1998 Pontiac Trans Sport: engine failure

Filed Nov 28, 2006 · Engine · 70,000 miles · LA

1998 pontiac transport spiked the temperature light and was shut down. Problem caused by cracked head. Replaced engine at 70,000+ - with used engine with 30,000 mi. Now at 80,000 mi. Engine has blown head gasket. Van not worth another engine repair bill.

Filed May 17, 2005 · Engine · 87,000 miles · MI

Intake gasket leaking and replaced in january 2005 at a cost of over $600. Cam shaft snapped in half in april 2005 resulting in total engine failure and replacement - cost of $3400. This should be recalled by gm and anyone that has had this occur reimbursed.

Filed Apr 14, 2005 · Engine · 82,152 miles · NY

Van stopped suddenly on expressway. Dealer towed it away and diagnosed problem. He said that cam shaft was seized or broke. All fluid levels were ok. Car had no leaks . Found no evidence of sludge in the motor. Found that van was properly maintained by owner. Quoted new engine cost of $4693.

Filed Apr 24, 2004 · Engine · MI

1998 pontiac montana with a gm (generic) 3.4 liter engine events leading to failure were normal driving conditions and regular maintenance. The failure is the intake manifold gasket. The consequences currently are exterior leaking coolant. *ak the probable future consequence per the dealer, is coolant leaking into the crankcase causing the failure of the crank bearings. Which documented cases have resulted in engine failure while driving which can cause a unsafe situation. What will have to be done is to replace the intake gasket at a cost of $500-$700.

Filed Sep 15, 2003 · Engine · 71,000 miles · MI

Total engine failure occurred while driving on highway on vacation with wife and three kids. 71000 miles on very well maintained van. We bought it with 8,000 miles on it. No warnings, no noises, no smoke, no overheating. Engine just quit running and we coasted to a stop on very busy interstate. This could have caused a major accident. Dealer promised "at least 50% warranty" then retracted offer two days later pending tear down and diagnosis. Diagnosis spun crank bearings/ bent rods due to coolant in oil. Cost $2050 after 50% warranty. Two weeks later, told camshaft was broken in half and that our engine could not be repaired. I asked why they didn't know that before. Svc mgr said they just pulled the engine out that day. This was not true since my wife and I spoke with the technician three days prior and he was all but ready to reinstall our engine. The bare block was on an engine stand when we spoke with him. Svc mgr then said warranty was in question. I had meeting with mgmt about "bait & switch" tactics. Svc mgr then said pontiac would install brand new "crate" engine for the $2050 we were quoted two weeks prior. No one from the svc dept ever called us about delays or when our van was done. Took 34 days to complete repairs. After getting it back, it was discovered that the axle retaining nuts on both sides were only finger tight/ready to fall off. Went back and have them torqued to specs. They wonder why go to a local shop for routine service rather than the dealer. This was the most absurd fiasco I have ever seen. We are seeking restitution. Gm should be forced to recall these engines for intake manifold gasket failures as this was determined to be the root cause.