Top Recall

25143 Views 72 Replies 23 Participants Last post by stephencochran640, 4 mo ago

Ctaylormade

Discussion Starter · Jun 12, 2012

I know its been discussed by some about a top recall. I had the recall done last week and the only issue I have had with my top since buying mine was a seal didnt seam to go back in place after putting top back up. I was wondering if those that have had numerous complaints with their tops have had this done yet and has it resolved your issue (it did mine)?
Also was wondering if those with the most problems did you leave your tops down alot while parked in your garage or not?

41 - 60 of 73 Posts

Cam62

· #41 · Sep 7, 2013

hotrodhoodrat said:
How long did they have yo Camaro ??
Sorry to hear your problem, have a pic of it ?, let us know how it turns out :thumbsup:

I'm thinking of taking mine in to our GM dealer, here locally.,
Frost, has less than 25K miles & not even 3yrs old, already see rub marks growing...slowly :facepalm:

oh no... well, you know my story and now I'm back. Taking my 2012 in for rub marks. sheesh.. second convertible.. if this results in another lemon.. I'm done with camaro's.

hotrodhoodrat

· #42 · Sep 8, 2013

Cam62 said:
oh no... well, you know my story and now I'm back. Taking my 2012 in for rub marks. sheesh.. second convertible.. if this results in another lemon.. I'm done with camaro's.

I so.. hope not, U would be missed !, sadly these rub marks are eating away at the cloth :angry: but
there is members reporting they got their top not to have them any more, so hopefully a GM rep, can shine in and give us some good news /
update us to what GM will be doing :thumbsup:

Tiberious

· #43 · Sep 8, 2013

My top is still....okay. Not great but watching the wear closely. My dealer had initially told me that they'd do whatever was necessary to replace it, but nothing ever happened....I think that the service manager retired due to medical issues, so it's on hold. For now I'm willing to watch and wait, but a REAL solution would be nice!

Tib

hotrodhoodrat

· #44 · Sep 9, 2013

Tiberious said:
My top is still....okay. Not great but watching the wear closely. My dealer had initially told me that they'd do whatever was necessary to replace it, but nothing ever happened....I think that the service manager retired due to medical issues, so it's on hold. For now I'm willing to watch and wait, but a REAL solution would be nice!

Tib

I'd still take your vert in before your bumper to bumper warranty expires, I'd also document in a letter, to the new manager you are requesting on x/xx/xx
a repair on the top or extend your warranty for the top.
GM should have addressed this Issue by now or at least, give extended warranty's on all verts

hotrodhoodrat

· #45 · Sep 11, 2013

So, I'm going in today at 2pm, called to see if I could also have my paint (quote) chips looked at, the guy said,
I'd have to go to their other facility because they don't do them at this one (for my claim)..lol
Also he starts to tell me GM doesn't cover wear marks, now if it rips or starts dripping, they will look at it "really",
tho I can still bring it in so their service manager can look at it, but most likely, send me on my way...OMG that's bull,
I bet I'll not get any help after being told that :angry: I'll update once I can and let ya all know what happens.

Chevy Customer Service

· #46 · Sep 11, 2013

Hi hotrodhoodrat,

Keep us posted on your dealership visit! If further assistance is needed, we are happy to help!

Jessica (assisting William R.)
Chevrolet Customer Care

hotrodhoodrat said:
So, I'm going in today at 2pm, called to see if I could also have my paint (quote) chips looked at, the guy said,
I'd have to go to their other facility because they don't do them at this one (for my claim)..lol
Also he starts to tell me GM doesn't cover wear marks, now if it rips or starts dripping, they will look at it "really",
tho I can still bring it in so their service manager can look at it, but most likely, send me on my way...OMG that's bull,
I bet I'll not get any help after being told that :angry: I'll update once I can and let ya all know what happens.

Envy

· #47 · Sep 11, 2013

I know the rub marks that appear on the convertible tops can be frustrating but they are a part of owning a convertible. Just like anything else...the more you use it...the quicker it will fail. So in other words...the more you open and close your top...the more wear will be evident on it. This isn't a GM problem...it's a convertible problem. If you Google "convertible top rub marks" you will see that every auto manufacturer that produces convertibles has complaints...including Ford, Honda, Saturn, Porsche, Chrysler and many, many others.

