2019 Chevrolet Cruze

An authorized Chevrolet dealer diagnosed an electrical problem on my 2019 Chevrolet Cruze and found that the HVAC case/condensate drain was disconnected. The dealer determined that condensate water had been draining into the passenger compartment instead of outside the vehicle. According to the dealer's written diagnosis, the water soaked the body wiring harness and damaged the Body Control Module (BCM) and Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) module. The problem initially presented through door-lock/electrical malfunctions. The dealer confirmed the water intrusion and resulting component damage during its inspection. I am concerned because the affected components include the body wiring harness, BCM, and SRS module. Damage to the SRS module potentially affects a vehicle safety/restraint system, and extensive water contamination of the wiring harness and control modules could cause additional electrical failures. The dealer stated that repair would require replacement of the body wiring harness, BCM and SRS module, removal of the front carpeting, treatment for moisture/mold contamination, and approximately 42 hours of labor. The dealer estimated the repair at $14,314 and stated that the repair cost exceeds the value of the vehicle. I do not know when or why the HVAC drain became disconnected. I am reporting this because an authorized Chevrolet dealer confirmed that a disconnected HVAC drain allowed water to enter the cabin and damage multiple electrical and safety-related modules. I believe NHTSA should determine whether similar water-intrusion failures have occurred in other vehicles of this model.

The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle and shifting into drive(D), the SRS warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the air bag warning light had been illuminated for months prior to experiencing the new failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who failed to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 91,000.