1997 Pontiac Trans Sport: engine failure

Filed Feb 25, 2005 · Engine · 64,990 miles · MI

I noticed the low coolant light would go on sometimes and the vehicle was going through coolant much faster than any other vehicle I have owned. *nm I performed some research on this issue and discovered a service bulletin regarding the faulty intake manifold gasket in model year 1997 transport vans, among others. This service bulletin clearly indicates that this issue a result of a poorly designed gasket. Further research indicated that having this problem with your vehicle could result in catastrophic engine failure due to the leaking coolant getting into your engine. This now creates a safety issue due to the unpredictability of when your vehicle could breakdown. I took the van in to a gm dealer the next day. The diagnosis was a faulty intake manifold gasket that was causing coolant to leak inside the engine. The repair estimated to $720, for parts and labor and $130 to pay for a faulty blower motor resistor that was also diagnosed. I called gm to request cost assistance and was told that the "car has too many miles on it, we can't help you now". I was given the reasons that the vehicle was bought used, and the vehicle was too old. Although I have had this problem fixed, gm claimed no responsibility for this issue. Furthermore, I am not convinced that having this failure did not create other problems that would result in catastrophic engine failure at a later time.

Filed Apr 24, 2004 · Engine · 92,000 miles · TX

Dexcool in 1997 pontiac transport corroded intake manifold gasket enabling oil and dexcool to mix in oil and gumming up, causing engine to overheat and self destruct. No warning whatsoever. No warning lights. No lost oil or coolant. Maintained at manufacturer intervals. Requires $6,000 engine replacement. Old oil and dexcool samples are available as are all parts (manifold intake gasket). Over 1100 people have this registered complaint -- see www.gm-v6lemons.com for others.

Filed Mar 22, 2004 · Engine · WI

Lower intake manifold gasket is leaking due to faulty plastic materials. Dealer advises immediate repair to avoid engine failure. Dealer indicates this is a common problem with no relief from general motors. Gm has issued a technical bulletin to its dealers regarding the problem. Bulletin #: 03-06-01-010 march 2003.

Filed Mar 14, 2004 · Engine · 84,000 miles · DC

Faulty head gaskey causes major engine failure in gm behicles.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Engine, Visibility · 67,950 miles · ME

Engine failure due to leaking intake maifold gasket on 3.4l engine. Engine was meticulously maintained to that point, with all service receipts to prove that fact. No pervious coolant leakage was noted before the problem. Engine began making severe knocking noises while driving in mountains of wyoming. Service tech at laramie gm auto center said that the enging was losing oil pressure and consuming (losing) coolant. Coolant leaked into the intake mainfold through the faulty intake mainfold gasket. I had the repair done, and now 28,000 into the new engine, I am hearing various engine noises again. Will go to new local dealer for analysis. Gm should repay me for this--they will not admit any responsibility for this problem, only offering a discount on a new gm car. I am still paying on this vehicle, because the money that would have gone into payments went toward the new engine at 67,950 miles. Driver's side power window regulator has also failed. $650 estimate to replace it. Numerous other problems with this car--many have been repaired through recalls. The engine issue should be a recall as well, or a class action should be started.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Brakes, Engine · 39,000 miles · KY

At 51000 miles the 3.4l engine had lower intake gasket failure in which the dex-cool anti freeze dumped into the crankcase mixing with the oil. This only had one warning a couple months earlier as the low coolant light came on and I added 1/2 gallon dex-cool with no signs of leakage. Next time it happened was when my wife was taking daughter to school and temp. Light came on. Van was not driven over 2 miles to dealer, as light went out. Dealer said extreme mixture in both crankcase and radiator. Recommended replace radiator, waterpump, intake gaskets, flush both systems at a cost of 1500 not to be applied toward engine replacement if failure on start up. Dealer had just had van in week before for check engine light and steering recall and found nothing wrong !!!! We traded it in at a loss as I checked into the problem and learned about thousands of other owners with same problems with total engine failures after repairs made. We lost over $3000 equity between what trade value would have been if no problem with engine and letting dealer fix problem after trade. Van had many problems since we bought it new but we always had them fixed and was well maintained. Looked new when we traded with only 50,000 miles. Paint on hood blistered twice, steering / brakes wobbled since new at varyng speeds, always had ticking sound in engine dealer said was "normal", rear seats would jamb up if you tried to remove, wiper arms failed twice, serpentine belt tensioner broke off on engine start up in dec. 2002. Cost $375 with towing, power window switch failed in down position at replacement cost of about $175. Engine under warranty when it had a severe gas smell that nearly caused a fire in about 1999. They kept it a week and never said what the problem was. They had just worked on it for ticking sound. (probably intake gaskets then also). Gm was no help after warranty was up.

Filed May 28, 2002 · Engine · IL

Loss of coolant from the tail pipe. Vehicle taken to a repair shop and informed that intake mamifold gasket was cracked. Dealer and manufactuerer were notified. *ak the coolant is getting into the motor oil which could cause engine failure. Consumer would like attention to this matter because if the problem gets worse, a new engine would have to be put in.

Filed Jul 10, 2001 · Engine · NJ

The vehicle's engine failed resulting in a blown motor. There were no warnings or indications of impending failure. We purchased the vehicle approximately one year ago. The vehicle has been regularly maintained(every 3000-4000 miles)by us and the previous owner and we have the documentation to show it. Our independent research has found that a similar defect existed in model years prior to our vehicle's. Gm has been reluctant to assist us with this problem.