Recalls
| Campaign | Manufacturer | Manufacturing date | Type | # of units affected | Date Owner notified Mfg | Recall Initiated by | Manufacturers of recalled vehicles/products | Report Recieved Date | Record Creation Date | Regulation Part Number | FMVSS Number | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | ||||||||||||||||
| 08V118000 | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. | from 03/01/1998 to 07/31/1999 | V (Vehicle) | 207542 | 04/28/2008 | ODI | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. | 03/12/2008 | 03/12/2008 | |||||||
| Defect Summary | Gm is recalling 207,542 my 1997-2003 buick regal and pontiac grand prix vehicles equipped with a 3.8l supercharged v-6 engine. these vehicles have higher front rocker cover gasket temperatures, creating the potential for earlier degradation of the front rocker cover gasket and eventual oil seepage. | |||||||||||||||
| Consequence Summary | Certain underhood fires may be caused by drops of engine oil, from seepage or spillage, being deposited on the exhaust manifold through hard braking. if the manifold is hot enough and the oil runs below the heat shield, it may ignite into a small flame and, in some instances, the fire may spread to the plastic spark plug wire channel and beyond. | |||||||||||||||
| Corrective Summary | Dealers will install a new front (left) rocker cover gasket with an improved design from the original gasket and replace the spark plug wire channel with new retainers. due to parts availability, owner notification letters will be mailed in two phases. the customer letters for the 1997-2000 model year vehicles will be mailed on april 28, 2008. gm will advise as to when the owner letters for the 2001-2003 model year vehicles will be mailed. until sufficient parts become available, gm strongly recommends that owners observe the following important precautions (1) they strongly recommend that owners do not park their vehicle in a garage, car port, or other structure; (2) if owners notice a burning odor, they should have their dealer inspect the vehicle. the dealer will inspect the vehicle without charge; (3) use premium fuel (91 octane or higher) in the vehicle as recommended in the vehicle's owner manual. owners may contact buick at 1-866-608-8080 or pontiac at 1-800-620-7668, or through their website at http://www.gmownercenter.com . | |||||||||||||||
| Notes | Gm recall no. 07035. customers may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov . | |||||||||||||||
| 09V116000 | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. | V (Vehicle) | 1497516 | 04/09/2009 | ODI | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. | 04/08/2009 | 04/08/2009 | ||||||||
| Defect Summary | General motors is recalling 1,497,516 my 1997-2003 buick regal, my 1998-2003 chevrolet lumina, monte carlo and impala, my 1998-1999 oldsmobile intrigue, my 1997-2003 pontiac grand prix vehicles equipped with a 3.8l v6 naturally aspirated engine. some of these vehicles have a condition in which drops of engine oil may be deposited on the exhaust manifold through hard braking. | |||||||||||||||
| Consequence Summary | If the manifold is hot enough and the oil runs below the heat shield, it may ignite into a small flame and may spread to the plastic spark plug wire channel and beyond increasing the risk of an engine compartment fire. | |||||||||||||||
| Corrective Summary | Dealers will remove the spark plug wire retention channel at the front of engine and install two new spark plug wire retainers free of charge. the recall is expected to begin during may 2009. owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537, and pontiac at 1-800-620-7668 or http://www.pontiac.com or http:www.gmownercenter.com. | |||||||||||||||
| Notes | Gm recall no. 09047.owners may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov . | |||||||||||||||
Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE | |||||
| 08-06-04-019 | 04/01/2008 | 080604019A | 10024787 | L67 engine oil smell or odor, leak at left or front valve cover (replace valve cover gasket, gromments and spark plug wire retainers for cylinders 1-3-5). *nj updated 7/25/2008 *pe | 05/20/2008 |
| 040601021 | 06/01/2004 | 10012148 | New rear main seal and special tool for installation. *tt | 02/15/2005 | |
| 3180 | 3180A | 10010868 | Dealers may comment on a chuggle, surge, misfire condition. *tt | 12/15/2004 | |
| 000604049B | 12/01/2003 | 000604049A | 10005145 | Some vehicles built prior to vin breakpoint 1f136536 may exhibit intermittent malfunction indicator lamp / service engine soon indicator illumination; anti-lock brake system warning light illumination; stall / no start condition; various el | 02/09/2004 |
| 010601008A | 05/01/2002 | 010601008 | 634813 | Some owners may comment on a repeat engine oil pan leak. *tt | 10/09/2002 |
| 010601008 | 02/01/2001 | 619177 | Some owners may comment on a repeat engine oil pan leak. *tt | 05/17/2001 | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE | |||||
