On the evening of 10-16-06 my 1999 pontiac grand prix gt caught fire in my garage. The engine had been turned off for about 3 1/2 to 4 minutes before the fire started. There was no indication that there was a problem. No info came on the drivers panel there was no unusual smell or sound from the vehicle.
1999 Pontiac Grand Prix engine complaints
Page 6 of 8: complaints 131 to 160 of 201, newest first, as owners wrote them.
My 1999 grand prix gtp engine compartment caught fire after it was parked in my garage for approximately 5-7 minutes. The fire totaled the car, and caused a great deal of damage to the garage.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 40 MPH, there was a clunking noise coming from the engine compartment. A warning light on the dashboard illuminated constantly. There was grey smoke emanating from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to a private repair shop, where the engine stalled. The mechanic determined that the upper intake manifold had cracked. The intake manifold casket kit, as well as six spark plugs were replaced. The manifold was also flushed repeatedly to remove sealant that had been in the manifold system prior to the incident. The repairs corrected the problem. Updated 10/18/2006 -
Car suddenly started running very poor. Skipping, no power. Took to dealer and they replaced the plastic intake manifold. Cost me $1200. Approximately 75,000 miles. In searching the web for others having this problem, I conclude that there is a design problem and gm should stand behind it. I really like this car but I won't buy another gm.
My 1999 gm pontiac grand prix gtp went up in flames on its own in our garage, at night. It was terrifying, scary and we're lucky that we didn't lose the house. My husband and father in law were able to drag the car out of the garage before the house went up. Fire department arrived on scene at that moment and assisted in putting out the fire. We had arrived home from my daughter's ballet performance and all went into the house and within 20 minutes the garage was engulfed in heavy smoke and flames were coming from the engine. Car had been turned off for approx. 20 minutes. No warning or indication that anything was wrong at all. Later after surviving this shocking event, I looked on the internet and on the edmunds.com website, I found over 10 other instances for grand prix owners that this exact same scenario had happened. Some of the models were even newer than mine. 2000, 2001, etc. We reported it to gm, and they have not called us back or mailed us anything. Our insurance investigators did determine point of origin of fire and they firmly believe it is a manufacturer error in design. They are pursuing gm through subrogation. What does it take for a car to be recalled? Someone to die? I just want other owners to know how dangerous this car can be. My car was only 5 years old, should not have done that.
Had 1999 grand prix for seven months already had problems with drivers window not winding down. A part of the passenger door panel started to come off. Now drivers seat belt won't latch, and is currently in the shop for broken valve spring and damage to the head gasket as a result from the broken valve spring. Car only had 1 other owner and was running perfect also had perfect service records.
(1) power loss and loss of coolant (2) intake manifold failure, 3 months out of warranty and only 67000 miles. Had to have vehicle towed to nearest garage for repair. (3) replaced intake manifold,thermostat, and hoses. Flush a fill cooling system. Changed oil and filter.
Dt: 1999 pontiac grand prix the intake was defective and locked the up the engine. The consumer spoke with the dealership, they have several complaints but no recalls as of now. Where the water comes in, the plastic housing intake is cracking and deteriorating and water entered the cylinders which caused the engine to lock up. The consumers wife was driving when this happened. The vehicle had to be towed and the mechanic could not turn the crank with a pipe wrench.
The intake on my car has cracked and been replaced twice in two years. The cause is still uknown.
Leaks ant freeze into the block said it was the upper and lower intake gaskets. Need a recall on that.
There was a leak of radiator fluid into the pistons. It was discovered that the plastic line in the engine was defective, and then was replaced.*ak
Driving down interstate for approx 100 miles, engine temperature suddenly overheated. Son and wife immediately pulled over and shut motor off. They waited approx 30 minutes for engine to cool off. They tried to restart the engine, but it didn't sound right so they stopped. Had vehicle towed to the dealer in springfield, vt for repair. Informed on monday that engine intake manifold cracked causing loss of coolant. Car had approx 79500 miles on it. Vin # is [xxx] .*ak updated 07/24/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)
When the consumer started up the vehicle, smoke was coming from underneath the hood area. The vehicle caught fire. The consumer was able to get out and called the fire and police department. The fire was extinguished. No injuries. The vehicle was towed and totaled out by the insurance company. Please fill in additional information.
The engine check light and coolant light came on. The coolant in the container was boiling. The intake valve was defective, and the coolant was going into the oil.
While driving the engine check light came on as vehicle started to accelerate and then sputter and misfire, almost causing a multiple car accident. Vehicle would not restart. After towing the car to the dealer(close to closing time), they determined that the problem was that the engine hydro-static locked and they needed to investigate why it happened. As an uncanny coincidence, another grand prix similar to mine(down to the same color car and towing company) was there for the same reason. The next morning the dealer stated they could fix it for around $1,200, but not stating why it happened or what caused the engine to lock up and that they were working on it right then. After none of my questions were getting answered I stormed into where my car was(in the back lot... Parked!!!!), while I called a tow company, and demanded my keys back. A mechanic that supposedly looked at my car stated that the intake manifold was the problem causing the engine to hydro-static lock and that my starter shattered upon restart testing. After leaving without repairs and towing my car to my residence, I looked under the hood and discovered that my car wasn't even touched...no bolts loosened or dust wiped off of them, the brittle wire holders and clips weren't disturbed...there was no way to find a fault like that without taking the intake manifold off. I finally fixed the problem myself by replacing the plastic intake manifold and gasket and starter(no problems since then, watching it closely and kept the old intake manifold and gasket). Squealing sounds started coming from under the hood (belt tensioner area) so I replaced the serpentine belt(squealing continued though). I found the that belt tensioner bolt that holds in the pulley was working itself out...not a good thing. The power windows and locks went out about 5 different times on the drivers side, and the radio display goes crazy and/or blanks out at times.
