1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX Engine And Engine Cooling Problems

1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. CONSUMER REQUESTS REIMBURSEMENT FOR ENGINE EXHAUST MANIFOLD RECALL NOTICE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. *JB

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. UPDATED 05/31/2016*LJ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO PERFORM THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE...UPDATED 03/16/16 *BF

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CONTACT OBSERVED SMOKE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. NO FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PLUG WIRES, VELOCITY BELT, DIP STICK, AND VALVE COVER GASKET FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE WAS PERSISTENT. THE FIRE OCCURRED TWICE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE FELT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS A SAFETY HAZARD. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V116000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 180,000. UPDATED 02/12/16*LJ

Mileage: 180,000

I GOT A RECALL FOR MY CAR [XXX] DEC 2015,THAT I MIGHT GET A ENGINE FIRE IF I DONT GET THIS UPGRADE DONE. I WISH I WOULD HAVE GOTTEN THIS NEWS 3 MONTHS EARLIER BECAUSE I DID HAVE A ENGINE FIRE 3 MONTHS A GO ID#IS15V701 THANK YOU [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Mileage: 200,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE ENGINE FAILED TO RESTART AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER A RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V118000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER THE FAILURE RECURRED TWO WEEKS AFTER THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED A SECOND TIME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 212,177. .UPDATED 07/13/12 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED HE NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE, UNTIL THE DEALER WORKED ON IT. THE VALVE COVER GASKET AND BOLT GROMETS WERE REPLACED. UPDATED 07/31/12

Mileage: 212,177

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY WHEN IT EXPLODED AND CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE WAS UNDERNEATH THE HOOD AND IN THE ENGINE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND STATED THE ORIGIN OF THE FIRE WAS UNKNOWN. THERE WERE NO REPORTS AVAILABLE AND NO ONE WAS INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER STATED A RELATED RECALL EXPIRED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

MY ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE, THE CAR HAD A RECALL 2 YEARS AGO WHICH I OBEYED, THE RECALL WAS TO PREVENT FIRE ON THE ENGINE, BUT EVEN AFTER I ATTENDED THAT RECALL 2 YEARS AGO, MY ENGINE STILL CAUGHT ON FIRE. THERE ARE MANY CASES LIKE THIS ONE AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, SMOKE WAS SEEN COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE TEMPERATURE GAUGES INCREASED AS WELL. A SMALL FIRE ERUPTED AND THE CONTACT USED A FIRE EXTINGUISHER TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTOMOTIVE SHOP WHERE THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE FIRE STARTED FROM A FUEL LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FULLY DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V116000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AFTER THE FIRE OCCURRED, IN WHICH THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 105,288.

Mileage: 105,288

MY 1997 GRAND PRIX RANDOMLY STARTED ON FIRE IN THE ENGINE. 911 WAS CALLED AND FIRE PUT OUT. I SALVAGED CAR BUT NOW I WONDER IF IT WAS MANUFACTURING FAULT. NOW I HAVE TO REPLACE MY CAR AND FEEL I SHOULD BE COMPENSATED FOR THAT. *TR

Mileage: 193,000

I PULLED INTO MY DRIVEWAY, STOPPED MY CAR AND SMOKE STARTED COMING OUT OF MY INTERIOR AIR VENTS. I PUT THE CAR IN PARK, TURNED OFF THE IGNITION AND GRABBED MY 2 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER OUT OF HER CARSEAT. WE RAN FROM THE CAR AND WATCHED THE SMOKE START GETTING WORSE COMING OUT FROM THE HOOD. THEN FLAMES STARTED FROM UNDER THE HOOD. WE CALLED THE FIRE DEPT. BY THE TIME THE FIRE DEPT. ARRIVED THE FRONT OF THE CAR WAS BURNT DOWN TO METAL. THE FIRE DEPT. SAID THE FIRE WAS STARTED BY OIL THAT'S WHY THEY WERE UNABLE TO PUT IT OUT. WE ASSUMED IT WAS FAULT ON OUR BEHALF SO WE DID NOT REPORT IT TO OUR INSURANCE. JUST TODAY I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE #09047. STATING THAT AN UNDERHOOD FIRE MAY BE CAUSED BY DROPS OF ENGINE OIL, FROM SEEPAGE OR SPILLAGE, BEING DEPOSITED ON EXHAUST MANIFOLD THROUGH HARD BREAKING. IF I HAD KNOWN THIS EARLIER I WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN WITHOUT MY ONLY TRANSPORTATION.. *TR

Mileage: 180,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ADDING OIL TO THE ENGINE, SOME OF THE OIL DRIPPED ONTO THE MANIFOLD AND CAUSED A SMALL FIRE. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT OPERABLE AFTER THE FAILURE. APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR LATER, THE CONTACT RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTICE ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V116000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) WHICH THE CONTACT BELIEVED WAS RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 180,000.

