2012 V6 Engine Knocking - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

2012CamaroV6 · 08-03-2012, 08:10 AM

Has anyone heard of the new V-6 losing rod bearings? With 1950 miles on a new 2012 V-6 a knock/rattle that I thought was a valve train noise above 1500 rpm turned out to be the number 5 rod bearing. She's a beauty that is only 2.5 months old and ran great until the engine ends up in pieces at the dealer and GM won't replace the engine. Its been getting babied, waiting for first oil change and I can't believe the motor will be rebuilt at 2000 miles. I have not seen other bottom end problems on the V-6 posted. Maybe I should have gone with the V8. My Silverado V8 truck went 105k with a lot of abuse as a work truck towing and hauling for camping and never needed anything but an oil change! This new V6 has been treated like a princess and my reward is a blown rod. Anyone have any experience here? I am pulling my hair out over this!

20121lt · 08-03-2012, 08:29 AM

no i have not heard of this so sorry i will be listening

Chevrolet Customer Svc · 08-03-2012, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2012CamaroV6

Has anyone heard of the new V-6 losing rod bearings? With 1950 miles on a new 2012 V-6 a knock/rattle that I thought was a valve train noise above 1500 rpm turned out to be the number 5 rod bearing. She's a beauty that is only 2.5 months old and ran great until the engine ends up in pieces at the dealer and GM won't replace the engine. Its been getting babied, waiting for first oil change and I can't believe the motor will be rebuilt at 2000 miles. I have not seen other bottom end problems on the V-6 posted. Maybe I should have gone with the V8. My Silverado V8 truck went 105k with a lot of abuse as a work truck towing and hauling for camping and never needed anything but an oil change! This new V6 has been treated like a princess and my reward is a blown rod. Anyone have any experience here? I am pulling my hair out over this!

I apologize for the frustrations you are experiencing! Have you been able to take your vehicle to the dealership for a proper diagnosis? Please let us know if this is an available option to you!

Brandon
Chevrolet Customer Service

2012CamaroV6 · 08-03-2012, 10:13 PM

The car is currently in pieces at the dealer. Dealer pulled one head and the pan. I asked to see parts and they showed me rod cap with wiped bearing. Shop was closed so I couldnt see crank. Bearing in rod cap not spun but wiped badly. Today I am told GM will not replace the motor. Dealer originally siad they would only change the bearings and polish the crankshaft. After I complained, now they will change the crank but I had to argue again to get the no 5 rod changed. No 5 is the one with the bad bearing. It is getting beyond frustrating. I tried the customer care phone line but they just said that the decision was made to not replace the motor. GM actually has a policy that covers failed bearings on cars that are less than 3 months old and less than 2000 miles?

2012CamaroV6 · 08-03-2012, 10:24 PM

Is there an appeals process at GM? It is hard for me to believe that that this decision isnt a mistake.

TooCool5 · 08-04-2012, 10:30 AM

Make them swap it for another car, GM currently has a no questions asked return policy for 90 days, you should be able to make them bend a little on your situation.

2012CamaroV6 · 08-05-2012, 08:13 AM

I saw ads for a 60 day return policy. You hav seen something on a 90 day policy? This car was less than 90 days old when I brought it in for the noise, so that might be the best way to go. Thanks.

Avenging Orange · 08-05-2012, 11:45 PM

They tend not to replace a motor that is so new.........if its not badly damaged. I would agree with new main/rod bearings, #5 rod and a polished crank. If they are getting you a new crank I'd consider it cake.
Its a shame this should be happening to new cars with motors that have been around a while..........but things happen. Very sorry you got a bad apple. Good luck.

2012CamaroV6 · 08-06-2012, 07:23 AM

Of course thats irony........ If I wasn't taking good care fo the car and looking to change the oil at 2000 miles to get any factory dirt out, I probably would not have heard the noise and the wife would have drove it another month until the motor was really in bad shape. Its the wife's daily driver and I probably only drive it once a month. It gives me a chance to check oil and make sure all is ok. I do that with her cars ever since we were married cus she has radio turned up and doesnt pay attention to motor unless a warning light screams at her. So is the lesson here that if you have a small problem, let it get big so the warranty policy replaces the engine? That doesnt seem right either! GMs have always been good to me, so maybe I am just expecting too much. When I broke a gear tooth on a tranny or lost a rod bearing on my old 1968 Camaro, I new it was because I was beating the living daylights out of that car. This new car, get no abuse so I guess I am still upset it has failed......

