As GM Authority has covered several times in the past, General Motors was previously hit with a series of lawsuits stemming from defects in various C7 Chevy Corvette wheels. The defects, which are well-documented, can lead to the lightweight aluminum alloy wheels bending, warping, or cracking, potentially leading to outright wheel failure. Now, affected Corvette owners have received a letter notifying them that the automaker has issued an extended warranty and repair reimbursement program to address the issue.
In the letter, GM states that it is offering either financial reimbursement or GM Reward Points as compensation to affected owners under new Extended Warranty Coverage, available via the new Reimbursement Program. The program extends to current and prior owners and lessees of 2015 through 2019 Corvette Z06 models and 2017 through 2019 Corvette Grand Sport models. The letter includes an agreement that releases GM from any future claims against the automaker stemming from the alleged wheel defect.
As covered previously, the C7 Corvette wheel issue has been a common topic of discussion in online car communities and forums, and it is the subject of several lawsuits as well. Now-retired Corvette chief engineer Tadge Juechter even acknowledged in the past that the C7 wheels could be damaged by potholes and crack, or even simply warp over time.
Indeed, the issue has raised red flags among enthusiasts. Not only are such defects unacceptable for a high-end sports car (or any car, for that matter), but replacement wheels can cost over $900 per unit, leading to headaches and financial strain for customers. In some instances, customers state that the replacement wheels are equally as defective as the original wheels.
GM previously managed to dismiss at least one of the lawsuits, but, as we covered previously, this could be seen as a major snub to owners. That said, offering compensation and reimbursement via this new extended warranty and repair program helps to reestablish some sense of trust among consumers.
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Comments
Does anyone know of anyone who had a problem with the optional chrome wheels!?
So for over 5 years GM turns a blind eye to issues with C7 GS/Z06 wheels cracking/ bending then caves to the problem by an extended warranty, repair and replacement reimbursement for wheel failures.
Unfortunately the C7 GS/Z06 factory wheels will continue to crack and bend and owners that continue to use the junk factory wheels will never be rid of the problem. Make no mistake the factory wheels are going to fail sooner or later.
Although more expensive true forged aftermarket replacement wheels are the right solution. There are many brands and styles available.
At least now owners finally have the chance to get a stronger and more durable true forged wheel replacing the junk factory wheels with GM providing financial support. Better late than never.
So, I got the email, followed the links, but I do not see how to apply for reimbursement? Can someone point me in the right direction please?
Who do I contact about a cracked wheel? RK Chevrolet, in Virginia Beach, VA , service department advised it would cost $2,000 to replace the right rear wheel on my 2017 Grand Sport.
Good luck getting GM to do anything. I suggest submitting a complaint to the NHTSA. I have owned 3 C7 GS Corvettes and have had 6 rear wheels replaced due to cracking. My first C7 GS didn’t have a extended warranty and when I took it to the dealership they clamed it was normal wear and tear even though the car was less than one year old and still under warranty with less than 10k miles. Since GM wouldn’t do anything, I had the wheel repaired to find out a few months later that it would crack again 180 degrees from the repaired crack. The wheel had to be replaced. My second and third C7, I bought an extended wheel and tire warranty. To no surprise, I had 4 more rear wheels crack but they were covered under the extended warranty I purchased for the wheels. I reported the wheels to the NHTSA site with photo graphic evidence and vehicle information. Years later I get a mail notification about the “GM Extended Warranty” on the wheels. However, the Reimbursement form says you Must have 1) Proof of Payment and Supporting Evidence. I don’t know of anyone that is going to keep a receipt for 6 or 7 years to see if GM will actually take responsibility of a inferior product or for reimbursing for any warranty purchased to cover the inferior product. The last C7 I purchased used with 49k miles has only been driven twice since owning and already noticed a wheel leaking. Took the wheel off today to discover at no surprise, it has two cracks. In my opinion, the NHTSA should require GM to do a recall on all the factory rear wheels of the C7 GS and Z06 before someone gets killed from these trash wheels.