Mileage: 180,000

I WAS THE OWNER OF A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX, EQUIPPED WITH A 3.8L V6 NATURALLY ASPIRATED ENGINE AND PRIOR TO RECEIVING WORD FROM GM ABOUT A RECALL ON THESE PARTICULAR CARS FOR ENGINE COMPARTMENT RELATED FIRES... MY CAR WAS LOST IN A FIRE. PRIOR TO THE LOSS OF THE VEHICLE THERE WERE NO KNOWN ISSUES, NO LIGHTS ON THE DASH, NO STRANGE NOISES,SMELLS ETC. HOWEVER, AFTER DRIVING FOR 20 MINUTES... A ROUTE I HAD TAKEN MANY TIMES IN THIS PARTICULAR CAR, SMOKE APPEARED AND AFTER 20 MINUTES PARKED IN A PARKING LOT, THE CAR WAS FULLY ENGULFED. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PARKED WITH THE ENGINE OFF AT A SERVICE STATION. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE AND DETERMINED THAT THE FIRE ORIGINATED FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. A FIRE REPORT WAS AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THERE WERE DAMAGES TO THE BUILDING OF THE SERVICE STATION WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. THE CONTACT LATER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V116000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND WHEN CONTACTING THE MANUFACTURER SHE WAS ADVISED THAT THE COMPANY WAS UNDERGOING LIQUIDATION AND COULD NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 162,844.

Mileage: 162,844

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE COOLANT LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND NOTICED HER ANTIFREEZE WAS LOW AND FILLED THE OVER FLOW TANK AND DXCOOL ANTIFREEZE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIANS DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE TO BE THE UPPER AND LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD HOSE WHICH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 61,000.

Mileage: 61,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH THE ENGINE SHUT OFF, THE VEHICLE EXPLODED INTO FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT RULED THAT THE FIRE ORIGINATED FROM OIL ON THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER BUT NO THE MANUFACTURER WOULD PROVIDE NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 08V118000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,050.

Mileage: 200,050

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THERE WAS AN OIL LEAK IN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WHICH HAS CAUSED A FIRE IN THE ENGINE. THE DAMAGE WAS UNDER THE HOOD WHERE THE ENGINE WAS LOCATED. HE RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE NHTSA#08V118000, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING AND TOOK HIS VEHICLE TO THE DEALER BUT THEY ARE REFUSING TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE STATING THAT THEY HAD TO SPEAK WITH THE MANUFACTURER BEFORE THEY COULD REPAIR THE DAMAGED THAT WAS CAUSED BY THE RECALL FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CALLED AND STATED THAT THEY HAD TO OBTAIN APPROVAL FROM ANOTHER DIVISION DUE TO THE FIRE AND THAT IT WOULD TAKE 30 TO 60 DAYS BEFORE HE WOULD HAVE AN ANSWER FOR THE DEALER REGARDING THE REPAIR. FOR SIX MONTHS, THE CONTACT HAS MADE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO SPEAK WITH SOMEONE REGARDING THE FAILURE AND APPROVAL FOR THE REPAIR. THE DEALER WAS CALLED AGAIN BUT THEY HAVE REFUSED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE PER THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED WHEN THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 226,081.

Mileage: 226,081

I CONTACTED GM ABOUT NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 08V118000 AND THEIR CORRESPONDING GM RECALL NO. 07035. THE SERVICE REP ADVISED ME THAT THE RECALL HAD ALREADY BEEN PERFORMED BY THE PREVIOUS OWNER. I EXPLAINED TO THE REP THAT NEITHER HE OR I COULD GUARANTEE THAT IT WAS FIXED PROPERLY. MY ENGINE IS SEEPING OIL OUT WHERE DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL AND IS POOLS UP IN THE ENGINE AND IF I DID HAVE TO STOP FAST OIL WOULD CERTAINLY FLY FORWARD ONTO THE EXHAUST. I CAN ALSO SEE THE RUBBER GASKET PIECES BREAKING DOWN WHERE IT LOOKS AS IF THE OIL IS LEAKING FROM. I ONLY NOTICED THIS WHEN I TOOK OFF THE PLASTIC ENGINE COVER TO INSPECT A FUEL LINE. I SIMPLY WANT IT NOTED THAT THEY MAY HAVE RECORDED IT AS BEING FIXED BUT I DON'T THINK IT WAS FIXED PROPERLY IF THE CONDITION STILL EXISTS. *TR

