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 | ||||||||||||||||
| 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 | |||||
| 030601010 | 03/01/2003 | 10001282 | Engine oil or coolant leak. *tt | 04/25/2003 | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM | |||||
| 010601007 | 09/01/2007 | 010601007C | 619176 | Engine coolant consumption or coolant leak (inspect for material degradation/replace intake manifolds) *tt updated 11/02/07 *nj | 05/17/2001 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE | |||||
| 040601021 | 06/01/2004 | 10012148 | New rear main seal and special tool for installation. *tt | 02/15/2005 | |
| 03-06-01-010 | 04/01/2008 | 030601010C | 10004768 | Engine oil or coolant leak. *tt gm reminder. *tt install new lower intake manifold gasket. updated 7/18/08 *pe | 01/06/2004 |
| 010601002A | 12/01/2002 | 010601002 | 10000782 | Revised piston pin removal / installation procedure. *tt | 03/31/2003 |
| 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 | |||||
| 020601014 | 04/01/2002 | 634708 | Subject regarding revised lower intake manifold installation. *tt | 10/07/2002 | |
| 010601010A | 06/01/2001 | 0106010101 | 620810 | Subject regarding polymer service pistons. *tt | 08/30/2001 |
| 990604005A | 04/01/2001 | 990604005 | 619360 | Some owners may comment on driveability symptons of long or hard starts, chuggle, rough idle and light or intermittent misfire due to clogged fuel injectors. *tt | 05/24/2001 |
| 98059 | 10/01/1998 | 602745 | Subject on engine misfire - inspect/ replace ignition control module. *yc | 01/11/1999 | |
| 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 | |
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | |||
| 09/11/2010 | 107000 | ||
| I have a 1999 chevy lumina - the intake gasket, started leaking, gradually, now it has a bad leak. i read gm has or had a recall on intake gaskets. | |||
| 04/01/2009 | 77000 | 1 | |
| 1999 chevy lumina is leaking oil from the valve cover gasket as confirmed by two separate mechanics. gm has issued a recall due to fire hazard for this issue but only authorizes dealers to replace the spark plug channel to prevent the spread of fire. oil can still leak into the manifold, which due to temperature, yet posing a fire hazard. also, the oil begins leaking externally posing the initial fire hazard but as the problem progresses, the leakage becomes internal and seepage into the coolant nullifies coolant function causing the engine to overheat. this poses an additional fire hazard and even if no fire occurs the engine will still seize due to overheating causing accident risk. when contacting gm, customer service stated that they could not provide technical answers but would contact the local dealership and placed a conference call. the service department confirmed that a leaking valve cover gasket was the source of the problem and could still pose a threat but they were not authorized to correct the problem but would be | |||
| 05/03/2009 | 80000 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 1999 chevrolet lumina. the contact stated that his vehicle was experiencing failures similar to those listed in nhtsa campaign id number 09v116000. a mechanic noticed the failure and stated that it would cost money to repair. chevrolet stated that the vin was not included in the recall. the vin was unknown. the current and failure mileages were 80,000. | |||
| 05/01/2005 | 5 | 09/24/1999 | |
| 1999 chevrolet lumina stalled without warning. consumer states that the vehicle stalled a second time and was restarted. dealer has stated they could not find anything wrong with the vehicle. he states he can only drive it short distances. *kb | |||
| 03/08/1999 | 12500 | 1 | |
| The vehicle is leaking coolant out the intake manifold, which is causing the vehicle not to have any heat, it also caused the engine to over heat. owner will contact manufacturer. *jb...cost of intake manifold replacement $689.15 plus tax. customer declined repairs. *ak | |||
| 07/11/2004 | 93224 | 1 | 01/01/2000 |
| While driving, the head gasket blew out due to bad antifreeze. consumer managed to pull over, and had the vehicle towed. dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *ak *sc *jb | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM | |||
| 08/24/2010 | 138000 | ||
| Fumes of evaporated coolant from faulty gasket were sucked into vehicles ventilation system. gm needs to take responsibility. | |||
| 06/20/2007 | |||
| Coolant leak off of bottom side of motor. i own a 3.1 liter v6 and the cost of replacement is outrageous considering that i have been researching this problem on the internet and have several posts that have had the same problem. i have a 1999 chevy lumina, my coolant leak started over 2 years ago. i have not fixed it cause i don't drive the car that much, my car only has 90000 original miles on it. the leak of coolant is due to poor manufacturing of manifold gasket seal. please refer to this website for more complaints: http://www.arfc.org/complaints/1999/chevrolet/lumina | |||
| 04/16/2009 | 100000 | 1 | |
