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.
Driving 70 MPH on interstate, 6” diameter rock came from nowhere striking the RF bumper. Impact was so severe 4 way flashers activated, both seat belts retracted, service airbags warning came on(air bags did not deploy), there was a pronounced hissing (?) noise and smoke coming from under the glove compartment. Keep the C7 under a controlled stop along the shoulder.
Questions I have:
1. Did the safety features operate properly? Believe there might be a recall that airbags not operating properly, however my VIN shows no recalls.
2. Do the repairs have to be made by a certified GM dealer?
3. Can the front clip be repaired or does it need to be replaced?
The front bumper cover will need to be replaced and the new part painted
The grill will need to be replaced
The seatbelts will need to be rebuilt
The airbag module will need to be reset
I don't have an explanation for why there would be pronounced hissing (?) noise and smoke coming from under the glove compartment.
Holy crap your lucky it didn't come threw the windshield.Big hit.The hissing could be a AC line or Cooling system line that wasn't to stable.Possible vibration from a hit like that made it looser to hiss?
Look along the firewall for any signs of a leak.Losing any antifreeze?
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 '26
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
Lucky indeed that the rock struck the fascia rather than the windshield. If any positive out of this, it would be a great time to upgrade to the GS/Z06 grille instead of the base grille.
wow hell of a rock for sure, glad your ok and no one hurt.
good luck with repairs, certainly could of been worse. would get at least 2 quotes for sure and maybe even have them put on lift to check out underneath quickly as well. certainly mention the noise and general location.
There is an airbag recall for some C7's. Mine was updated. The impact doesnt look like the airbags should have deployed. But maybe the sensor was damaged.
The front bumper cover will need to be replaced and the new part painted
The grill will need to be replaced
The seatbelts will need to be rebuilt
The airbag module will need to be reset
I don't have an explanation for why there would be pronounced hissing (?) noise and smoke coming from under the glove compartment.
The seat belts may not need to be replaced/rebuilt but the belt pre-tensioners (the belt receivers located on the inside of each seat) will need to be replaced although if you didn't have a passenger the passenger side pre-tensioner may be OK. They are part of the SIR and are the reason why the airbag light is on.
Any qualified body shop should be able to do the repairs. However, how long it takes may be an issue. I just had a body shop do some work on my car and they told me I was lucky I didn't need any parts. Parts lead times are killing them on every brand car they have worked on for quite a while.
I agree with the others, glad everyone is okay and you didn't panic on the roadway. I think it hit one of the best places you could hope for!
Definitely looking at nose and grille replacement. I would also recommend taking the opportunity to go with a Z06 replacement grille. They look fantastic.
C7 repair