Mileage: 134,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH. HE WAS ABLE TO DRIVE ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE AND CALL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. A POLICE REPORT IS AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT RECALL 08V118000, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING MAY BE DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE FAILURE ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED. HE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND A REPRESENTATIVE STATED THAT SOMEONE WOULD CONTACT HIM. HE WAS CURRENTLY AWAITING A RESPONSE AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 190,000.

Mileage: 190,000

OUR SON WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WHEN HE NOTICED FLAMES COMING OUT OF THE HOOD AND DOWN THE SIDE OF THE CAR. HE COULDN'T GET IT TO STOP COMPLETELY BUT DID GET IT SLOWED DOWN ENOUGH TO JUMP OUT. THE FIRE DIED DOWN A LITTLE BUT FLARED BACK UP, THE FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD TO PUT IT OUT. THE POLICE WERE CALLED BUT DIDN'T MAKE A REPORT BECAUSE THEIR WASN'T A ACCIDENT. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. WHEN THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE SHE NOTICED A LOUD POPPING SOUND IN THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE AND AFTER A FEW MINUTES, SHE NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER AND THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 250,000.

Mileage: 250,000

ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE DUE TO AN OIL LEAK, THE FIRE SPREAD. DESTROYED THE ENGINE. THIS HAPPENED ON A DAY IT WAS RAINING. I PULLED INTO A REST AREA. THAT WAS WHEN SMOKE WAS SEEN COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I LIFTED THE HOOD AND THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE WAS ON FIRE. *TR

Mileage: 134,000

1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX SAFETY RECALL 09047. *NJ THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE AT A GAS STATION, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE IS IN STORAGE. THE CONSUMER READ WHERE A RECALL HAD BEEN ISSUED. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THEY HAD NO RESPONSIBILITY TO REPAIR THE EXTENSIVE DAMAGE. *JB

1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX HAD AN ENGINE FIRE IN OCTOBER 2007 AND WAS A TOTAL LOSS. *NJ THE CONSUMER STATED SHE RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER AFTER THE FIRE OCCURRED. THE CONSUMER STATED SHE CALLED PONTIAC ON MAY 21, 2008 AND ASKED IF THERE WERE ANY RECALLS ON HER VEHICLE AND SHE WAS TOLD NO. *JB

RECALL NOTICE FOR 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX (09047). CONSUMER STATES THAT HIS VEHICLE FIRE OCCURRED TWO YEARS AGO AND THAT THE DEALERSHIP KEPT TELLING HIM THE VEHICLE WAS FINE. *NJ RECALL 02V293000. *JB

1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. JAN. 31 2007 ENGINE FIRE , VEHICLE BURNED IN PARKING LOT WHERE I WORK . TOTAL LOSS. NOW GM HAS A RECALL FOR ENG COMPARTMENT FIRES ON THIS VEHICLE . GM'S ESIS DIVISION SENT ME A LETTER SAYING THAT OHIOS PROPERTY DAMAGE STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS IS 2 YEARS . HOW CAN THIS APPLY WHEN THE RECALL WAS JUST ISSUED? *TR

Mileage: 160,000

I WAS ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK. THE BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON THEN THE CAR JUST CUT OFF AT THE TURNING LIGHT BEFORE I GOT TO MY HOUSE. IT STARTED TO SMOKE UNDER THE HOOD. I THOUGHT IT MAYBE OVER HEATING. SO I POPPED THE HOOD OPEN THINKING IT WOULD STOP SMOKING BUT IT GOT WORSE. SO I GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND OPENED THE HOOD. THE ENGINE WAS ON FIRE. SO I RAN AND GOT WHAT I CAN OUT OF MY CAR WHILE I WAS ON THE PHONE TALKING TO 911. WHILE I WAS DOING THAT, A MAN WAS DRIVING BY STOPPED AND GAVE ME A FIRE EXTINGUISHER SO I PUT OUT THE FIRE. THE FIRE TRUCK CAME A MIN LATER. PLEASE HELP ME WITH THIS PROBLEM WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT THIS. *TR

