Cracked Shifter

[Jeff N]

My gear shifter has developed a horizontal crack along the front. I noticed what I thought was a surface scratch when I picked the car up from the dealer 6 months ago but was eager to get the car and didn't want the distraction of making a fuss over it. Overtime the "scratch" got worse and it eventually became obvious that it was more than just a surface flaw.

Has anyone else seen this?

I got my car in late December so it went through some cold initial weather on the way to sunny California but otherwise it has been living in 45+ temperatures and it is only very recently that it has gotten over 80. I'm careful about keeping it in the shade during the day so I this clearly isn't about extreme prolonged temperatures.

I'm going to try getting it replaced by the dealer under warranty in the next few weeks.

[sgc]

Weird! I will keep an eye on my shifter now.

[Chevrolet Customer Svc]

Sorry to hear that Jeff. That is good to hear that you will taking it in soon. Hopefully the dealer will be able to take care of that for you. I will have your advisor contact you and we will see what we can do to help you out.

[JeremyK]

Be sure to alert the dealership to have this fixed. GM needs to know about these issues, so that they can determine whether or not a manufacturing issue is to blame. There may be others out there that are "ready" to fail.

[dcs01]

I had the same problem, cracks in the same location. The dealer replaced the shifter cover under warranty, while I waited. Of course, they had to order the part first and wait for it to arrive, which took about 5 days. No problems since then. Still loving this vehicle. Its a class act. Average MPG is 113. Can't get that in a Prius.

[ssj4vegita2002]

Got mine in December as well, but haven't seen this.

[2BeLivingGreen]

The crack looks like it could be the combination of too much load force to install it, maybe that it is pressed on to assemble it, and the load efforts or tool used is more than the design can structurally take resulting in a sub crack and later it migrates to a full blown crack as you have shown. Since you seem to be the first to post, it likely it is the exception for the rest of us. I am sure GM will investigate the possible cause of this with supplier and any or their processes as well, and take corrective action.

[cjohn1]

Jeff,

Excellent post. #126 (delivered on 12/18/10) developed a very similar crack a month ago and it has enlarged over time. It was the same shape as yours on the bottom (small notch), but mine forms a full loop. Its going in for service this week for a dead 120V charger so I'll have more to discuss.

[VoltGal]

We received our #21 back in December 2010 and I noticed last month what I thought was a crack and it has gotten longer and now there's another toward the top of the gear shifter. It feels as if there are a couple on the backside of the shifter also. My plan is to call the dealership this week, I'm still trying to decide which one to go to since we bought our car in Austin but live in the Dallas area. I have two to choose from so now I'm thinking of going the convenience route and using the one on my way home.

Texas #21

[Chevrolet Customer Svc]

I will notify your Volt Advisor about this issue, VoltGal. We are definitely more than happy to help you out in any way.