When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I don’t post here much but I wonder the forums daily. Got a question regarding some what seems to be possible streaking on the inside of the headlight enclosure. I recently got some headlight PPF replaced and noticed this afterwards.
I am the first owner of this garage kept, low mileage C7Z and I have never noticed the marks prior. I was thinking it could be some fluid stains between the PPF and headlight interface (I hope), but after further research I realize it could be inside the headlamp enclosure. Any recommendations if the streaking is inside the headlamp and any possible solutions? I’ve tried to sit the car out in the sun for a bit and it didn’t seem to do much.
I’ve read some similar issues and maybe I’m just noticing now. There’s various c8 threads on this issue but not many on the c7 (other c7 threads show actual condensation present).
Might just live with it since I’ve also read replacements can do this over time (fighting what seems like a never ending battle and might just enjoy the car for what it is).
The streaking is only on one headlight (one that had PPF work done recently). Might also remove PPF to verify it is inside the enclosure or not.
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '25
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
No way to easily get inside the headlight enclosure that I know of and replacement headlights are pretty expensive. I would try removing the PPF on the one headlight and see if it is some residue that was left over from the old piece of film or something that got on there when the new piece was installed. The PPF installer may fix it under warranty if it is not actually inside the headlight.
I don’t post here much but I wonder the forums daily. Got a question regarding some what seems to be possible streaking on the inside of the headlight enclosure. I recently got some headlight PPF replaced and noticed this afterwards.
I am the first owner of this garage kept, low mileage C7Z and I have never noticed the marks prior. I was thinking it could be some fluid stains between the PPF and headlight interface (I hope), but after further research I realize it could be inside the headlamp enclosure. Any recommendations if the streaking is inside the headlamp and any possible solutions? I’ve tried to sit the car out in the sun for a bit and it didn’t seem to do much.
I’ve read some similar issues and maybe I’m just noticing now. There’s various c8 threads on this issue but not many on the c7 (other c7 threads show actual condensation present).
Might just live with it since I’ve also read replacements can do this over time (fighting what seems like a never ending battle and might just enjoy the car for what it is).
The streaking is only on one headlight (one that had PPF work done recently). Might also remove PPF to verify it is inside the enclosure or not.
It's definitely on the inside of the headlight. I had the same issue and had my installer pull off the PPF to verify and it is inside the light. This is a reported/recorded issue with the C7 Corvette as well the C8 Corvette. Unless it has changed, there is a good chance the new replacements will leak/streak again, too. I plan on getting mine fixed soon, too. Dealership will have to totally replace the headlights, can't open and fix them, unfortunately.
Before the Morimoto headlights became available some guys were modding the leds in the headlights. I recall the only method to open up was to dremal them. Then epoxy them back closed.
Not that it helps (sorry), but for a moment I thought I was on the C8 Forum where I've seen the same issue. Whatever is going on, apparently is ongoing. All the best for some resolution.
It's definitely on the inside of the headlight. I had the same issue and had my installer pull off the PPF to verify and it is inside the light. This is a reported/recorded issue with the C7 Corvette as well the C8 Corvette. Unless it has changed, there is a good chance the new replacements will leak/streak again, too. I plan on getting mine fixed soon, too. Dealership will have to totally replace the headlights, can't open and fix them, unfortunately.
Thanks for the reply. I have seen some C8 replacement headlights have the same marks and if that's the case for the C7 (it likely is) then I'll save the money and enjoy the car for what it is and worry less.
The marks can only be seen under certain lighting at the proper angle. Not the end of the world but certainly a bit annoying. I still love the car and its fully wrapped with XPEL so I've went to extra lengths to try and preserve the car and make it as perfect as reasonably achievable. I'm pretty meticulous about it.
My wife's new Cx-9 has the same issue in one of her headlights. I found it after about 280 miles were on the car, so it came from the factory that way. Interested to see what the dealer says when we take it in for the first oil change.
Unfortunately, it seems to be a common issue without a solid resolution other than dealer replacement and it sounds like it could very likely come back. The worst part is, it seems like the C8 is also affected so it's not likely an issue that GM has fixed.
C8 has same issue , 2k miles on my 2021 and both headlights have streaks inside now . No PPF on headlights . Dealer and GM trying to walk away from it being a warranty repaid because I have PPF film on hood and bumper. First tried to convince me was on outside , then said was caused.by the heat gun they used to put film on. Installer did use heat gun , very high end dealer. This is a very expensive repaid since front bumper needs to come off . Don’t buy the C8 , it’s got issues but they don’t want to cover ‘‘em is the problem. This is a QC issue and can’t trust the warranty , will be selling and buying quality .
I work at a dealership and we received a 2019 Z06 as a trade in that had the same issue. Looked like drips of water that dried on the inside of the headlight. Brought to a Chevy dealer to try to get it replaced under warranty with no luck (Now this might be because we were a dealer and not a customer). Seems like it might be a common issue on some models.