| I began having problems with my car overheating. i changed the thermostat and all the radiator hoses in order to fix the problem. thinking that this corrected the problem because my mechanic could not find a leak i continued to drive the car. it was not until i had to start using the heater in oct 09 when the problem recurred. i then used radiator flush and cleaner and still my mechanic was unable to find the leak. i was having to put antifreeze in the car several times in order to make it to work (usually a 15 min drive). one cold morning i noticed the car was smoking from under the hood and was able to make it to the mechanic shop. it was at this time that he showed me the leak at the intake manifold. he was able to fix the problem, but informed me that this is a recurring problem with this car. the fix is only temporary. it cost me several hundred dollars to fix the intake manifold gasket (650.00). this does not include all the other work and repairs that were made prior to replacing the intake manifold gaskets. i changed the thermostat twice and all the radiator hoses before finding the leak in the intake manifold and getting it fixed. i would also go through a gallon of dex-cool antifreeze every other day; at a cost of $14.00 plus tax. the old part is no longer available. my mechanic showed it to me and it was eaten up. he told me he has fixed hundreds of cars with this same engine and problem... *tr | |||
| 07/06/2009 | 56000 | 1 | |
| My lumina suddenly began to loose refrigerant causing the car to overheat. took the car to several shops including a dealership and the diagnosis was a lower manifold gasket. each and every repair facility said this is very common in the lumina. with 56000 miles i am now faced with a very expensive repair.if this is so common why has nothing been done about this.? i have had an air conditioner replaced as well as many other expensive items. i am paying twice for this vehicle in repairs. the position of the battery makes it impossible for a person to replace themselves. the lumina is turning into a money pit. *tr | |||
| 10/10/2005 | 1 | ||
| I have a 1999 chevrolet lumina. a couple of weeks ago my car started to over heat. it became increasingly worst. the car was leaking coolant severely. i took the car in to the shop and was told it was the intake manifest gasket. i never knew how much this was a problem until i started to research this. it will cost be about 350.00 dollars to have it fixed. i have also had to replace my water pump. *nm | |||
| 04/04/2005 | 52916 | 1 | 03/11/1999 |
| Only by observing a slight but lesser coolant level in the overflow jug of my 1999 lumina l/s passenger car, were we made aware of this costly defect at such an early stage. a subsequent and closer look at the applicable areas, resulted in confirmation of a leak at the intake manifold. at a cost of $850.00 to replace gaskets and vital fluids, i was very surprised to encounter such a heavy duty repair for this low mileage and vigilantly looked after chevy product. fortunately for me the discovery was made prior to an engine overheat, which would certainly have resulted in more sever and expensive repairs. much thanks to my husband for his meticulous care of our chevy vehicles. *ak | |||
| 11/28/2004 | 63200 | 1 | |
| (1) our '99 lumina had an intake gasket failure and a water pump failure which i was told is due to a design failure of the gasket (2) thankfully we found the problem soon and the engine wasn't effected (3) the shop replaced the intake gasket set, water pump, replaced coolant and seals at a cost of $795.13. *ak | |||
| 12/18/2003 | 28000 | 06/04/1999 | |
| My 1999 lumnia, at 28,000 miles developed a coolant leak around the intake gasket and head gasket. was small but dealer replaced the battery, then a week later the alternator, at 38,000 the coolant leak was very noticeble. $$$ to replace gaskets when i was told the manufactuer knew of the bad gaskets used in its manufactureing. | |||
| 06/11/2002 | |||
| There was coolant leaking from underneath the vehicle, causing vehicle to overheat. dealership is aware of problem.*ak | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM - FAN | |||
| 04/27/2001 | |||
| Car was purchased on 4/23/01, up until todays date 5/21, i have had these problems occur: 4/25 upon braking car would shake, it was determined the rotors were warped. 4/28, driving out of town front tire blew out, had to replace both front tires within two daysof each other along with noise and vibration from braking. while driving on interstate loud roar and vibration noise coming from rear tires, car pulling all over highway at speed of 60mph. 5/11 complained to dealership, they perform alignment. cleaning ashtray, upon replacing back piece broke. noise coming from ac, when i accelerate, it became louder, turn off ac, noise went away. called chevrolet dealership, fan motor needed to be replaced. roar coming from tires, he stated tires needed to be replaced, not to sure, tread wear still in good shape. windshield washer does not work on passenger side. while sitting at traffic light or stop position, car seems as if it wants to shut off. this past weekend 5/19, i smell gas fumes. also, after having brake inspection performed, it was determined that brake pads were needed, honda said they were not, but til this day, when braking i hearing scrubbing or rubbing noise when braking, and turning either right or left. please note, i was not able to record all this information in the failed component parts section.. *ak | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE | |||