1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX HAD AN UNDERHOOD EXPLOSION AND FIRE - REF. RECALL #90046. *NJ THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN SHE ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS AN EXPLOSION UNDER THE HOOD AND THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. *JB THE CONSUMER IS STILL WAITING ON REIMBURSEMENT. UPDATED 05/18/11

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. AFTER THE DEALER PERFORMED RECALL REPAIRS ON THE VEHICLE, THE BOLTS ON THE AIR CONDITION COMPRESSOR FAILED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH. THE COMPRESSOR WAS HANGING FROM THE ENGINE AND PREVENTED THE VEHICLE FROM STEERING. THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT THE DEALER HAD SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE COMPRESSOR FALLING OFF THE ENGINE. THE DEALER DENIES BEING AT FAULT. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 200,500.

Mileage: 200,500

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 15-25 MPH, THE CONTACT SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING. SHE PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. SHE CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES. A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V116000 WAS SENT OUT AFTER THE FAILURE TO WARN CONSUMERS THAT THE VEHICLE COULD IGNITE INTO FLAMES. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED AND NO ONE WAS INJURED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 153,636.

Mileage: 153,636

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE EXITING THE HIGHWAY. THE CONTACT PARKED THE VEHICLE AND ATTEMPTED TO EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES, BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL AND CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. HE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V116000, STATING THAT THE VEHICLE COULD IGNITE INTO FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 162,000.

Mileage: 162,000

I RECEIVED A LETTER THIS MORNING FROM GM ABOUT A SAFETY RECALL ON MY 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX ABOUT AN UNDERHOOD FIRE AND THAT I NEED TO TAKE MY CAR TO A PONTIAC DEALER. I HAVE NOT DRIVEN MY CAR OUT OF TOWN BECAUSE WE HAVE NOTICED A BURNING ODOR FOR ABOUT A MONTH. THE NEAREST DEALER IS 35-40 MILES FROM US AND GM REFUSES TO PAY THE TOWING CHARGES AND I REFUSE TO PAY THEM OR DRIVE THIS CAR 35-40 MILES. IS GM RESPONSIBLE FOR THE TOWING CHARGES? *TR

Mileage: 127,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE HE WAS EXPERIENCING WAS IDENTICAL TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V118000, EXCEPT HIS VEHICLE DOES NOT HAVE A 3.8L SUPERCHARGEED V-6 ENGINE. THEREFORE, THE REMEDY DOES NOT COVER HIS VEHICLE. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE CONTACT OBSERVED AND SMELLED SMOKE UNDER THE HOOD. THE UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS REPLACED IN OCTOBER OF 2008. THE FAILURE OCCURS EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE COMES TO A HARD STOP. A MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, BUT WAS UNABLE TO FIND WHAT THE CONTACT DESCRIBED BECAUSE NO OIL WAS LEAKING. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 139,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

Mileage: 130,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED DUE TO AN ENGINE FIRE THAT OCCURRED IN A DRIVEWAY. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V118000 BECAUSE THE VEHICLE DID NOT HAVE A 3.8L SUPERCHARGED V6 ENGINE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR HER VEHICLE ON MAY 4, 2009. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS OR PRIOR FAILURES WITH THE ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM BEFORE THE FIRE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE HAS ALL ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT AND HAD NEVER BEEN TO THE DEALER EXCEPT FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 163,000.

Mileage: 163,000

1997 GRAND PRIX FIRE IN ENGINE. *TR

Mileage: 170,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. WHEN PROCEEDING TO ENTER THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE WITH A WATER HOSE AND CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT AN INVESTIGATOR WOULD COME OUT AND INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AND THE CONTACT WAS OFFERED A SETTLEMENT OF $11,080. HE WAS NOT INFORMED OF WHAT CAUSED THE FIRE AND REJECTED THE OFFER BECAUSE THE SETTLEMENT WAS NOT ENOUGH TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. HE THEN FILED A CLAIM WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 162,000.

