GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

Guess you and I are still waiting salso

salsa, nothing yet but ill check tommorow to see if anything is on gm web site if i get time we have been slammed busy lately

Still nothing I assume???

Add another person with the cladding problem. I really hope they get their act together. I am getting sick of looking at it.

(Just Kidding )I didn't realise that my crapped up rear cladding was defective! You Guys ROCK!

I was searching around and found this site I also checked at work and found the same bulletin. doesn't this say they will replace cladding (molding)? I hope the link works if not I printed out a copy. I'm going to the dealer and ask about it http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/probl ... 00078click on the document link you will need adobe acrobate reader

This bulletin said they will replace the cladding but with the same model (2003). It isn't written to replace with the 2004 cladding. So we are all waiting for a Service bulletin that will replace with the 2004... See: http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id ... 3444#53444 Please wait a little more like many of us.

Will Do. Thanks Again!

will do. i can see the new updates at work a freind can access it. I'll check every other day

quote:This bulletin said they will replace the cladding but with the same model (2003). It isn't written to replace with the 2004 cladding. So we are all waiting for a Service bulletin that will replace with the 2004... Just a quick correction. The previuosly released bulletin dosen't say "they will replace", because this type of codition isn't covered under GM's warranty. Just keep this in mind as we all await the new bulletin. If it just lists updated parts and installation procedures, it dosen't allow dealers to replace the parts under current warranty terms.

quote:will do. i can see the new updates at work a freind can access it. I'll check every other dayThanks!

quote:Just a quick correction. The previuosly released bulletin dosen't say "they will replace", because this type of codition isn't covered under GM's warranty. Just keep this in mind as we all await the new bulletin. If it just lists updated parts and installation procedures, it dosen't allow dealers to replace the parts under current warranty terms.Excuse me for the mistake... My English is not always accurate because I'm French speaking. I was not using the words in their context. Thanks!

quote:Excuse me for the mistake... My English is not always accurate because I'm French speaking. I was not using the words in their context. Thanks!It wasn't your English I was pointing out, it is the groups expectations of what a TSB can do. Just trying to be a voice of reality.

just an update guys:: bullitin update is not out yet checked today tuesday 22nd. i'll keep and eye, ear,nose,finger,hand,and foot on it!

i have a deal already worked out w/pontiac....just waiting to see if they will REPLACE rather than REPAIR the damaged parts with this "new" bulletin......waiting is NUTS !!!! i'm going nuts!!!! lol

salsa..for someone who can converse in two lanuages..verbally and written...you're doing a excellent job....better than most american high schoolers!!

My Salsa has a lot of damage also from going up to the mountains 1 time. The sand chewed up the cladding very badly. I wonder if I had bought the monotone would I have the same problem?

any hopes for the coming week on this issue?

I haven't seen anything at work on the computer yet

I saw a new 2004 Vibe in the mall of a shopping center this afternoon.The redesigned lower side cladding is not as good as I was thinking. The side of the 2004 Vibe seems to be fat with that big round piece of cladding. I don't like it very much It may reduce the sand blasting effect but, in my opinion, it's not very good looking the way it stands... I'd rather keep the damaged 2003 cladding than have this new one if a TSB is out.And now, I will be eager to wait for the TSB on the battery issue than this bad piece of cladding...Anyway, this cladding issue is purely appearance but the battery issue is more significant. This can result in a failure at the starting of the Vibe...

AFAIK, Jeff Strausser, Brand Quality Manager for Vibe, is very aware of this problem and is working with Toyota on a resolution...Remember -- Toyota gets the final say in a lot of issues. It's stupid, but I suppose it's a price we pay for their reliability.

from what i've heard about toyota handling issues involving problems with their product...they believe their product is perfect and faultless...i hope gm shows them the error of their beliefs!!

Covered under warranty!My new parts are in (lower sides and wheel mouldings to be covered under warranty. I spoke at length to Pontiac customer service and they agreed it was a problem. I also mentioned that two friends had bough Vibes on my recommendation (no lie). The solution will be to install splashguards at the same time. Parts ordered and dealer said "fine". I am going to wait for the TSB so I don't have to have it replaced twice, but if it doesn't come through in a few days I'll just have it done.

I have to agree with you Tim. I put the splash guards on before driving the car off the lot. I have noticed my cladding is wearing much better than without the splash guards. I clean my cladding often as well and it seems to help in the preservation.Now I just wished that I had put 3M protection film for the lower nose portion of the car at the same time. This portion of the car truly takes a beating. I have pit marks all over. I used the touch up paint before I decided to put on the 3M stuff. Now the car looks like it has acne all over the lower nose. (touch up marks)Oh well...maybe next year I will remove the film and spray paint the lower nose portion of the car and reapply the 3M protectant.If there is any advice I can give future Vibe owners is...get the 3M protection up front and the splash guards all the way around before driving your car off the lot! The Vibe will love you for it.

I have been hearing a lot of people say that plastic stuff destroys your paint?

I have not heard of that before. What have you heard? So far I have had the hood portion covered for over seven months now. I have not had a problem. Maybe if I ever decide to peel it off it could be an issue. We will have to wait and see.

I wish I had of put the 3m stuff on let me tell you GM hit bottom with paint on these cars... I have never seen any other ones this bad! I mean spit and you will chip the paint.... it's paper thin!

Asked Jeff Strausser today about the confusion as to whether the cladding replacement will be under warranty. He said if the car is still in-warranty, and you complain about the "sandblasting" effect, and it is determined you are elgible, you will receive the replacement AT NO COST, and under warranty...

quote:I have not heard of that before. What have you heard? Vibe Rater was less than happy with the way the film ages http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=5156

Can I complain to my dealer tomorrow and get it fixed or are we still waiting for all the parts and such to be sent out to all the dealers??? Has the TSB been sent so they will know what the heck I am talking about when I call?

