Cracked and discolored taillight

[frostyGT]

I just noticed today that my right taillight is cracked and discolored. There is no evidence that it was hit. It is cracked at the top, bottom, middle, and side. There are no surface scuffs/paint.I tried several times to clean the light, and the discoloration in the picture will not come off. The left taillight is fine and looks brand new.I am going to take it into the dealer to see what they say. I've had the car for about 18 months, and this is the first time I will have to go to the dealership.Please see pics.

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[frostyGT]

Another pic

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[frostyGT]

Last pic

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[NSimkins]

For the discoloration, you may want to try some Plastic Cleaner/Wax -- I've used this on various clear plastic parts (headlamps, exterior lenses) and it cleaned up nicely.Check this post for more info: http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=5971Let us know what your dealer has to say as well.

[frostyGT]

Thanks for the advice, Nick.I'll keep you posted on what the dealer says. If they don't cover it, then there is no way I'm spending money on a stock taillight. I'll just have to wait on some nice aftermarket ones for half the price.

[frostyGT]

Well, I finally got to the dealer today. They're only open M-F until 4:30. Kinda hard to make it in during those hours.Anyway, as expected, Pontiac will not fix it. I'm not really surprised, though. I've had my Vibe 18 months, and this was the first time I was forced to visit them. If the Vibe didn't look so much better, I would've bought the Matrix so I didn't have to deal with GM. Oh well...I still love my Vibe!The service manager said it was hit by a shopping cart! It was hard not to laugh in his face. So, go look at your vibe and tell me how a shopping cart could hit the top inside corner of your taillight without hitting the bumper, without hitting the ridges on the tailight, and without causing any other damage whatsoever. The rest of the cracks were from that point of impact, even though there were no surface cracks or scratches. I didn't even realize a shopping cart could crack a taillight.Oh well...a little sad, but at least I have a reason to get some 3d retro tails when they finally come out!

[ragingfish]

Not only is your take on the shopping-cart theory accurate (unlikely a cart would hit that high up), but there's NO point of impact that I can see! I think you've been BSed.

[frostyGT]

Quote, originally posted by ragingfish »I think you've been BSed.I think I've been GMed...