GM to compensate C7 Corvette owners for tire damage — but

Over the years, several C7 Corvette owners have complained about wheels breaking and bending easily.

Those who own or lease a 2015 to 2019 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 or 2017 to 2019 Corvette Grand Sport and have a cracked or bent wheel can get reimbursed for any repairs or wheel replacements they need to pay.

For years, owners of C7 Corvette Z06 and Corvette Grand Sport models have complained about wheels that tend to break easily, with many failing after just a few thousand miles. GM has been hit with multiple lawsuits over these issues, but often denies requests for warranty repairs.

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Now, GM has launched the “Corvette Wheels Limited Special Compensation Program,” which may allow some owners and lessees to get compensation. However, filing a claim and receiving compensation may be tricky for some people.

Through the program, owners of eligible Corvette models are required to submit documentation (including service records, receipts or invoices) to confirm that the wheels were repaired or replaced. Oddly, GM will only provide reimbursement if the documentation “clearly” states that the damage was not caused by impact damage or road hazard damage.

The message sent by GM specifically states that “cracks, punctures, cuts, snags and breaks caused by impact with a pothole, curb or other object or similar words” are not covered under warranty. This statement has caused concern among some Corvette owners on forums, who are wondering how they can prove that a wheel wasn’t bent or damaged by an impact.

Affected owners can “prove” that impact was not a factor in their accident by submitting a sworn statement under penalty of perjury.

They must prove that “the vehicle had a wheel repair or replacement due to a bend or crack and that, to the best understanding, knowledge and belief of the owner or lessee, the wheel repair or replacement was for a reason other than damage caused by impact damage or road hazard damage.”

GM will not provide any reimbursement if any service record, receipt or invoice indicates that the wheel was repaired or replaced due to impact damage. Additionally, the wheel must have been repaired or replaced within the original 4-year/48,000-mile extended warranty period. Reimbursement claims must be made by January 25, 2025.