| 07/29/2009 | 180375 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 1999 chevrolet lumina. while driving 25 mph, the contact noticed smoke coming out of the vents in the passenger compartment. she stopped the vehicle, opened the hood, and noticed flames coming from the engine. the fire occurred without warning. the fire department was called and they extinguished the fire and filed a report. the vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. there were no injuries. the failure mileage was 180,375. | |||
| 08/01/2007 | 51000 | 1 | 01/15/2000 |
| Tl*the contact owns a 1999 chevrolet lumina. when the contact took the vehicle to the dealer for scheduled maintenance, she was informed that the intake gasket needed to be replaced. the repair will cost $1,000. the current and failure mileages were 51,000. | |||
| 12/15/2003 | 55000 | 1 | 07/28/1999 |
| Leaking gasket on 1999 chevrolet lumina with about 55000 miles. internet lists many cars with this same problem. it seems that gm uses bad gasket material. it costs owner $650 to repair. gm should bear the cost because they used bad gaskets. *la | |||
| 10/21/2003 | 72000 | 1 | 02/10/2001 |
| 1999 chevrolet lumina,only 70,000 miles, have had the injectors flushed x3, now need manifold replaced and head gasket replaced, costing approximately $1000. problem related to defective gaskets on chevrolet's part should be paid for by chevrolet, not the auto owner. chevrolet has been aware of this problem and there are numerous persons having to replace parts due to their failure to make a correction or a recall. i want chevrolet held responsible and to reimburse myself and others that have had to have this done to their vehicles. *la | |||
| 05/01/2003 | 1 | ||
| While driving, the head gasket failed, which caused fluid to leak. *jb | |||
| 02/01/2003 | 60000 | 01/01/2000 | |
| Engine with 60,000 miles is basically dead, chevy wants $500. to look inside and see what the problem is. private mechanic said it's something to do with the pistons not properly fitting into cylinders. (i think he called it piston slam) have heard of others with same 3.1 engine dying anywhere between 60 and 80 thousand miles. why should i have to pay $500 for them to look at it, and then another $3500 for a new engine? yes, the car went out of warranty in dec. but this is obviously a pre-existing problem that should be under recall. *nlm | |||
| 01/15/2003 | 54000 | 1 | 11/15/2001 |
| Leaking intake manifold gasket on 3.1 v-6, 1999 chevrolet lumina, 54k mileage. dealer estimates $1000 to repair. internet sites list many cars with same problem. gm needs to address this problem. complete engine failure will be the result if i don't fix it - but why should i pay when chevrolet didn't do their engineering correct on the gasket and coolant. ts | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE | |||
| Upon starting vehicle engine blew up, causing pieces of the engine compartment to go flying in the air, resulting in 2500 worth of damage to the vehicle. consumer has contacted dealer. *ak *ml | |||
| 1 | 08/08/1997 | ||
| Engine stalls causing vehicle to hit a parked vehicle. *yc | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM | |||
| 04/27/2011 | 110000 | ||
| Tl* the contact owns a 1999 chevrolet lumina. the contact stated that the vehicle was leaking water from the intake manifold gasket. a gas-like fume was coming from the vents and would spread throughout the vehicle cabin. the vehicle was not taken to a dealer for diagnosis or repairs. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 110,000 and the current mileage was 112,000. | |||
| 04/27/2011 | 110000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 1999 chevrolet lumina. the contact stated that his vehicle leaks water from the intake manifold gasket. a gassy fume coming from the vents would spread throughout the vehicle while the vehicle was both on and when it first shuts off. the vehicle was not taken to a dealer. the manufacturer was not contacted. the failure mileage was 110,000 and the current mileage was 112,000. nw | |||
| 12/18/2003 | 55000 | 1 | 10/29/2001 |
| Manifold leak developed around 55000 miles, resulting in loss of coolant, and $1000 repair, of an apparently common problem with gm 3.1 liter v6 engines. mine is a 1999 chevrolet lumina. *ak | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL - CATALYTIC CONVERTOR | |||
| 02/23/2006 | 48000 | 1 | 08/24/2004 |
| Dt*: the contact stated the passenger compartment intermittently fills with fumes after the engine has been running for 30 minutes. the vehicle was taken to the service dealer on three occasions, but the dealer was unable to duplicate the problem because the fumes were never present at the time of inspection. during the last inspection the dealer determined a plastic grocery bag was trapped over the catalytic converter. the bag was almost completely disintegrated from the heat of the converter. the dealer determined this could be a possible cause of the fumes and the bag was removed. apparently this was not the cause of the problem as the fumes returned again yesterday, but the vehicle was not returned to the dealer for inspection while the fumes were present. | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE | |||
| 01/11/2008 | 41000 | 5 | 05/15/1999 |
