ast Updated: December 28. 2009 3:00PM
GM issues 2nd recall for Corvette roofs
David Shepardson / Detroit News Washington Bureau
Washington -- General Motors Co. said Monday it is recalling 22,000 Chevrolet Corvettes over concerns that the roof may fly off the vehicle -- after a 2006 recall didn't fix the problem.

The new recall applies to 2005-2007 model year Corvettes and Corvette Z06 models.

GM told the National Highway Traffic Safety administration that the adhesive between the roof panel and frame may separate. GM will install a redesigned roof panel as a result.

Advertisement
"If there is a partial separation, the driver may notice one or more symptoms, such as a snapping noise when driving over bumps, wind noise, poor roof panel fit, roof panel movement/bounce when a door or hatch is closed, or a water leak," GM said.

This is the second attempt by GM to fix the problem.

In May 2006, GM told NHTSA that it was recalling 30,793 2005-2006 Corvettes over concerns that the vehicles, "primarily in hot and humid climates, have a condition in which the adhesive between the roof panel and the frame may separate."

GM said the problem was due to inadequate bonding strength, following reports of at least 11 roof separations. GM's 2006 fix was to insert adhesive foam -- and, if necessary, replacement of the roof.

In March, an inquiry from Japan's Ministry of Land Infrastructure and Transport about a Corvette roof that was repaired after the 2006 recall prompted GM to look at its U.S. warranty claims data for Corvettes.

As a result, GM found 108 claims of roof separation after the foam was added in the attempt to fix the problem.

Now, GM will replace the roofs.

The automaker will begin notifying owners in January and will reimburse motorists who have already gotten their roofs repaired or replaced.

dshepardson@detnews.com (202) 662-8735