Dear Volt Owner,
You may have seen the recent news articles regarding the NHTSA's (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) safety investigation of the Chevrolet Volt. I’m writing you today with more details that, I think, will put things in perspective and make you feel better about your Volt.
First and foremost, I want to assure you of one very important thing: the Volt is a safe car. The Volt continues to have a 5 star overall vehicle score for safety in NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. It was also given a Top Safety Pick Award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
There are good reasons the Volt is safe. Our team has put more than one million miles into making the Chevrolet Volt as safe as it is remarkable. After all, our families, neighbors, co-workers and friends are among those who own the cars we’re tasked with designing, engineering and manufacturing.
Here are the facts behind the most recent news articles. In May, the NHTSA ran one of its most severe crash tests at a test facility in Wisconsin. The Volt battery was damaged and the coolant line was ruptured. Three weeks later, an electrical fire involving the test vehicle occurred.
NHSTA, working with GM engineers, has been running a program of severe impact and intrusion tests on Volt battery assemblies as part of its effort to understand and replicate the May 2011 incident. Thanksgiving night, NHTSA told us that one of the batteries tested was involved in an electrical fire similar to the one that took place in Wisconsin. As a result NHTSA has begun a preliminary investigation of Chevrolet Volt battery assemblies.
We are aware of no real world consumer incidents that have produced a similar result. These recent tests show a very rare set of circumstances: A severe impact resulting in the battery and coolant lines being compromised. And then the passing of a significant amount of time before an electrical fire may take place.
The Volt is as safe as conventional vehicles for its occupants – before, during and immediately after a crash. When electrical energy is left in a battery after a severe crash it can be similar to leaving gasoline in a leaking fuel tank after severe damage. It’s important to drain the energy from the battery after a crash that compromises the battery’s integrity. GM and NHTSA's focus and research continue to be on battery performance, handling, storage and disposal after a crash.
Even though there have been no customer incidents, we're taking steps to ensure your peace of mind. If you are in any way uncomfortable driving your Volt as a result of this information, we want to make it right. We will provide you a GM vehicle to drive until this issue is resolved. Contact your Volt Advisor to make arrangements or to answer your questions. If you are not aware of your specific Volt Advisor, the contact information is: phone: 877-4-VOLT-INFO (877-486-5846) email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
We take enormous pride in Volt and what it represents—a new era of electric vehicles that can reduce dependence on gas, reduce air pollution, and more. On-going collaboration between the government, manufacturers and other stakeholders will enhance post crash protocols and accelerate acceptance of electric vehicles.
There is nothing more important to us at General Motors than the safety of our customers. We will continue to aid the NHTSA investigation in every way possible.
We stand 100% behind the quality and safety of the Chevrolet Volt - now and always.
Thank you for being a Volt owner. By the way I am also a Volt owner, my daughter drives it every day and she will continue to do so.
Mark Reuss
President of GM North America and Volt owner (#1457)
Comments (29)
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written by Matt Kramek, January 05, 2012
written by Matt Kramek, January 05, 2012
I purchased a 2012 Volt in September. My wife is a teacher and drives a 40 mile commute to and from work. She is upset however because her last 5 miles of her commute is on gas. ummm let me see 5 miles/40 miles to the gallon = .125 gallons *3.50 per gallon = .44 cents. In actually she probably didn't even use .125 gallons, because the regen braking recharged the battery. So let's round it to 1/10th of a gallon. So it cost her .35 cents in gas + $1.20 to charge the battery = $1.55 to go 40 miles. She previous drove a Chev Colorado that got about 20 miles to the gallon so that same 40 miles used to cost $7.00 per day. A daily savings of $5.45, $164.00 per month, $1,968 per year. Thanks, but no thanks on the loaner. Oh by the way, did I tell you that she gets a preferred parking spot at work for driving an Electric vehicle. AWESOME CAR GM. Unfortunately I can't say the same for the 2001 Monte Carlo as that vehicle has given me nothing but trouble. We loved the Colorado.
