10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 0 / 4
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 0 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 8,077 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.
The consumer states that the intake manifold warped resulting in a coolant leak, also resulting in a repair costing $655. The consumer states that GM would not acknowledge a manufacturing defect nor offer financial assistance because the vehicle is out of warranty. The consumer elected to participate in the promotion of the petition and is signee #570, based upon the failure of the intake manifold in this vehicle, as well as the high incidence of failure reported by other GM consumers. Due to the nature of the failure, there appears to be a potential for significant safety hazard which may impact the general population. The consumer attached a copy of the warranty and owners assistance manual which states that the intake manifold is guaranteed 7 years or 70K miles in the state of California due to the emissions standards in that state. The consumer adds that; to his belief that by the virtue of this statement, that GM has defined the projected life of this vehicle part regardless of the state of residence. (NHTSA# 96V116000)
- East Brunswick, NJ, USA
Consumer had parked vehicle and it exploded as consumer was exiting vehicle, adjuster stated possible internal engine intake manifold to be cause, claim 05-4442-741.
- Roseville, CA, USA
Consumer had parked vehicle and it exploded as consumer was exiting vehicle, adjuster stated possible internal engine intake manifold to be cause, claim 05-4442-741.
- Roseville, CA, USA
Upon starting the vehicle it backfired and broke the intake manifold into several pieces. I found a recall indicating what had happened due to the powertrain control module. I gave this info to the dealer at gambacorta Buick at 427 w. seventh St. New castle, Delaware 19720 tel. No 302 323 3026. They diagnosed it as a fuel pressure regulator leak causing the intake to crack. I have photos showing the intake manifold broken in two end to end about an inch wide. This seems to be more than a crack. When this happened it was an explosion. It was very loud inside the car. Referenced in EA02-030
- Hockessin, DE, USA
While driving engine check light keeps coming on. This happens intermittently. Took vehicle to dealer, and had vehicle repaired, but problem still exists. Oxygen sensor failed due to antifreeze in intake system. The upper intake plenium was leaking because it had cracked and was replaced.
- Clarksburg, WV, USA
Antifreeze gauge indicates that it is low. Driver feels there is a leak. Took to vehicle to dealer, and they stated that upper/lower intake manifolds needed to be replaced.
- Waukesha, WI, USA
Defective intake manifold assembly made of composite material can degrade and allow coolant to enter the cylinders to cause engine failure. The repair is replacement of the composite intake manifold with a metal one, implying a defect in the original design. The repair costs over $900, and involves the VIN K- RPO L36 engine used in hundreds of thousands of Buick, Pontiac, Chevrolet and Oldsmobile from 1995 to 1998. I believe a recall is warranted for this dangerous problem. Please note: The dealer listed is not the original seller of my vehicle, but they performed the recommended repairs as specified in GM tsb #01-06-01-007A promptly and to my satisfaction.
- Smyrna, GA, USA
Vehicle was difficult to start, then, after starting it would stall right away. Dealer has replaced upper and lower intake gaskets, and fuel pressure regulator.
- Hammonton, NJ, USA
While attempting to start the vehicle the engine caught fire totally destroying the car. Nlm there was recall on the upper intake manifold. An investigator stated that the fire originated within the ignition of vapors of gasoline in the engine compartment of the vehicle, they stated that it should be noted that the conditions described at the time of the fire are in line with the recall regarding the upper intake manifold. Referenced in EA02-030
- Farmington, MI, USA
Intake manifold replaced. Recall on this component for 1997 Buick Lesabre, but per Buick this vehicle was not affected by recall.
- Houston, TX, USA
Intake manifold needs to be replaced. Recall on this component, but per Buick this vehicle was not affected by recall. The intake manifold failure allowed antifreeze into the engine.
- Churchville, NY, USA
Intake manifold malfunctioned, causing vehicle to stall at high speeds. Vehicle has been repaired by a private mechanic. Dealer will be notified.
- Paoli, PA, USA
- Weymouth, MA, USA