Mileage: 162,000

1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX RECALL ID NHTSA: 08V118000. I HAD THIS REPAIR DONE AS REQUESTED. BUT MY COMPLAINT TO THE DEALER WAS THAT IF THE FRONT ONE IS FAILING, PUTTING OIL ON THE MANIFOLD TO CAUSE A FIRE. THEN WHY ARE THEY NOT REPLACING THE BACK ONE? MY GTP IS LEAKING OIL FROM THE BACK GASKET, DRIPPING ON THE PLUGS, WIRES AS WELL AND IS DRIPPING ON THE MANIFOLD AND EXHAUST PIPE. IT ALSO IS SMOKING AND HAS A BURNING OIL SMELL. WHY WERE THEY BOTH NOT REPLACED? *TR

Mileage: 151,000

I HAVE A 1997 GRAND PRIX GT N/A 3800 ENGINE WITH ENGINE OIL LEAKING FROM THE FRONT ROCKER PANEL GASKET HOWEVER THE RECALL ONLY COVERS THE S/C'D VERSION OF THIS VEHICLE THERE IS ENGINE OIL SITTING ON THE TOP OF THE MOTOR, ALSO THERE IS OIL BUILT UP ALL THE WAY DOWN THE ONE SIDE OF THE ENGINE COMING FROM THIS LOCATION I AM CONCERNED THAT THERE WILL BE AN ENGINE FIRE WITH THIS LEAKING OIL. *TR

Mileage: 129,000

I HAVE A 1997 GRAND PRIX GT N/A 3800 ENGINE WITH ENGINE OIL LEAKING FROM THE FRONT ROCKER PANEL GASKET HOWEVER THE RECALL ONLY COVERS THE S/C'D VERSION OF THIS VEHICLE THERE IS ENGINE OIL SITTING ON THE TOP OF THE MOTOR, ALSO THERE IS OIL BUILT UP ALL THE WAY DOWN THE ONE SIDE OF THE ENGINE COMING FROM THIS LOCATION I AM CONCERNED THAT THERE WILL BE AN ENGINE FIRE WITH THIS LEAKING OIL. *TR

Mileage: 129,000

I HAD PARKED MY CAR OUTSIDE MY PARENTS' HOME AND I WAS INSIDE WHEN IT CAUGHT FIRE. SOMEONE CAME AND TOLD ME THAT MY CAR WAS ON FIRE. IT WAS COMPLETELY BURNED UP BEFORE THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED. MY 1997 GRAND PRIX WAS A TOTAL LOSS. I HAD NOT HAD ANY TROUBLE WITH IT, I HAD IT SERVICED REGULARLY. IT JUST CAUGHT FIRE SPONTANEOUSLY. I HAVE PREVIOUSLY REPORTED THIS INCIDENT TO YOU AND I HAVE JUST READ ON MSNBC THAT GM IS NOW IN THE PROCESS OF A RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE. *TR

Mileage: 150,000

I DROVE MY CAR TO WORK AND PARKED IT IN A PRIVATE LOT. I WENT INTO WORK AND ATTENDED TO MY JOB FOR ABOUT 30 MINUTES. AFTER 30 MINUTES, A FRIEND INFORMED ME THAT MY CAR HAD CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE PARKING LOT. I WENT OUTSIDE TO SEE FOR MYSELF, AND I FOUND THAT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD ALREADY ARRIVED AND WERE EXTINGUISHING THE FIRE. THERE WAS NO WARNING OR SIGNS OF A FIRE BEFORE I LEFT MY CAR TO GO INTO WORK, AND I STILL DO NOT KNOW HOW IT STARTED. AS A CONSEQUENCE OF THIS ENGINE FIRE, THE CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS. THE FIRE WAS CONTAINED TO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, BUT IT TOTALLY DESTROYED THE ENGINE ITSELF. I REPORTED THE INCIDENT TO MY INSURANCE COMPANY AND THE CLAIM IS STILL BEING PROCESSED. *TR

Mileage: 211,100

MY 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX GT 3.8LITER NOT SUPERCHARGED CAUGHT FIRE AND WHEN WE TRIED TO GET PARTS THE JUNK YARD HAD 2 THEY ALSO HAD CAUGHT FIRE GM DID A RECALL ON SUPER CHARGED NOT REGULAR 3.8 LITERS CARS! *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE COOLANT SYSTEM FAILED AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUOUSLY STALLED DUE TO OVERHEATING. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE MANIFOLD GASKET AND SENSORS ON THE RADIATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V118000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). SHE HAS EXPERIENCED OIL LEAKAGE UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE AS A RESULT OF THE FAILED GASKET. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT HER MODEL GASKET WAS TOO OLD AND THERE WAS A NEWER ROCKET COVER GASKET NEEDED TO REMEDY THE FAILURE. THE MECHANIC AT MIDAS STATED THAT DROPS OF ENGINE OIL WERE BEING DEPOSITED ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD, WHICH COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE A FIRE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 170,000.

