Car damage on underpanel

[Voodoo]

I noticed a few days ago that the driver side engine underpanel was badly damaged. I got the car in April, and know that it is nothing I did. I have only had one other person drive the car, and I was with them when they did. The car has no prior wrecks or damage according to Carfax.

Picture here:

It could have been the previous owner, or someone test driving the car, I have no idea. All I do know is that the car was sold to me like this, and I failed to notice it (so I take some of the blame). I'm not sure what the dealer could do, or if I could even prove to them it wasn't me. Are any rust experts in here able to tell me if that amount of rust can occur in around 85 days? (since I purchased it)
Is the metal piece part of the chassis, or could it be replaced? Since the metal is bent outward rather than inward, I am really confused as to what could have done this in the first place.

[OND]

Cant tell for sure but that might be the bolt on brace near the front lca, so it's probably not a big deal. Weird failure tho..

[ls1ac]

It could be that someone used a T hook to pull the car up on a rollback or out of a ditch and it got hung-up.

[Voodoo]

I have been searching for a part number for this piece but am having no luck. I am just terrified that it could be part of the chassis or frame, but if its a replaceable piece (no welding/cutting required) I would be relieved.

[humfrz]

Originally Posted by Voodoo

I noticed a few days ago that the driver side engine underpanel was badly damaged.

Hello Voodoo and welcome to the gang ......

Yep, that is a strange looking "tear" there.

It looks to be metal, if it is, I'd suggest you just take a hammer and beat it back into shape as best as you can.

Then you may give the area a shot of rust preventing paint.

Then quit worrying about it.




humfrz

[cjd]

Originally Posted by OND

Cant tell for sure but that might be the bolt on brace near the front lca, so it's probably not a big deal. Weird failure tho..

I agree, that's the brace, and it holds the front swaybar and provides stability to the front suspension crossmember (see attached diagram, it's pointed at with part #10, though I don't believe it's actually that part based on the price). It could continue to fatigue over time and break. It's a small part, should be easy to find one off a junker or get new. I'd replace it.

The underpanel is also damaged, but it's the metal part that's weird. The tow damage scenario makes the most sense to me, that'd be pretty hard to do by driving backwards onto something.

C

[Voodoo]

It looks like you guys are correct, and the part is only $45. You can see it in the pictures I found below. (I didn't put the arrows in the pictures) Part number is SU00301225