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written by Timothy Weaver, December 27, 2011
written by Timothy Weaver, December 27, 2011
I am enjoying my new 2012 Volt and think I'll skip the loaner offer...for now. Of course, if I'm involved in a serious crash where hazardous fluid is spilled onto the car's batteries I'll reach out for some guidance. Until then, I'll see you at the gas station ... as I drive by and wave.
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written by jackie , December 18, 2011
written by jackie , December 18, 2011
I am a Volt owner and I took advantage of GM's offer to return my Volt until the safety issues are resolved. This is not the first safety issue I have with a GM car, we have a defective z06. I find it amazing that we did report our safety issue with the Vet to GM and the the National Highway Safety Transportation Association, and were not offered anything but the beloved Volt owners are offered vehicles until the matter is resolved. Let me set the record straight GM does not give you a vehicle they give you a rental from Enterprise, and they give you a car with 30,000 miles on it, no on star, no sirruis, so back up camera and many other features I am STILL paying over $400 a month. I bought a GM brand spanking new Volt I did not buy a stinky rental car! When I call Volt advisors to explain they act like they are doing me a favor giving me a rental car while I continue to pay and insure my car. They act like I am asking for gold when I am lost and try to use ONSTAR, but oops we do not offer it to rental cars. As I drive around lost and unable to use a service I am still paying for, You are not impressing me one bit and I know how you handle safety issues I have seen it for 10 months with a safety issue in a z06. Buyer beware, if you are willing to risk the lives of your family on GMs word God bless you. I have been there done that and I will not GAMBLE MY FAMILIES LIVES AGAIN, so my Chevy Volt with 8,000 miles, onstar, sirruis radio, rear camera...remains parked. Nice job GM.
Please respect my opinion as I respect yours. This is a real situation and I have a right to post my opinion too.
Please respect my opinion as I respect yours. This is a real situation and I have a right to post my opinion too.
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written by Todd Watson, December 16, 2011
written by Todd Watson, December 16, 2011
My Volt is by far the best car I have ever owned. As my wife said, "this car sells itself". Perfect in every way. To really appreciate the Volt you must drive it. Indeed a engineering work of art!
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written by Eco_Turbo, December 10, 2011
written by Eco_Turbo, December 10, 2011
From letter: "By the way I am also a Volt owner, my daughter drives it every day and she will continue to do so."
Sounds like you need two Volts, or are you waiting for the Volt LTZ or Z-Spec?
Sounds like you need two Volts, or are you waiting for the Volt LTZ or Z-Spec?
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written by Azi Siner, December 08, 2011
written by Azi Siner, December 08, 2011
The Volt is a great car and there's no way I'm giving mine back. As far as I can tell there have been no Volt fires in real-life driving and I have no worries about driving mine ( with my wife and grandchildren aboard). I do have on suggestion. Since the cause of the fires seem to be failure to de-power the battery, would it be possible for G< to send each Volt owner detailed instructions on de-powering the battery. These would be kept in the car and in the event of an accident a garage or mechanic would have step-by-step instructions right at hand on how to shut the battery down. I'm assuming this is not something that could be down by the owner.
In any event I want to commend GM for producing the Volt and returning American autos the the forefront of technological innovation
tyhanks
In any event I want to commend GM for producing the Volt and returning American autos the the forefront of technological innovation
tyhanks
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written by rick totty, December 06, 2011
written by rick totty, December 06, 2011
having been a mechanic for over thirty years. i have witnessed these same kind of electrical fires on conventional lead battery systems days after accidents or repairs. my next car will be a chevy volt. i wish i could have the opportunity to help you to premote this vehicle in the future. i really wanted to purchase one last year when i needed a new car. but my time will come.
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written by Ralph alvarado, December 03, 2011
written by Ralph alvarado, December 03, 2011
I feel perfectly safe in my Volt. I point out to nay sayers that there were 215,000 vehicle fires in the U.S. in 2010.
http://www.nfpa.org/assets/fil...eloss.pdf
Critics of the Volt point out that there are over 250 million cars in the U.S., to which I reply ... only 5.25 million of them were involved in accidents last year.
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_many_traffic_accidents_occur_per_year_in_the_US
Many of those were minor fender benders. Even if you include fender benders, you stand a 1 in 25 chance of being involved in a car fire.
