1999 Buick Century: engine overheating

Filed Jun 12, 2006 · Lights · TX

Consumer 1999 century turn signal and park light burns the bulb causing consumer to have to continuously change the light. *ts the consumer stated the socket overheated.

Filed Mar 8, 2006 · Engine · 78,000 miles · VA

I am the owner of a 1999 buick century with 78,000 miles. I bought the vehicle used and have no current warranty. Recently, the low coolant dash light began to intermittently illuminate, which prompted me to check thee coolant level and search the underneath of my vehicle. The coolant level was not low; however, there was a small amount of coolant on the ground. I did extensive research on the internet and identified that tens of thousands of gm vehicle owners have had this same problem with the coolant systems in their gm vehicles. The problem was that the lower intake manifold gasket needed to be replaced. Gm claims that the dex cool coolant, which is required in their vehicles, lasts for 150,000 miles of vehicle use without needing to be changed. However, my internet research of others'' complaints, and the service repairman at my local garage, confirmed that the dex cool coolant through the lower gasket at approximately 70-80,000 miles, requiring a new lower intake manifold gasket and a coolant flush, as well as a necessary oil change because the coolant leaks into the oil due to the faulty gaskets (and in turn causes decreased lubrication in the engine and ruins the bearings which is also a costly problem.) after having my vehicle repaired for $900, I am told by my service repairman that this problem will occur again in another 70-80,000 miles, should I own the vehicle for that long. There are several petitions on the internet regarding this faulty equipment, advocating for a gm recall. Gm, however, has done nothing to rectify this problem. Gm should be responsible for the cost incurred for the replacement on the lower intake manifold gasket on affected gm vehicles, as they claim the system is good for 150,000 miles with the dex cool coolant, which is clearly a false claim.

Filed Mar 8, 2005 · Engine · 44,000 miles · VA

The intake manifold was leaking antifreeze, which could cause the vehicle to overheat. Manufacturer was contacted by consumer.*ak the engine locked up due to loss of coolant. The water pump started leaking at the shaft seal with less than 43000 miles on the vehicle. A dirty, oily substance was noticed in the radiator neck.

Filed Nov 11, 2004 · Engine · 46,150 miles · TX

Driving down road one day when car overheated. One mechanic replaced thermostat but continued to do same. Took to another facility who ran diagnostic test and was told that it was the r & r intake manifold gasket. Car is a 1999 buick century with only 46,191 miles. Have been told the cost to fix problem is approx. $700. With all of the other identical problems of other owners why hasn't something been done with this problem? Consumer should not have to foot the bill for gm's defective parts. There is obviously something wrong with the engine design. Had a buick regal before this and it is still running with over 195,000 miles. No engine cooling system problem with it.

Filed Apr 15, 2004 · Engine · 70,100 miles · NH

Cooling system defect in 1999 buick century. Cooling system is being containminated by brown substance in system, causing the system to overheat. Reported to dealer three times. They have a tsb out on this, but no clue on what is causing this. They have inspected the vehicle three times, flushed the system, and replaced the radiator cap, but problem reccurs. Now it is going in for the fouth time. Problem was not corrected under original warranty, now the extended warranty that I purchased is about to run out, yet having the same problem. If they have a tsb out on this, why can't they fix the problem once and forever?

Filed Mar 2, 2004 · Engine · 72,515 miles · VA

Intake manifold coolant leak caused engine failure. *ak intakes manifold gasket was replaced. Gasket now has a new part number to correct the defect on the original component, gm claim #1-180791866. Gm has recalled for coolant leak, but it was on a different model. Also, lower intake manifold gasket was leaking. Mechanic replaced the lower gasket.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Engine · 34,750 miles · OH

1999 buick century began using dex-cool and overheating. Also heater would blow cold indicating coolant was low. Car taken to dealer who said it was a leak in upper and lower intake gaskets. When asked why this happened they said that gm has had bad batches of gaskets and they are having to replace a lot of gaskets, even on 2003 models. I asked why they were charging me $403.66 to repair, since it is happening so much. They said that gm considers this gasket problem a "normal wear and tear" item just like belts, oil changes, ect! This should not be happening when the car only has 34,780 miles on it.

Filed Aug 29, 2003 · Engine · 25,000 miles · CA

Cooling system full of gunk, uses dex*cool. Overheating, leaking coolant, constantly refilling. Mechanic advised dex-cool is the problem, as deteriorates gaskets. Replaced intake manifold gasket for $650. If problem continues, may need to replace head gasket as well. Problem is this is the recommended coolant for this car. Have spent much money flushing and refilling system, before finding out that the coolant is the problem.

Filed Jul 3, 2003 · Engine · 63,117 miles · MI

The vehicle overheated because one of the engine gaskets became unsealed and leaked coolant. This failure was not recalled because the manufacturer didn't see the problem as a safety issue. *ak *cb

Filed Jan 9, 2003 · Engine · AZ

While driving the vehicle began to overheat and eventually the engine seized. Dealer notified. Please provide additional information. *nlm

Filed Nov 19, 2002 · Engine · MI

Consumer states that coolant leaked and spewed all over the top of engine causing major engine failure. Ts

Filed Nov 16, 2002 · Engine · GA

I noticed smoke from the hood last month and called a mechanic out to check all the hoses. I took it to the original dealership where I purchased the car. There finding was that they found coolant leaking from the lower intake gasket. I could not get the repair done because of two reasons. This is my only form of transportation and money is scarce since I am a full time college student and mother. I have had many gm cars with over 100,000 cars before that never had this problem. I voiced my frustations to the manufactuer, who just simply stated tough luck. The dealership refused to give me an extended warranty above the intial manufacturing warranty. The engine has less than 60,000 miles and a major component already needs to be replaced. It does not matter if I was the original owner or not. I can be a future buick owner, but after this whole situation I am going foreign. Dt