Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM | |||||
| 010601007A | 07/01/2001 | 010601007 | 620835 | Experiencing excessive engine coolant consumption, or an engine coolant leak near or under the throttle body area of the upper intake manifold. *tt | 08/31/2001 |
| 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 |
| 576105 | 06/01/1995 | 45847 | Coolant leak near belt tensioner assembly 9replace o-rings on heater coolant bypass inlet pipe assembly). *sd | 04/25/1996 | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE | |||||
| 040601021 | 06/01/2004 | 10012148 | New rear main seal and special tool for installation. *tt | 02/15/2005 | |
| 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 | |
| 970501776515 | 05/01/1997 | 53021 | Information based on engine idle surge, or mil (malfunction indicator lamp) illuminated with dtc (diagnostic trouble code) p0131, p0171 or 44 set. *yc | 11/06/1997 | |
| 576113 | 05/01/1995 | 43036 | Unknown | 11/01/1995 | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE | |||||
| 9709016116A | 09/01/1997 | 54327 | Comments of an engine oil leak that appears to originate toward the driver's side of the vehicle; rear of engine. *yc | 03/30/1998 | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM | |||||
| 476006 | 12/01/1994 | 37957 | Popping/fluttering/ticking/spark knock noise while driving up medium grades or accelerating from a stop. *tw | 02/09/1995 | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE | |||||
| 040601017 | 06/01/2004 | 10008471 | New upper intake manifold and gasket kits. *tt | 08/02/2004 | |
| 476006A | 06/01/1995 | 47-60-06 | 45850 | Popping/fluttering/ticking/spark knock/clunking noise while driving up medium grades or accelerating from a stop (replace exhaust seal or right exhaust manifold).*sd | 04/25/1996 |
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | |||
| 04/03/2011 | 125000 | ||
| 1995 pontiac bonneville engine would suddenly shut off anytime, anywhere, at any speed, usually during warmer weather, leaving the driver with no power brakes nor power steering. the car usually would not start for at least 30 minutes, stranding the driver and passengers. after spending alot of time and money trying to diagnose the problem, we replaced a functioning yet defective tps (throttle positioning sensor) that did not malfunction to the point of registering a code on the computer. the problem has not re-curred. | |||
| 11/15/1999 | 57000 | 1 | |
| Failure of the plenum, intake manifold on 3.8 litre engines. *tr | |||
| 07/25/2004 | 143605 | 10 | |
| While driving at any speed the engine produced smoke and it overheated. please provide additional information. *jb | |||
| 04/15/2002 | 82449 | ||
| The transmission failed at ~76,000 miles. replaced at gm dealer with a remanufactured gm unit. 06/23/2001. brake failure - warning light at 81,728 miles. replaced master cylinder and rear wheel cylinders. antilock brakes have always behaved strangely at times but have never failed to stop the car in a reasonable distance. 09/22/2001. engine failure at 82,449 miles. replacement engine installed at independent repair shop for $1400.00. . repair leaking genuine gm replacement transmission. side cover leaks severely, dealer advises out of warranty period and repair cost of $300+ for side pan gasket. problem solved at local transmission shop (mr. transmission) for $92.95. in addition the following no longer function or function improperly: fuel gauge does not work, refill based on mileage driven. also the fuel pump whines very noticeably, can be heard plainly in the vehicle over the radio. cost for repair of both at dealer: $600+ depending on parts required. steering wheel controls for the radio do not function. automatic headlight control will not turn headlights off after turning them on. result - battery replacement. now leave the control in the off position. spring loaded center console door latch failed causing console door to remain open. replaced console door and two vents that had broken for $124.66. console door latch failed approximately one year later (same failure). removed door spring so door now stays closed. drivers side door lock jams when using key fob, have to use passenger side door. no longer use key fob, door unlocks properly when using the key. within the past year the paint has began to peel on the top of the rear quarter panels and roof. i had a flat tire and went to retrieve the jack, which is located in the passenger side of the trunk. the jack is stored in a plastic case that is bolted to a bracket. only one weld was made during manufacture allowing the bracket to break loose. the jack case now just lies in trunk. | |||
| 01/15/2003 | 109644 | ||
