I’m writing to express my dissatisfaction with the quality of the paint on my 2020 Silverado 1500 High Country, which I purchased from your authorized dealer, Seminole Chevrolet, in Florida on November 11, 2020. At the time of purchase, I also purchased the “Platinum Plus” warranty with $0 deductible, which extended the manufacturer’s warranty to 90,000 miles.
Within a year of ownership, I noticed that the paint on the roof of my truck started to peel and flake, exposing the primer sealer underneath. This defect has not only ruined the appearance of my vehicle, but also reduced its resale value and increased the risk of rust and corrosion. Now there is approximately, a 12” x 5” area at the center of my vehicle that is down to the primer. I’ve had paint experts look at it, who said that it is a manufacturers defect caused by a paint bonding issue. I feel that this is unacceptable for a vehicle that I paid over $70,000 for.
Upon noticing the flaking, I proceeded to the dealership and was told that if I wanted it fixed, I would have to pay a $750 - $850 deductible, depending on if the windows had to be removed, to just repaint my roof only. What happened to the warranty that I purchased? A service manager visually looked at the flaking. No one at the dealership did any formal inspection of the paint. I contacted the General Manager, who advised me that she would check into it. It’s been over two months since I spoke to her. I sent a follow up email that has been unanswered.
I have learned that this is a common problem affecting many GM truck and SUV models from 2015 to 2019, and that a class action lawsuit has been filed against you for this issue. I have also read that the cause of the defect is the incompatible chemical properties of the paint and clear coat, which prevent them from bonding properly.
I am very disappointed that you have failed to inform your customers about this defect, and that you have not taken any corrective action to remedy it. I believe that you have a responsibility to provide a quality product that meets the expectations of your loyal customers. This is my second Silverado. I’ve promoted it to family and friends, leading to many of them purchasing the same vehicle. I’ve also recommended the pursuit model of the Silverado to my department.
Therefore, I request that you either repurchase my vehicle at full cost or provide me with a free and complete repaint of my vehicle using a compatible paint and clear coat system. I also request that you recall all the affected vehicles and compensate the owners for their losses.
Please respond to this letter within 30 days with a satisfactory resolution. If I do not hear from you by then, I will consider taking legal action.
The attached photos show how it started and what it looks like now. Every day I drive it, it flakes more because of the wind hitting it.
Claimed loss: This defect has ruined the appearance of my vehicle and reduced its resale value and increased the risk of rust and corrosion. Now there is approximately, a 12” x 5” area at the center of my vehicle that is down to the primer.
Desired outcome: Therefore, I request that you either repurchase my vehicle at full cost or provide me with a free and complete repaint of my vehicle using a compatible paint and clear coat system.
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