Mileage: 170,000

IT WAS AROUND 7:30 PM IN NOVEMBER OF 2001 WHEN I WAS DRIVING MY SON TO HIS FRIENDS HOME DOWN THE STREET FROM WHERE I LIVE. WE WERE DRIVING AT ABOUT 25 MILES PER HR AND WERE NEARING THE FRIENDS HOME WHEN SMOKE APPEARED TO BE COMING FROM UNDER THE ENGINE HOOD. I IMMEDIATELY TURNED INTO THE FRIENDS DRIVEWAY AND MY SON OPENED THE HOOD TO TAKE A LOOK AND FLAMES CAME OUT, MY ENGINE WAS ON FIRE. HE DOUSED IT WITH DIRT FROM THE GROUND. THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE ELECTRICAL PARTS, UNDERHOOD, AND ENGINE AREA. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP AND REPAIRED TO THE BEST OF THEIR ABILITY, BUT ISSUES CONTINUE TO ARISE TO THE POINT WHERE THE CAR IS NOW PARKED AS MORE REPAIRS ARE NEEDED. I WAS TOLD TO EXPECT OTHER PROBLEMS TO SURFACE BY THE SERVICE MANAGER AT THE DEALERSHIP. *TR

Mileage: 58,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT ARRIVED HOME AND SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE. FOUR MINUTES LATER, HE ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED SMOKE UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. MORE SMOKE BEGAN TO APPEAR SHORTLY AFTER AND THEN FLAMES IGNITED UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THE CONTACT GRABBED THE WATER HOSE LOCATED IN FRONT OF HIS VEHICLE AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD REPLACE THE ROCKER COVER GASKET AS STATED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V118000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 236,000.

Mileage: 236,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE GASKET AND SPARK PLUGS. HE CALLED THE DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. WHILE AT THE DEALER, THEY CLAIMED THAT THE REPAIR HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. THE FOLLOWING DAY, THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A REGULAR MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE DEALER HAD NOT MADE ANY REPAIRS. THE CONTACT IS UPSET THAT THE WORK HAS NOT BEEN PERFORMED ON HIS VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WILL NOT RETURN HIS CALLS OR HELP HIM RESOLVE THE ISSUE. THE RECALL NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 175,000.

Mileage: 175,000

I PARKED MY 1997 PONTIAC AT WAL-MART ONE DAY AFTER WORK. WHEN I CAME OUT OF THE STORE 30 MINUTES LATER, IT WAS ON FIRE, SURROUNDED BY 2 FIRETRUCKS. IT WAS BURNED BEYOND REPAIR. THERE WERE NO WARNING SIGNS. *TR

Mileage: 125,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD AFTER BEING PARKED FOR TEN MINUTES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V118000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) WAS REFERENCED. BOTH A POLICE AND FIRE REPORT WERE FILED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 97,000.

Mileage: 97,000

MY VEHICLE IS AFFECTED BY THE RECALL INVOLVING POTENTIAL UNDERHOOD FIRES. IT IS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX GTP. I RECEIVED THE "CUSTOMER ADVISORY LETTER" 3-4 WEEKS AGO STATING THE CAR WOULD BE SUBJECT TO A RECALL WHEN PARTS WERE AVAILABLE. I CALLED THE GM SUPPORT LINE AT 800-762-2737 TO FIND OUT WHEN THE ACTUAL RECALL WOULD COMMENCE, AS I HAVE INDEED SEEN PUFFS OF OIL SMOKE FROM UNDER THE HOOD APPEAR UNDER HEAVY BRAKING. I TOLD THIS TO THE GM REP. THE REP STATED, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THAT THEY DID NOT KNOW WHEN PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIR OR WHEN THE ACTUAL RECALL LETTER WOULD GO OUT. SHE SUGGESTED I HAVE THE REPAIR DONE AND "PAY FOR IT YOURSELF", SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT "IF THERE IS A RECALL". I STATED REPEATEDLY WHY WOULD I PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR A SAFETY RECALL. THEY THEN CALLED BACK THE NEXT DAY AND STATED I COULD BRING THE CAR TO A DEALER AND "IF IT INDEED HAD THE CONDITION, THEY WOULD FIX IT", BUT IF IT DID NOT, "YOU'LL HAVE TO PAY A DIAGNOSTIC FEE". I AGAIN STATED I WOULD NOT PAY ANYTHING OUT OF POCKET FOR A MANDATORY SAFETY RECALL. GM'S SUPPORT PEOPLE SEEM TO HAVE A VERY UNCONCERNED, DISMISSIVE ATTITUDE TOWARD MY CONCERNS AND FOR THIS RECALL. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND SOMEONE FROM YOUR AGENCY GET THEM MOTIVATED. *TR