| Gm technical service bulletin 01-06-01-007a identifies an inherent design flaw on the 3.8 l engine (vin k - rpo l36) available in the following vehicles: 1995-1997 buick riviera 1995-1998 buick lesabre, park avenue 1996-1998 buick regal 1998 chevrolet lumina, monte carlo 1995-1996 oldsmobile ninety-eight 1995-1998 oldsmobile eighty-eight 1998 oldsmobile intrigue 1995-1998 pontiac bonneville 1997-1998 pontiac grand prix gm minimizes the impact of the problem by identifying one of the symptoms as owner complaining of a small coolant leak. the fact is that in most cases the leak is not visible. the coolant typically leaks internally by the egr stove pipe into the engine's intake manifold where it builds up. eventually the coolant level in the intake manifold rises to the point where the coolant will get sucked into one of the cylinders. in less severe cases, when it happens at idle or low rpm, this causes the engine to seize and stall. in the most severe cases, when it happens at high rpm, the hammering effect of the engine trying to compress a liquid, causes the affected piston to shatter (my case). this is a catastrophic engine failure caused by a design flaw. when this happens on a highway at 75 mph (my case) there is great potential for an accident and injury to passengers. i was lucky, but i still had to replace my engine with a remanufactured one at my expense. i could not afford what gm charged for a new engine. gm is fully aware of the problem. gm repair centers are attributing the failure to normal wear and tear and are charging owners to replace the flawed parts with the new design. i spoke with a service manager at a local dealership and he stated that he has seen a lot of vehicles coming in with the same failure, the less severe case being the most common.. i believe this problem calls for a recall of the affected vehicle to replace the flawed parts. i also believe that gm should partially reimburse me for my expenses related to the engine replacement. | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM | |||
| 06/05/2003 | 30 | ||
| The electonic climate control on my 1995 pontiac bonneville has stopped working....i get no cooling, only hot air all the time whether the control is set on air conditioning, heating and or if i just want to receive fresh outside air.*ak | |||
| 07/27/2001 | 1 | ||
| While driving home, the temperature guage suddenly moved into the red zone and a warning bell sounded, consumer pulled over, opened the hood and saw that the coolant was empty, it was then refilled and consumer test drove the vehicle and the same thing happened, vehicle was taken into dealership and consumer was informed that a coolant system pressure check revealed that the upper intake was leaking coolant into the fuel induction system, serpentine belt was also replaced due to it being cracked/worn.*jb | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM - RADIATOR ASSEMBLY | |||
| 05/01/2003 | 120000 | 1 | 09/01/2002 |
| Vehicle loosing coolant fluid, having to replace fluid on a daily basis, going to take in for repairs and seen a lot of other people with the same issue. no visible leakage. *jb | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE | |||
| 04/15/2008 | 1 | ||
| Car stalls with no warning, sometimes the car will start but 99% of time car has to sit for a long period of time before it will start. if car is turned off and then you try to start it back up it won't start. don't have any idea of what is causing the problem. would appreciate it if anyone could let me know how to fix. *tr | |||
| 10/18/2005 | 178004 | 1 | |
| Driving at 65 mph. exhaust suddenly began spewing copious amounts of white smoke, which blinded many other motorists moving at the same speed. engine began running very rough. i pulled over and shut it down. vehicle was towed to mechanic, where it was diagnosed as a blown head gasket. head gaskets were changed, as were all others needed to do this repair. upon re-filling the radiator with antifreeze, it began leaking from unexpected places. upon further investigation, it was determined that this was yet another case of the upper intake tunnel (plastic) having failed. i called the dealer, and was informed that this part has been redesigned, and due to the huge numbers of these needing to be manufactured and sold, the price has been reduced significantly. the old part had to be turned in to the dealer as a 'core' item. *nm | |||
| 12/05/2003 | 127950 | 5 | 05/15/1995 |
| Auto engine cuts out when going down hill. shift to neutral and restarts with no problem. however, loss of power cuts out power steering, power brakes, etc. *la | |||
| 04/24/2003 | 1 | ||
| When the consumer attempted to start the vehicle there was a loud bang and the consumer could see smoke coming from under the vehicle. a few seconds later the consumer noticed that the vehicle was on fire. the fire was extinguished by the drivers husband. the consumer contacted the manufacturer but was declined any type of assistance. the consumer referenced recall # 96v116000 but was told that her vehicle did not fit the scope of the recall. *m *scc *nlm | |||
| 01/28/2003 | 109644 | 1 | 04/15/1999 |
