OEM/GM warranty claims on lifted/leveled Silverados

Front Runner · October 27, 2015

After reading many warranty related posts regarding lift and leveling kits; I wonder has anyone with a full 4", 6" or larger lift kit (that requires cutting the crossmember), or leveling kits had any issues with OEM warranty claims?

I think it's understood that suspension claims could possibly be denied but what about other types of claims like powertrain (engine, tranny, etc. that were not tuned but remained stock), or other claims?

I've searched but didn't find any specifics. Hopefully, I didn't overlook anything. I don't have a lifted/leveled truck but after reading concerns from others, I too began to wonder.

AZRenegade · October 28, 2015

Your question is not a black and white issue. Based on what I have read in this forum, if GM can in any way attribute a mechanical failure to any customization that you have installed they will attempt to deny your warranty. No matter how ridiculous their logic may seem. Also, to make matters more confusing, there is no consistency among dealers as to the application of the warranty on your vehicle relative to customization. Some dealers look the other way on customization, others don't. I suggest you consult with the recognized customer friendly dealer in your vicinity and discuss it.

Front Runner · October 28, 2015

Seems like a lot of the inconsistency is coming from dealers. While having my 1st service done on my truck recently, while waiting, I was speaking with the dealer about some of the Rocky Ridge trucks they have for sale and they clearly said that those trucks are fully covered under the GM warranty.

Seems that GM warranty fine print says something different.

A lot of the dealers in my area are selling lifted/leveled trucks like its going out of style. Heck, I've seen where Hendrick is now building their Forceman tactical trucks along with other players like Rocky Ridge and American.

http://www.forcemanusa.com/

GM should consider getting on board because with the amount of people leveling/lifting their vehicles now, factory built leveled/lifted trucks would possibly sell well.

A concept that's philosophically related, years ago Harley Davidson didn't build "trikes"/trike kit bikes but when they saw that their customer base wanted it, they engineered, built and began selling them.

With the amount of people leveling/lifting their trucks just on this forum, seems like the demand is definitely there. Then again, there may be some regulations that may prohibit them from doing so......

Just a thought.

I do wonder if someone has been flat out denied non-related warranty repairs and their entire warranty (powertrain and all) has been voided due to a leveling/lift kit.

As stated, it could be expected for suspension components and those directly related like ball joints, but to void the warranty on engines, and tranny's that haven't been modified (including no tuners) seems far fetched.

I really don't have a dog in this fight because my truck is stock but was wondering after reading various threads.

werked · October 28, 2015

I hope our local dealers will be mod friendly if the need ever arises. Don't know if you saw a pic of mine floating around since leveled with new tires, told you I'd post up so you could see. If not here you go....

Sent from my Note 4

Bigmac · October 28, 2015

I've been lurking on this forum for 6 months since I purchased my new 2015 LTZ. I was a factory service/parts rep for 25 years but for a major import manufacturer. I have been following the discussion on warranty denials and thought I would throw my .02 worth. We had a lot of latitude on modifications and common sense dictated what was ruled warranty or not. I can't speak for Chev Reps but obviously if the power window quit, the engine or chassis mods would not have caused it. The dealers that are lifting their trucks in my opinion would have to be responsible for that mod with Chev. If a slight lift to level would again ,in my opinion ,was added it would not change the trucks basic operating range and therefore not be a problem. Major frame and suspension or eng tune mods would be a reason to deny warranty claims on the affected component. As I said this is my real world experience doing a factory rep job so GM run their show a little different.

Front Runner · October 28, 2015

I hope our local dealers will be mod friendly if the need ever arises. Don't know if you saw a pic of mine floating around since leveled with new tires, told you I'd post up so you could see. If not here you go....

Sent from my Note 4

Looks awesome! What tires are you running now?

I've been lurking on this forum for 6 months since I purchased my new 2015 LTZ. I was a factory service/parts rep for 25 years but for a major import manufacturer. I have been following the discussion on warranty denials and thought I would throw my .02 worth. We had a lot of latitude on modifications and common sense dictated what was ruled warranty or not. I can't speak for Chev Reps but obviously if the power window quit, the engine or chassis mods would not have caused it. The dealers that are lifting their trucks in my opinion would have to be responsible for that mod with Chev. If a slight lift to level would again ,in my opinion ,was added it would not change the trucks basic operating range and therefore not be a problem. Major frame and suspension or eng tune mods would be a reason to deny warranty claims on the affected component. As I said this is my real world experience doing a factory rep job so GM run their show a little different.

Thanks for sharing your experiences.

werked · October 28, 2015

Looks awesome! What tires are you running now?

Thanks for sharing your experiences.

Thanks....Cooper Discoverer ATP 275/60r20

Sent from my Note 4

Front Runner · October 28, 2015

Okay. Thanks.

Z45 · October 28, 2015

Seems like a lot of the inconsistency is coming from dealers. While having my 1st service done on my truck recently, while waiting, I was speaking with the dealer about some of the Rocky Ridge trucks they have for sale and they clearly said that those trucks are fully covered under the GM warranty.

He has to say that, he is selling them and is not going to sabotage a sale. But go to another dealer with a problem and you will mostly likely get a different answer like; Take it back to where you bought it.

While it may be a GM approved upfitter, its up to the dealer on weather or not they sell and service them.

Its similar to Corvette, not all dealers sell Corvette's and thus they do not have to buy specialized tools, stock parts and service them.

Front Runner · October 28, 2015

I figured so and I think you're correct. It's unfortunate they tell blatant lies to attempt to make a sale. Ironically, in my case, I wasn't interested in buying but was rather inquiring while having my service performed.

BigBadSierra · October 29, 2015

I learned with my 2002 GTP even though it was out of warranty and I knew the flex plate was the issue all the dealer would say was "The pulley was changed on the supercharger it's the supercharger making the noise".

I bought an OEM blower and replaced mine just to get them to shut up.

Of course they went off again now saying I damage the engine and the fight began again.

Fortunately the flex plate finally exploded when their mechanic was revving the engine.

Right in front of the service manager the dealership owner and myself.

It blew out the side of the bell housing and even chipped the block.

I can’t get into details but I left that day with a brand new 2005 Colorado Extended cab 4x4.

So now I pull my intake off every time I take the truck to the dealer just to avoid going through this again.

The GTP