| 000605049A | 03/01/2002 | 000604049 | 631274 | Subject regarding various driveability symptoms, malfunction indicator lamp illuminates intermittently, diagnostic trouble codes seat, engine will not start. *slc | 05/21/2002 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE | |||||
| 3115 | 01/01/2004 | 10009950 | Engine intake manifold coolant leak. *sc | 11/02/2004 | |
| 040601017 | 06/01/2004 | 10008471 | New upper intake manifold and gasket kits. *tt | 08/02/2004 | |
Investigations
| NHTSA ID | Manufacturer | Date open | Date close | Subject | Recall campaign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | ||||||
| PE02050 | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. | 06/13/2002 | 10/22/2002 | ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES | ||
| Alleged engine compartment fire during startup.loud pops or backfires before the fire started | ||||||
| EA07008 | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. | 06/12/2007 | 05/01/2008 | ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE | 09V116000 | |
| By letter dated march 12, 2008, general motors corp. (gm) has notified the agency that it will conduct a safety recall (identified by nhtsa recall number 08v-118) to address a defect in approximately 207,542 model year (my) 1997-2003 buick regal gs and pontiac grand prix gtp vehicles equipped with the l67 supercharged version of gm's 3800 series ii v6 engine.the recalled regal gs vehicles were built from august 1996 to june 2003 and the grand prix gtp from march 1996 through january 2003.according to gm, oil may escape past the valve cover gasket on the front cylinder bank (cylinders 1-3-5) and deposit onto hot exhaust system components.under certain conditions, it is possible for this oil to ignite a small pilot flame, which may spread to the adjacent plastic spark plug wire channel, the spark plug wires themselves, the plastic engine cover, and other under hood components.reports indicate this most often occurs on higher-mileage vehicles shortly after the vehicle has been driven and then parked.typically, the fire was discovered within 5 to 15 minutes after the vehicle was parked.during this time window, under hood temperatures may become elevated.such elevated temperatures combined with a lack of airflow through the engine compartment may permit a small pilot flame to propagate and ignite other fuel sources.to correct the safety defect, gm will install an improved design front valve cover gasket and spark plug wire retainer.this remedy will be suppliedfree of charge for all recalled vehicles.until sufficient parts become available to repair all of the affected vehicles, gm strongly recommends that owners observe the following important precautions: (1) they strongly recommend that owners do not park their vehicle in a garage, carport, or other structure; (2) if owners notice a burning odor, they should have their dealer inspect the vehicle - the dealer will inspect the vehicle without charge; and (3) use premium fuel (91 octane or higher) in the vehicle as recommended in the vehicle's owner manual.the action taken by gm is sufficient to resolve the issues raised by this investigation.the subject fire incident rate on the c-, g-, and h-platform subject vehicles is low.the agency will continue to monitor this issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.accordingly, this investigation is closed.see document file for additional information regarding this resume. | ||||||
| EA07008 | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. | 06/12/2007 | 05/01/2008 | ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE | 08V118000 | |
| By letter dated march 12, 2008, general motors corp. (gm) has notified the agency that it will conduct a safety recall (identified by nhtsa recall number 08v-118) to address a defect in approximately 207,542 model year (my) 1997-2003 buick regal gs and pontiac grand prix gtp vehicles equipped with the l67 supercharged version of gm's 3800 series ii v6 engine.the recalled regal gs vehicles were built from august 1996 to june 2003 and the grand prix gtp from march 1996 through january 2003.according to gm, oil may escape past the valve cover gasket on the front cylinder bank (cylinders 1-3-5) and deposit onto hot exhaust system components.under certain conditions, it is possible for this oil to ignite a small pilot flame, which may spread to the adjacent plastic spark plug wire channel, the spark plug wires themselves, the plastic engine cover, and other under hood components.reports indicate this most often occurs on higher-mileage vehicles shortly after the vehicle has been driven and then parked.typically, the fire was discovered within 5 to 15 minutes after the vehicle was parked.during this time window, under hood temperatures may become elevated.such elevated temperatures combined with a lack of airflow through the engine compartment may permit a small pilot flame to propagate and ignite other fuel sources.to correct the safety defect, gm will install an improved design front valve cover gasket and spark plug wire retainer.this remedy will be suppliedfree of charge for all recalled vehicles.until sufficient parts become available to repair all of the affected vehicles, gm strongly recommends that