| Gm technical service bulletin 01-06-01-007a identifies an inherent design flaw on the 3.8 l engine (vin k - rpo l36) available in the following vehicles:995-1997 buick riviera995-1998 buick lesabre, park avenue. *ak 1996-1998 buick regal 1998 chevrolet lumina, monte carlo 1995-1996 oldsmobile ninety-eight 1995-1998 oldsmobile eighty-eight 1998 oldsmobile intrigue 1995-1998 pontiac bonneville 1997-1998 pontiac grand prix gm minimizes the impact of the problem by identifying one of the symptoms as owner complaining of a small coolant leak. the fact is that in most cases the leak is not visible. the coolant typically leaks internally by the egr stove pipe into the engine's intake manifold where it builds up. eventually the coolant level in the intake manifold rises to the point where the coolant will get sucked into one of the cylinders. in less severe cases, when it happens at idle or low rpm, this causes the engine to seize and stall. in the most severe cases, when it happens at high rpm, the hammering effect of the engine trying to compress a liquid, causes the affected piston to shatter (my case). this is a catastrophic engine failure caused by a design flaw. when this happens on a highway at 75 mph (my case) there is great potential for an accident and injury to passengers. i was lucky, but i still had to replace my engine with a remanufactured one at my expense. gm is fully aware of the problem. gm repair centers are attributing the failure to normal wear and tear and are charging owners to replace the flawed parts with the new design. i spoke with a service manager at a local dealership and he stated that he has seen a lot of vehicles coming in with the same failure, the less severe case being the most common. they commonly just drain the affected cylinders and replace the flawed parts with the new design. i asked him how did he know if the affected piston had been damaged causing a catastrophic failure later on. he did not have an answer. | |||
| 06/01/2003 | 104000 | 1 | |
| The problem was with the plastic intake manifold.*ak the intake manifold leaked water into the motor and caused it to lock up. the part was replaced. the consumer felt the vehicle should be classified as a lemon. *scc *jb | |||
| 04/08/2003 | 11700 | 1 | 01/21/2003 |
| Engine failure cylinders filling with coolant. talked with several independent garages and they say it's a common occurrence with the 3800 v6. spoke with pontiac dealer in gainesville ga. according to parts/service department there are no tech bulletins released from gm. wanted to know if there have been other complaints re: 1995 pontiac bonneville's 3800 v6's. according to independent garage the intake gasket and head gaskets failures. the car also has a water leak into the passenger cabin and trunk as well, appears to leaked since it was manufactured. i owned an oldsmobile with a similar problem in 1992 and the factory didn't seal the cowl area properly when the car was assembled. thanks for your input! *jb | |||
| 07/14/2002 | |||
| While driving at 65mph on flat surface with no warning vehicle will shut off, and it will be hard for consumer to start it back up. dealer notified.*ak | |||
| 09/01/2000 | 2 | ||
| Car dies while at stop and while driving-first replaced ? and 2nd the crankshaft; brakes feel like locking up when applying for stop; rpms go from 2 to 31/2 after driving a while at about 70mph*ak | |||
| 12/17/2000 | 1 | 02/01/1995 | |
| Bearing in crankshaft went out. *ak | |||
| 1 | 06/01/2000 | ||
| While driving 35mph vehicle started to vibrate when gas pedal was pressed. engine light would come on & then vehicle stalled out. coasted to side of road. contacted dealership. had vehicle towed. mechanic could not resolve problem. restarted vehicle & then cut off again. took to different dealer for repairs. stalling out or cutting off problem still exists. been at dealership over a month. *ak | |||
| 09/02/2000 | 1 | 03/01/1999 | |
| I was told by koons that the head was cracked be either a failed thermostat, gasket or a water pump (all replaced by koons in april 2000). once they found out the replaced all these items - their story changed to a thousand other excuses. i find it hard to believe that a 5 year old car with the proper maintenance being done to it can blow an engine that easily. something failed to make the car overheat and crack the head. | |||
| 06/11/1999 | 5 | ||
| Engine failure on numerous occasions due to failure of the crankshaft angle sensor. mjs | |||
| 1 | 11/01/1994 | ||
| Gasket failure. qcaw | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE | |||
| 03/16/2004 | 10 | 01/04/2002 | |
| Automobile stops with no warning leaving me with no brakes or steering. sometimes in heavy traffic at high rates of speed. general motors dealership mechanics could not find the problem. i have looked on other sites and have found that this is a common defect with this model. hopefully no one has to get injured or killed before something is done to fix the problem. *ak | |||
| 08/31/2002 | 10 | 11/01/2000 | |
| Intermittently, the vehicle won't start after sitting for a few minutes. if i wait about 10 minutes it will start right up. also it stalls occasionally when driving either in town or on the highway.*ak | |||
| 08/12/2002 | 07/01/2096 | ||
| No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak | |||
| 04/01/2002 | |||
| At any speed vehicle will die. dealer can't duplicate problem. please provide any further information.*ak | |||
| 03/04/2001 | 1 | 08/01/1995 | |
| This upper manifold upon failure results in burning coolant(toxic) and engine failure. i have been in touch with others that own the same model car. and the failure is still happening on later models. some with less than 50,000 miles. this engine is being used on chevrolet impalas and monte carlos, pontiac grand prix, buick lesabre and older oldsmobile 88 models. this is a very dangerous problem if it happens on the highway.failed part #1711-3136. *ak | |||
