Why is the paint peeling off all the way to the metal? I am scared to wash it . I have took it too different body shops both say it is a factory defect so what can be done about it.

Is it the actual paint or is it just the clear coating over the paint ? This will appear to be a whitish / clear film.

Unfortunately , that is not warrantied & there isn't really much you can do except have it repainted. You can contact a local Chevy dealer & ask them if there were any other complaints about that particular year , make & model if that would be any comfort to you. Good Luck ...

sometimes these defects are fixed by the automaker. call a dealer and ask them if there are any recalls about this on your make model and year.

The paint is peeling off all the way to the metal took it two to different shops both say it is a factory defect. I have been doing research they is a lot of 2008 . It makes the suv ugly gmc should have to fix this .

I totally agree with you as far as them being negelent for poor quality of paint or the craftsmanship that was done as to applying the paint. Unfortunately, they have attorneys on their side that you cannot afford to challenge & will determine that you did not maintain your vehicles finish as far as compounding/polishing or having mischief done by others...... Soda poured on vehicle, bad Car Wash Brushes, Vandalism done on Mischief Night... EGGS, Paint Thinner, Soda, Muriatic Acid.... They cover all the angles...... It would be cheaper to just simply have it re-painted.

I see a lot of cars not too old with paint problems. The clear coat is a clear paint used to help protect the paint color underneath. This is a soft paint and depending where you live, the environment could be a contributing factor. People that live near or work at airports have paint issues due to the aviation gas fumes or fuel being dumped in the air. Cold weather that has icy roads and are driven after salt or chemicals are put on the roadway can splatter this corrosiveness onto the cars. Even paint polish or waxes have a cleaner corrosiveness that may cut into the protective clear coat and expose the paint to the environment. If you look at polishes, they will say "Safe for clear coat finishes" as will the car wash soap. Polish has an adhesive in it to remove road film, tar, bugs and bird poop. If used with a polisher, it may cut into the paint causing damage. So it may not be the car manufacturer's paint, it could be the care or non care, or environment your car faces everyday. If you have it sanded, make sure the painter puts down a good primer, paint and clear coat. A good job is in the thousands. My Corvette cost $10,000. The paint alone was over a $1,000 a gal. and that was 12 years ago. Here is a picture last fall. I keep it garaged, away from airplanes, and use only polish and wax for the top paint protection. I really don't wash it but two or three times a year.

I have a 2008 Equinox also. My paint started to just fly off literally. I took it to GM. Gm did an evaluation of my paint and how it was peeling. Even they said it was a factory issue! Apparently there was never primer put on and the metal was contaminated! Contacted head quarters of Chevrolet, they blew me off! Saying we can't help you because our paint warranty is for only 3 years. I called again 2 more times, nothing! Then they have a nerv to send me a free oil change!!?? So now as I text... my suv is in a shop being psinted and paid out of my pocket! Never again will I buy a Chevrolet.

I was going to respond to your answer Jenilee, but I re-read my answer above and there is nothing I can add to it. I took a tour of the Corvette assembly plant a couple of years ago, and I saw how they paint the cars. All cars receive primer paint before the final paint is applied. So for a paint shot to tell you no factory primer was applied, in all doubts is an incorrect assessment. I do notice cars here in So. Cal. that have paint issues of the clear coat and paint pealing. Most are Mazda or Chrysler vehicles. I have talked to some owners and they told me they use dishwashing soap to wash their car. Very bad as it removes the polish and wax from the car exposing the paint to the elements. Like I said above, with the paint now put on cars, the correct product is necessary to protect the paint. Just as some old dishes or glassware that has gold trim, they never should be washed in a dishwasher. Same as cars, only the correct cleaners and paint wax/polish should be used. Car washes are very hard on car paint also. So to put the total blame on a car factory's application of paint, just may not be completely correct. I'm not standing up for GM or any other car manufacture, just stating the elements and care have a large influence on the paint over time.

I also have 2008 Equinox with paint flying off. I contacted Chevrolet also. No warranty, they did offer to paint 50/50 cost. But of course their cost at 50/50 was more then double at the dealership. I had already gotten estimates first.

Congratulations you own a Chevy! I have noticed that Chevy cars and trucks have a lot of peeling paint problems. The only solution is a repaint and keeping it garaged.

I doubt Chevy will back any paint jobs on cars that are 7 years old.