owners observe the following important precautions: (1) they strongly recommend that owners do not park their vehicle in a garage, carport, or other structure; (2) if owners notice a burning odor, they should have their dealer inspect the vehicle - the dealer will inspect the vehicle without charge; and (3) use premium fuel (91 octane or higher) in the vehicle as recommended in the vehicle's owner manual.the action taken by gm is sufficient to resolve the issues raised by this investigation.the subject fire incident rate on the c-, g-, and h-platform subject vehicles is low.the agency will continue to monitor this issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.accordingly, this investigation is closed.see document file for additional information regarding this resume. | ||||||
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | |||
| 02/16/2011 | 100000 | ||
| Tl* the contact owns a 1999 buick regal. the contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, a fire started in the engine. the fire destroyed the vehicle. the contact stated that the fire began from drops of engine oil on the exhaust manifold. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign i.d. number: 08v118000 (engine and engine cooling) and called the manufacturer. the manufacturer stated to the contact that due to the fire and because the vehicle was pre-owned there was nothing they could do to assist with the failure. the failure mileage was 100,000. | |||
| 02/16/2011 | 100000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 1999 buick regal. the contact stated while the vehicle was park a fire start in the engine. the fire destroyed th vehicle. the contact stated the fire start by drops of engine oil on the exhaust manifold. the contact received a nhtsa campaign i.d. number 08v118000 (engine and engine cooling) and called the manufacturer. the manufacturer stated due to the fire and since the vehicle was pre-owned there was nothing they could do. the failure mileage was 100,000. jo | |||
| 09/01/2009 | 178000 | 1 | |
| In june 2009 i received a recall notice for 1999 buick regal that there have been reported engine fires and they were issuing a recall. i have owned my car for approx. 7 years and though i planned on taking it in to get the recall repaired, i hadn't had a chance to do it yet as of 9/1/09. i had actually called the dealership the prior week to see if i had to make an appointment and they said no, to just come by anytime. i work 6 days a week and taking it was going to be hard for me but i have always gotten it done in the past. anyway, i drove the car 11 miles from my moms house to my house on the 1st. and when i got home i carried in some groceries and sent my son outside to get the rest. he came back in yelling that my car was on fire! my husband who was home popped up the hood and flames were about a foot high. i had parked right by the house and he grabbed the hose and my sons sweatshirt and together he and my son put the fire out. the burned area is right where the recall described the fire could happen. i called the dealership and they referred me to the buick recall line. i called them and they took my info. 2 weeks later i get a letter that says my warranty claim has been denied. i called the number back at the top of the letter but it had been disconnected! i called the recall line number but kept getting a voice mail and no return calls back. finally on 10/21 i called them and they again told me to call the number on the letter and i said is was not in service and they said the number was printed wrong and gave me the correct number. i called and they told me that the warranty had expired on the car and that they were under no obligation to fix it after that, even though it was under recall, that it was more of a suggestion for repair and that they were not going to repair it. they said under the warranty law, they were no longer responsible for this car....even though its not a warranty situation! the car has not been moved since. *tr | |||
| 05/12/2009 | 132000 | 1 | 04/17/2006 |
| Tl*the contact owns a 1999 buick regal. the contact placed oil in his vehicle and two drops landed on the manifold, which caused an immediate fire. he was able to extinguish the fire with a hose. the vehicle was operating after the failure, but emitted a burning smell when the engine was started. the day before the failure, the contact received a recall notice for nhtsa campaign id number 09v116000 and scheduled a repair appointment. he spoke with the dealer and asked if the odor was a symptom of the recall, but the dealer stated that it only occurred when the engine was running. the manufacturer was not notified. the current and failure mileages were approximately 132,000. updated 06/27/09 *bf the vehicle caught on fire due to oil dripping on the exhaust manifold when the vehicle was off. updated 06/24/09.*jb | |||
