2017 Duramax 837 miles and broken down at the dealer

sdeeter19555 · January 16, 2017

Day 11:

After the dealer received a visit from a "Field Quality Engineer" today, they have been given permission to remove the turbo for inspection. The dealer explained that they can only do what the engineering team dictates and we are stuck working at their pace. I would expect to have some type of determination by tomorrow as to if the turbo failed. I continue to be patient with this issue, I'm hoping to have my truck back soon with enough time to ensure whatever repairs they make are solid before taking a trailer down the east coast in the beginning of February for our season opening race at SGMP.

You got more patience than me...I'd be letting them know it too. They have had it more than long enough to put a complete shortblock in...if they want to R&D a breakdown, do it on a truck they own...I have mine here to fix, not use as a teachable moment.

It irritates me when they hang onto a vehicle for no good reason. The electric and phone companies will prorate for time you didn't have service from their fault, why not a car dealer for delays on their part? Might make a few of them work a little faster if they had to reimburse for the days you were without a vehicle.

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Nick438w · January 17, 2017

The dealer called me around 6pm to tell me they have everything apart and the "turbo shaft is bent". How this happens, I have no idea. After talking to find out more info it sounds as though the compressor wheel touched down on the cold side and trashed the fins, therefore making a horrible noise and making no boost. I was asked if i wanted to stop by the dealer tomorrow to see first hand which I am going to do. They tell me a new turbo is ordered and they expect the parts to take 3 days to arrive, we shall see...

sdeeter19555 · January 17, 2017

I guess what confuses me the most is why a reputable dealer would wait around...how hard is it to pull the intake tube and spin the turbo by hand? That would have been my first thought based on what you indicated...I'm surprised no codes popped, engine fueling and no corresponding boost built?

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KARNUT · January 17, 2017

The dealer waits so it doesn't have to pay out of pocket for the repair. As long as they gave me a loner to drive I'd be concerned but holding my temper. I imagine they are very concerned.

SouthpawHD · January 17, 2017

OP, I'm sure this is hugely frustrating but asking for a replacement vehicle so early on I think is just jumping the gun. Relax, be patient, and let the dealership and GM do what they need to do. After all, you are literally one of the first people in the country to own of these new motors. Good luck.

I am retracting this statement. OP, you have more patience than me as well.

After this is done, I would ask that at a minimum that you are compensated for your time, loss of use of your truck, fuel for the trips to the dealer, etc. Good luck.

Arth · January 17, 2017

Hello free extended warranty courtesy of GM due to the extended period of time the truck was parked at the dealership and the loss of confidence.

Least that's what I did when my Acadia was stuck at the dealer for a week while they tooled around with an overheating issue.

Nick438w · January 17, 2017

Hello free extended warranty courtesy of GM due to the extended period of time the truck was parked at the dealership and the loss of confidence.

Least that's what I did when my Acadia was stuck at the dealer for a week while they tooled around with an overheating issue.

This is my feeling exactly. I have a considerable lack of confidence given this problem happened so early on in the life of the truck, I will be seeking an extended power-train warranty at the very least when the dust clears and the repairs are completed.

Nick438w · January 17, 2017

I visited the dealer today to witness the carnage first hand. The shaft in the turbo has a ton of play in it, it basically flops around in the housing. You can hardly turn the turbo shaft by hand, I would imagine some sort of bearing failure happened here. The impeller has definitely been compromised and visual damage is evident where it has touched the compressor housing. I can only imagine the pieces of the impeller that are now missing are in the charge cooler? Also, is it safe to assume that some of the bearing material has made its way into the engine via the oil return line? I'm most curious to see the exhaust housing after the turbo is removed to see what have made its way into the exhaust system.

Here is the frustrating part, I am now 12 days into not having my brand new 70k$ truck and there is no firm plan on fixing it. I've asked more than a few times to speak to the GM District manager and have been told " Your GM DMA does not have a customer facing role, please talk to your dealer". The dealer tells me they can't do anything without the district managers approval and can't authorize a buy back or replacement. This just sucks for lack of better words... Does anyone have any advice here? I can't seem to get any traction with this mess I'm involved in. Any help would be appreciated!

Lions2018 · January 18, 2017

You need to get a banner, go to the dealer (with your loaner Ford), and park out front with the banner on the side of truck that says "This is my loaner truck for 2 weeks because this dealer can't figure out my GMC, stay away"

They'll have it fixed lickity split!

Nick438w · January 18, 2017

I just spoke to the dealer this afternoon. Engineering has requested that they replace the turbo, they have not addressed my concern of metal being inside the engine as a result of the turbo failure. The service manager tells me that parts for this vehicle are "restricted" as the available parts are being used for production. From what the dealer is telling me, engineering is requesting a special release of the turbo assembly from production to use for repairs to my vehicle. While this is progress, the dealer tells me not to expect anything this week and assures me that they will contact me on Monday of next week (1/23) with an update regardless of where we stand.

I continue my patience...

sdeeter19555 · January 18, 2017

They should at least remove the intercooler and blow it out (back through) to ensure no stray pieces made it into it.

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kstruckcountry · January 18, 2017

I'd lawyer up, if you haven't already.

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Lions2018 · January 18, 2017

I believe Nissan is replacing whole engines in the Titan right now, for this very same reason. I am on the Titan XD forum, and several of the new Cummins have suffered the same problem. If there is casting missing from around the turbo fan, I believe they are replacing the whole engine assembly.

I am on this board because I am trying to decide between a 2017 GMC Sierra Denali 2500HD and a 2017 Titan Platinum Reserve. I currently have a Titan that has been the best vehicle I've ever owned (400,000 miles with absolutely NOTHING under the hood changed, except plugs and serpentine belt). I am getting gun shy reading the posts about the new diesel Titan.

SouthpawHD · January 19, 2017

I believe Nissan is replacing whole engines in the Titan right now, for this very same reason. I am on the Titan XD forum, and several of the new Cummins have suffered the same problem. If there is casting missing from around the turbo fan, I believe they are replacing the whole engine assembly.

I am on this board because I am trying to decide between a 2017 GMC Sierra Denali 2500HD and a 2017 Titan Platinum Reserve. I currently have a Titan that has been the best vehicle I've ever owned (400,000 miles with absolutely NOTHING under the hood changed, except plugs and serpentine belt). I am getting gun shy reading the posts about the new diesel Titan.

Based on what I've read (a lot being discussed on RV.net about the Titan), the fuel mileage isn't much different than the a full sized 3/4 ton Cummins 6.7L, yet it doesn't haul as much and costs more in many cases. So it really comes down to what you are gonna do with the truck.