It is a defect on 2008, paint flies off in one day. There are many 2008 Equinox with exact same problem and in the same exact place. They should back their paint,

people, we need to file a class action suit against chevy with the paint problems. it is long over due

I have a 2008 Chevy Equinox (white) and mine did the same thing. About this time last year, I left my work and drove home (about 30 minutes), got out of my car and a section about a foot wide above the driver side back door was missing. Now, a year later, almost all of that side is missing above the doors and a section on the back panel near the back hatch door is missing. I absolutely HATE this vehicle and will never own a Chevy again. I paid over $10,000 for this vehicle 2 years ago, and now it is not even worth $3500. I agree with Dawn, I think a class action suit is something to consider.

I contacted GM again, told them, I knew it was a manufacturing defect. That the same problem is posted on numerous websites. I said there should be a recall. She said if it became a recall, there would be reimbursement for cost of repainting. More people have to complain to GM. 1-866-790-5600. There is also email at gmprioritycare@gm.com. More people need to complain to GM not dealerships. The dealerships aren't going to do anything. The other problem is people are replying to our comments, telling us we washed our cars wrong, or neighborhood kids probably threw coke on it. So they don't go further with this matter. I've owned enough cars new and old to know the difference between fading, chipping and being old. this is a defect. I agree with you also Dawn, But, some how we would all need to come together for a class action. There is also a website, I've used before against optimart. They take your complaints and contact the company to work things out when you are not getting satisfaction. I plan to write them soon.

Oh, the website, Peopleclaim.com They try to work things out for you. No cost.

If you are all upset and plan a class action law suit, you wi9ll need to speak to an experienced lawyer that is well versed on the handling and filing of class action slow suits. If these were new cars, not ones eight years old, your chances of profiling would be much greater. You will need to prove you took the proper care of you vehicle, prove where it was driven, what elements you encounter and so on. It will in the long run cost more that a new paint job. Remember anyone can file a law suit, winning is another matter. Ask around what it costs to file a class action law suit, and also look at the cost of having it repainted. Attorneys will ask you to be honest in your assessment of the damage. You will never get a factory looking paint job from a court settlement, and the pretrial cost will be horrendous as expert witnesses will need to be paid, and much testing needs to be done. If you feel it is a just cause, good luck. Please re-read my responses above about paint.

Wow I'm in the middle of writing to GMC now regarding this same issue. I have a 2009 Equinox that on my way back to work from lunch paint started flying off. The dealership that I purchased it from has not been helpful, but another one has informed me that they have seen others like mine and referred me to GMC. I'm not expecting anything from the looks of these text's but it won't hurt to at least give it a try.

I have a 2007 Equinox and the paint on my tailgate is peeling off. It is all the way to the metal too.

I am having the same issue. I have a 2009 Chevy Aveo and the paint on the hood is just peeling off in pieces.

Our paint fell off in clumps that filled a box and Chevrolet denied the claim, stated that they don't have a paint problem. It is time for a class action suite!

They offer paint coverage for new cars with water based paint. I should have taken it. 2014 spark, tiny specs multiplying like rabbits.Right down to the primer.

Unfortunately poor paint is not a safety issue so the federal government will not act on it. "Let the buyer be ware" is what they say. The problem is, with taking the oil base paints away, everyone in the paint business states there is an issue using water based paint. less shine, and poor adhesion. I know Dupont and other big companies are working hard to find the solution, but nothing will stick like the oil base paint. ?The best they can do is cover the paint with clear coat in hopes the covering will protect it from the elements. It's hard to issue a guarantee when there are so many elements that affect it. Living around airports, on farms, leaving it outside, or not washing or polish/waxing it as we should. worse solution is leave it as is. Next step is go to a cheap paint place for a quick fix that may last a year before fading or pealing again. Painting a car right is just like having a successful vacation, the prep work is the most important. I'd venture to say, for a medium size car going back to the same color will be between 2,000 and 6,000. I'd venture to say the 3-4,000 dollar range would be the norm.

Get it together Chevy it's no wonder the Japanese are kicking your butts

Azera_3040 don't pick on Chevy. If you want to pick on cars that the paint is pealing, look at all the cars. Chrysler is perhaps worse, Mazda, Honda, and others. Some can be contributed to poor upkeep, using the wrong polish, being near an airport, or some factories, and driving in winter snow that snow removal is being used. The slot is being replaced with a chemical that is very toxic not only to paint, but the metal and frames also. Yes Chevy has it's flaws, but all others do also.

just talked to gm about my equinox paint peeling. they say they can't help. they don't think that this is a factory defect. more need to call and need to complain. will cost more than $700 to fix.

I have a 05 chevy malibu maxx with paint peeling to bare metal. This is the first car I've owned that had this happen. My mother has an 08 malibu with the same problem only worse than mine.

See responses above.

WOW time for a paint job I would think !

I have a 2008 Equinox (white) also. Same chipping problem. About same time frame. Body shop said it was a factory problem. I am going to start calling, and emailing, as well!