Vehicle stalled intermittently. It can occur at any speed while driving or at a stop position. Dealer notified.
Vehicle's intake manifold cracked and engine coolant leaked into the engine. *mr the upper intake manifold cracked and coolant leaked into the cylinders and seized the bearings. On another occasion the vehicle overheated. The consumer was told that the engine was damaged beyond repair. *sc
While driving consumer notice dcoolant indicator flashed. Consumer added anti freeze, but coolant kept flowing. Then, vehicle engine stalled. Dealership serviced vehicle and replaced the intake manifold.
My car started out running hot on a regular basis. My repairman asked me to check with the dealership for recalls on the intake manifold and there werent any. Now the dealership is planning on charging me over 700.00 for the repair in question. And I dont belive this part is warranted. I'm going to check this out with a lawyer, I read to many complaints on this site.
In september 2003, intake plenium failed causing vehicle not to run; there is no preventative maintenance to keep this situation from happening; I was informed that since a pontiac dealership did not inspect/repair the damage they would not be able to assist in this situation even though during my initial telelphone conversation with pontiac they could not even give me any idea of the potential for this to be covered; (fyi the mechanic who did the repairs is ace certified) the dealership has indicated they are keeping these parts in stock because they are doing about 5 of these types of repairs per week (that's one dealership in one county in one state) when an appeal letter was sent to pontiac, it was routed to the same customer service representative who all but stated there was nothing going to be done; I was informed that I should expect problems with my vehicle because it has what some consider high mileage; most recently on april 7, 2004 I was driving on the interstate, my engine blew up--the vehicle has 82k miles if pontiac vehicles are only good for 70k miles, pontiac should disclose this fact so that I can make an informed decision before I purchase if the intake plenium assembly is being kept in stock at a dealership, there is a true issue. Dealerships generally only keep parts that are going to be used regularly normally dealerships do not want to keep the higher priced/not so commonly used parts in stock simply because they don't want expensive overhead nor have a large are for storing unused parts. This tells me this is a common problem which needs immediate attention. Is gm doing this for the sole purpose of getting people to buy parts or even a new vehicle from them? If the dealership and even pontiac won't say they are going to pay for the repairs and know there is an issue that should be investigated, it seems that gm/pontia are knowingly keeping information from consumers which could potentially be deadly.
While driving down 20-MPH consumer heard loud noise coming through the engine, suddenly and without any warning vehicle stalled and died. Vehicle was towed to independent shop, and mechanic determined that intake manifold. Failed.
Intake manifold keeps cracking. Rd time I have been left stranded.
While driving vehicle stalled. Consumer tried to restart the vehicle and engine check light appeared on the dashboard and remained until the vehicle was turned off. Consumer had the vehicle towed to dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that engine needed to be replaced due to gasket blowing out.
My car has an intake manifold leak. I found orange crud in my radiator. My heater keeps blowing cold air out. It keeps lossing antifreeze from intake manifold. My temprature gage fluxes between driving and stoping. They need to make a recall on this there's to many people getting burned on it. Or maybe a class action suit!!!
My airconditioner fan switch has now gone once again and is in need of "another new one, this will be 3. The paint on my hood is starting to crack a bit and will be peeling shortly. This car was very well maintained and garaged and there was no reason for this! The power windows went about 3 diferant times on both sides of the vehicle and the switches had to be fully replaced. The radio has a short in it in the back somewhere and the display goes crazy at times. Lastly and most importantly, I have had a water leak on this car since 1999. It has been into the dealership too many times to count. They changed out the windshield at least 5 maybe more times, checked all the seals on the side mirrors and the sunroof, cleaned out the drains on the sunroof a few times and after the car was in the last time 8 months ago, they told me that it was the last time they would do anything about it. It was find w/no water until last week when we had pouring rain and in flooded my interior once again. Pontiac's solution was to give me $1,000 for the purchase of another car, thanks for nothing! In doing my research I have found out a lot of info that I am once again going to pontiac/gm about. On my particular car when they made the drains for the sunroof, they made them too small, so when it pours out, the drains cannot handle all of the water and it is forced into my car. I work for an insurance company and have spoken to "many, many" people regarding my car. Funny thing is, I have heard this from several glass companies and dealership salesmen! What can be done about this to help me, the consumer? Any help is welcome
Multiple repair problems--air plate was repaired--new engine installed after having only 54,000 miles with regular oil changes--electrical problem with radio display--now back passenger tire/possible axle, strut; sounds like back tire is about to fall off upon hitting bumps in the road/driveways or turning. I have not had this checked out-am now unable to drive vehicle .
Upon starting vehicle engine back fired into the intake manifold, and blew it apart. This resulted in an engine fire. Consumer sustained burns upon putting the fire out.
A hole formed inside the intake manifold allowing antifreeze to be consumed by the engine, resulting in poor running and a $456.62 repair bill.
While driving between 65 - 70 MPH engine started missing, then vehicle stalled. This was caused by the plastic intake manifold burning through which allowed anti freeze to flow into the engine compartment. As a result the engine , starter and spark plugs were damaged. Dealership replaced the damaged parts.
Lower intake manifold gasket cracked resulting in coolant leak into engine. Repair cost over $700. Car only has 40,000 miles. Mechanic stated that this is a known defect in this engine and doesn't understand why gm has not issued a recall.
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