I have a 1999 grand am gt that I bought a month and half ago. All of a sudden the car started to over heat and losing a lot of coolant! We replaced the theromstate, radiator cap, flushed the sytem and still was over heating!!! Now the car is broke down and needs a head gasket or even need to replace both heads!! Nothing but problems with the whole coolant system!!. I think that this is pretty bad that gm knows that these types of vechile's especially 3.4 are having these problems, but are not trying to nothing about it. When I bought my car I expected it to reliable since it was that new, the worst thing is that I paid striaght cash for it and don't even get to enjoy it!!!. I think gm knows that they messed up and that dex cool is what the whole problem is, but they don't care since there not the one who has the worry's. Plus people has to have transportation so therefor they take it to the gm dealership to get fix. So the point I'm trying to make is that gm knows it should be recalled but why should they when thats just puting money in there pocket.!!!!!!!!!!
1999 Pontiac Grand Am engine complaints
Page 3 of 6: complaints 41 to 70 of 148, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Coolant light began to come on increasingly often so I had it checked out at the garage where I work. I was told the lower intake gasket was leaking and if it didn't get fixed water and antifreeze would get into my oil. This car only has 76,xxx miles on it. I know of two other people that own these cars and they have the same problem I do. This is not safe if the engine freezes up.
Vehicle suddenly began to overheat without cause. Had coolant system checked and replaced water pump, radiator cap and coolant. Noticed that oil color had began to turn a lighter shade of brown. Repairman informed me that water was leaking due to a faulty gasket and leaking into the lower intake. 700 dollar repair. Also informed that a tsb had been issued and that gm was paying for some requests.
My car has been leaking antifreeze which can be smelled in the car. No one has been able to determine as of yet where it is coming from. However, shortly after it had been noticed that my car was leaking antifreeze, my alternator went out. When it was pulled out from the engine, it was assumed that it had been on fire. It is felt that the alternator looks like it had been electrocuted. All of the rubber that covers the wires had been completely burned away. Considering that I drive my infant son around in this vehicle, not to mention myself this can not possibly be safe if the vehicle is catching on fire. The car has approximately 68000 miles on it. It also has all types of problems with the locks and the ignition. This is the worst car that I have ever owned in my life, not to mention the most dangerous. I am just waiting for it to burst into flames while I am driving down the street!!!! Not to mention, my vehicle has all of the front suspension problems that others have reported. Especially the pulling to various sides without warning and the shaking that happens around 55 to 60 MPH. This is just not a safe vehicle at all.
I have a 1999 pontiac grand am gt, and have had problems that the dealer refuses to fix since day one! The first day that we brought it home, dealer had to come and tow it back to dealership because the alternator went out, suddenly with no warning whatsoever. Dealer fixed that problem because it was under warranty. We had a problem with the radiator soon after that, dealer refused to fix it even though it was still under warranty. I had to pay out of pocket, still. Recently, within the past 2 months, the intake gasket manifold is leaking antifreeze. Car ran hot suddenly and without warning. Dealer refuses to fix this because the car is no longer under warranty. This in itself will cost me another $700 out of pocket, not to mention all the other things wrong with the car. The leather on the door is peeling and folding, dealer refused to fix even though we had written orders from the manager to fix it. The driver side window squeaks and rubs when opening and closing. We have called and talked with dealership over and over again with no avail! I have maintenance done to the car every 3000 miles, so this is due to no fault of my own! All in all this car is a lemon! I will never buy a gm made car again! Something needs to be done. My son could have been killed and my husband and I also! This needs to be addressed. Obviously gm knows about this problem, will they wait to do something about it until someone is killed?
Water pump failure, 5 months later leak in intak manifold gasket. Replaced in 5/2004 six months later engine clattered and lost compression (term lacking) found that the cam and lifters destroyed because antirfreeze leaked in to engine preventing oil lubrication to lifters destroying engine. Antifreeze fumes leaked into car while driving prior to gasket repair. The potential danger of engine seizing up while in motion is great and I feel that these vehicles should be recalled due to defective gaskets. 3.4lt v6 engines are notorius for this problem please see [email protected] for more postings of this same problem. Why should death be the only motivator to get something done. Shouldn't this be addressed before some gets killed as direct result of failure?
I had to replace the tensioner soon after that the engine went. I have two friends with same problem. I have a 99 pontiac grand am. Currently my car is in the shop . The car just hit 100k miles. Also the shop where my car is being fix notice that there was coolant leaking into the engine.
Last year went to my dealer for routine maintenance and service tech "suggested" I buy a new car, because the problems they discovered were going to be over $4,000 to fix. Thought this was strange as I have only had the car for less than 3 years. My mechanic fixed the coolant intake manifold for a lot less than the dealer but said he has seen this in gm cars before and gm knows about this issue. They have recalled vehicles in the past for this problem. Apparently the glycol coolant eats the gaskets and causes the leaks to the rest of the systems. Fixing the gasket with the new and improved version just delays the damage that has already been done, and the recall that may happen one day, after we have all sold or junked our cars. Which I am sure is what gm is waiting for. Next time I buy an import.