| 05/10/2008 | 1 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 1999 buick regal. in 2008, the contact's vehicle caught fire under the hood at a school. the fire department extinguished the fire. the wiring underneath the dashboard and hood were all burned. there were no injuries. the vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and was repaired. recently, she received a recall notice for gm recall number 90047 and nhtsa campaign id number 09v116000 (engine and engine cooling on the engine). the failure and current mileages were unknown. updated 07/14/09. *lj updated 07/15/09.*jb | |||
| 11/17/2008 | 1 | ||
| On my way to the hospital i stopped by the gas station and filled up. after that i left to go to the hospital, i parked and went inside. not even 5 minutes after i got inside, my car caught fire. the hospital security and police were trying to extinguish it before the fire truck arrived to keep from spreading to the other cars. thankfully it didn't. the fire got worst and engulfed the entire front of the car with flames, the fire dept. managed to put the fire out but not before the car was badly damaged. fire dept stated that it started in the engine dept. waiting on tow truck to tow car off. couldn't save anything. but a couple items in the trunk. i got home a little later and saw that i had a letter for a recall. stating that engine component or parts can cause fires. the fact of the matter is. i got the recall letter to late. i need this taken care of immediately. or a new car. *tr | |||
| 06/27/2008 | 1 | ||
| My wife took my 1999 buick regal gs to the dealership to address recall 07035. my car was in perfect working order and running smoothly. upon return of my vehicle, the a/c no longer worked, the a/c control panel no longer worked, and the car was missing when going up hill and the engine trouble light is now continuously flashing. my wife was in a very rural area and i had to get in my truck to follow her home. recall repair for 07035 has virtually made my car inoperable and the dealership says it is nothing they did. you don't have to be a mechanic to know they did something wrong when the car goes in working perfectly and comes out with so many problems. what can you do regarding the dealership, or general motors to make my car safe again and operating safely for my wife. *tr | |||
| 05/28/2008 | 134000 | 1 | |
| My 1999 buick regal gs went on fire in a parking lot and is a total loss. it was parked and the engine was off. the car was not occupied. the fire completely totaled one nearby car and caused minor damage to a second. *tr | |||
| 02/15/2006 | 100000 | ||
| Tl*the contact owned a 1999 buick regal. in february of 2006, the contact's parked vehicle caught fire and was destroyed. in march of 2008, she received a safety recall notice for nhtsa campaign id number 08v118000 (engine and engine cooling). because she no longer owned the vehicle, the manufacturer would not assist. the failure mileage was 100,000. | |||
| 03/09/2008 | 1 | ||
| 1999 buick regal burned up. i want to the store and then want to town park the car in parking lot walk about four cars away and the car was on fire i have pic if you need to see call fire department and police case number 30-0820618. *tr | |||
| 10/12/2007 | 1 | 10/24/2006 | |
| Well friday, i went to work in the regal, like always, about 5 minutes after punching in at work someone came running in and said there's a blue regal out there with smoke pouring out the hood, so i went out and sure enough it was me, i popped the latch from the inside, went around the front and peered in * without opening it* and saw flames, i got a fire extinguisher, opened the hood and dowsed it, meanwhile the fire department was called. since i got to it so quick the damage was contained to the engine compartment. it looks like it somehow started on the front of the engine or possibly by the fuse box, i don't know... basically all the wires were on fire!, they melted the coolant bottle, some of the fuse box, the front valve cover and oil cap, passenger engine mount, windshield washer reservoir cap, boost bypass valve and the brake fluid container,..spark plug wires were toast as well. the hood has two small spots where the paint just started to bubble as well. i'm so bumbed out. after some research i found out that this is being investigated on 99-02 cars with the l67, after driving and parking the vehicles.. they catch fire!!!! which is what happened to me. mine is a 99 buick regal gs with the l67 what do i do, is gm going do anything or am i just screwed????? *jb | |||
| 02/03/2007 | 72000 | 1 | 01/17/2000 |
| On feb 3, 2007 i drove to a shopping mall in my 1999 buick regal that has a 3800 series v6. i experienced no mechanical difficulties. ten minutes after i parked the car the entire engine compartment was in flames. the car was totally in flames. the fire dept came and declared it an unknown electrical type fire. fortunately, no one was injured but many could have been if the care were parked in a different location. i researched this type of incident and discovered that it has occurred quite often in pontiacs and buicks with the 3800 series ii v6 engine. gm has not issued any warnings or recalls to correct this problem. it will now cost me thousands of dollars to replace my vehicle. i believe compensation and correction is required. *nm | |||