NO!!!The TSB has NOT been issued yet. If you complain now, all they will do is give you the same cladding, not the 04 rockers. You'd be back there with the same problem down the road.Jeff will inform us when the TSB is issued and we can start visiting the dealers for the repair...

I guess that's what we are all waiting on is the official TSB to be issued. Will just have to sit and wait on that then get this horrid problem fixed.

Patience is a virtue.

the longer they wait, the more warrantys run out, the less they have to fix

quote:the longer they wait, the more warrantys run out, the less they have to fixTime has no effect. If you complain about a problem while warranty is in effect and it can not be fixed before warranty end, that is a prime case for goodwill extension of coverage.

quote:the longer they wait, the more warrantys run out, the less they have to fixThey have to make the parts before they can offer to replace them. They don't want to have people complain about it, and then not be able to make good on the TSB. They are waiting while the additional parts are being manufactured...no fear, they're not just sitting on their a**es

I stopped in to the dealer today an talked to them about my cladding and they said mine was the first they saw. service rep sent me to body shop rep who inturn sent me to warranty rep. they documented my complaint and she said that the cladding shouldn't be doing that and she would watch for TSB. I told her I would do the same at work, she looked suprised when i told her that i work at GM and can access TSB page at GM. I guess I'll just wait and see

There are no new bulletins. The last one was in June. There are some information updates about oil consumption and sulfer smells. I can assure you that Jeff is in the best building to resolve all issues. GM has saved no expense allowing its BQM's to do what they need to to get the job done. Jeff works in the building next to me. I used to work in the same building a couple of years ago and I understand what those guys go through. The service techs and engineers are the best. Now if only we could get the dealerships to be as good. They all take their jobs seriously and we all try to eliminate big company road blocks to get the job done right the first time. You are all correct to say that Jeff's words are GOLD. Lets just say that I hardly ever saw him at his desk. Those guys are so darn busy out in the field/at the plants/talking to engineers that I am not sure if his hair grew back yet. Just kidding Jeff if you are listening. They are all fine individuals. I am not in direct contact with the BQM's anymore but I did train some of their data support crew.

Hey Hot Vibe...if other GM people can't join or post on here, i.e. Jeff, how come you can? I'm just curious...

Because I am naughty and I own a vibe. I want issues to get resolved as well. There is no law that says they can not belong on this forum. We can not give out classified information. I can support the group like jeff can. The members on here are service writers. They can inform you of when the bulletins come out. I could do the same. Anything that is released to the dealers is public knowledge by law. I can not tell you unreleased information about the supercharger or things planned for 2006 or 2007. Even small emails between managers have to be deleted after being read. We love our jobs to much to say anything here. Maybe I should not be on here. I just want to help the consumer. I helped develope a system that was based for one reason customer comes first. This was a warranty system that go the job done in 1/3 of the time that the old system would get warranty issues fixed for the customer. I bet even Jeff may have used this system to help him with a business case to resolve the cladding issue. I am here to support Jeff and all of the people who have purchased a GM vehicle. Without you I would not have an excellent job with a wonderful company. It is my way of saying thank you please come again.

Beleive me, I'm not knocking you...Jeff says he does come on and read, he just can't post or reply to things...But yeah, I guess as an owner it makes sense!

Okay where did I miss that they supposedly can't post on the forum?

quote:Beleive me, I'm not knocking you...Jeff says he does come on and read, he just can't post or reply to things...But yeah, I guess as an owner it makes sense!Thanks for understanding!! I look at it this way. I have spent almost $20,000 and gave it back to the company I work for. I am not here to bad mouth the product. I am here to support it and even try to get people to do the Vibe thing. If you have ever owned a Jeep or a motorcycle you would understand me. When they say "It's a Jeep thing". It is as simple as waiving to another Jeep owner. Same with Harley people. A simple jester makes the world a better place. I was thinking(if it already has not been mentioned here) Make a V when you pass other vibes going down the road. It may sound lame but it will catch on. Some of the old farts that drive them will say "What the?" It's a Vibe thing.......

quote: Make a V when you pass other vibes going down the road. It may sound lame but it will catch on. Some of the old farts that drive them will say "What the?" It's a Vibe thing.......I believe Verizon Wireless has already claimed that one...

Hot Vibe.... I am GLAD you are here... why?, 3 reasons#1, You are an insider#2, You are a fellow Viber#3, You are an insider

quote: I believe Verizon Wireless has already claimed that one...I thought of that as well. Screw verizon. They think that everyone who owns a cell phone has a Verizon. At least this is a visual thing with the Vibe. The only symbol I give people on cell phones when they are driving is #1 baby. It is living in the big city that gives me this attitude. People have a hard enough time driving on a sunny day on dry pavement(you know what I mean). Even the geeks at Star Trek conventions make a Vulcan V. Maybe I should write a letter to Verizon and let them know that Vibe owners do not like their advertising. There are over 30,000 vibe owners and growing.

quote:I thought of that as well. Screw verizon.I agree. Their service sucks.

I am another Vibe owner with the cladding problem. i have another problem also, i now have 33,100 miles on my Vibe. i'm thinking that the service bullitin will not be out in time for me. i have an appointment with my dealer to take care of some other warranty issues, and i think i would be happy just to get the cladding replaced with the '03 stuff and put on some factory mudflaps...

Any word yet on that cladding TSB???? I need replacements bad!

I'm still waiting too.