(1)our low coolant light illuminated so we topped off engine coolant. We were turning around a curve at about 45mph and when the low coolant light came on again. (2) fortunately we were just finished a right curve on a secluded road or we would have veered into oncomming traffic when all power steering was lost. We regained control without power steering,lights or brakes on the passenger side. Upon investigation we were able to determine fluid discharged from the reservoir and covered engine belts,brakes and tires on passenger side therefore making them slipp. This is what caused power steering,lights,brakes and traction loss. If the driver was of less strenght and awareness, the conditions were wet or traffic was heavier this could have possibly been a disturbing accident and possibly fatal. (3) it was discovered that the vehicles lower intake manifold gasket leaked which caused the overheating and discharge of fluid. Vehicle had less than 60,000 miles. A friend of ours has the exact same vehicle and recently repaired the same problem.
Complaint regarding manifold gasket on vehicle. *mr the consumer noticed that the low coolant indicator had come on. The coolant was down a quart of fuel. The consumer requested reimbursement for the repairs. *sc
Failure of lower intake manifold causing coolent and oil to mix in engine.
Low coolant light would come on for a few seconds then shut off. Made sure coolant was full, still kept happening. Stared overheating and no heat. Mechanic looked said there was air in the cooling line so he flushed and refilled, could not see any leaks. Same thing happened again with in a week. By this time my check engine light came on. Went back to mechanic and he then did a number of tests and found that it was the intake manifold gasket leaking. After paying $700.00 to have that fixed got the car back and engine light was still on and using allot of fuel. So took it back again and after extensive testing found that it was my piston rings were bad on the 3rd cylinder and that it would be cheaper to replace the engine than fix the problem. With so many cars with the same problem (not just a few, most of them) I can't believe that pontiac will not back up their products. Pontiac has turned out to be a big disappointment.
Recall repair refund request. *mr the engine coolant low light had illuminated and the heater was not blowing hot air. The intake manifold gasket was malfunctioning and needed to be replaced. The consumer and her baby suffered anti-freeze poisoning. The consumer requested a full refund. *sc
My 1999 grand am developed a "low coolant" problem. I had added nearly a gallon of the recommended dex-cool in a 50/50 mix with water. On my way to work one morning, the oil light came on. As I was on a highway, it took a minute to get off the road. When I did, I found that there was no measurable oil on the dip-stick. In addition, when I removed the oil cap, I found a thick milky substance on it. I called for a tow truck and the car was towed to a dealership. The engine was blown and the total repair bill came to nearly $5,000.00! I did some research and found that all of the symptoms I had with the car prior to that day were common with the gm 3.4 engine in my car and that many others have had this occur. The intake manifold gasket fails and the antifreeze goes into the engine causing failure. I called pontiac and asked for assistance with the repair bill as it is common knowledge that this is an ongoing problem with several gm engines. They investigated and the service manager at the dealership stated that the reason for the engine failure was that the car was driven with no oil. I may be wrong here, but when antifreeze mixes with oil that is the same as having no oil. I am totally frustrated and now have not only a car payment, but a loan payment for the repair bill. I would burn this car if I thought I could!
Recall repair refund request. *mr the engine coolant light had come on along with the heater not blowing hot air. The consumer had initially gone to master lube who informed the consumer that the intake manifold was malfunctioning and needed to be replaced. The consumer was also informed about a recall. The consumer was told that they would not be able to perform the recall for free because the vehicle was purchased used. *sc
Second notice posted: ince 2002: replaced rotors, too thin when car was manufactured. (no recall ever done). Cooling system: although the manifold gasket has been replaced, the water reservoir cap has been replaced, the radiator flushed repeatedly, entire cooling system bleed (to remove any excess air from radiator), serpentine belt replaced, all fuses, including the AC relay fuse/switch, all sensors replaced, and various mechanics have checked the entire car bumper-to-bumper, it continues to leak antifreeze coolant by forcing the water out of the radiator into the reservoir and out through the overflow tub (small tube located on reservoir tank). Excess pressure building up in the system. Leaking antifreeze once car is stopped. I have to refill the tank at least once a week. This problem (the pontiac grand am leaking coolant) is a common problem with all pontiac grand am. Recall to some component of cooling system is dire overdue! This car is an oil change every three months, regardless of 3000 miles or not, still out of the blue, the lifters are knocking and the belt is making a very high pitched screeching sound. Believed tension pulley needs replacing, with a possibility that all other pulleys need replacing. Its not the belt; the belt has been considered by three different mechanics has been "basically new". Also, although it has only happened three times in the last several months, the engine has stalled. When this originally happened I changed the grade of gasoline I put in the car from 87 grade to 89 grade. Didn't help. (number of failures: for coolant leaks: infinite).
