Paint flaking on bumper cover

[fzrman]

Would everyone check the paint on the bumper cover under the headlights, where the cover joins the fender. I have paint starting to flake off both sides of the car.
Emailed my dealer, waiting for a reply.

 

[Aldakoopa]

I hadn't noticed anything until you told me to go check. Mine is just slightly starting to peel, not noticeable unless you're looking for it though. Looks like where the headlight is so tight up against the bumper cover, it is rubbing it and causing the paint to flake off.

 

[fzrman]

Check it out close. If it was rubbing the paint from being too tight. Both the fender and the cover would be chipping. Mine is just on the cover. I think this is clearly a problem with paint adhesion to the bumper cover.

 

[Aldakoopa]

Check it out close. If it was rubbing the paint from being too tight. Both the fender and the cover would be chipping. Mine is just on the cover. I think this is clearly a problem with paint adhesion to the bumper cover.

The fender doesn't touch the bumper, I said the headlight. And yes, it is at least partially an adhesion problem, especially if the paint continues to peel farther down on the bumper cover.

 

[Chevrolet Customer Care]

Would everyone check the paint on the bumper cover under the headlights, where the cover joins the fender. I have paint starting to flake off both sides of the car.
Emailed my dealer, waiting for a reply.

Haven't heard of this yet. Please let me know what the dealer says.

Vanessa
GM Customer Service

 

[fzrman]

I visited my dealer. (Sam Pierce Chevy)
They offered to repaint the troubled area of the bumper cover and then reclear the whole thing. As a temporary fix. they touched it up on my request and we are going to see if it gets worse. Then they will repaint. The body shop manager explained that it was because of the tight fit and different expansion and contraction rates between the metal fender and the plastic bumber cover. I can buy that explaination, but I am still unhappy with this as being a potential trouble area in the future.
My six year old cobalt has the same type of bumper covers and no problems at all with paint flaking. Makes me wonder if this is an isolated problem or a common problem.

 

[sonicShadow]

I have the same problem it's chipping on the corner

 

[Luv2xlr8]

I have the same problem on the driver side and was wondering if a rock chipped it but its a tight spot for a rock to get in there. Now that you guys mentioned it, i will see what my dealer has to say about this since my rear end will be getting fixed from a hit from behind at a red light. Thank goodness for insurance.

 

[jim_de_hunter]

Yep. I've got it, too. The paint is popping right at the headlight cowl - both sides. I'll give it some time to see if more people start getting it and to see if it spreads which would indicate an adhesion problem. Could be a build problem if the Chevy engineers expect the headlight cowl to put some pressure on the cover.

Here's a pic. Camera sucks but you can get the idea.

 

[Chevrolet Customer Care]

I visited my dealer. (Sam Pierce Chevy)
They offered to repaint the troubled area of the bumper cover and then reclear the whole thing. As a temporary fix. they touched it up on my request and we are going to see if it gets worse. Then they will repaint. The body shop manager explained that it was because of the tight fit and different expansion and contraction rates between the metal fender and the plastic bumber cover. I can buy that explaination, but I am still unhappy with this as being a potential trouble area in the future.
My six year old cobalt has the same type of bumper covers and no problems at all with paint flaking. Makes me wonder if this is an isolated problem or a common problem.

I have documented your concerns about paint peeling and will continue to watch this thread to see if the problem is widespread or just an isolated occurrence with Sonic.

Vanessa
GM Customer Service

 

[Poopsicle]

Me too...

Our Sonic also has a small paint flake missing at this very location.

 

[DMex]

here is where the paint is peeling on my car. the third one is where the dealer's bodyshop scratched it with waht looks like it might've been a screwdriver

 

[YTRytr]

that doesnt look good. ive hadnt hade any paint issue except for a few tiny flakes on the whole bumper area of the car.. $20 for claybars and 2 hrs later the car looked like new again.

 

[jchasp59]

I have documented your concerns about paint peeling and will continue to watch this thread to see if the problem is widespread or just an isolated occurrence with Sonic.

Vanessa
GM Customer Service

I have the same problem with the $325 optional paint in this area on the front bumper, and also the paint is chipping due to close (and uneven) tolerance on the rear hatch. At the top of the tail lights, the hatch contacts the body when it's closed. Adjusters are all of the way out. Dealer said that the hatch is properly aligned and that it's, 'normal wear'. I applied 3" x 1/8" rubber strips with silicone adhesive to the body where the hatch makes contact, but it's only slowing the process as the paint has chipped down to the white layer, beneath. Looks like the hatch door wasn't designed to fit in the opening, or the hatch and the opening were designed by two different groups of people, without the same measurements/dimensions in hand. Very poor fit and finish, inside and out! One more year, then this will be my first, and last, GM product. Too many problems in a very short time (3 months)!

 

[ferrariletigre]

Saw this thread, went outside to check and yes I've got the same problem also. Oh man is that going to bug me now.

 

[MisterClean]

Pictures of a chip caused by lower plastic of headlight housing and paint peeling on side of bumper. Also a pic of the gap between fender and bumper. My theory is the misalignment of the bumper combined with a lack of paint adhesion is causing this problem.