| 02/05/2003 | 102000 | 2 | 02/05/2000 |
| Dt*: the contact stated the antifreeze was vanishing under normal road conditions. the vehicle was taken to the service dealer, who determined the manifold warped allowing the antifreeze to enter into the engine. the same problem occurred three years ago. updated 12/05/06. *jb | |||
| 10/14/2006 | 1 | 04/13/2006 | |
| I had driven the vehicle about an hour's distance with no problems, and one half hour stop along the way. i parked the vehicle and there were no warning lights on and no smell coming from the car. i walked away to a neighbors house for about ten minutes and when i came back the entire engine compartment was on fire. this quickly spread to the interior of the car, totalling about 2/3 of the vehicle. the entire front end was just metal, it melted out the wind shield and both front windows, caused severe damage to leather interior, melted the entire dashboard, melted off one of my rear view mirrors. the local fire department came and put it out, which saved the rear fenders, bumper and trunk. all four tires were melted off, front rims damaged beyond repair. | |||
| 03/09/2006 | 88420 | 1 | 05/23/2002 |
| Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle had been parked for 10 minutes when the engine compartment caught on fire. the fire department responded to extinguish the fire. the vehicle was towed to the dealership, but not inspected. the insurance company deemed the vehicle a total loss. | |||
| 12/27/2002 | 92353 | 10/10/1998 | |
| On december 27, 2002 and december 30, 2002. i took my vehicle to jeffrey buick 30800 gratiot ave roseville, michigan 48066 on 12/27/02 because my car would not keep antifreeze in the reservoir (possible coolant leak) and the dashboard low coolant and service engine soon (ses) light was on. the car was missing and backfiring during engine start up and was almost stalling while driving. i took the car into the shop and told the service sales advisor kenneth hope what was the problem. it was diagnosed as a spark plug problem and secondary ignition wire. i approve for them to do the repairs. on december 30, 2002 i was back at jeffrey buick service for the same problem, low coolant/service engine light (ses) and antifreeze reservoir not keeping coolant. on december 31, 2002 service sales advisor jon pingel stated that the problem was due to the engine burning coolant, and that the upper plastic intake manifold/intake gasket. r&r 3.8.k had to be replaced. i came into the shop and asked him what had caused the problem. he stated to me that this is an on going problem, a manufacture defected with the buick regal were that the hose will melt and let coolant into the engine compartment, he also indicated that he receives between five to ten buick regals a week with the same problem. i asked if there had been a recall for this problem and he stated no. he then stated that if the problem is not repaired it could lead to the engine locking up or a possible engine fire. he stated that i could contact the general motors customer relations department and make a complaint and see if they would reimburse me the cost of the repair $771.81. i called the gm customer relations department there was nothing that could be done. consumers of the buick regal must know of the possible dangers involved with the engine/coolant problem and be reimbursed for repairs done. if you can please investigate this before someone dies like in the firestone tires incident. *nlm | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM | |||
| 05/15/2004 | 69246 | 1 | 11/07/1998 |
| First name: james last name: laney subject: owner complaint my vehicle: 1999 buick regal vin: 2g4wb52k9x1444858 message: on 05/15/04, my car service engine soon indicator came on. the car was running rough and white smoke was coming from the exhaust. i had the car towed to an authorized gm dealer. after $1,226.35 i was told the problem was the upper intake manifold had leaked antifluid into the engine. upon close inspection, the technician and i notice that the upper intake had corroded badly causing it to leak. the upper intake is made from some kind of black plastic, that layers of it comes off with a slight wipe of my finger. this in my opinion is a design flaw. now my engine is ruin. the engine service indicator is still on because of internal engine problems caused by the corroded intake manifold. i have only 69,000 miles on the car; therefore this plastic corrosion must have started thousands of miles earlier. i believe general motors (buick) should correct this problem as soon as possible and compensate their customers who have had this design flaw problem. if your engineers wish to inspect the corroded intake manifold, please advise and i will send it to them. please note, gm refused to acknowledge or correct this problem at gm expense. email address: j_laney@msn.com address: p.o. box 877 aberdeen, 28315 day phone: 9109445502 evening phone: 9109445502. *ak | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE | |||
| 11/04/2010 | 165000 | ||
