GXP Owners... in here (RIMS)

[ChicagoGXP]

Just contacted the NHTSA with the letter below. If you too, have had issues with your rims, please contact them and let them know.





Last year, my sister had to bring her 2005 Grand Prix GXP in 5 times due to the rims cracking. They are manufactured by Alcoa Incorporated (Alcoa Inc. -- primary aluminum (aluminium) and fabricated aluminum products) for General Motors.

Considering the possibility that my sister was prone to hitting potholes and such, I simply contacted GM's corporate employees. They inspected the vehicle and claimed that the damage was from neglect since all 4 rims were badly dented and bent. Her final resolution was to purchase aftermarket rims which have been fine since their installation.

Now, let us fast forward to this afternoon. My girlfriend calls me to tell me that she has a flat tire on her 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix GXP. Upon inspection, I have spotted a crack on the passenger-side, front tire.

I am also an owner of a 2008 Grand Prix GXP and after today, decided to inspect my rims. I can personally say that I have NEVER hit a pot hole that would damage a rim meant for the street. However, 3 out of the 4 rims on my vehicle have also been dented along the area that seals.

Due to the lack of attention GM seems to be giving to my family and friends (and several complaints among board members of Grand Prix forums), I am contacting you in order to hopefully bring a resolution to this issue. In my opinion, this is a major safety flaw in the vehicle. Air pressure depending on the crack can either be slow (taking a day or so to leak down) or very quick (loss of pressure within 1 minute).

Thank you for taking the time to read my long-winded gripe. Look forward to hearing back from you soon.

[SuperSport]

Wow thats interesting. I dont own a GXP but that sounds pretty dangerous.

It goes without saying that GM's customer service department is a tad lacking, and if you are lucky enough to hear back from them, they just say its your fault.

Hope you get the help you need.

[SDGTP99]

The only thing I can say is your 2005 is the only GXP with the Alcoa rims. The 2008's have knockoffs.

[VDV18]

I posted this on another forum as well.

As previously stated, the 08 GXP's do not have forged alcoas. Partial VIN's of 07 and all of 08 have knockoff's.

Not going to judge, as I don't know you, your sister, or if the car was abused.

But what I can say is that a forged alcoa rim is as tough and durable as you're ever going to come across. A 2005 shouldn't go through 4 cracked forged alcoas under normal driving conditions, something seems odd here.

Good luck to you, post your findings.

[L KELLS]

I dont have a GXP but i have a set of these rims on my 02 GTP and when i bought them i noticed that 2 of the 4 rims were repaired by the previous owner due to them cracking. I was nervous at first but i got them at a reasonably low price. But i put a slightly thicker tire on all 4 and i havent had any problems yet. 3 months and going. but if a recall was once to come about for these rims i wonder would GM cover mines even tho i dont have a GXP