Chevrolet Customer Svc · 08-06-2012, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2012CamaroV6

The car is currently in pieces at the dealer. Dealer pulled one head and the pan. I asked to see parts and they showed me rod cap with wiped bearing. Shop was closed so I couldnt see crank. Bearing in rod cap not spun but wiped badly. Today I am told GM will not replace the motor. Dealer originally siad they would only change the bearings and polish the crankshaft. After I complained, now they will change the crank but I had to argue again to get the no 5 rod changed. No 5 is the one with the bad bearing. It is getting beyond frustrating. I tried the customer care phone line but they just said that the decision was made to not replace the motor. GM actually has a policy that covers failed bearings on cars that are less than 3 months old and less than 2000 miles?

I am sorry to hear this. If you could please provide me with your case number, I will be glad to look over the case for you!

Brandon
Chevrolet Customer Service

SC2150 · 08-06-2012, 11:54 AM

There is a reason the bearing failed....and that most likely other damage occured. Understand that the entire oiling system supplies virtually every moving part in the engine with the oil needed to protect, and if it was a oil pump or relief valve failure the rest was starved for oil as well. It may not be evident and obvious, but will be premeature failures in the future. The other concern is the bearing material that circulated through the rest of the motor and any scouring caused by it.

The timing chain tensioners are 100% oil pressure dependant as well and any debris in the bores will cause sticking and or failure, then the over head cams (4 of them) ride in journals machined into the cylinder heads and have NO bearings to replace......so these need to be inspected carefully to determine no wear or damage has occured.

The entire motor must be removed and every oil passage cleaned so no residual debris is hiding anywhere.

What was the oil level when this occured? They must determine 100% why the failure occured in the first place.

Good luck!

2012CamaroV6 · 08-06-2012, 09:08 PM

The dealer and GM customer care line are not interested in finding out how it happened. I made all the points you mentioned plus some, maybe not as well worded as your write up, and they decided to replace the oil pump and conencting rod too. Then they said they would flush out the oil passages and blow them clear with air. But since the one head wasn't removed, how does anyone know there are not chips in the oil passages feeding the other cam side. The oil flush without complete removal would just push any debris around....... I am completely frustrated as everyone is following GM polict, and I am supposed to feel better that the engine will be under warranty for a long time.....

2012CamaroV6 · 08-06-2012, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chevrolet Customer Svc

I am sorry to hear this. If you could please provide me with your case number, I will be glad to look over the case for you!

Brandon
Chevrolet Customer Service

Brandon, the case number is 71-1091446819. Dealer is supposed to start assembling engine today. Said it would take a couple days. I am not going to rush them . I prefer tehy take it apart and find the reason or at least do a credible job of making sure there is no other damage.

THX

Chevrolet Customer Svc · 08-07-2012, 07:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2012CamaroV6

Brandon, the case number is 71-1091446819. Dealer is supposed to start assembling engine today. Said it would take a couple days. I am not going to rush them . I prefer tehy take it apart and find the reason or at least do a credible job of making sure there is no other damage.

THX

I have checked out your case and it looks like you are taking the right steps so far. Currently, your case is with a District Specialist and they should be able to assist you better in this matter.

Please let me know if you have any other questions!

Brandon
Chevrolet Customer Service

08-03-2012, 08:10 AM	#1
2012CamaroV6 Drives: 2012 Red Metallic V6 Camaro Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 18	2012 V6 Engine Knocking Has anyone heard of the new V-6 losing rod bearings? With 1950 miles on a new 2012 V-6 a knock/rattle that I thought was a valve train noise above 1500 rpm turned out to be the number 5 rod bearing. She's a beauty that is only 2.5 months old and ran great until the engine ends up in pieces at the dealer and GM won't replace the engine. Its been getting babied, waiting for first oil change and I can't believe the motor will be rebuilt at 2000 miles. I have not seen other bottom end problems on the V-6 posted. Maybe I should have gone with the V8. My Silverado V8 truck went 105k with a lot of abuse as a work truck towing and hauling for camping and never needed anything but an oil change! This new V6 has been treated like a princess and my reward is a blown rod. Anyone have any experience here? I am pulling my hair out over this!

08-04-2012, 10:30 AM	#6
TooCool5 Drives: 2010 Camaro 1LS 3.6 LLT V6 325 HP Join Date: May 2009 Location: LS Posts: 4,242 View My Garage	Make them swap it for another car, GM currently has a no questions asked return policy for 90 days, you should be able to make them bend a little on your situation. __________________ 2010 Camaro Auto, Inferno Orange, Titanium Interior, Gearhead Wheels AIRAID CAI