Convertible tops are well known for being high maintenance and I find myself wondering whether you guys are aware that the average life expectancy of a convertible top is only 6-7 years. Convertible tops wear and rub along the ribs and there's noting that can be done to change that fact...eventually these pressure points/rub marks will result in wearing holes through the top. If you want to minimize this wear...keep the top very clean and well treated and refrain from opening it when it is dirty because dirt IS an abrasive that will accelerate the rate of damage.

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Cam62

· #48 · Sep 11, 2013 (Edited)

Envy said:
I know the rub marks that appear on the convertible tops can be frustrating but they are a part of owning a convertible. Just like anything else...the more you use it...the quicker it will fail. So in other words...the more you open and close your top...the more wear will be evident on it. This isn't a GM problem...it's a convertible problem. If you Google "convertible top rub marks" you will see that every auto manufacturer that produces convertibles has complaints...including Ford, Honda, Saturn, Porsche, Chrysler and many, many others.

Convertible tops are well known for being high maintenance and I find myself wondering whether you guys are aware that the average life expectancy of a convertible top is only 6-7 years. Convertible tops wear and rub along the ribs and there's noting that can be done to change that fact...eventually these pressure points/rub marks will result in wearing holes through the top. If you want to minimize this wear...keep the top very clean and well treated and refrain from opening it when it is dirty because dirt IS an abrasive that will accelerate the rate of damage.

Envy, I respectfully agree but disagree.

I agree that convertible tops require additional attention and that over time they will show wear such as creases and minor rub marks.

That being said, brand new convertible tops should not have rub marks resulting in actual holes in the top while still practically brand new. In the early cases, these holes were not over the ribs, they were over the drivers and passenger side window. GM released a few tsb's that once performed stop the premature wear.

This would be similar to me saying to you, that metal rusts and just because you have rust on your roof or holes in your roof, it's normal wear and tear.

The current issue (at least for mine and others) is if the assembly does not retract deep enough in to the "well" fabric will catch on the trim for the will and rub a hole into the fabric.

GM bought my first convertible back becuase of this issue after only about 3000 miles. Now my 2012 is experiencing different marks that are soon to be holes and at only 15000 miles and less than 18 months.

for the record, I keep the top spotless, and never put it down wet.
Many of these complaints are design or manufacturing issues, not simple wear and tear.

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hawk02

· #49 · Sep 11, 2013 (Edited)

I know I'm going to get some disagreement on this, but the number one thing you can do, in my opinion, to protect your top is to use the tonneau cover. And if your car didn't come with a tonneau cover, invest the money and purchase one.

I've owned three 5 gen convertibles so I know a little bit about these tops. None of my verts have had a top issue because I always put the tonneau cover on when the top goes down. I know it can be a big pain in the "a", but I swear it's the flapping of the top and subsequent rubbing on the back of the well that contributes to the marks and eventual wear.

Chevy somewhat alleviated the issue with a modification that went into production in April of 2012 that folds the top tighter so it doesn't contact the sides of the well. But it still helps to always use the tonneau cover.

hotrodhoodrat

· #50 · Sep 11, 2013

I agree with cam62.. These are new convertibles I've seen many convertibles for 2011, mustangs, corvettes, BMWs.. Not have rub marks til several years, has passed, I baby the crap out of my girl, so much my wife gets jealous..Haha.
Plus having or not having a tonneau cover, helps to a degree, some members state theirs are just fine, even not using theirs, mine seems fine at 35mph.. Its not moving and that's when I use the top down the most

Went to the GM dealer, he admitted to me if its not leaking or broken its fine, it does not need repaired,
his manager was in training and could not be bothered by a customer.. WTF, REALLY !! Woe,
never had that happen before, the service rep told me to reschedule an appointment with them on Friday.. :facepalm:

Envy

· #51 · Sep 12, 2013

Cam62 said:
This would be similar to me saying to you, that metal rusts and just because you have rust on your roof or holes in your roof, it's normal wear and tear.

