Tl*the contact owns a 1997 buick lesabre. When the contact attempted to start the vehicle, it would not start. He also noticed a strong odor of gasoline. He inspected the vehicle and noticed a large puddle of gasoline underneath the front end of the vehicle. While attempting to start the vehicle, more gasoline leaked. He notified the dealer and they stated that although he was experiencing the same failure, his VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign id number 96v116000 (fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection system). He would have to pay for the repairs on his vehicle. The vehicle is currently being repaired. The contact filed a formal complaint with the manufacturer. The failure and current mileages were 60,000.
1997 Buick Lesabre fuel system complaints
Page 2 of 2: complaints 11 to 40 of 40, newest first, as owners wrote them.
I turned the ignition to start my car on 1/17/2008 at approximately 8:30a and heard a very loud pop and smoke started coming out from under the hood. I looked under the hood and found that the engine cover and intake manifold were both shattered. I researched online and found a recall pertaining to this exact issue, recall number 96v116000; additionally, I found another recall pertaining to faulty safety belts, recall number 96v044000. I am currently looking into repair costs because I was told by the buick corporation that there is a recall but my VIN is not included for some unexplained reason.
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 buick lesabre. The contact stated that there was an explosion in the intake manifold when the vehicle was started. The intake manifold was damaged. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the dealer or a mechanic. His VIN is not included in the federal safety agency campaign id number 96v116000 (fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system). The purchase date was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 50,075. Updated 12/12/07
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 buick lesabre. While driving 60 MPH, the contact heard a rattling noise coming from the engine compartment. As time progressed, the rattling noise gradually intensified. The oil pressure began to decrease and increase randomly and fluctuate from low to no pressure. The mechanic stated that the oil pump failed and is a common occurrence. The current and failure mileages were 162,000.
Dt*: the contact stated after filling the fuel tank, there was a very strong smell of fuel in and around the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a private repair shop, where it was determined that there was a fuel leak coming from the the piping above the fuel tank. The pipes were also observed to be rusted. A service dealer was notified, and both the dealer and the private repair shop stated that manufacturer did not use the correct quality parts.
Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle back fired causing an explosion when an attempt was made to turn vehicle on. The vehicle was rendered un-drivable and was towed to dealers for service. The dealers determined that a leaky fuel regulator caused the back fire that destroyed upper intake of manifold, which could also lead to fires. The dealers replaced the fuel regulator and upper intake manifold. The manufacturer was also contacted to see if vehicle was part of a recall. The manufacturers determined the vehicle was not a part of the recall.
Dt*: the contact stated the engine would not start. The vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop for inspection. The mechanic determined there was a hole in the intake manifold. There is a the federal safety agency recall campaign id # 96v116000 regarding the fuel system. The vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however is not included in the recall due to the VIN.
Dt: consumer states that on july 1, 2005 vehicle would not start and he thought the battery was dead. When he tried to get a jump and start it the vehicle made a loud backfire noise. At that point, he took the vehicle to an independent repair man, and was told there was recall 96v116000. He went to the dealership and asked about the recall, dealership then checked with general motors, and was told the recall was for canada., and because consumer's vehicle was manufactured in the u.s. It would not included in recall. Consumer then called buick and was told the same information.
The mechanic noticed fuel leaking from under the fuel tank while changing the consumers oil. *jb the consumer noticed a strong smell of gas for two days. Two small children in child safety seats were overwelmed by fumes.
I have a gasoline leak at the joint where the fuel line from the fuel tank sending unit join the fuel line that connects the fuel filtering front of the right side rear wheel. After discovering the odor of gasolione coming from the rear of the car, the only action I have taken is to take my vehicle to a buick dealer for diagnosis. Even though the fuel line shows significate corrosion, buick has denied responsibility because of the mileage on this car. I have requested relief from buick thru general buick customer assistance only to be denied again,today, 10/19/2004. I have been told by buick that I am responsible for the cost of this repair (value between $400-$750). In my opinion, fuel leaks of any nature should not present an issue to the consumer for life of automobile. I am reqesting that the above information be added to your database in the event that this is not an isolated complaint.
Vehicle failed to start due to problems described in recall notice. *bf the problem was due to a cracked intake manifold that caused engine coolant to leak into the cylinder heads. Recall# 96v116000. *sc the consumer never received a recall letter. The consumer is requesting reimbursement.
When consumer starting the vehicle there was a huge explosion, then fire broke out under the hood. When the fire department arrived the battery was still smoking, and the engine and wires were burnt. Recall 96v116000 was issued for the fuel carburetor manifold intake. But this vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN. *ak
Engine stalled and then started "using" antifreeze and overheated. The upper and lower intake manifolds were cracked and the local gm dealer couldn't diagnose. An independent mechanic referred to recall#97-c-02 gm (the federal safety agency #96v116000), and went right to the problem. Gm denies a defect or prior knowledge of problems. See complaint #758801, this is addressed in the recall and personal injury warning given to gm mechanics. Public not warned or reimbursed.
There was a smell of gas in the truck area of the automobile, the dealer informed consumer the fuel sending unit needed to be replaced.
The consumer states that the intake manifold warped resulting in a coolant leak, also resulting in a repair costing $655.00. 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. (the federal safety agency# 96v116000)
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.*ak referenced in ea02-030
While driving engine check light keeps coming on. This happens intermittently. Took vehicle to dealer, and had vehicle repaired, but problem still exists. *ak oxygen sensor failed due to antifreeze in intake system. The upper intake plenium was leaking because it had cracked and was replaced.
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. Please provide any further information.
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 buicks, pontiacs, chevrolets and oldsmobiles 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.
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.
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.
Regulator leaked onto the manifold and caused explosion while consumer was starting vehicle, claim 23-1276-311.
Vehicle experienced fire, the cause of the fire was accidental, part failure, malfunction, the fire originated at the engines fueling system on the intake housing side, claim 53-c681-096.
The vehicle stalled without warning while driving due to a blown head gasket, a few months later vehicle stalled again, vehicle was towed to a body shop and mechanice stated that head gasket had blown again and that the motor would need replaced, water pump also failed and was replaced on four occasions.
While attempting to start the vehicle the engine caught fire totally destroying the car. Nlm there was recall on the upper intake manifold.*jb 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. *slc referenced in ea02-030
Engine caught on fire while trying to start vehicle , vehicle was a total loss, and manufacturer was unable to detect orgin of fire.*ak aaa detected a hot spot in the manifold and the fuel line runs along the manifold, also vehicle had an intake manifold leak, fire possibly fuel related.
Intake manifold replaced. Recall on this component for 1997 buick lesabre, but per buick this vehicle was not affected by recall.
Intake manifold needs to be replaced. Recall on this component, but per buick this vehicle was not affected by recall. *ak the intake manifold failure allowed antifreeze into the engine.
Intake manifold malfunctioned, causing vehicle to stall at high speeds. Vehicle has been repaired by a private mechanic. Dealer will be notified.
Consumer was starting vehicle when a broken gas line caused a fire, the adjuster stated that the regulator leaked onto the manifold and caused an explosion, claim 23-1276-311.
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