| This 1999 buick regal serial number 2g4wf5215x1636225 was parked in front of the garage and no one was in it. the car caught fire in the eingine. the car engine became engulfed in flames and set the two cars that were on either side of the car on fire, as well as the garage. | |||
| 09/14/2006 | 63000 | 1 | |
| I drove my 99 buick regal to work, parked, went inside, started answering email. was informed by co workers that my car was burning. my car was engulfed in flames in minutes. *tr | |||
| 06/18/2008 | 65000 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 1999 buick regal. the contact received a recall notice for nhtsa campaign id number 08v118000 (engine and engine cooling). he called an authorized dealer to have the vehicle repaired. upon arrival, he was informed that they would only install a new front driver's side rocker cover gasket, although the rear gasket was leaking. the vehicle has not been repaired. the manufacturer would not provide any assistance. the failure and current mileages were 65,000. | |||
| 03/17/2008 | 0 | 03/13/1999 | |
| Tl*the contact owns a 1999 buick regal. the contact received a safety recall notice for nhtsa campaign id number 08v118000 (engine and engine cooling). she called several gm dealers, but none of them had the part available for the recall repair. the contact is concerned that her vehicle may catch fire. the powertrain was unknown. the current mileage was 108,000. | |||
| 12/14/2006 | 92000 | 1 | 06/27/1999 |
| In december of 2006 my 1999 buick regal gse with supercharger caught on fire in engine department 5 to 10 minutes after leaving vehicle. there was a complaint of a 'burnt toast' smell in the area of the vehicle prior to the fire. we did notice a decrease in the mpg indicator (5mpg less )several days prior to the fire . the fire resulted in a total loss of the vehicle. the fire also caused a monetary loss due to the fact that we were responsible for a $500 insurance deductible plus the insurance company only gave us trade-in value instead of replacement value for the vehicle. *tr | |||
| 02/28/2007 | 15 | 12/01/2004 | |
| Car hesitates and sometimes dies when either blinker is selected. seems to be an intermittent problem getting worse. *nm | |||
| 11/26/2006 | 1 | 07/26/2006 | |
| My car started jumping forward while in park and jumping while driving. about a week or so after doing that i was driving when a huge cloud of smoke came from under the hood. after turning off the engine and getting out of the car, it was on fire in a matter of minutes. the fire dept came and eventually put the fire out. everything under the hood is totaled, the windshield cracked, the whole interior smells of burnt rubber from the tires being burnt and all wires throughout the car are shot. *jb | |||
| 05/15/2004 | 69246 | 1 | 11/07/1998 |
| First name: james last name: laney subject: owner complaint my vehicle: 1999 buick regal vin: 2g4wb52k9x1444858 message: on 05/15/04, my car service engine soon indicator came on. the car was running rough and white smoke was coming from the exhaust. i had the car towed to an authorized gm dealer. after $1,226.35 i was told the problem was the upper intake manifold had leaked antifluid into the engine. upon close inspection, the technician and i notice that the upper intake had corroded badly causing it to leak. the upper intake is made from some kind of black plastic, that layers of it comes off with a slight wipe of my finger. this in my opinion is a design flaw. now my engine is ruin. the engine service indicator is still on because of internal engine problems caused by the corroded intake manifold. i have only 69,000 miles on the car; therefore this plastic corrosion must have started thousands of miles earlier. i believe general motors (buick) should correct this problem as soon as possible and compensate their customers who have had this design flaw problem. if your engineers wish to inspect the corroded intake manifold, please advise and i will send it to them. please note, gm refused to acknowledge or correct this problem at gm expense. email address: j_laney@msn.com address: p.o. box 877 aberdeen, 28315 day phone: 9109445502 evening phone: 9109445502. *ak | |||
| 11/12/2003 | 37111 | 2 | 02/13/1999 |
| When driving at any speed check engine light appeared on the dashboard. consumer took the vehicle to the dealership for inspection, and mechanic determined that engine failed. consumer will have the mechanic replace the engine. *ak prior to the engine failure the vehicle was taken to the dealer three times because the consumer noticed that oil was leaking onto her driveway. | |||
| 09/22/2003 | 44000 | 05/05/1999 | |
| This vehicle frequently stalls. it just stops running. it happens on the freeway, at intersections, and on city streets. it has been doing this for several months. the dealer has had this vehicle on three seperate occasions, and has not been able to fix it. | |||
| 1 | |||
| Auto design defect is bilking consumers and hurting economy.*mr the engine warning light illuminated without there being a problem. the consumer mentioned the warning lights were not doing their job. instead of warning the driver, it's costing them money to get them turned off each time. the consumer would like to know what caused the problem and why has it not been fixed yet? *ph *jb | |||
