2000 Pontiac Grand Am: engine overheating

Filed Mar 11, 2014 · Driver assistance, Engine · 150,000 miles · PW

First incident was in 2005 - intake manifold gasket leaking oil, car overheated on my way to work could not drive home. Car towed to mechanic - after evaluation it cost me $700.00 to fix. Then in 2007 my ABS brake system was not working properly, mechanic told me that left wheel hub was damaged and sensor was not working, so I had it changed $300.00. Then in 2008 I had the right wheel hub changed due to same problem as left side $300.00 more. In 2009 the power steering belt was problem left me stranded @walmart in pa, had car towed to mechanic he changed power steering belt plus other time running belts at same time. Cost me $375.00. Now in dec. 2013 I have a problem again with intake manifold gasket leaking oil & antifreeze making car overheat, left me stranded in allentown, pa, had car towed to my house in stroudsburg, pa cost me $225.00. Now I have been trying to get my car fixed and have been to several mechanics here and they want to charge me from 1,200 to 2,000 for the work. I think this should be a recall issue because there has been many other owners with the same issue. I also make sure that I service my car for oil changes, all fluids and state inspection on timely basis. Get new tires when needed I rather donate it then spend more money on the car. Many mechanics I went to say that this particular model has these issues, the cost of the parts is under $100 but the labor is the most because it takes about 6 to 7 hours to do work and half the engine has to be removed which makes it difficult to do work quickly. Word of advice when buying a new car, find out about repair cost for car because once your warranty is over the cost are outrageous. If you know of a good mechanic that doesn't charge an arm or a leg please advise, thanks.

Filed Jul 21, 2009 · Lights · CA

I have 2 problems. First is my hazard/turn signal switch, which causes my turn signals to work intermittently. I see on your website and various others that this problem involves a recall by gm, however when I spoke to them they tell me that it hasn't been recalled. There was nothing that LED up to it, just started being a problem one day. I have not had it fixed yet, as I feel like it's gm's responsibility to fix it. My second problem is my manifold intake, which is causing my car to leak coolant into the engine and making my car overheat. I have seen that this has been a problem for thousands of owners and gm is doing nothing about it. I have spoken to them and they refuse to fix it. Their dealership wants to charge me $1400 to fix it, even though it is obviously a problem. Even though I had already had the problem diagnosed through another repair shop, they said they would not even consider fixing it unless I had it diagnosed through their dealer, which cost me $105 that I don't have. I am disabled, and on state disability and I feel like they completely scammed me, not to mention that now I have an inoperable car and have no way of getting to the doctor. Nothing LED up to the problem, it leaks coolant constantly and now overheats all of the time, making it undrivable.

Filed Aug 1, 2008 · Engine · OH

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 pontiac grand am se. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the engine began to excessively overheat. The engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and stated that the failure was related to the head gasket, which was replaced at the cost of $1,000. Recently, the failure recurred; however, the contact was unable to have the vehicle repaired due to the absorbent cost. He further stated that the head gasket was made of plastic, which caused frequent failures with the component. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was 100,000.

Filed May 15, 2007 · Engine · 120,300 miles · NC

I noticed for over a year, there was coolant leakage. When it become more evident, I took my car to two different mechanics and found that I needed to replace the intake gasket. Both mechanics confirmed that my problem was due to dex-cool being used and had to spend $624.92 to repair and replace parts and have my system changed over to regular antifreeze to eliminate the problem from happening again. Replaced parts: gasket, water pump, thermostat, oil filter and oil, engine coolant, and valve cover gaskets.

Filed Mar 9, 2005 · Engine · 60,000 miles · WV

Lowe intake manifold gasket on 2000 pontiac grand am 3.4 l v-6 engine has failed twice resulting in engine coolant loss due to manufacturer's defect. This condition is very hazardous as it could result in engine overheating and failure.

Filed Feb 17, 2005 · Engine · 75,000 miles · KY

I am the owner of a 2000 ponitac grand am. Last year I noticed that my coolant was leaking and took my car in for repair. After performing a pressure test on my system, the mechanic could not find the leak. I have since had trouble with coolant loss and occasionally have to add coolant, and have noticed evidence of leakage in my engine compartment. After some internet research and exploring some grand am owner sites, I have learned that there is a common problem with the upper and lower manifold intake gasket deteriorating and allowing coolant to leak out, causing a costly repair of over $1,000. In some instances, the coolant has mixed with the oil and ruined the engine. Some grand am owners have petitioned general motors to recall the gaskets but so far there has been no response. I have not yet had the gaskets replaced on my car but after further examination I believe this is my problem. Grand am owners like myself hope that gm will make this decision to take care of its customers and take the necessary steps to maintain consumer trust and loyalty.

Filed Jan 19, 2005 · Engine · 33,000 miles · MO

Engine coolant- pontiac grand am 2000 gt1 with 33,000 miles - heater started blowing cold air and engine overheated, lost all coolant.

Filed Jan 4, 2005 · Engine · CA

The coolent light would stay on after fluids were apply. Later the car overheated, and head gasket blew out. But before all this I took my car to get a flush and thats when the coolent never went off. Car now is just sitting aiting to get repaired 2nd problem with this car and havent had it for a year only 7 months.

Filed Jun 13, 2004 · Engine · 94,000 miles · MS

I am having problems with my coolant leaking my I have ran into a couple of people who have had the same problems they say its is the intake manifold pontaic nedds to recall these cars I have spent a lot of money trying to find out the problem took it to a pontiac dealer and they couldn't tell me what the problem is loked on the web an found others haning the same problem.

Filed Mar 11, 2004 · Engine · 55,000 miles · PA

While driving at 55 MPH vehicle overheated. Consumer pulled into a service station and checked the radiator level, and added water. Vehicle was taken to a mechanic the next day. Mechanic determined there was a leak in the gasket between the manifold and engine. Gasket and the manifold bolts were replaced. *ak

Filed Feb 10, 2004 · Engine · PA

Consumer stated vehicle overheated and leaked antifreeze. Consumer took vehicle to an independent mechanic, and mechanic determined it was leaking from the manifold gasket. Consumer had problem repaired and paid for it. This was after the mechanic researched and determined that the problem was not a recall, but a service bulletin. Consumer was charged $570.00 for repairs.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Brakes, Engine · 46,000 miles · MO

Out of warranty. Experiencing engine coolant leak at intake manifold. Dealer wants to replace $100.00 gasket and also flush & refill coolant @ $130.00. $970.00 for labor seems excessive to me. Appaently the engine has to be removed to perform this repair. Pontiac advertized 100,000 mile coolant on window sticker!