So you're comparing a bare metal roof to a convertible top? [URL="

[/URL] That would be kinda like comparing a coconut to a banana...they're both fruits but one is much more susceptible to damage and the other is gonna last a whole lot longer.

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hotrodhoodrat

· #52 · Sep 12, 2013 (Edited)

hotrodhoodrat said:
I agree with cam62.. These are new convertibles I've seen many convertibles for 2011, mustangs, corvettes, BMWs.. Not have rub marks til several years, has passed, I baby the crap out of my girl, so much my wife gets jealous..Haha.
Plus having or not having a tonneau cover, helps to a degree, some members state theirs are just fine, even not using theirs, mine seems fine at 35mph.. Its not moving and that's when I use the top down the most

Went to the GM dealer, he admitted to me if its not leaking or broken its fine, it does not need repaired,
his manager was in training and could not be bothered by a customer.. WTF, REALLY !! Woe,
never had that happen before, the service rep told me to reschedule an appointment with them on Friday.. :facepalm:

Now, I'm thinking most of these dealers.. are in for the money than customer support, whats a warranty good for
if its only good for damage.. someone going to die before making a repair, because its not broken yet ! :facepalm:/:angry:

Envy said:
So you're comparing a bare metal roof to a convertible top? [URL="

[/URL] That would be kinda like comparing a coconut to a banana...they're both fruits but one is much more susceptible to damage and the other is gonna last a whole lot longer.

Yea, I C yo point, but truthfully, have you looked at most verts, most of them don't start wearing down for quite some time,
I walked for several years, looking at many types of verts before camaro's came out..
most if not all were used cars, and very little or no damage at all, for 2-4yr old vert's.., I even walking through parking lots,
at stores and asking people a bought their verts, how long they had it and the type of care they do to it or if it was replaced or repaired.
I had a 1967 Lemans vert, all original...the top was never changed, from the original owner, that I bought it from, tho
it had sun damage, but no other damage or scuff marks ?

?

Cam62

· #53 · Sep 12, 2013 (Edited)

Envy said:
So you're comparing a bare metal roof to a convertible top? [URL="

[/URL] That would be kinda like comparing a coconut to a banana...they're both fruits but one is much more susceptible to damage and the other is gonna last a whole lot longer.

Of course you're right. I guess my attempt at an analogy fell flat.

I get so tired of people minimizing these top problems.

How would you feel if your coupe top started to rust and develop holes when the car is still brand new?

Minor rub marks/creases are one thing but that can be subjective. Severe rub marks that result in ruined fabric/holes are a different issue and can be documented as facts.

A convertible top may show wear but holes and ruined fabric with low mileage on the car is unacceptable.

Gm bought my 2011 back for this reason (there's more to that story but the holes are the start of the story) and they just authorized replacement of the top on my 2012 for this reason.

hotrodhoodrat

· #54 · Sep 13, 2013

Cam62 said:
Of course you're right. I guess my attempt at an analogy fell flat.

I get so tired of people minimizing these top problems.

How would you feel if your coupe top started to rust and develop holes when the car is still brand new?

Minor rub marks/creases are one thing. Severe rub marks and ruined fabric/holes are a different issue. A convertible top may show wear but holes and ruined fabric with low mileage on the car is unacceptable.

Gm bought my 2011 back for this reason (there's more to that story but the holes are the start of the story) and they just authorized replacement of the top on my 2012 for this reason.

I'm so glad, your dealership is willing to work hard for you :thumbsup:
I'm already getting the boot from the manager.. before he even see's me / Frost :angry:
Peterson Chevrolet : has had a bad rep, from their old store.. I guess they have not changed one bit :facepalm: + :angry:
I don't know why I'm even going to my appointment today.. I know what he's (Manager) going to tell me,
"sorry, its not leaking or broken.. have a good day" !