Volt critics are politically motivated. My father is a Rush Limbaugh fanatic who changed his mind about the Volt after he went on a 150 mile trip with me. He was impressed and said that he would buy one if he was my age.
Volt owners sell the Volt! I owned Cadillacs since 1980. I would never buy another Caddy other than the proposed plug in, the ELR. The Volt is leading the way in this new technology. I'm proud to be part of that.
http://www.nfpa.org/assets/fil...eloss.pdf
Critics of the Volt point out that there are over 250 million cars in the U.S., to which I reply ... only 5.25 million of them were involved in accidents last year.
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_many_traffic_accidents_occur_per_year_in_the_US
Many of those were minor fender benders. Even if you include fender benders, you stand a 1 in 25 chance of being involved in a car fire.
Volt critics are politically motivated. My father is a Rush Limbaugh fanatic who changed his mind about the Volt after he went on a 150 mile trip with me. He was impressed and said that he would buy one if he was my age.
Volt owners sell the Volt! I owned Cadillacs since 1980. I would never buy another Caddy other than the proposed plug in, the ELR. The Volt is leading the way in this new technology. I'm proud to be part of that.
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written by Jeff B., December 02, 2011
written by Jeff B., December 02, 2011
Dear Mr. Reuss:
No, I do not want another car. I'll keep my Volt, thank you. I feel far safer in the Volt than in a conventional gas vehicle that contains enough explosive fuel to destroy a steel-clad building. In the 10 months I've had my Volt, I've spent more on Big Mac hamburgers than I have spent on gasoline. And I despise fast food...
And as for the current media neg-fest, I suspect it will fade out in a few weeks at most. People on the street still are fascinated with the Volt and very few have heard these dumb stories being blown up by the press.
As for the testing that rendered these stories, it reminds me of that old luggage commercial from the 70s where the company allowed an ape to beat one of their suitcases to demonstrate the strength of their luggage. In the case of the Volt, the NHTSA is the gorilla who has now decided to complain about the fact that the handle on the luggage is loose...
Keep up the good work and keep making the Volt!
Jeff
No, I do not want another car. I'll keep my Volt, thank you. I feel far safer in the Volt than in a conventional gas vehicle that contains enough explosive fuel to destroy a steel-clad building. In the 10 months I've had my Volt, I've spent more on Big Mac hamburgers than I have spent on gasoline. And I despise fast food...
And as for the current media neg-fest, I suspect it will fade out in a few weeks at most. People on the street still are fascinated with the Volt and very few have heard these dumb stories being blown up by the press.
As for the testing that rendered these stories, it reminds me of that old luggage commercial from the 70s where the company allowed an ape to beat one of their suitcases to demonstrate the strength of their luggage. In the case of the Volt, the NHTSA is the gorilla who has now decided to complain about the fact that the handle on the luggage is loose...
Keep up the good work and keep making the Volt!
Jeff
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written by Ron Hipschman, December 02, 2011
written by Ron Hipschman, December 02, 2011
GM's response has been admirable (to the point of sending us Volt owners a copy of the letter by Fed Ex!). I personally see no need to substitute the offered temporary replacement as I have confidence that the car is still safe.
There does seem to be some confusion in the media about the CIRCUMSTANCES of the fire. They don't seem to understand that these vehicles were put through SEVERE crash tests that certainly totaled the car and that people would be highly unlikely to be keeping that car in their garage or driveway. Perhaps GM should post the video(s) of the actual crash test so that the media and public can see that fact that these cars were almost certainly destroyed and not drivable. That would give the perspective people need.
Ron
Volt #1873
There does seem to be some confusion in the media about the CIRCUMSTANCES of the fire. They don't seem to understand that these vehicles were put through SEVERE crash tests that certainly totaled the car and that people would be highly unlikely to be keeping that car in their garage or driveway. Perhaps GM should post the video(s) of the actual crash test so that the media and public can see that fact that these cars were almost certainly destroyed and not drivable. That would give the perspective people need.
