Ouch - is this a known issue on the CTS?

synergy408 · #1 (**permalink**) 03-05-08, 10:28 PM

I just picked up my long-awaited ordered CTS this past weekend and drove 400 miles home and realized that the interioir windshield pillars are very wavy and look horrible. So wavy in fact that you can feel the ripples in the material. I drove to my local dealer (not where I purchased the car since they had zero allocation at the time) and the service department manager said that he would order me new ones under warranty. Let's hope this doesnt lead to rattles...

I searched the board and found a couple similar issues, however wanted to point it out to everyone who is picking up their new CTS's. I know that the assembly line is on over-drive for these cars so let's hope this isnt the result of speedy assembly.

Here are a few pics:

Left Pillar

Right Pillar:

**Rolex** · #2 (**permalink**) 03-05-08, 10:36 PM

Ugh...

That's absolutely unacceptable for a new luxury line vehicle. I'm glad they're replacing them but damn, how about some quality control before leaving the assembly line?

Macdad · #3 (**permalink**) 03-05-08, 10:37 PM

I think everyone is out in their garage checking their interiors right now. That does not look good. I'll check mine tomorrow, but I think I would have noticed that.

WhtDmnd04CTS · #4 (**permalink**) 03-05-08, 10:38 PM

haven't noticed.. but def will check tomorrow
im glad they are replacing them for you

CTS27 · #5 (**permalink**) 03-05-08, 11:26 PM

You have got to be kidding... that car should have never left the plant like that with warped plastic parts... were is the quality control!

Crackerzot · #6 (**permalink**) 03-05-08, 11:34 PM

I'd check mine for warpage, but the car away is at the dealer getting a new engine installed after 267 miles - perhaps due to that same "rush to assemble" concern expressed by the OP...

Southern · #7 (**permalink**) 03-05-08, 11:38 PM

Mine are perfect. Yours are completely unacceptable. Again, there SHOULD be several places on the line were this should be caught. This is just not acceptable. Hell it wouldn't be acceptable on the cheapest car made.

Crackerzot · #8 (**permalink**) 03-05-08, 11:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Southern

Mine are perfect. Yours are completely unacceptable. Again, there SHOULD be several places on the line were this should be caught. This is just not acceptable. Hell it wouldn't be acceptable on the cheapest car made.

He's right. I've actually owned and driven one of the cheapest cars ever made - twice. Once as a teenager and again when I restored one at the age of 40. The pillars were actually a part of the removable windscreen frame and were covered with vinyl. They were perfectly straight.

synergy408 · #9 (**permalink**) 03-06-08, 02:39 AM

Yeah, I was pretty shocked as well. The dealer didnt seem to think it was a big deal which is really lame IMO. What shocked me even more is that the CTS on the dealer's lot also had some minor waves so I am wondering if this is a widespread issue??? Oh no!

...as long as tis gets fixed and other issues dont come up I will be satisfied.

ryanquinn · #10 (**permalink**) 03-06-08, 05:10 AM

Well, if it took you 400 miles to notice it, I don't think it's that terrible that somebody on the assembly line didn't catch it. It's probably not an item on their QA checklist. but you're right, they should be fixed.

Cadillacboy · #11 (**permalink**) 03-06-08, 01:13 PM

That's unaccpetable but you know such things can happen .At least you don't have fluttering seats

Ronster · #12 (**permalink**) 03-06-08, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ryanquinn

Well, if it took you 400 miles to notice it, I don't think it's that terrible that somebody on the assembly line didn't catch it. It's probably not an item on their QA checklist. but you're right, they should be fixed.

unless it happened after leaving the factory. loading, unloading, dealer prep.
maybe a disgruntled mechanic or car jockey?
rg

calcustom · #13 (**permalink**) 03-06-08, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ryanquinn

Well, if it took you 400 miles to notice it, I don't think it's that terrible that somebody on the assembly line didn't catch it. It's probably not an item on their QA checklist. but you're right, they should be fixed.

I don't think the OP implied it took 400 miles to notice it. It was a 400 mile trip home after delivery, he could have noticed it within 5 miles, and stared at the defect for the remaining 395 miles.

mkaresh · #14 (**permalink**) 03-06-08, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ryanquinn

Well, if it took you 400 miles to notice it, I don't think it's that terrible that somebody on the assembly line didn't catch it. It's probably not an item on their QA checklist. but you're right, they should be fixed.

That's the sort of attitude that lets this sort of issue slip through. Many luxury car buyers will be turned off by such a flaw.

My father's CTS had a different A-pillar issue: the trim was a bit short, and didn't line up with the top of the IP like it's supposed to. They swapped in a trim piece from a car on the lot, which made enough of an improvement. I don't think they were wavy like this, though.

proexpert · #15 (**permalink**) 03-06-08, 08:32 PM

Mine are a little wavy, but not that bad. I never noticed, and Ms. Cathy will never look that close at anything car related.