A TWO IN A HALF YEAR OLD CAMARO SHOULD NOT HAVE ANY PROBLEMS "PERIOD" !!:angry::angry:

vegas girl

· #55 · Sep 13, 2013

Reading all this....I'm getting worried and scared....did I do the right thing buying my Vert???? Dang....I've wanted this car for YEARS....now I FINALLY have my dream car. K....guess I'm just going to have to stay on top of things....checking the top for signs of unusual wear and tear. My dealer was wonderful during the buying process....but thinking...of course they were....how many customers go in and pay cash for their brand new car? We will see just how stand up they end up being. Hope I don't have to find out any time soon

hotrodhoodrat

· #56 · Sep 13, 2013

vegas girl said:
Reading all this....I'm getting worried and scared....did I do the right thing buying my Vert???? Dang....I've wanted this car for YEARS....now I FINALLY have my dream car. K....guess I'm just going to have to stay on top of things....checking the top for signs of unusual wear and tear. My dealer was wonderful during the buying process....but thinking...of course they were....how many customers go in and pay cash for their brand new car? We will see just how stand up they end up being. Hope I don't have to find out any time soon

Don't B worried.. you should be good, just keep an eye on your top, all should be good.. also, your dealer made you happy, he'll likely keep you that way

+ :5go:

Cam62

· #57 · Sep 13, 2013 (Edited)

hotrodhoodrat said:
I'm so glad, your dealership is willing to work hard for you :thumbsup:
I'm already getting the boot from the manager.. before he even see's me / Frost :angry:
Peterson Chevrolet : has had a bad rep, from their old store.. I guess they have not changed one bit :facepalm: + :angry:
I don't know why I'm even going to my appointment today.. I know what he's (Manager) going to tell me,
"sorry, its not leaking or broken.. have a good day" !
A TWO IN A HALF YEAR OLD CAMARO SHOULD NOT HAVE ANY PROBLEMS "PERIOD" !!:angry::angry:

Don't go in with a chip on your shoulder to start with. Be calm, professional and polite. That has helped me, I'm sure.

Do you have any good pictures of your rub marks. This one shows that the fabric is actually damaged, not just a mark.

Whether the top leaks or not is irrelevant. GM needed to authorize my replacement, which they did and I have no leaks.

Quite frankly, I'm very nervous about the replacement as many of the top replacements have resulted in botched jobs.

I am getting the updated top which has a different way of folding up and the tensioner cables are run a bit different.

Text Line Parallel Diagram Design

[

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hotrodhoodrat

· #58 · Sep 13, 2013

Cam62 said:
Don't go in with a chip on your shoulder to start with. Be calm, professional and polite. That has helped me, I'm sure.

Do you have any good pictures of your rub marks. This one shows that the fabric is actually damaged, not just a mark.

Whether it the top leaks or not is irrelevant. GM needed to authorize my replacement, which they did and I have no leaks.

Quite frankly, I'm very nervous about the replacement as many of the top replacements have resulted in botched jobs.

I am getting the updated top which has a different way of folding up and the tensioner cables are run a bit different.

View attachment 26818 [

Mine are just like that, I'll probably be calm to start with.. tho I'm sure the manager, will treat me like dirt,
just because I don't ware a suit n' tie, plus.. I have long hair..lol,
but on more of the serious side..
I've never been told a customer is not as important than a training course or class or any other reason
other than another customer.. Yea.. I'm hung up on that

Cam62

· #59 · Sep 13, 2013

hotrodhoodrat said:
Mine are just like that, I'll probably be calm to start with.. tho I'm sure the manager, will treat me like dirt,
just because I don't ware a suit n' tie, plus.. I have long hair..lol,
but on more of the serious side..
I've never been told a customer is not as important than a training course or class or any other reason
other than another customer.. Yea.. I'm hung up on that

Good luck and keep us updated!

Chevy Customer Service

· #60 · Sep 13, 2013

vegas girl said:
Reading all this....I'm getting worried and scared....did I do the right thing buying my Vert???? Dang....I've wanted this car for YEARS....now I FINALLY have my dream car. K....guess I'm just going to have to stay on top of things....checking the top for signs of unusual wear and tear. My dealer was wonderful during the buying process....but thinking...of course they were....how many customers go in and pay cash for their brand new car? We will see just how stand up they end up being. Hope I don't have to find out any time soon

We're also here to provide assistance if you experience any concerns. Feel free to contact us anytime.

William R.
Chevrolet Customer Care

41 - 60 of 73 Posts