corrosion may be red or brown in appearance if the component is made of steel, forged iron or cast iron.
These are typical underbody or mechanical components such as but not limited to propshafts, propshaft yokes, U-joint, steering knuckles, brake rotors and calipers, axle housings, springs, shock absorbers, suspension control arms, tie rod ends and exhaust system components. As the rust ages, it turns from an orange-red like appearance to a darker brown like appearance.


Aluminum Oxidation Cast aluminum alloy components may appear to have a grey or white coating on the surface commonly known as “surface oxidation.” Uncoated aluminum alloys begin to oxidize as soon as it is exposed to the atmosphere. This coating does not affect the serviceability or performance of the component.

Many mechanical components are cast in aluminum alloys, these components may include, but are not limited to oil pans, valve covers, transmission and transfer case housings, steering gears and axle housings.

Typical Appearance  


Front axle housing

Steering linkage

Steering knuckle

Tie rod end

Propshaft yoke

Leaf spring

Rear differential housing

Under hood components

Exhaust system components
Note: During transit between the plant and the dealer, some of the exhaust system components may corrode as a result of salt exposure. These exhaust parts are made of a bare mild-grade stainless steel that will oxidize, or appear rusty. Over time, these components will have a uniform rust-like discoloration, which should be considered a normal condition.

Recommendation No repair or consideration should be given for this concern. Surface corrosion on unprotected components will vary with age and exposure. Corrosion on these components has no detrimental impacts, either in short or long term durability.

GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.

WE SUPPORT VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION

© 2014 General Motors. All rights reserved.

[Avalnch]

Hey, OP. Make sure they give you an new subframe carrier too. See how that flies.

[Tenring]

Looks like I am stuck with a rust bucket!

GM rep stated today that they would have the dealer t/u and paint the rusted areas. Also if I did not let them proceed soon they would close my CS #.

I tried to again explain I have been trying to work with them to get out of this vehicle, only to listen to his reply, well you did not want to take the dealers offer that is the best they can do, they don't have any more 2013's.................

So I guess their position is pretty clear and how they now conduct business is too. This goes far beyond just me getting stuck with a rust bucket though!

Thanks you guys for your help and support, I will keep you posted on further developments.

Keep an eye on youtube - I am considering making some how to videos with all the neighborhood teenagers, friends of my Son. Something like, How to remove rust off of your new GM vehicle once you take possession of it!

[ghostrider2]

You got an update for us?

[LStick]

The "third party" CS rep was in a hurry to close out my complaint too.

Notice that this TSB is dated 1/2014.

Long after my little dance with GM on the issue, and I'm sure plenty of others that were complaining up to that point.