I work at a dealership and we received a 2019 Z06 as a trade in that had the same issue. Looked like drips of water that dried on the inside of the headlight. Brought to a Chevy dealer to try to get it replaced under warranty with no luck (Now this might be because we were a dealer and not a customer). Seems like it might be a common issue on some models.
Thanks Tom,, I cant believe GM on there flagship car . I am at the BBB stage with them now. Can I ask if yours had PPF on it ?
I’ve noticed the same issue on my 2019 Grand Sport with only 5600 miles. Mentioned it to my dealer and was told the issue is not covered under warranty. Anyone been told that? Haven’t pursued it further (yet!)
2017 Z here. Purchased with 9500 miles. I have the same streaks on the inside of my headlights as well. No PPF.
I have seen this on other vehicles so I wasn't happy, but I know there isn't much that can be done beyond replacing the headlights.
Like someone else mentioned, it's only noticeable in certain lights at certain angles.
It very common on the C7 and apparently on the C8 as well. I have a 2019 Z and I noticed it many moons ago. The cars 4 years old with 17,000 miles and looks better then the day I ordered it. It’s never been wet or in the rain so I know it’s a defect on GM’s part. It’s something we just have to live with. Mine is more of a hazy look on the inside of the light. I’m very OCD and it bothered me for several months. I finally just excepted the poor Quality on GM’s behalf and just live with it. I thought about replacing at 1 time, but I believe it was like a G for 1 headlight or something outrageous like that, and I think that was just for the light no labor. I decided against that because it’s just going to happen again eventually, so I just deal with it. Your not alone and the ones that don’t see a problem consider yourself a lucky one.
I would definitely take your car to another dealer.
I had the same “hard water” stains along with a bumper crop of road dust and fine debris on the inside of my 19’ Z Headlights. They were pretty cloudy. I purchased the car from FL where it was originally delivered and operated by the previous owner.
As I understand it the C7 headlights were designed to “breathe” as they will expand and contract with heat and cold.
Moisture gets up into the lens thru the lower front row of air vents or dams in the lens via driving in hard rains, car washes, etc. The moisture will slowly works it’s way back out of the front lower vents/ dams thru the expansion/ contraction process over time. The process is slow and leaves the hard water stains behind on the inside of the lens making the perfect surface for fine road dust to adhere to.
My local servicing dealer was aware of the problem and indicated it was considered a safety issue by GM and replaced the lights including a new bumper to body seal under warranty with no problems. I took advantage of the bumper being removed and had it refinished/ repainted thereby removing the minor road rash it had then added PPF to the bumper and new headlights.
My local dealer’s service manager indicated that the headlight staining was more commonplace in southern states due to the type of (harder?) water.
It appears GM is aware of the C7 headlight issue. I’ll check around to see if there’s a service bulletin or dealer alert on it.
I would think that once any water stains and/or dust and dirt buildup gets to the point that it’s effecting the light output of the headlights it truly is a safety/ warranty issue and should be replaced.
I’ve noticed the same issue on my 2019 Grand Sport with only 5600 miles. Mentioned it to my dealer and was told the issue is not covered under warranty. Anyone been told that? Haven’t pursued it further (yet!)
I am fighting with dealer and GM on a 21 C8 right now. So far they have given 2 excuses neither of which is true. 1) said it was on outside and must be the adhesive used for PPf. 2) after that didnt work because was on inside they said PPG heat gun caused it . They didnt use heat gun. I can see some dealers have warranty it and others run. Based on warranty it should be covered . This is easily a 3k job for both. There seems to be enough of this to get some attorney who might want to do class action suit breech of warrenty. Still fighting but selling the C8 , they dont stand behind it.
I would definitely take your car to another dealer.
I had the same “hard water” stains along with a bumper crop of road dust and fine debris on the inside of my 19’ Z Headlights. They were pretty cloudy. I purchased the car from FL where it was originally delivered and operated by the previous owner.
As I understand it the C7 headlights were designed to “breathe” as they will expand and contract with heat and cold.
Moisture gets up into the lens thru the lower front row of air vents or dams in the lens via driving in hard rains, car washes, etc. The moisture will slowly works it’s way back out of the front lower vents/ dams thru the expansion/ contraction process over time. The process is slow and leaves the hard water stains behind on the inside of the lens making the perfect surface for fine road dust to adhere to.
My local servicing dealer was aware of the problem and indicated it was considered a safety issue by GM and replaced the lights including a new bumper to body seal under warranty with no problems. I took advantage of the bumper being removed and had it refinished/ repainted thereby removing the minor road rash it had then added PPF to the bumper and new headlights.
My local dealer’s service manager indicated that the headlight staining was more commonplace in southern states due to the type of (harder?) water.
It appears GM is aware of the C7 headlight issue. I’ll check around to see if there’s a service bulletin or dealer alert on it.
I would think that once any water stains and/or dust and dirt buildup gets to the point that it’s effecting the light output of the headlights it truly is a safety/ warranty issue and should be replaced.
Was your car still under the original warranty?
I'd be quite surprised if GM is fixing this issue at all, especially on cars that are out of warranty. Which is most of the C7s now.
Let us know...
Streaking inside headlight enclosure
