The contact owns a 1999 Chevrolet S-10. While the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed thick rust dripping from the engine of the vehicle. He took the vehicle to a service mechanic and was informed that the intake manifolds were rusted out, as well as the water pump, radiator, and all of the hoses. The vehicle has not been serviced for the failures and has not been diagnosed by the dealer. The current mileage was 104,636 and failure mileage was 63,000.

- South Lake, CA, USA

Tsb #030601024A -- rattle noise in engine. (NHTSA id #10004301, March 01 2004) #6 rod cap stretched, causing bearing to fail. Also other bearings began to fail. Possibly due to coolant leak from intake manifold gasket or just very defective part - mechanic unsure this of a vehicle that is properly (sometimes overly) maintained. Have all service records to prove it. Even mechanics commented on upkeep of vehicle. Service facility refuses to make repairs - trying to force complete engine replacement even though crank journals can be polished, new bearings can be put in and rod can be replaced. Basically they and GM are looking for a big payday - they are sadly mistaken. I have had nothing but problems with this vehicle, with each repair becoming more and more expensive. I now have to get rid of the truck and have financial hardship due to the costly repairs. The sad part about this is GM does not stand behind their products / services, a recall should have been done for this problem as it is very common to their engine families, similar to the piston slap issue with the truck ls-series of engines.

- Aurora, IL, USA

Engine rattles due to balance shaft between 1800 and 2000 rpms, replace with timing tensioner kit. GM has a fix for this with a tsb number and all, but will only fix vehicles with original 3 year 36,000 mile warranty. They literally invented a part to install that should have been installed from the factory due to overwhelming complaints. I was under my GM 5 year 75,000 mile warranty and they even had my engine apart rebuilding under warranty and would not install the new timing chaintensioner to eliminate rattle. The rattle indicates meteal on metal contact, and eventual wear. I had a warranty, and they would not fix it. Very frustrating. We ended up buying a Toyota Tacoma for my wife, thus ending any future purchases with GM. I still have truck, and may pursue this in court. It basicaly affects every 4.3L eqipped GM vehicle, so they only pick and choose who to fix. It is hot or miss at some dealers according to other owners.

- Ballston Spa, NY, USA

While driving at any speed vehicle would intermittently stall. Consumer would coast to a safe area, and after a few minutes, vehicle would start up like nothing ever was wrong.

- Ventura, CA, USA

The transmission did not shift into gear. It felt as if the gear was in neutral, consumer was informed that water and transmission fluid came out of the transmission breather which caused the fluid to turn pink, and the transmission needed to be replaced. Also the engine stalled on occasions.

- Katy, TX, USA

Oil pan gasket failed. Nlm

- Sylacauga, AL, USA

Defective balancing shaft make a horrible noise which sounds like the engine is going to drop. Dealer does not have a fix for the "noise".

- San Diego, CA, USA