Ron
Volt #1873
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written by KBH, December 02, 2011
written by KBH, December 02, 2011
I am happy to say that I will be picking up my new Chevy Volt today!! Even after all the news of the NHTSA crash tests I still feel confident that this vehicle is safe. If there are additional measures GM can take to improve safety, I know they will.
The Volt is new technology and “somebody has to go first!” Personally, after all reading all available information available out there, and the official statements from GM, I do not believe investing in a Volt is a risk!!!
Thank you GM for all your doing to ensure the Volt is safe and the offerings you are making to your customers who are concerned.
The Volt is new technology and “somebody has to go first!” Personally, after all reading all available information available out there, and the official statements from GM, I do not believe investing in a Volt is a risk!!!
Thank you GM for all your doing to ensure the Volt is safe and the offerings you are making to your customers who are concerned.
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written by Felix Kramer, December 02, 2011
written by Felix Kramer, December 02, 2011
We think GM is handling this well. We included Mark Reuss's full letter in our analysis at "Volt Battery Fires: Potential Crisis Defused?" http://www.calcars.org/calcars-news/1147.html
-- Felix Kramer, Founder, CalCars.org
-- Felix Kramer, Founder, CalCars.org
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written by Felix Kramer, December 02, 2011
written by Felix Kramer, December 02, 2011
I think GM is handling this very well. We reproduced Mark Reuss's letter, along with our comments at "Volt Battery Fires: Potential Crisis Defused?" http://www.calcars.org/calcars-news/1147.html
Felix Kramer, Founder, CalCars.org
Felix Kramer, Founder, CalCars.org
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written by Bill Hogue, November 30, 2011
written by Bill Hogue, November 30, 2011
I'm the very happy owner of a beautiful, Viridian Joule 2011 Volt and would never have considered accepting your very kind offer of a loaner vehicle. Unless of course the loaner is a 2012 Volt. Yes, the keyless remote on the 2012 model would be nice...I had to fumble with that dang key fob the other day when I had groceries...very annoying. Oh yeah...it has to be one of the very new ones that I can drive in the carpool lane. And can it be red? I like mine, but I should have got the red one.
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written by Clarence Bandy, Jr., November 29, 2011
written by Clarence Bandy, Jr., November 29, 2011
Thanks for the letter. We just purchased S/N103508 (November 16th) from our local dealer in Tullahoma, TN.
I really like the Volt! I have heard rumors of problems with electrical fires, etc resulting from extreme crashes. It is most likely a gasoline powered would develop a leak when subjected to similar crashes. Today my daughter emailed me the information contained on "Auto Blog" which seemingly pointed to design problems on the Volt/Electric drive (battery).
By the way, as of today (November 29th) we have not been contacted by a Volt advisor assigned to us??
Thanks for the update!
I really like the Volt! I have heard rumors of problems with electrical fires, etc resulting from extreme crashes. It is most likely a gasoline powered would develop a leak when subjected to similar crashes. Today my daughter emailed me the information contained on "Auto Blog" which seemingly pointed to design problems on the Volt/Electric drive (battery).
By the way, as of today (November 29th) we have not been contacted by a Volt advisor assigned to us??
Thanks for the update!
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written by Ben Bethel2, November 29, 2011
written by Ben Bethel2, November 29, 2011
I immediately requested a loaner vehicle. As some of you may know, I was involved in a side-impact crash where the passenger side of my vehicle was hit by a red-light runner driving 40mph on July 19th... just weeks after getting my Volt. It took 10 weeks (and was told it would only take 10 days!) to repair my vehicle... it wasn't repaired properly and was in the shop another week.... it still isn't repaired, and needs to go in again, as it makes an ultra-high-frequency whining noise that makes myself and most of my friends nauseous to the point that we don't even want to ride in the car...
So yes, I'm taking the loaner.
So yes, I'm taking the loaner.
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written by Eric Zito, November 29, 2011
written by Eric Zito, November 29, 2011
Thank you for the update and explanation. I added a more lengthy (ok, "wordy") response in the Community Forum section. I urge you to continue a highly transparent response as you work to resolve the issue. Show the world what the new GM is all about. The Volt is an incredible vehicle and continues to over-deliver as far as I am concerned. I appreciate the offer for a loaner (and I think it was a great idea), but I feel very safe in my vehicle. I can't imagine that any current Volt driver would actually take you up on that offer after learning the current facts of the case.
