Tom Letkewicz

I have a 2017 GS with a blown engine. I took it to a dealership and they informed me that they would have to tear engine down and have a GM engineer look at the failed parts and determine if it was part failure or driver error. The engine tear down would cost me $1300 if GM refuses to honor warranty. I asked them how they can determine driver error by looking at failed parts. I never got a definite answer just we have to tear it down to determine the failure. I even have a data recording of the time before and during the engine failure. The recording shows no missed shift or excessive revs. I guess I am looking for some advice on how to handle this and an answer to the question: Can looking at damaged parts after an engine tear down determine if the driver is a fault? Thanks.

flying_vette

Any engine mods or custom tune? If none then I wouldn’t worry about it.

AORoads

I think mainly they'll be looking at the computer to see if it was a downshift overrev, a tune, lack of/wrong oil in car, poor filter, or added mods Probably another dozen things I can't think of right now. Sorry to hear about your car. If everything checks out ok, you'll be getting either a rebuild or new crate engine. Hope for the best!

Tom Letkewicz

No engine modifications or tune or flash of computer was done. The engine is stock. Only has 5164 miles.

fake

Get an attorney remain silent and give them no more than a week to tear it down and if you have the time take pictures! Also make sure they have qualified mechanics not kids ripping it apart. Check on the lemon laws in your state if you have that resource contact them first!! Do not let the dealer ship know you have legal console until they give you negative feelings. Good Luck!

SilverGhost

You've got video evidence. Relax, it will be fixed, or GM will face punitive damages in court as well as restoration costs. But isn't it so pleasant to deal with a company that starts off with a threat against the customer for a warranty claim?

Kevin A Jones

I'd try not to worry about it. They are just being cautious following a script to cover themselves in case something were to be found indicating user abuse.

Vette Ski

Good luck Tom!
Rich

franknbeans

no mods = don't worry

Especially if you had the data recording going too.

rrepp

I believe you'll be fine. This sound like normal procedure to me. They are not going to guarantee you a free fix until they know all the facts. If you have no mods they will fix your engine for you. I'm still sorry to hear about an engine failure at 5,000 miles. But you may end up with a brand new motor!

Zjoe6

Follow the process.

JALLEN4

I agree! Everybody needs to waste their money on an attorney when they absolutely don't need one. The OP might want to hire two of them just in case one has a better idea.

Zymurgy

Did you buy the car new? If used, it is possible that a prior owner had a tune.

If you bought it new and you have not done a tune or any mods, and there is no evidence of an over-rev due to a downshift (they'll check the max revs recorded), it will be covered.

Vetteman Jack

I can’t blame GM for wanting to know the facts before springing for a new engine or rebuilding the existing one. If you have no mods/tune and didn’t do something that would damage the engine, I think your case is good for a warranty repair.

4thC4at60

Standard procedure.... got a Vette tech friend that's been working on Vettes for more than 30 years.... you get a blown engine in it gets inspected. Factory will decide. No need for an attorney. You'll simply spend money you don't need to spend.

Avanti

You are hardly alone having a C7 engine failure. They are looking for any reason to deny responsibility. It sounds like you are okay, but who knows. I hope you are on good terms with a competent attorney, but that it will be unnecessary. All the best! .

KenHorse

When you say "blown", exactly what do you think blew up?

JALLEN4

Who are "They" and where did you glean that information? The warranty process is really very simple. The factory will pay the dealer for any repairs done during warranty as long as they follow the warranty procedures. If they do not follow the procedures, they can be charged back for the warranty claim putting them in financial jeopardy for the associated costs. If the dealer repairs something that is outside the parameters of the written warranty...the manufacturer can deny the claim.

It is simply good business to take every precaution to assure nothing has caused the failure outside the normal operation of the vehicle. By no means does that mean "they are looking for any reason" to deny the claim. They are simply following the written conditions of the warranty presented to the purchaser at delivery.

ANGST_VA

This is pretty much the sanest most correct reply . Ford , Chevy , Dodge , Honda, BMW , would all say the same thing .

AZ99FRC

Could one of you experts explain how the dealership could even suspect driver error on a new engine with no mods and the data recorder proof? Just how would you blow an engine given these facts? I would go to a different dealership...I've never had one tell me how much it's gonna cost me if they decide it's somehow my fault. That kind of attitude would worry me and I would not advise the OP to relax!