THIS ENGINE FAILURE TOOK ME BY SURPRISE. I CAN'T SAY THERE WAS A SINGLE EVENT THAT GAVE A GLIMPSE OF WHAT WAS IN STORE FOR ME. LUCKILY, FOR ME, THANK GOD, THAT I HAD JUST PARKED THE VEHICLE AT MY JOB SITE AND GONE INTO MY WORK BUILDING;ALSO, MY CO-WORKERS THAT PARKED THEIR VEHICLES NEXT TO MINE HAD MADE IT SAFELY TO THEIR JOBS. WITHIN ONLY APPROXIMATELY 11 MINUTES THE "TIME BOMB" BURST INTO FLAMES. *TR

Mileage: 167,523

I RECEIVED A LETTER TODAY INFORMING ME OF A GM RECALL FOR MY 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX 3.8L V6 W/SUPERCHARGER CONCERNING ENGINE FIRES BECAUSE OF A LEAKY GASKET. I HAD A SIMILAR OIL LEAK ONTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD WHICH CAUSED MUCH SMOKE AND SMELL. I HAD TO REPLACE BOTH ROCKER ARM GASKETS TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. MY CONCERN IS THAT GM IS RECALLING MY CAR TO FIX THE FRONT GASKET LEAK AND NOT THE REAR GASKET LEAK. I CAN ASSURE YOU THAT MY REAR GASKET LEAK WAS MUCH WORSE THAN THE FRONT LEAK AND WAS DRIPPING DIRECTLY ONTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. I HAD NO IDEA THIS COULD EVER CATCH FIRE. I SAW DOCUMENTED PICTURES OF ANOTHER BURNED GRAND PRIX ON THE INTERNET TODAY AS I RESEARCHED THIS ISSUE TODAY. I WAS UTTERLY SHOCKED. AND WHEN I HEARD GM IS ONLY GOING TO FIX THE FRONT GASKET, I KNEW I HAD TO OPEN UP A COMPLAINT. I COULD HAVE EASILY BEEN THE NEXT VICTIM OF GM'S INACTION. MY PROBLEM WAS FIXED ON 4/24/07 BUT PRIOR I DROVE THE CAR AND WOULD PUT UP WITH THIS SMELL UNTIL I SAW THE SMOKE ARISING WHILE I WAS AT A DRIVE-THRU RESTAURANT. GM ALSO IMPLIES IT WAS RELATED TO HEAVY BRAKING. WELL THAT MAY BE TRUE INITIALLY, BUT ONCE IT STARTED LEAKING IT NEVER STOPPED. YOU MUST FORCE THEM TO FIX BOTH GASKETS BEFORE SOMEONE DIES IN A FIRE BECAUSE OF THEIR DESIGN FLAW. I PAID $44.47 FOR BOTH GASKETS AND THAT WASN'T WITH GM'S VOLUME PURCHASING DISCOUNT. SO THE DIFFERENCE IS $20 DOLLARS. I CANNOT BELIEVE GM IS ONLY FIXING HALF OF THE PROBLEM, BUT YOU NEED TO GET INVOLVED AND FORCE THEM. ANY OF YOUR ENGINEERS SHOULD BE ABLE TO ARGUE THIS POINT WITH THEM. IF YOU NEED ME TO GET ON A CONFERENCE CALL WITH THE ENGINEERS AND PRODUCT MANAGERS, I WOULD BE HAPPY TO. THIS WAS THE URL WITH THE BURNED GRAND PRIX: HTTP://WWW.GMINSIDENEWS.COM/FORUMS/F33/UPCOMING-RECALL-07035-97-03-GP-REGAL-3800-S-C-VIN-1-A-61961/INDEX3.HTML THE FIRE WAS HORRIBLE! *TR