No more Chevy's for me. Have 08 equinox losing paint! Just bought new Nissan.

Hi, I have a 2009 Chevy Aveo and had no idea that I woukd have this problem. My paint is bubbling and chipping and has been doing so since the first year I bought the car. I bought it from in the showroom, brand new. I took it to a dealership once and they fixed a few spots but those spots have now chipped again and so is the rest of the car. IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH WEATHERIZATION OR MAINTENANCE. If you experience this you know that it is a defect. I am in for a class action lawsuit. I will call Chevy to complain as well.

I have the same problem with my Chevy Aveo

GuruZWZC2, so sorry to hear that. If you had a question about it, read all the responses above. I was at the SEMA trade show last year and the company that makes wrapping for cars told me it should cost around $1,500 max to completely cover a full size vehicle, parts and labor. You might look into that instead of $2 to$3 grand on paint.

I have a 2009 Chevy Equinox that the same thing is happening on. I walked out to my car one day with sheets of paint just hanging off my car!! I'm scared to even wash my car now in fear of more paint falling off. I have been so mad, frustrated, disappointed, aggravated, etc. I have seen several other Equinoxes in my area with the same thing. It's so disappointing that we pay so much money for a good, reliable vehicle and then something like this happens. I have always taken great care of my car, wash and wax it regularly by hand and still have this happen. It's so aggravating!

The EPA is responsible for making all pint be water base. Maybe it's the "global warming" effects. My brother has a stock 1951 Ford with the original pint. Yes it's failed, but it has no pealing paint. My other brother also has a 51 Ford, paint was not pealing, but he just repainted it two years ago. Won several wash and sine awards at car shows.

2008 Equinox. Peeling above driver's side rear door. Frustrated. Help.

john, Your car is 10 years old. Do you park it outside or garaged? Do you drive it to work and is it setting in the sun? Is it by an airport or large industrial area with contaminates in the air? Do you keep it washed and polished and waxed? There are polishes that have abrasives in them that cut through the protective coating of the paint. Did anyone spill soda or other drinks on the spot that is pealing, like Coke? The above entries explain the ills of the paints today. Oil based enamel was the best paint, lacquer lasted a few years than cracked. Today's paints are not really good. That's the world we live in today. 80% of a great paint job is the prep work before the final paint is applied.

John, how long have you worked for Chevy?

John, never have worked in the auto industry. Belong to a Corvette club, and show my Corvette on occasion. My brother shows his MC and 51 Ford, and talk to a lot of car motor heads. Have painted my Vette three times and from that experience have asked a lot of questions and learned a bit about paint. I'm not a spokesman for anyone. Sometimes experience combined with age gives some inside and history. If you look above, my Corvette is shown, with 16 year old paint that is still showing the shine. I polish and wax it twice a year, and wash it only two or three times a year. Always garaged but not covered. Once have I driven it in the rain since the last paint job. I have attended several SEMA trade shows in Vegas and talked to car paint guys there also.

2011 equinox and paint flying off the passenger rear door of Drivers Side and I can see the other side is going to do the same thing soon. I called and again no recall but told me to send pics via email and they will hold them on record for our complaint. Big deal. Looks like s%@t. Embarrassing to drive now. Bye-Bye Chevy. Class Action is needed on this.

Mike, sometimes it what the vehicle has been exposed to. My neighbor works for the airline industry, and parks his car at LAX a lot. His paint does not last due to the poor air quality around the airport. Plans can't land if they weigh too much so fly over and dump fuel in the air. You have no information so do you live where snow is a winter issue? Salt exposure? Or what is it they se now? I heard it is really bad. Too much sun? From all the answers above, it is clear the old days of paint was better, but now the water based primer and paint is not working as we expect. Seven years is a long time for auto paint if it is exposed to the outdoors. A class action may not be in order here. Now when I bough my new GMC Terrain, I noticed all the chrome around the windows was pitted with rust, so I got them all replaced, but it was a new SUV from the factory. It is a pain for sure. I have noticed there are a lot of vehicles with poor paint these days. But I also remember in the 50s and 60s, cars did not hold their new car shine long either. Enamel paint was a replacement for a deep shine, but it cracked after two to four years, then started to flake off.

I have 2008 ( white) equinox that started having peeling paint issues in Nov. 2017. Flew off one day in small sections above passenger doors and then again in December by back hatch. Peeled all the way to metal. I emailed Chevy and was told warranty out of date, no recalls and that I was on my own. Only had 90,000 miles and has been very frustrating!!

