03 Sierra rusting inside front bumper

[QuinnyQuad]

I have a new GMC Sierra with only 1,000 milles on it and noticed this morning that the inside of the chrome front bumper is rusted. the new GMC Sierras have two horizontal oblong openings in the front bumper above the license plate and when I peeked in there I was horrified that there was rusting across the entire inside front edge of the bumper!!!! The rust likely started when the truck had zero miles on it! That's just NOT RIGHT that rust should develop so soon. Can you other fellas who may have the same truck check to see if yours is doing the same thing. Do you think I should have the dealer replace the front bumper, or is it destined to happen again?

[RyanbabZ71]

my 3 yr old silverado has had rust on the inside front and rear bumper since brand new. It hasnt spread and only looks like surface rust.

[GF7PE]

yup thats common, i had it on my 01 sierra and the day I picked up my 02 silverado it had it too. Now the front bumper on one of the corners on the outside is rusting with 6500 miles and the part under the plastic in the center of the rear bumper is too. Take a ride to a dealer, you will see all of them have rust if they have been in the rain

[seadoons]

Same for me...rust inside front bumper since day 1...I am sure the back bumper is the same way, it just isn't as easy to see as the front one is. Rust on the inside is fine...first time I see it on the outside Chevy is putting a new bumper on it.

[DeezBlueZ]

I was zanoing mine this morning and noticed rust in the areas you indicated. It appears to be on the surface too. Wonder if the dealer would replace the bumpers???........yeah right..rusty bumpers are probably considered normal

[Tungsten]

Its not a big deal. The inside of the bumper will rust on every car/truck out there, They are not protected right from the factory.

[lrymal]

..rusty bumpers are probably considered normal 

Well, I know I'm dating myself by several decades but this has been typical on chromed parts since the early sixties. At least today's chrome plating, when you can find a part that has it, is on better metal. Back in those OLD days, the metal with chrome on it would get holes and die within two years, especially in salty areas, such as the coast.

 

So, at least in my opinion, this is very normal and your bumper will be fine---for a few decades, just like me.

[Tungsten]

Hey lrymal check your PM's I had a question about your exhaust.

[lrymal]

Hey lrymal check your PM's I had a question about your exhaust.

I just responded to you. I gotta dig around in the preferences and find out why I didn't get an alert for a Board PM.

[QuinnyQuad]

Its not a big deal. The inside of the bumper will rust on every car/truck out there, They are not protected right from the factory.

FIRST FOLLOW-UP:

I drove to the dealer today (Sunday, so they were closed), parked in the lot and proceeded to check EVERY new Sierra front bumper on the line-up of trucks...YEP, EVERY SINGLE BUMPER was rusting, most worse than mine. Seems like GMC has a real potential issue on their hands, depending on how many truck owners are fanatical (like me) and how many could care less...time will tell, but I will definitely lodge my complaint with the dealer this week and await the alleged "fix".

[QuinnyQuad]

Wonder if the dealer would replace the bumpers???........yeah right..rusty bumpers are probably considered normal

SECOND FOLLOW-UP:

A friend on another forum (ChevyTalk) offered the following insight:

Take your complaint to the dealer and if they play dumb, tell them to reference bulletin: #03-08-62-001, Service Information DOC ID# 1276091

 

This info is straight from the GMC Truck Service Bulletin:

 

2003 GMC Sierra Pickup Models

 

Condition

Some customers may comment on rust forming on the back side of the front bumper. This can be seen through the two air holes in the bumper.

 

Correction

Do not replace the bumper. A fix is in development at this time.

 

Dealer Action

Record the customer information on a permanent record so you may call the customer when a repair becomes available.

Advise the customer that a repair is in test and validation and is due out soon. At the time the bulletin becomes available, it will be the dealer's responsibility to contact the customer.

 

[DeezBlueZ]

Thanks for the documentation...I will take it to the dealership when I go.

[Tungsten]

Its not a big deal.  The inside of the bumper will rust on every car/truck out there,  They are not protected right from the factory.

FIRST FOLLOW-UP:

I drove to the dealer today (Sunday, so they were closed), parked in the lot and proceeded to check EVERY new Sierra front bumper on the line-up of trucks...YEP, EVERY SINGLE BUMPER was rusting, most worse than mine. Seems like GMC has a real potential issue on their hands, depending on how many truck owners are fanatical (like me) and how many could care less...time will tell, but I will definitely lodge my complaint with the dealer this week and await the alleged "fix".

Its not a big deal man. Pretty much every car with a chrome bumper will do it. My 65 Mustang has rust on the back of both its bumpers. My 02 Sierra had it also as does my 03 and my dads 00. They chrome the bumpers in the front, But don't really pay attention to the backside, Its bare metal, So its going to rust. If it bothers you that much take the bumper off and coat it will some rust proof paint.

[QuinnyQuad]

If it bothers you that much take the bumper off and coat it will some rust proof paint.

 

REPLY FROM QUINNYQUAD:

That's what I've decided to do (remove the bumper and coat with the POR-15 Silver) since the rust really detracts from the appearance of an otherwise great-looking front grille and truck. I will not be beaten.

[RyanbabZ71]

POR15 is some good stuff. I am currently working on my frame painting the rusty spots and it is looking nice. I also basically painted much of my dads 92 S-10 which is all rusty with it.