| I have a 1999 chevy lumina purchase new in 1999. the intake gasket has ben serviced on 3/14/03 at $216, on 12/15/03 car smoking and fluid leaking again and this was $737. now i have been faced with the same problems. for several weeks i was adding coolant on a weekly basis until it started to be every 2-3 days. then the car started smoking and i panic and took it to the nearest shop on my way to work. the manager told me that it was a intake gasket manifold problem. when they were done it had cost me $763 dollars. i was told that there were other vehicles in their shop with similar problems. however, after leaving that same day, the car begun hesitating when accelerating as though it was not getting any gas. that made no since because i had 3/4 of a tank of gas. why are these problems happening at this point because i have consistently serviced this vehicle on a regular basis since purchasing in 1999. i am told that there are recalls on these particular problems. please help me because i value and take good care of my cars, but i feel that everything is defective. i have also had issues with having to have brake jobs every 6 mos. on this same vehicle. what is the problems. will you help. *tr | |||
| 02/25/2007 | 111000 | 2 | |
| Vehicle was running hot. took it to midas, midas who said it was a intake manifold problem with the plastic cap and needed to replace it for total of 700.00. midas said they have had a lot of customers with same problem due to antifreeze strength the dealership was required to put into vehicle. also having problems with vehicle stalling, and when filling vehicle up with gas, which seems to run out or maybe leak out fast. *ak | |||
| 03/28/2005 | 61000 | 1 | |
| My car was parked in my garage and i notice anti freeze leaking. i had the car looked at and was told it is the intake vavle that needs to be replaced. i am going to have the repair done and yes the replaced part is available. my vehicle is a 1999 chevy lumina and i only have 60,000 mile on it. i have maintained my car according to the manual and have had several major problems with it. i have had to replace 2 fuel enjectors. i replaced the altenator at 41,900. i am very good at keeping my car maintained and it has never been driven rough. i am the only owner and the car had less than 100 miles on it when i bought it. *ak | |||
| 11/08/2004 | 2 | 08/02/1999 | |
| Vehicle had multiple problems with the coolant leaking out of the intake manifold. vehicle was taken to dealer for repair, and consumer was told that the head gaskets needed repairs. *ak | |||
| 04/05/2004 | 50150 | 1 | 11/11/2000 |
| My starter recently went on my 1999 chevrolet, lumina, upon repair it was found the failure was due to a short created by a seal failure in my engine. the antifreeze is leaking out my engine block from the manifold/seal and onto my starter. this was saidd to be due to the plastic seal used on the aluminum engine. it is said to not be chemically compatible causing inevitable warping of the seal. the cost for repair is be $600 just for a new seal. but at 54,000 miles they suggest to due the standard maintainance while the engine is out like tune up, transmission flush, etc. looking at a cost of $950. this has been told to me by several mechanics to be a manufactures defect but it has been overlooked due to the overwhelming numbers of lumina's that have beeen sold. i find this unexceptable as a buyer who trusted gm and cheverolet consumer reports and its overall reputation of quality. now i feel like i am driving a time bomb which can't be sold without my loss due to its faulty seal and the required repair. i had to replace my battery first because i was loosing power ($65) and then had to try process of elimination by the suggestion of auto zone and their computer read out. my car was still not starting so then after having my car towed, due to the short in the starte. i had to have my starter replaced due to the leak from my engine and the cost then (for a lifetime warranty) was $182 plus the antifreeze flush i paid for to try and stop the leak. i am very disappointed. how can such a defect be accepted by such a prominent manufacturer. *ak | |||
| 05/21/2004 | 62840 | 1 | 05/01/2001 |
| Manifold leak developed at 62,840. miles, resulting in loss of coolant and a $500. repair bill. now i see from this site that many, many others have same problems with gm 3.1 liter v6 engines! n.a.h.*ak | |||
| 01/08/2004 | 70000 | 0 | |
| Intake manifold cracked...gaskets leaking. coolant wont stay in engine. i have researched and many 1999 luminas (3.1 v-6 are having the identical problem) approximately cost of repairs $1,000.00 gm is definitely aware of this huge problem. a total recall of this vehicle and correct this problem must be made immediately. *la | |||
| 10/21/2003 | 72000 | 1 | 02/10/2001 |
| 1999 chevrolet lumina,only 70,000 miles, have had the injectors flushed x3, now need manifold replaced and head gasket replaced, costing approximately $1000. problem related to defective gaskets on chevrolet's part should be paid for by chevrolet, not the auto owner. chevrolet has been aware of this problem and there are numerous persons having to replace parts due to their failure to make a correction or a recall. i want chevrolet held responsible and to reimburse myself and others that have had to have this done to their vehicles. *la | |||
| 02/15/2003 | 46512 | 1 | 11/17/2002 |
| The lower intake manifold gasket cracked. *ak *nlm | |||
| 08/01/1999 | |||
| Consumer was smelling gasoline inside of vehicle, and was getting headache he took vehicle to dealership, and there was leak coming from engine compartment. also, transmission wouldn't work right consumer stated that he took vehicle to dealership over several times. *ak | |||