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written by John P G, November 28, 2011
written by John P G, November 28, 2011
Thanks for the letter. As the first buyer in Missouri to take delivery here I can say I am truly impressed by the quality and capabilities of the vehicle. I appreciate the way this situation is being handled and the offer of a loaner but I would rather take my chances with what your team has delivered in the Volt. I am sure there are things to learn about any new technology but thus far, it would seem that the tests have not shown any immediate danger and only in somewhat unusual circumstances. To say this vehicle is any more dangerous than a traditional vehicle when recommended practices were not followed seems a bit far fetched. Thanks again for your letter and let us know what realistically needs to be done.
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written by JARRETT A LEWIS, November 28, 2011
written by JARRETT A LEWIS, November 28, 2011
I PURCHASED MY 2012 VOLT IN AUGUST. I love the car, my wife drives it to work and so far we have used no gas.Two gallons of gasoline have far more explosive power than that battery pack. But this is my question: If after a gasoline powered car is crash tested and the gasoline is drained out why, then, would you not drain the charge from a battery powered car? either stupidity, incompetance or a deliberate attempt to impune the safety of an electric powered car. I remember the explosive devices which were attached to the Chevy pickup trucks to impune the safety of the outward mounted gas tank. I would suggest a full and thorough investigation.
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written by John Thomas McDole, November 28, 2011
written by John Thomas McDole, November 28, 2011
I've already put in an order for my volt and I'm waiting for delevery. I have no worries about the engineering quality or safety.
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written by Peggy Rands, November 28, 2011
written by Peggy Rands, November 28, 2011
Mark,
Thank you for your letter and all the steps being taken to investigate and understand the reasons and cause of the fires. I'm sure this will lead to safer electric cars in the future.
Thanks for the offer of a loaner, but no thanks. I have no concerns about driving my Volt. It is an amazing car and I'm proud to drive this piece of American ingenuity.
Thank you for your letter and all the steps being taken to investigate and understand the reasons and cause of the fires. I'm sure this will lead to safer electric cars in the future.
Thanks for the offer of a loaner, but no thanks. I have no concerns about driving my Volt. It is an amazing car and I'm proud to drive this piece of American ingenuity.
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written by Bud Jarman, November 28, 2011
written by Bud Jarman, November 28, 2011
I would buy a Volt right now if I could. I wanted one really bad but my Wife wanted an Equinox instead. To me the Volt is an Engineering Work of Art. I've read all the white papers from SAE and everything else I could lay my hands on.
The Volt stands out above all the rest as the Best Vehicle in it's class and even toyota can't match it!
The Volt stands out above all the rest as the Best Vehicle in it's class and even toyota can't match it!
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written by SamP, November 28, 2011
written by SamP, November 28, 2011
I have no concerns about its safety. I love my Volt and politely decline the offer of a loaner. The best thing out of the continued tests will make all electric cars even safer.
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written by Greg Hendrick, November 28, 2011
written by Greg Hendrick, November 28, 2011
Mark,
Thanks for offering to loan me another vehicle but... Frankly I would be far more concerned with the gasoline tank exploding in the loaner car than the battery in my Volt. I absolutely love my new Volt. It's the best car I have ever owned. We Volt owners are fiercely loyal. (You can quote me on that.)
Thanks for offering to loan me another vehicle but... Frankly I would be far more concerned with the gasoline tank exploding in the loaner car than the battery in my Volt. I absolutely love my new Volt. It's the best car I have ever owned. We Volt owners are fiercely loyal. (You can quote me on that.)
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written by Uwe Forchert , November 28, 2011
written by Uwe Forchert , November 28, 2011
Dear Mark Reuss ,
im a German and i dont know ,i can tell you all in englich !The new Camaro ,just a Dream droved the old 1978 ,bought in 1998 him ,rebuilded him and sold him ,damn my biggest mistake if ever done ,god I loved him !My First Chevy,bought 1997 is an 86 GMC S15 Jimmy ,my Babby !Now i need a prayer to wright all right!Mr Reuss ,in the same Night as my Dad was Die,sorry ,my Jimmy was Die to ,realy!
