2023 Stingray Coupe-Torch Red-Purchased January 24, 2023-$88,000+

As above. Perfect condition until July 2024 when a paint separation and exposed fiberglass was noted on the front bumper just below the headlight enclosure. Bubbling of paint in protected areas is also noted.

This was interpreted by the dealer as a road hazard. They recommended bumper removal, sanding, primer, and repaint with factory Torch Red paint. I had no recollection of any stone hitting this area which was partially protected by the headlight lens. The repaint was done in November 2024 and the Corvettes stored for 6 months to allow the paint to harden and cure. Insurance covered 25% of cost ($1,400).

The Corvette was driven from May 2025 until October 2025 when another paint separation and pealing was again noted in the same area.


The dealer gives a lifetime guarantee for their repaint as long as the owner is the original owner. The front bumper was removed and the same process as above was completed in November, 2025. The dealer has been very upfront and diligent trying to correct the issue with no charge to me. I have inquired with GM at 1 (866) 790-5700 and obtained a case number. I have talked with 2 reps at this number but can't get beyond their response. GM will not admit any responsibility for this paint defect. There is a service bulletin for misaligned headlights (?related). I have seen discussion on the Forum about improper preparation of the fiberglass, flexing of body parts causing friction at these points with paint issues, and issues at a new paint facility at Bowling Green. This is my 5th Corvette, a first with a paint issue. This week, I saw a 2022 Rapid Blue convertible with exactly the same issue in the same place at a dealership in Vermont.

Have others experienced this issue? I don't think there is a class action claim against GM. How common is this issue? Your comments and GM response to inquiries would be appreciated. I have not been able to engage anyone at GM-Corvette Division for discussion.

Disgusted, disappointed, and surprised at the inattention and dismissal of complaints from GM.
Ron Wilkinson
ron1403@hotmail.com
1 (304) 549-4137

 

Your dealer sucks. Terrible.

That's 100% the issue for the tsb.

 

The lights are not supposed to contact the panels. Good luck getting this resolved.

 

I have not had this issue with my 2022 but I had the exact same issue with my 2015. Dealer fixed it no charge. From what I've read Id wouldn't say the problem is prevalent but not rare.

 

Others have reported paint issues before. This does not look like a road induced damage to me but rather a crappy paint job. GM should have covered this for you 100%. Keep pressing and see if you can get them to do a reimbursement.

 

Is it me or does it look like there is something between the paint and the body panel…almost like some sort of residue…and you can see on one part where the paint didn't bond to the panel…...

 

should be covered under warranty this is a known issue.. headlamp acutually needs to be slightly repositioned.. have gm call the area rep in or call the corvette concierge and report it.

 

Your situation sounds extremely upsetting Ron, and our team would like to take a look at your case within our internal system and assist however we can. We ask that you reach out to our team via email, with "Corvette Forum - Ron Wilkinson" in the subject line. We can be reached at socialmedia@gm.com, and we hope to hear from you. By sending us a message, you consent to the information you provide being monitored and recorded by GM or those acting on GM’s behalf, subject to the GM Privacy Statement: https://www.gm.com/privacy-statement.

 

Ron, you are spot on. I purchased a 2023 in January if last year. After a few months had the exact same issue. Got the same BS response from the dealer, in fact from multiple dealers. This is despite the issue being exactly a described in their tech service bulletins. I can only encourage you to contact GM directly even though I was unsuccessful in my attempts. I too am completely disappointed and disgusted with GM. I can’t stand any of the dealers that I have dealt with about this issue in the knoxville tn area. I’ll email you copies of the tech service bullitens as soon as I dig them out of my files.

PS My issue was not as severe as yours and I ended up just using some touch up paint. No one but me knows it is there but it is like a small splinter the continues to bug me from time to time. But I do love the car. Enjoy the ride.

Hope you get some relief from GM. I was very disappointed. They look for ANY excuse to avoid responsibility for the apparent paint issues. As you can see from my photos my issue was less severe than yours, but was a perfect representation of the issues as identified in the technical service bulletins.

Also, the first dealer tried to use the warranty only good for original owner line as well. That is definitely not true, a flat out lie. GM finally acknowledged this but still denied the claim saying I caused the damage by hitting a curb due to some very minor scraps they saw on the plastic undercarriage. I admitted that I did hit a curb slightly, but this occurred weeks after my initial claim to the dealership.

From what I have read in the tech manuals the issue with the paint chipping at the headlights is prescribe to the lack of clearance between the headlight assembly and the fender. On of the bulletins i sent you details the procedure they prescribe to correct the issue and provide the proper clearance. I used a feeler gauge to check mine and it has 0 clearance between the headlight and fender. Therefore any flex in the vehicle whatsoever puts stress at the contact point resulting in the paint deforming or chipping. Their claim of the paint being covered for just one year is bogus. You are correct, they have nothing in writing that indicates this.

I wish there was a class action against GM for this. When you pay what we do for these vehicles we have the right for them to address issues like this and not play these ridiculous games.

 

Same issue here to. On delivery it was perfect. A month later I had the same chipping. Took pix and sent to dealer. The shop mgr told me to bring it in, took a glance at it and scheduled an appointment for R&R gratis. Obviously its an alignment issue because after 2 years its NPF. John Elway Chevy has been a great experience.

'23 Red Mist Z51 Napa Int. Convert.