Rust on Z71 bumper
 

I have a 2003 Chevy Tahoe Z71. The rear bumper is facory painted. The bumper is covered with rust bulges. This is in the midwest where rust is really not much of a problem.

Has anyone else expierenced this problem?

While the Tahoe was in warranty the dealer said the rust was normal. But now 2 years later it really looks bad.

Horstmeister

RE: Rust on Z71 bumper
 

Hey there --

I was just wondering if you were able to get GM to fix this problem?

Tim O

RE: Rust on Z71 bumper
 

Welcome to the forum. Did you buy it new? If there has been no repairs to the painted bumper, then I don't see how it can be considered normal.

RE: Rust on Z71 bumper
 

I did buy the Tahoe new in 2/04. I have 55k on it, so it's out of the 36-36 warranty. I took it to a dealer and they said they've seen it a few times and the only thing they can do is GM will replace the bumper, but I have to pay to have it painted and the labor to install. When I asked if I could just have the bumper, and I'd take it to "MY" shop and have it painted, they said no. When I asked for the GM rep's name and phone number, they refused to give it to me.

T

RE: Rust on Z71 bumper
 

Try 800.222.1020. Sometimes you can get results from them. Good luck.

FYI: There's no reason they can't give you the bumper as long as you give them the old one.

RE: Rust on Z71 bumper
 

Just paint problems with mine.

RE: Rust on Z71 bumper
 

I have the same problem with my '03 Z71.

The dealer, Bill Kay Chevrolet in Lisle Illinois, "fixed" the problem back in October of '06 by having a local body shop slap some paint over the runst. No big suprise that it came back. When I returned it they said that there was nothing that they could do. I contacted the body shop and they said that they don't warranty that type of work, and that they tell the dealers that up front.

I contacted GM customer service where I spoke to a very helpful agent, who actually sounded sympathetic.
I ws actually hopefull that this would be resolved.

I was contacted today by Chris Wood today with the final GM decession.....
They would be doing nothing for me ! [:@]

So even though the dealer took corrective action, and possibley made the problem worse,
they won't stand behind it.

Feel free to call Chris at (866) 790-5600 x12170, be sure to give him my best.

My previous Chevy was a 74 Monte Carlo (a great car but what a rust bucket!)
My LAST Chevy is a 2003 Tahoe !

I know this is an old thread (2007, it looks like?) but had to add that I have a HORRIBLE problem with rust bubbling through from underneath on our Z71. AND it's become a game with my husband and I to point out other white Z71s with the same bumper issue (there are a LOT of them by us, only ever painted white).

I called the Chevy service center at the sales center where we bought it, and he explained that the bubbled up rust and paint was due to a ROCK hitting it. I wish I had a picture because almost the entire bumper is BROWN with rust. Must've been a big rock! :/

Oh, but he told me they could repaint it for me... at normal charge.

Welcome to the forum.

More likely due to poor metal prep when it was originally painted. Or it's been repainted due to collision damage.

I suspect it was a manufacturing defect if you are seeing it on other vehicles on the same areas.... GM had problems with the white paint chipping and peeling on the early 90's vehicles thou I have heard various stories as to the cause....

I also have a 2003 Chevy Tahoe Z71. The rear bumper has never been hit or damaged. It is rusting from the inside out. When I brought it to the attention of the dealer they looked at it and told me it was surface rust. I could probably put my finger through it now it's so flimsy.

Rusty Z71 Bumpers
 

Most of the Z71 bumpers I have looked at are really rusty! The white ones show quicker than other colors. The paint on mine has never been scratched or damaged. I first noticed rust running down from under the plastic covers onto the bumpers. Now I have large bubbles coming from underneath. This is definitely a defect from Chevrolet. I would like to hear if anyone has had warrenty coverage of parts and/or labor.

I was considering removing the bumpers and repainting myself, but after looking really close, they may be too far gone already, and may end up buying new bumpers. I will post again if I find reasonable cost replacements.

Rusted bumbers 2004 tahoe black z71
 

Chevrolet sucks! It is the only thing rusted mainly around the back license plate light. It is a defect. Front one is starting rust on the edges. Black paint is popping off it first. This Tahoe was always garaged. It is shame! It does not even have 60k. Had the dealership look at around 50k and got the run around. Will i ever buy another Tahoe from them.. Hell no! I first thought they might go ahead and fix it. I think once they figured it was going to cost $600 to them, they changed their mind.
I show my friends the rust and warned to stay away. Chevrolet has always had some sort rust on their trucks. I know because my dad has owned at least 5 of them from the past when they were called blazers. The new ones are all plastic...hmm wonder why.. My dad has went ford now. That is probably going to be my next choice!!!
Until then: I will show everyone my rusted bumpers!

I also have a 2003 tahoe with rusty bumpers! Always been well kept!

My Z71 CHEVY TAHOE HAS THE SAME PROBLEM.... IT IS COMPLETE DUST N HOLES.... LICENSE PLATES LIGHTS ARE DANGLING