08-05-2012, 11:45 PM	#8
Avenging Orange Drives: 2010 Inferno Orange 2SS/RS Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Clermont, IN Posts: 3,297	They tend not to replace a motor that is so new.........if its not badly damaged. I would agree with new main/rod bearings, #5 rod and a polished crank. If they are getting you a new crank I'd consider it cake. Its a shame this should be happening to new cars with motors that have been around a while..........but things happen. Very sorry you got a bad apple. Good luck. __________________ 2010 Inferno Orange 2SS/RS M6 Black Leather, Sun Roof, OBX Headers, Borla touring axle back, Cold Air Inductions CAI , non synthetic fluids, BMR total bushing upgrade/1" lowering springs, DSE 32mm rear sway bar. GM fe4 shocks/struts/LCA's, AAM 3.91 diff, Vertini RFS1.8 20x9 +30. Conti ExtremeContact Sport 275/35/20. sjm autoprod ABL dash kit. Mike Norris tuned 413/419. Avenging Orange: 43 years of not buying into the Hype........and damn proud of it!! https://youtu.be/9JD9it6SmB8 https://youtu.be/xmelTlEzI34 KICKING CANCERS ASS SINCE 2015!!

08-03-2012, 08:29 AM	#2
20121lt REAPER1LE Drives: 1LE 1 SS 2018 Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: oswego ny Posts: 194 View My Garage	no i have not heard of this so sorry i will be listening

08-03-2012, 10:13 PM	#4
2012CamaroV6 Drives: 2012 Red Metallic V6 Camaro Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 18	The car is currently in pieces at the dealer. Dealer pulled one head and the pan. I asked to see parts and they showed me rod cap with wiped bearing. Shop was closed so I couldnt see crank. Bearing in rod cap not spun but wiped badly. Today I am told GM will not replace the motor. Dealer originally siad they would only change the bearings and polish the crankshaft. After I complained, now they will change the crank but I had to argue again to get the no 5 rod changed. No 5 is the one with the bad bearing. It is getting beyond frustrating. I tried the customer care phone line but they just said that the decision was made to not replace the motor. GM actually has a policy that covers failed bearings on cars that are less than 3 months old and less than 2000 miles?

08-03-2012, 10:24 PM	#5
2012CamaroV6 Drives: 2012 Red Metallic V6 Camaro Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 18	Is there an appeals process at GM? It is hard for me to believe that that this decision isnt a mistake.

08-05-2012, 08:13 AM	#7
2012CamaroV6 Drives: 2012 Red Metallic V6 Camaro Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 18	I saw ads for a 60 day return policy. You hav seen something on a 90 day policy? This car was less than 90 days old when I brought it in for the noise, so that might be the best way to go. Thanks.

08-06-2012, 07:23 AM	#9
2012CamaroV6 Drives: 2012 Red Metallic V6 Camaro Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 18	Of course thats irony........ If I wasn't taking good care fo the car and looking to change the oil at 2000 miles to get any factory dirt out, I probably would not have heard the noise and the wife would have drove it another month until the motor was really in bad shape. Its the wife's daily driver and I probably only drive it once a month. It gives me a chance to check oil and make sure all is ok. I do that with her cars ever since we were married cus she has radio turned up and doesnt pay attention to motor unless a warning light screams at her. So is the lesson here that if you have a small problem, let it get big so the warranty policy replaces the engine? That doesnt seem right either! GMs have always been good to me, so maybe I am just expecting too much. When I broke a gear tooth on a tranny or lost a rod bearing on my old 1968 Camaro, I new it was because I was beating the living daylights out of that car. This new car, get no abuse so I guess I am still upset it has failed......

08-06-2012, 11:54 AM	#11
SC2150 Account Suspended Drives: 2012 Camaro RS, RX supercharged Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Bradenton, FL Posts: 6,063	There is a reason the bearing failed....and that most likely other damage occured. Understand that the entire oiling system supplies virtually every moving part in the engine with the oil needed to protect, and if it was a oil pump or relief valve failure the rest was starved for oil as well. It may not be evident and obvious, but will be premeature failures in the future. The other concern is the bearing material that circulated through the rest of the motor and any scouring caused by it. The timing chain tensioners are 100% oil pressure dependant as well and any debris in the bores will cause sticking and or failure, then the over head cams (4 of them) ride in journals machined into the cylinder heads and have NO bearings to replace......so these need to be inspected carefully to determine no wear or damage has occured. The entire motor must be removed and every oil passage cleaned so no residual debris is hiding anywhere. What was the oil level when this occured? They must determine 100% why the failure occured in the first place. Good luck!

08-06-2012, 09:08 PM	#12
2012CamaroV6 Drives: 2012 Red Metallic V6 Camaro Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 18	The dealer and GM customer care line are not interested in finding out how it happened. I made all the points you mentioned plus some, maybe not as well worded as your write up, and they decided to replace the oil pump and conencting rod too. Then they said they would flush out the oil passages and blow them clear with air. But since the one head wasn't removed, how does anyone know there are not chips in the oil passages feeding the other cam side. The oil flush without complete removal would just push any debris around....... I am completely frustrated as everyone is following GM polict, and I am supposed to feel better that the engine will be under warranty for a long time.....