This info will answer that question for you -

Legally, a vehicle manufacturer cannot void the warranty on a vehicle due to an aftermarket part unless they can prove that the aftermarket part caused or contributed to the failure in the vehicle (per the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act (15 U.S.C. 2302(C)) . For best results, consider working with performance-oriented dealerships with a proven history of working with customers. If your vehicle manufacturer fails to honor emission/warranty claims, contact EPA at (202) 260-2080 or www.epa.gov. If federal warranty protection is denied, contact the FTC at (202) 326-3128 or www.ftc.gov. For additional information, check out the following links:

Consumers Bill of Rights - http://www.enjoythedrive.com/content/?id=8123
What You Can Do If Your Warranty Is Denied - http://www.enjoythedrive.com/content/?ID=8124
Federal Warranty Laws - http://www.enjoythedrive.com/content/?id=8128
Vehicle Manufacturer Warranty Contact Phone Numbers http://www.enjoythedrive.com/content/?id=8129

Time to start taking the C6s apart!

 

Tom,

This is good information, but it needs to be taken with a bit of perspective. An auto makers has the ability to deny your warranty for just about any modification if they wish....This is just a deny for warranty work and then the owner has to try and use the information you have provided to reverse that decision. The auto makers have a 'blanket' called engineered to specification that they use in this case and any failure they feel is beyond normal can fall into it if there is a modification. It becomes our burden to prove that mod didn't cause the malfunction in this case.

I had an attorney push this issue in a past failure I had with an F-body and there was a intake lid and a cat-back exhaust on the vehicle at failure. It is tough to fight back when you don't have the cash resources to force GM into the burden of proof state.

Todd

 

This is true. It sometimes comes down to a push and shove contest. Some people will just say "ok" and pay for the repair while others might be more persistant. Sometimes that doesn't get you anywhere either. I've been though this with a Suburban a few years ago. The bumper/hit was falling off the truck (bolts backing out) when there was a 10,000lb car hauler on it. Well within the weight that it was designed to tow. We went back and forth for awhile. I ended up giving in because I just didn't have the time to persue it and also didn't feel confident that they could or would fix it correctly. I know what you mean.

 

I had a problem a few years ago, attorney wanted 2500 up front and told me that they will drag it out and maybe in a couple of years I might get my money back. Now will you be paying me by check or credit card. Thats why you take care of your service writer.

 

true, however, local dealers aren't usually willing to press the issue

for the most part you can consider a part to void a warantee if a failure occurs, unless there is a specific service bulletin or recall related to the particular system.

 

It's my belief that most GM dealerships are taught to deny warranty coverage if at all possible - especially on expensive parts. Unfortunately, the Corvette is loaded with expensive parts. I've been to 3 different Chevy dealers trying to get them to replace a "crazing" acrylic top on my '02 (which is under warranty) and EVERY ONE of them (i.e the service managers) gives the same answer: "There isn't a TSB on this issue, so you'll just have to buy a new top." GM customer assistance is of no help either, as they just call the dealership back, get their opinion, and regurgitate the same thing back to me and say "if two dealerships come to the same conclusion, then the decision is final."

If they're that hard to deal with, I can't imagine trying to get warranty coverage on my car after adding mods.

 

What exactly is a "crazing" acrylic top? I would take the issue to the arbitration board and let them decide. Typically you will win if you are just trying to get a fix done.

 

Sorry to take this thread slightly off topic guys, I'll keep it short I promise.

"Crazing" is a problem where micro-fractures develop inside the acrylic top material. The fractures can't usually be felt nor seen from the outside. They're usually only visible from the inside and only when it's sunny. When the sun hits the top just right all the fractures glow, creating a glowing matrix of spider webs throughout the top. It's fairly annoying actually. The number of the fractures in my top has increased by 3X in just the last 6 months, and I've had the top out maybe twice during that period. Evidently, once it starts it won't stop.

The service managers I've talked to claim that the issue is related to prior abuse of the top (i.e "dropping"/"twisting") and is not related to workmanship of the top itself. I'm the 2nd owner of my low mileage car, so when the dealers figure that out (via their customer tracking system) they just claim the previous owner "must've abused it" and deny warranty coverage. They have reminded me more than once that "if there's no TSB for the condition, GM won't pay to fix it".

There are other members on here that have this issue with their tops too. A few have had success getting it replaced under warranty, but the GM shops that I've visited here in KC are keeping tight. After receiving the same response from 3 different dealers (and from GM Customer Assistance) I've pretty much given up.

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