This morning Chevrolet announced a Customer Satisfaction Program for some 2008 and 2009 Corvette Convertibles. This is a program similar to a recall but not as formal. If you’re having the problem, and have a vehicle that qualifies, you can have the repair done at no cost by installing a newly designed retainer bracket. Here’s the details…
Certain 2008 and 2009 model year Corvette manual or power roof Convertible vehicles may have a condition in which the fabric roof cover may begin to separate from its retainer bracket near the top edge of the windshield. When the vehicle reaches speeds of approximately 100 mph or greater, the roof cover could begin to pull away from the retainer bracket and, depending on the speed of the vehicle and duration at that speed, could tear into the rear glass. If this were to occur, the headliner would remain intact and the roof cover would not separate from the vheicle.
Vehicles Involved: Only vehicles built within the following VIN breakpoints are involved:
- 2008 models from VIN breaks: 85117774 through 85135284
- 2009 models from VIN breaks: 95100002 through 95112678
Dealers will confirm whether your vehicle is eligible for the repair, as not ALL vehicles will be eligible. GM will send a letter to all customers that are included in this program and all repairs must be made before May 31, 2011 (new, updated extension).
A copy of the letter can be found after the jump.
Dear General Motors Customer:
We have learned that your 2008 or 2009 model year Chevrolet Corvette manual or power roof
convertible vehicle may have a condition in which the fabric roof cover may begin to separate
from its retainer bracket near the top edge of the windshield. When the vehicle reaches speeds
of approximately 100 mph (161 km/h) or greater, the roof cover could begin to pull away from
the retainer bracket and, depending on the speed of the vehicle and duration at that speed,
could tear to the rear glass. If this were to occur, the headliner would remain intact and the roof
cover would not separate from the vehicle.
Your satisfaction with your Chevrolet Corvette is very important to us, so we are announcing a
program to prevent this condition.
What We Will Do: Your Chevrolet dealer will install a new design retainer bracket. This service
will be performed for you at no charge until May 31, 2010.
What You Should Do: To limit any possible inconvenience, we recommend that you contact
your dealer as soon as possible to schedule an appointment for this repair. By scheduling an
appointment, your dealer can ensure that the necessary parts will be available on your
scheduled appointment date.
Customer Reply Form: The enclosed customer reply form identifies your vehicle. Presentation
of this form to your dealer will assist in making the necessary correction in the shortest possible
time. If you no longer own this vehicle, please let us know by completing the form and mailing it
back to us.
If you have any questions or need any assistance, just contact your dealer or the appropriate
Customer Assistance Center at the number listed below.
Chevrolet 1-800-630-2438
Guam 1-671-648-8450
Puerto Rico – English 1-800-496-9992
Puerto Rico – Español 1-800-496-9993
Virgin Islands 1-800-496-9994
Courtesy Transportation: If your vehicle is within the New Vehicle Limited Warranty, your
dealer may provide you with shuttle service or some other form of courtesy transportation while
your vehicle is at the dealership for this repair. Please refer to your Owner’s Manual and your
dealer for details on Courtesy Transportation.
We sincerely regret any inconvenience or concern that this situation may cause you. We want
you to know that we will do our best, throughout your ownership experience, to ensure that your
Chevrolet Corvette provides you many miles of enjoyable driving.
Scott Lawson
Director, Customer and Relationship Services
Branding the Corvette as an American-made vehicle doesn’t have the same marketing pull on the vehicle in European countries like it does in the United States (for obvious reasons). In fact, if you look at a recently built Corvette, no where will you find the word “Chevrolet.” Why?