10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 0 / 2
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 2 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 49,254 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.
« Read the previous 20 complaints
The vehicle experienced the same problem as the recall that was issued regarding the manifold, however the vehicle identification number was not included in the recall. The consumer stated the vehicle ran for five hours, he stopped to get gas and the vehicle failed to restart.
- Brooklyn Park, MN, USA
Vehicle's "plenium" intake valve (part no. 506cgm4) cracked causing coolant to leak into engine resulting in engine failure.
- Countryside, IL, USA
The manifold and gasket had to be replaced. I was told coolant was improperly mixing with my oil causing black smoke to be emitted from my exhaust, the car missing and eventually semi-locking. The locking cause the cone of my starter to crack in two when I attempted to re-start to the tune of a $1,500. Repairfor all. Dealer ackowledged they had this problem with other vehicles. The initial stater replaced was discovered defective and was again replaced on June 25, 2003. A complaint to Buick customer service was fruitless and they were not sensitive at all to the problem encountered.
- Dayton, OH, USA
Consumer having problems with the intake manifold. While driving the vehicle stalled and lost complete P[ower of the steering and brakes. Manufacture was not contacted at the time of this call.
- Sugar Hill, GA, USA
There was a loud bang, then the engine would not start. The independent shop stated that the problem was the plastic intake manifold that seeped into the engine. Mr scc
- Lafayette, IN, USA
The plastic intake manifold on my 1998 Buick Lesabre went bad last fall, which cost me over $1,000 to repair. There were about 70,000 miles on the engine at that time. Subsequently, I read an article in a newspaper that said the NHTSA was investigating GM cars with the 3.8 liter engines for engine fires that resulted from these problems with the plastic intake manifold. I am wondering if a recall has been/could be issued, or if there is any way owners of cars with these engines can be reimbursed for the massive repair bills resulting from this engineering defect. Of course I am also very concerned for my safety since I have learned of the propensity for fires with these engines. Thank you.
- Nevada, IA, USA
Vehicle is leaking oil. The consumer had vehicle serviced by a dealership, who indicated that the upper intake manifold is made of plastic, and the heat of the engine causes a hole in the manifold. This results in the leak.
- Alvaton, KY, USA
While driving and without warning intake manifold blewout, making it hard to start vehicle. Dealer notified. Ts.
- Gulfport, MS, USA
While stopped for gas, the vehicle smelled hot. The mechanic checked under the hood, and informed consumer that all the water and antifreeze was gone. This happened without any warning. The check engine light did not illuminate. Teh mechanic checked the pressure and filled the radiator and resevoir. An hour later the car would not start and all the water was gone. Consumer had vehicle towed and the owner of the garage showed consumer a plastic manifold on top of the engine with an emission control tube carrying exhaust back into the valve area. The tube had gotten so hot it melted a hole into the plastic allowing the radiator water to run into the valves. Consumer took vehicle back to the dealer where purchased. The service manager knew of the problem but says there is no recall for it. Consumer feels Buick should be responsible for the repairs made to the vehicle.
- Des Moines, IA, USA
Vehicle completely stalls while driving without warning. Dealer stated engine manifold that is made of plastic is cracked and sending fluid through engine, damaging parts in engine. The plastic intake was replaced and the consumer is seeking reimbursement of repair expense.
- Springfield, MO, USA
- Grafton, WI, USA