8.9
pretty bad- Typical Repair Cost:
- $780
- Average Mileage:
- 101,400 miles
- Total Complaints:
- 7 complaints
Most common solutions:
- replace cracked plenum/intake manifold (4 reports)
- not sure (3 reports)
For a while, there had been a slow coolant leak from an unknown origin. I kept refilling it confident the problem would reveal itself in the form of a hose or something. My wife was driving it and suddenly started spewing dark gray fumes out the exhaust, the engine overheated, then it just quit running and wouldn't start. Apparently that was the final breaking point. Turned out, it was slowly leaking antifreeze internally this whole time. Luckily, the mechanic I had the car towed to wasn't intent on charging me the highest price. But, it was still a 600.00 repair.
- Paul E., Biloxi, MS, US
This vehicle had an extended warranty that ran out at 75000 miles. This problem started at 80000 miles. It apparently is an on going problem with this model.There is an engine coolant leak caused by material degradation! My mechanic called the Buick dealer and was faxed a service bulletin telling in detail about the problem and what caused it and what to do to fix it. Now if this is an ongoing problem;and the service bulletin proves that; Why not have a recall! Yes this vehicle is 5 years old ,but it hasn't given any other problems before this.
- James L., Virginia Beach, VA, US
NOW I REPLACED THE UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD / THE LOWER GASKET / W3HILE.
- harry2, Howell, MI, US
I bought this car in June 2004 and in less than 1 month I had both heads shaved and head gaskets replaced due to coolant loss. This didn't totally fix the problem as I had to have the intake manifold replaced also. Now the problem has occurred again. I don't know the cause yet but I've heard the Dexcool eats up intake gaskets. Looks like Buick/GM would have a recall on this problem. I hate to go exclusively foreign but I'm fed up with the Big 3.
- Michael H., Calvert City, KY, US
Heater quit but temp gauge showing engine temp to be ok, blower blowing cold. took into dealer where two manifolds and new gasket replaced for a mere $1299! My last Buick or for that matter General Motors car! Cannot believe the simpletons used a plastic gasket on a hot engine! It developed a leak and let coolant into engine-why they replaced the manifolds I have no idea unless they were warped. Check the NHTSA for similar stories with this particular car!!! No Gm backing either!
- houdeany, Anderson, In., US
Same problem 13,000 miles ago, and 13 months age. Dealer told me, very rare happining. New dealer now tells me it happens all the time. Talking with Buick division people, however, they do not give me much encouragement to help me. Cost to repair Dec 18, 2001, $616. new estimate for same job, $900. If this is a major problem how come no recall
- cartguy, Albuquerque, NM, US
Same problem here that everyone else has had with the coolant vanishing then I'm told it is an ongoing problem with this model !!! My friend told me when I bought mine that this had happened to his as well ! I will never buy another car without doing research first! Always have loved Buicks, but now I don't know ?!
- geddyrush, Jackson, Mi, US