| 08/01/2002 | 1 | ||
| There were loud noises coming from the engine. the plastic connecting tube which carried the antifreeze broke and allowed coolant to flow into engine, and destroyed the engine. also, the dealer replaced the head gaskets,valve seals, flywheel, intake plenum,spark plugs and starter. *ak *jb | |||
| 04/17/2003 | 73000 | 1 | 10/01/2000 |
| The intake manifold failed, which caused the engine to fail. ph. the engine block and water pump had to be replaced. *jb | |||
| 03/27/2003 | 89477 | 1 | 07/15/2001 |
| The vehicle swayed left to right while driving, and the steering wheel was hard to control. *jb there was a clunk in the steering wheel which caused by the undertorqued steering gear bolts. the steering shaft was loose and was replaced by the dealer. *ts(see annotation - m. jordan) *ts. also the engine failed to turn over, the dealer replaced the alternator and found the no voltage on the battery, the transmission jumped when it was put into gear, the dealer found the shaft for the 4th gear worn, the vehicle pulled to the side, the rack and pinion was replaced, the oil pan and front motor mount was replaced | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE | |||
| 12/17/2007 | 92000 | 1 | |
| Engine fire. *tr | |||
| 05/26/2003 | 61900 | 5 | 05/16/1999 |
| My buick regal 3.8 1999 has stalled while running at speed 5 times in the past five days. the deale, thompson buick, placerville ca said that they could do nothing since it is an intermitant problem. i shift into n and then turn the key to start while still traveling and it usually starts. | |||
| 12/04/2002 | |||
| Consumer called complaining about having problems with her vehicle. consumer wanted dealer fixed her car or exchanged. please ms. gonzales provide further information. ts | |||
| 03/23/2001 | 4 | ||
| Vehicle stalls when coming to a stop. all lights on dash go out. dealer has replaced fuel pump, cannot remedy problem. diagnostic done, no code given. to dealer twice, stalled 4 times so far.*ak | |||
| 02/05/2000 | 5 | 11/01/1999 | |
| Vehicle has stalled out 5 times, all different speeds and circumstances. engine loses power, speedometer goes up to 120mph. problem reported to dealership 5 times, unable to fix or find prob. occurs every 3-4 weeks. | |||
| 02/27/2000 | 1 | 12/31/1999 | |
| Possible engine failure resulted in an explosion and fire under the hood of the vehicle. nlm | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE | |||
| 06/12/2006 | 10 | ||
| I have a 1999 buick regal in which the intake manifold is leaking. this is not new and recalls have been issued by gm for park avenue cars with similar 3.8 l engines. the car was fine until one day all of a sudden, the service engine light along with low coolant, trac off and hot temp lights came on. the gm dealer estimates the cost to be around $700+ and thinks that because of that the gasket may have been corroded. *jb | |||
| 08/25/2004 | 92000 | 1 | 08/12/2003 |
| The plastic intake manifold melted between egr port and water jacket. this allowed coolant to flood the motor. three weeks after this $1200 repair i spun a rod bearing probably. $2700 later. *ak | |||
| 07/31/2004 | 1 | ||
| On july 31, 2004 i attempted to start my 1999 buick regal for the first time that day and immediately noticed a tapping noise coming from under the hood along with a foul odor that did not smell like antifreeze. the low coolant light on, though i had just flushed and refilled the radiator just 3 months before. while attempting to get the car to the repair shop, it died and would not start again. i was later informed that a defect common to this engine had caused the problem; the upper intake manifold is made of plastic and had broke, allowing coolant to enter the engine. just to replace the manifold is going to cost me $652. and the extent of the engine damage can only be determined afterwards. i do not understand how the manufacturer could build such an expensive, supposedly luxury vehicle with such a cheap part that they know will eventually fail without warning and end the life of the vehicle or require very high repair bills. it is just their deceptive way of making their vehicles disposable and ripping off the consumer. this is the 3rd buick i have owned and i've always praised the buick name, but they've just lost a customer!! something should be done about their deceptive manufacturing practices.*ak | |||
| 08/01/2002 | 1 | ||
| There were loud noises coming from the engine. the plastic connecting tube which carried the antifreeze broke and allowed coolant to flow into engine, and destroyed the engine. also, the dealer replaced the head gaskets,valve seals, flywheel, intake plenum,spark plugs and starter. *ak *jb | |||
| 69000 | |||
| While traveling at 25 mph the vehicles engine light illuminated and the temperature gauge went to hot. the consumer was able to drive about 8 more blocks before the engine died. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that the upper manifold was defective. *nlm | |||