| 07/30/2000 | 1 | 10/01/1995 | |
| No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak | |||
| 09/01/1999 | 01/01/1998 | ||
| The body control module that works the door locks and windows. the clutch on the air conditioner. replaced that then the compressor went out. the radio quit . its had a roar in the rear end ever since we got it. they cannot find the problem. the gauges for heat , speed, rpms,oil, etc. go back and forth when you start the engine then when they stop they don't read correctly. speed doesn't read right. master cyclinder went out 2 times. | |||
| 07/30/2000 | 08/01/1995 | ||
| Dealers failing to notify any one of this type of failure, also when this part fails driveability affected increased polution, and visability to persons following failed vehicle impaired. no safety defect listed. *ak | |||
| 05/04/2000 | 2 | ||
| Intermittently and usually in warm conditions while driving, vehicle stalled unexpectedly, and brakes malfunctioned, and there was no power steering which may have caused a crash. been to dealer twice, and dealer could not determine the cause of the problem. please provide further information.*ak | |||
| 01/25/1999 | 1 | 01/01/1995 | |
| The bolts that hold the power steering unit to the engine broke off. dealer alleged brake fluid in unit caused problem. car repaired at owings mills pontiac. oil leak looses about a quart of oil per 3-4000 miles. this has been occuring longer than i reported, but outside the 36,000 mile warranty. | |||
| 03/01/1995 | |||
| While traveling intermittently check engine light would flash right after engine would stall. after stalling the vehicle cannot always start up immediately. the cause of the problem has not been found and still exists. *ak *ml | |||
| 10/15/1999 | 30 | ||
| Ongoing / intermittent problem with engine stalling without warning. dealer replaced pcm. problem resolved. *ak *ml | |||
| While traveling vehicle would stall without indication. dealer has been notified. *ak | |||
| 04/02/1999 | 1 | 04/01/1999 | |
| No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak | |||
| 06/01/1999 | |||
| When pulling out vehicle stalled and backfired. consumer had the vehicle in repair shop for service, and the dealer couldn't determine the cause of the problem. *ak | |||
| 09/18/1999 | 5 | 08/01/1998 | |
| Vehicle has been in shop of dealer where purchased, in independent garage, and in local chevrolet dealer's shop. many parts have been replaced, but problems return. this is very expensive and frustrating!. | |||
| 09/22/1998 | 3 | 10/01/1994 | |
| Auto hesitated at speeds between 55 and 60 mph.on sept 9 1998. auto shut down while driving in traffic. no brakes or steering. very difficult to control on sept 22, l998. oct 13, l998 car cut off in parking lot. oct l9. l998 car stalled in parking lot. oct 20, l998 car stalled in traffic going 35 mph. service cannot duplicate problem. the ignition module and powertrain control module were changed on oct. l6, l998. it has been at burns pontiac for two days while they try to duplicate the problem. | |||
| 1 | 01/29/1995 | ||
| Engine stalls. | |||
| 11/11/1995 | 5 | ||
| Intermittently the vehicle stalls when deaccelerating, vehicle has automatic transmission, vehicle has been at dealer (5) times in less than (2) years. dealer cannot find problem with vehicle.*ak *jb | |||
| When driving at any speed the car stall. please describe . | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE - BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS | |||
| 09/09/1998 | 1 | 08/01/1994 | |
| The accessories belt failure caused the power steering module or motor to become completely loose. *et | |||
| 09/09/1998 | 08/01/1994 | ||
| Power steering pump bolts broke. also replaced serpentine belt. | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM | |||
| 04/03/2011 | 125000 | ||
| 1995 pontiac bonneville engine would suddenly shut off anytime, anywhere, at any speed, usually during warmer weather, leaving the driver with no power brakes nor power steering. the car usually would not start for at least 30 minutes, stranding the driver and passengers. after spending alot of time and money trying to diagnose the problem, we replaced a functioning yet defective tps (throttle positioning sensor) that did not malfunction to the point of registering a code on the computer. the problem has not re-curred. | |||
| 04/19/1996 | 3 | ||
| Exhaust connections fail, causing a clunking noise while driving from a stop. *ak | |||
| 04/13/1995 | 3 | ||
| Exhaust seal failed, causing fumes to enter vehicle. *sd | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE | |||
| 11/30/2004 | 2 | ||
| While driving vehicle stalled. consumer was unable to restart vehicle, and had it towed to the dealer for inspection. mechanic determined that the intake manifold needed to be replaced. *ak | |||
| 06/01/2004 | 71000 | 5 | 03/26/2001 |
