GM releases position statement on bumper/fascia systems

GM has released a position statement providing primer and topcoat refinish methods for bumper fascia systems that are equipped with ADAS. 

“With the safety of our customers at the center of everything we do, we are limiting repairs to bumpers/fascias with ADAS to topcoat refinish only,” the statement says. “Further, topcoat refinish material thickness of repaired ADAS bumper fascia systems must not exceed 13 mils in thickness. Any repairs such as gouges, tears, or damage that require the use of substrate repair material or reinforcement tapes must be avoided.”

Primer and topcoat refinish can be employed on ADAS bumper/fascia systems, provided the total paint mil thickness on any portion does not exceed 13 mils, the statement says. It adds that a non-metallic paint film thickness tool must be used post-repair to ensure the material film build on the part does not exceed 13 mils. 

The statement goes on to say that, depending on the vehicle build configuration, the bumper/fascia system may have ADAS sensors attached to the inner surface, which are not visible from the exterior of the vehicle. GM is limiting repairs to these bumper/fascia systems on ADAS-equipped vehicles. 

Any bumper/fascia substrate damage on any bumper/fascia equipped with ADAS that requires substrate repair must be replaced, the statement says. 

Paint refinish repairs can be made, provided the repaired portion of the bumper/fascia is measured and verified with a mil gauge. It notes that a paint MIL gauge, such as the PosiTector 200 by DeFelsko, can determine paint depth. 

A Collision Industry Conference Parts and Materials Committee panel discussed refinishing paint near ADAS radar and sensors during a CIC meeting in 2024. 

Benito Cid, Mercedes-Benz USA collision programs manager, said at the time that the company was advancing technology using sensors, cameras, radar, and more, including as part of the technology suite in its Level 3 automated driving feature, Drive Pilot, in California and Nevada.

“All of these things require a clear line of sight,” Cid said.

Ensuring the repair process and products don’t interrupt the line of sight of those systems is why “looking at the procedures is even more important at this point,” he said.

Repairers can’t repaint some parts with sensors, Cid said. Sometimes, replacing the part is the only option.

Other colors have a maximum number of coating layers, such as primer, paint, and clear, he said. Some of these parts can only be painted one additional time.

Honda also released a position statement in 2024 focused on models equipped with the AcuraWatch360 system, which features technology advancements. The statements include the maximum base coat thickness for refinishing applications on the front and rear bumpers. 

The statement also gives examples of when the bumper will need to be replaced. When there is a crack, dent, or gouge within the radar wave emission range (RWER), the bumper must be fully replaced. Sanding can be completed when the paint is scratched. 

Outside of the RWER, cracks, dents, gouges, and scratches can be repaired, the statement says. However, if the refinishing material crosses into RWER, the entire RWER should be refinished. The statement says not to blend in the RWER. 

GM’s position statement went on to say that it does not approve of the use of aftermarket, reconditioned, or salvaged bumpers/fascias on GM vehicles equipped with ADAS, the statement says. 

It says that aftermarket, reconditioned, or salvage bumper/fascia material specifications may differ from those designed, tested, and validated for use with ADAS. 

“GM vehicles, systems, and components are engineered, tested, and manufactured to protect vehicle occupants based upon both government-mandated and internal corporate requirements relative to durability, noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH), occupant protection, and vehicle safety,” the statement says. “The overall structural integrity of the vehicle is dependent on maintaining its inherent design specification.” 

It adds that reconditioned bumpers/fascia available in the aftermarket may have been repaired using substrate repair “filler material” or reinforcement tapes. 

“With the continued expansion and use of ADAS safety systems on GM vehicles, it is critically important to be aware of the proper service and replacement requirements for Bumper/Fascia systems,” the statement says. “To help preserve the performance of repaired GM vehicles, GM publishes vehicle-specific collision repair procedures and manufactures and sells GM Genuine Parts. GM Genuine Parts offer the same safety and performance as the parts originally installed on new Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac vehicles. Repairing a vehicle using GM Genuine Parts and following GM repair procedures helps ensure that a vehicle is returned to pre-accident condition.” 

It adds that using GM bumper/fascia parts will reduce cycle time. It adds that aftermarket bumper/fascia assemblies may not have been designed, engineered, or tested to operate and perform as intended by GM. Non-original parts can be made of different materials or a slightly different configuration, which may cause the safety functionality not to perform as designed. 

“The use of non-OEM safety and structural parts and components may compromise the overall crashworthiness and occupant safety of General Motors vehicles in a subsequent collision,” the statement says. 

Any damage, failure, or nonperformance arising from the installation or presence of non-GM (aftermarket, salvage, recycled, reconditioned, or other parts, accessories, or modifications is not covered under the GM new vehicle limited warranty or any GM service plans. 

“To ensure continued warranty coverage, GM requires that collision, structural, and system-dependent repairs utilize GM OE parts and GM-approved procedures,” the statement says.  Safety is General Motors’ overriding priority. When repairing GM vehicles, it is important to follow GM OEM repair procedures and use GM Genuine Parts to help ensure that the ADAS systems will continue to perform as designed by General Motors.” 

GM also recently released position statements on ADAS, aftermarket parts, pre- and post-scans, windshields, clip procedures, supplemental restraint systems, proper use of floor mats, and refinishing aluminum and chrome wheels.

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