Coolant leak when parked on hill, window fell down and broke. Severe wind noise at speed with passnger window up.
Purchased used 1999 grand am used with 40000 miles. Problems begin with replacing 2 alternators, while replacing those I noticed coolant leaking then replaced water pump, a battery, days later heard noise from lf wheel- replaced wheel hub\ bearing. Also having major electrical problems such as continuosly changing bulbs (mostly tail lights), cigarette lighter wont work (fuses are good), radio knob works sometimes but no lights on the display meaning I have no clock. Signal lights blink extremely fast, dashlights flicker, knocking noise in front end when turning,oh yeah the best one yet... Now I have coolant leaking from from the intake. Im sure gm wont take care of these problems of mine or many others like me, but I can say I will buy a ford next time I promise.
I have a 99 pontiac grand am and my wife has a 99 chevy lumina. The lumina started to have trouble running, hesitating, and going through anti-freeze (1 gallon) weekly! I took her car to a garage and they replaced the intake manifold gaskets at a cost of $800.00. Her car only has 60,000 miles on it! The anti-freeze also gelled up and had to be flushed. When I picked her car up the mechanic laughed and told me that a 99 grand am just came in with the same problem! He knew I had a 99 grand am and told me to check it. I just checked it today and there is anti-freeze in the oil, and all over the engine. I had to fill the anti-freeze (about a half a gallon) and replace the oil before I can take it to the garage. What really angers me is that my car only has 45,000 miles on it!! What can be done about it?
Low coolant light came on I had just had the car service 2 weeks before and the intake gasket is leaking just got the car from a used dealer on feb 20, 2004. Is there a recall on this problem. When I bought the car the dealer said it was normal for the temperature gauge to be at 200 I did not think that was right? Now it looks like I have oil in my coolant could that be?
I have a 1999 grand am with 47,000 miles. It started to over heat took it to a pontiac dealer to have it looked at. It was the intake manifold that needed repaired. The bill ended up at 825.77. Pontiac and gm has known about the problem. Contacted gm to see if they were going to do anything about they told us our car was to old and had to many miles. Got on line was able to find other people with the same problem with less miles than my car. A lot of unhappy people with pontiac. Found out there is a service bulletin out.
Intake manifold gasket had to be replace twice within 70,000 miles.
Vehicle's coolant indicator light came on and the consumer noticed a puddle of coolant in the drive way. It was determined that the intake manifold gasket failed and caused the coolant to leak and went through the engine. The mechanic replaced the intake manifold gasket. *nm
I have a 1999 pontiac grand am. It has been in the shop at least every three months. The brakes have been replaced 3 times and the rotors twice. I take the car to an independent mechanic due to the dealer always saying nothing was wrong. The water pump went out, the manifold gasket cracked, the low track light has gone on since the day I bought it every time I turn left or right. The windows scratch and have been replaced once and scratched again about 2 months later, the dealer said it was the tinter that ruined them so I paid. I cant do that again so they remain scratched. I looked at a website mycarstats.com and there were 526 complaints and every single one had the same problems. I work with 5 other people that own grand ams and we've all had the same trouble. Something has to be done, why do we have to be stuck with 1000s of dollars in car repairs and the manufacture not assume responsibility. I've had problems since I purchased the car brand new so there are several incident dates. Thank you.
I purchased the car brand new(1999 pontiac grand am) the brakes have been replaced four times and the rotors once. The water pump once and the water neck once. The windows are all scratched. The dealer claims no responsibility. After reading through my car stats.com several grand am owners have had these same problems and pontiac refuses to provide customer care.
Intake manifold gasket leaking oil. (lower/upper) - this has been replaced 3 times to date and the problem is continuing. It was replaced on 3/13/01 at 21,494 miles; 6/10/02 at 31,339 miles; 10/27/03 at 41,549 miles; and now at 48,400 and was just replaced for the 4th time this february 2004.
The intake manifold gasket failed and caused the vehicle to overheat. *nm
Consumer complained about an intake manifold gasket leak. Consumer worried that the leak may damage the engine. *ak in two 2 1/2 years, the consumer replaced the alternator, water pump, serpentine belt, two throttle position sensors, ignition coils, thermostat, 1 module, battery, and the airbag was gradually coming out without force.
Engine hesistates violently when accelerating from rest. Simultaneously all of the gauges go to maximum value and return to real values quickly (much like at engine start-up). Hesistation ceases and car performs as normal. This problem has occurred about 6 times over 5 years. The total lack of engine power is unnerving and has lead to one near mmiss accident while trying to complete a left turn ahead of uncoming traffic as engine hesistaed and nearly stalled.
At 30000 miles intake gasket was leaking dealer repaired under warranty at 60000 gasket leaking again, dealer and pontiac refused to cover under warranty.
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