I`ve lost my Dad and my Truck in same Night ,R.I.P Dad love you!Im workin ,now over 10 Years for the US Army as an Security Officer and droved about 200000 miles in this Time ,but the payment is that smal that i cant fixing my Jimmy ,now he is 2 Years still standing in my Garage ,i would never sold my baby ,not for a million ,for sure ,all i need is to be back on the Road with him !Please Help me !
im a German and i dont know ,i can tell you all in englich !The new Camaro ,just a Dream droved the old 1978 ,bought in 1998 him ,rebuilded him and sold him ,damn my biggest mistake if ever done ,god I loved him !My First Chevy,bought 1997 is an 86 GMC S15 Jimmy ,my Babby !Now i need a prayer to wright all right!Mr Reuss ,in the same Night as my Dad was Die,sorry ,my Jimmy was Die to ,realy!
I`ve lost my Dad and my Truck in same Night ,R.I.P Dad love you!Im workin ,now over 10 Years for the US Army as an Security Officer and droved about 200000 miles in this Time ,but the payment is that smal that i cant fixing my Jimmy ,now he is 2 Years still standing in my Garage ,i would never sold my baby ,not for a million ,for sure ,all i need is to be back on the Road with him !Please Help me !
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written by David Goldstein, November 28, 2011
written by David Goldstein, November 28, 2011
Dear Mr. Reuss,
Thank you for an excellent letter that sets things straight. My wife and I will continue to drive our new Volt with every confidence in the incredible work that your design team, battery experts and testing engineers have put into this magnificent product.
Sincerely,
Dave Goldstein
President Emeritus
EVA/DC
Washington, D.C.
Thank you for an excellent letter that sets things straight. My wife and I will continue to drive our new Volt with every confidence in the incredible work that your design team, battery experts and testing engineers have put into this magnificent product.
Sincerely,
Dave Goldstein
President Emeritus
EVA/DC
Washington, D.C.
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written by Michael Angemeer, November 28, 2011
written by Michael Angemeer, November 28, 2011
I got one of the first two Volts in Durham Region east of Toronto. You have done an amazing job with this car. I love it and get many positive comments about it.
Thank you for all the steps you are undertaking to ensure our safety. From what I have heard, I have no concerns about driving the car. I believe it is as safe or safer than any other car on the road.
Keep up the good work.
Thank you for all the steps you are undertaking to ensure our safety. From what I have heard, I have no concerns about driving the car. I believe it is as safe or safer than any other car on the road.
Keep up the good work.
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January 2nd I dropped off my car after speaking with Dana about a set of tires for my vehicle (which i told him were free)which he ordered a couple of days prior.They called about 6 hours later saying my car was ready.Upon arrival the bill showed a $1000.plus charge for my tires.I showed Rick in service(a really nice guy)my original contract and original ad showing free tires for life.Now don Macpherson and imed tag team me in dons office saying you have to service your vehicle here to get the tires and they would have rotated them to get more miles so no free tires for you.Then they remove the tires off my car and put back the old tires,I change my own oil,brake pads and rotate my own tires. 3 1/2 years ago McGee Chevrolet honored my contract and gave me a set of tires,Now 70000 miles later McGee says no more tires for you. As for answering Mcgees reponse.McGee is stating that I violated some policy which says I have to get the car serviced from them.No where in my contract or the original ad does it state this.FTC ruling under the Madnuson-Moss warranty act address's this very issue.Mcgee is in violation of the law for even saying it.The consumer has the right to get his car serviced where he chooses and that even includes if he does the work himself.Bridgestone and consumer reports says the life of the tire is 60000 miles.Ive managed to get 70000 miles showing that I've maintained my vehicle.After Mcgee put back on my old tires,I no longer feel safe.They even put on a current inspection sticker on a car with tires that have 70000 miles.
Do I really think a dealership like this will stand behind any challengers that may happen with my new volt?I think not.