GuruYK2WG, Are you the original owner? Have you had any repair to the area peeling? If you are not the original owner do you know if it was in a collision? Do you use polish on the vehicle with an abrasive in it that is not made for clear coating? Do you park around airports or industries that emit chemicals in the air, say Cleveland, Chicago, New York or anywhere else? How often to you apply wax or polish to the vehicle? It is 10 years old, and if you live where snow and ice are a common road hazard, the chemicals that is now being put on the roadways will eat the paint, metal and small kids. 10 years is a long time for paint honestly using todays paint. If you get it painted, make sure the prep removes all oils and film from the bear metal before the primer goes on. What is in the industrial air today is very hard on water based paint. I know the car industry is working hard to find a paint that meats EPA standards and last a long time on the vehicles. Getting better, but not there yet.

I have called and wrote both General Motors and the Dealership I have bought several cars from and neither will do anything about it. Paint issues should be warrantied as much as vehicles cost especially when known issue and vehicle hasn't been in a wreck of any kind.

Every white chevy truck and van I've seen 90's and up the paint peels.. I've never found the answer either!

I have found this thread through googling to see as to why my 2014 Equinox (white) is doing this. Purchased used 1.5 year ago, now has 50,000 miles, and just today found 4 spots where paint is chipped and peeling..I am just disgusted..I plan to talk to my local Chevy garage, but have no hopes for them doing anything about it...I agree with the Class Action Suit..This was my first Chevy, and will be my last.

Funny i have a 2002 Pontiac Grand Am that has been under a tree in the yard for 11 years. Washed and waxed it cleaned it up nice, late last year. Now its still looks great. My 2008 equinox, paint flew off 2 nights ago. How can they get one right and miss so badly on the next. 6 years after. Whats worse is you had at that point 90 years to get it right GM. Excuses and BS arent gonna fly.

Hi, My 2008 Chevy is peeling as well, started peeling in San Diego, on the rear window edge. I live now in Colorado Springs and the paint has started to peel on the roof and both sides toward the back of the car. I called the 1-866-790-5600 numbered as listed above and they took a report, gave me a case number but other than that, they are not willing to do anything.. I am really upset they can get away with this, I paid 18k for my used car and it's awful to have to look at this paint job.

08 Equinox here, 70k, bought it used, beautiful condition. Same problem. Seemed to have happened over night, the paint cracked and lifted straight up from the metal. The whole passenger side above the doors, and some small chips on the roof. Very annoyed.

I have a 2015 Chevy Equinox with paint missing on rear tailgate. Small paint blisters with rust down the middle are all over the paint. A few have bubbles up so bad the paint has fallen off and is exposing metal and rust, looks like bullet holes. Very ugly and very disappointing that this is a new vehicle that is very well maintained and kept inside a gradge. It has always been waxed and this really shows you how bad their quality has become.

I have a 1999 Silver/Gray Chevy Astro with a paint peeling problem. It started about 10 years ago with clear coat peel, and over the last 5 years I can see that the paint is peeling down to primer and maybe even zinc phosphate pre-treatment. I have contacted the 1- 866 number mentioned in posts above. I have a case number and$100 voucher to use at Chevy Dealership to diagnose the problem, but I already know it is a manufacturer issue-- as only some of the panels are failing and mostly on one side of the van. I don't wash my van differently side to side or panel to panel, nor due the elements treat them differently. The Astro only has 120K miles on it, so lots of life yet, but it is embarrassing to drive around. My fear is that the paint correction job will cost more than the van is worth. Will keep you posted.

Yes I have a 2016 Terrain and rust on door bottom and tailgate Started 4 months after purchase; they blew me of till warranty ran out and now it’s my job to fix. Always been GM person as well as out 8 kids and spouses. NEVER AGAIN will any of us buy GMC we are people who purchase new vehicle ever 2 years; so that’s 21 GM drivers including out grandson who is a pickup boy... Not worth the agony and abuse when ask reasonable questions

No fear of getting any response to. My problem The just take your money and blow you to the. Wind.

My 2016 Trax is peeling on the hatch where the logo piece is. Always in garage!!! They say its not under warranty but they agreed because of low mileage they will pay 1/2 to fix. My cost $355 plus taxes !!!! Are you kidding me!??

From my research it appears that GMC used recycled metal that has variable chemical qualities making paint difficult to properly adhere to the cheap metal. Trying to repaint or repair the bad appearance is an exercise in futility. GMC should never have been given a financial rescue. Consumers who buy from GMC are being cheated.

I have a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox and the paint on the roof is coming off. It effects the resale value . I had Chevrolets before and never had this problem. Chevrolet 1- 800 number told me there was nothing they would do for it. But they would call me should that policy change . Darlene T