| I purchased this car used from a dealer in 2001 in michigan. (i don't think the air conditioning ever worked ). within a few months the traction control went out. it would be on, when the car started, but within driving 300ft. would go out and could not be turned back on from the button. a few months after that all of the dash lights went out when ever you turned on the head lights. this was due to a bad switch & a short. then the cruse control went out. a few months after that we had to replace the head gaskets due to the engine over heating by an unknown cause. 1 month after that we had to replace the engine after throwing a rod and cracking the engine block, due to the fact that there was still fluind in the engine from melted manafold.( this all took place between nov. 2001 & jan. 2002) after that the ignition had to be replaced because one of the wires was severed due to the wheel tilt. (we would tilt the wheel & could not start the car). in nov. 2002 the transmission started to slip, we had it replaced. then all at one time (2003) the battery went dead, the timing chain had jumped a tooth, the cam sensor, and the spark plugs which had been changed a few weeks before. a few weeks after that the engine overheated again due to a leak in the coolant resovoir bottel, this caused the head gaskets to blow again. it is now 2004 we have an ongoing electrical problem. since mid 2003 we have gone through 3 pcm & 3 proms due to the fact the they kept frying ( a result of a bad ground that still can not be found), an altanator due to the fact that it had spikes. the check enging light would constantly come on & when the codes were pulled the egr vlave was listed, we replaced it and still the check engine light came on due to a still bad pcm. now whenever we turn on the blinker the voltage gage moves in time with it due to a short. the rpm's surge at times while car is in motion or at idle, causing the car to satll or backfire. the cause is still unknown. *ak | |||
| 05/21/2002 | 95000 | 1 | 01/15/2002 |
| As stated many times here-upper intake manifold leaked around metal heat riser tube, leaking water into cylinders causing a vapor lock in cylinders. this problem is often misdiagnosed as head craked or gasket failure. the plastic manifold melts or chafes around tube causing a small hole in the sealed water jacket in the manifold. water will directly leak into cylinder heads. very easy fix and a good upper manifold from a junkyard will run around 100 as opposed to a new engine!*ak | |||
| 09/15/2003 | 65000 | 2 | 08/15/1996 |
| I have a 1995 pontiac bonneville which i purchased used from jim culligan gm pontiac in 1996. after having the vehicle only one month the intake manifold gasket had to be replaced as there was a bulletin on it. it is obvious the dealer knew of this when it was sold. this gasket also had to be replaced at 39000 and 43000 miles and a history note of it was made. gm has now refused to replace this chronically defect problem at the 65000 mile and 84000 mile levels. the current gasket needed replacing with only 22000 miles on it. this type of part should not go this frequently and prevents a safety hazard should the oil leak out and cause engine failure while driving. gm is trying to say that because the vehicle has 84000 miles on it they will not pay. however this part should have been replaced after only 22000 miles on it. it is clear that gm is acting in bad faith and ms desiree richardson at gm customer service and moiz ahmad the area service manager refused to accept this problem. mr ahmad will not even give me the courtesy of a call to show him the documentation i have and explain his decision. i have spoken to several mechanics who have all advised me gm is well aware of this problem and they replaced the defective part with even more defective parts. i have already to pay approximately $300 out of pocket to replace this intake manifold once and am now looking at having to do it again. this is a financial burden on my family and very unethical on gm's part to not own up to this well documented problem and be responsible. your immediate attention to this problem would be greatly appreciated.j.pierino. *la | |||
| Consumer states upper intake manifold caught on fire causing a explosion. please provide any additional information. ts referenced in ea02-030 | |||
| 10/01/2001 | |||
| Consumer states that upper intake manifold failed while driving. all coolant dumped leaked into intake of engine causing engine to fail. dealer had to replace vehicle's entire engine. ts | |||
| 09/12/2002 | |||
| While driving intake manifold corroded, causing a hole to form. as a result, engine leaked. *ak | |||
| 03/04/2001 | 1 | 08/01/1995 | |
| This upper manifold upon failure results in burning coolant(toxic) and engine failure. i have been in touch with others that own the same model car. and the failure is still happening on later models. some with less than 50,000 miles. this engine is being used on chevrolet impalas and monte carlos, pontiac grand prix, buick lesabre and older oldsmobile 88 models. this is a very dangerous problem if it happens on the highway.failed part #1711-3136. *ak | |||
| 04/01/1995 | 1 | ||
| Design flaw with spring loaded screws, attaching exhaust pipe to manifold, creates a loud clunking noise. *dsh | |||