Mileage: 95,000

ENGINE FIRE. *TR

Mileage: 162,000

I WENT TO WORK FEBRUARY 21, 2008. WITHIN 10 MINUTES THEY WAS ANNOUNCING MY LICENSE PLATE OVER THE INTERCOM. THE SECURITY OFFICE MET ME ON MY WAY DOWN AND SAID MY CAR HAD CAUGHT ON FIRE AND THAT THEY TRIED TO PUT IT OUT WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER UNTIL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME BUT IT WAS A BAD FIRE AND IT WAS NOTHING EITHER ONE OF THEM COULD DO. MY CAR HAD TO BE JUNKED. EVERYTHING UNDERNEATH THE HOOD BURNED BEYOND RECOGNITION. *TR

Mileage: 14,200

MY 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX GTP OVER HEATED LAST MONTH AND IT HAD AN ENGINE FIRE. PREVIOUSLY, THERE WERE SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHEN IT HAD AN ODD OILY/ELECTRICAL SMELL BUT NOTHING APPEARED TO BE WRONG. I WAS STUCK IN SOME SNOW AND WHILE I WAS GETTING IT OUT IT APPARENTLY OVERHEATED. I MADE IT OUT ON TO THE MAIN ROAD AND LESS THAN THIRTY YARDS LATER, IT CAUGHT FIRE. IT TOOK A WHILE FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO GET THERE, AND AFTER THE FIRE WAS PUT OUT THERE WAS NOTHING LEFT SALVAGEABLE OF MY CAR. THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS DEMOLISHED AND THE INTERIOR HAD STANDING WATER FROM BEING EXTINGUISHED. BASICALLY, THERE WAS NOTHING I COULD DO AT THAT POINT, I HAD NO CAR AND THE INSURANCE DID NOT COVER WHAT HAD HAPPENED. *TR

Mileage: 153,000

MY 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX GTP HAD AN ENGINE FIRE AS I WAS PULLING INTO PARKING AREA AT WORK. AS I SWIPED MY CAR, I NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I DID NOT PULL INTO THE PARKING GARAGE AS I USUALLY DO SO THAT I COULD CHECK TO SEE WHAT WAS THE PROBLEM. I POPPED THE HOOD AND THE BACK OF THE ENGINE NEAR THE FIREWALL WAS ON FIRE. I BACKED AWAY AND CALLED 911. POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONDED WITHIN MINUTES, BUT BY THAT TIME, CAR FROM THE DASHBOARD FORWARD WAS ENGULFED. FIRE WAS PUT OUT WITH FOAM MATERIAL AND CAR WAS TOWED. I DID NOT HAVE FIRE OR THEFT ON THE VEHICLE. I PROMPTLY CALLED THE INSURANCE COMPANY TO INFORM THEM OF INCIDENT AND DROPPED THE CAR FROM THE INSURANCE. I SIGNED THE TITLE OVER TO MY MECHANIC. I PURCHASED THE CAR IN FEB OF 2,000 WITH ABOUT 30,000 MILES. IT WAS A GOOD CAR UNTIL THE FIRE. IT HAD THE 3.8 LITER SUPERCHARGED ENGINE. NO OTHER PROBLEMS PRIOR TO EVENT. AT THAT TIME, THE CAR HAD ABOUT 140,000 MILES ON IT. ONLY MAJOR WORK DONE WAS TRANS WAS REPLACED IN MAR OF 2005 WITH 108,000. IF YOU NEED COPY OF POLICE REPORT, PLEASE ADVISE. *TR

Mileage: 140,000

THE CAR, A '97 GRAND PRIX WITH A V-6 ENGINE, HAD JUST BEEN PARKED IN THE DRIVE WAY AND SOMEONE CAME IN ABOUT FIVE MINUTES LATER AND SAID "YOUR CAR IS ON FIRE" THE PERSON WAS ALREADY ON THE PHONE WITH 911. WHEN THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED 10 MINUTES LATER, THE CAR ALONG WITH ALL OF MY CDS AND OTHER ITEMS WERE A TOTAL LOSS AND I ONLY HAD LIABILITY INSURANCE SO IT WAS A TOTAL LOSS. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TOOK MY BLOOD PRESSURE AND IT WAS 210 OVER 130 AND TRIED TO GET ME TO GO TO THE HOSPITAL. THE CAR IS STILL IN THE DRIVE WAY COVERED WITH A TARP AND THE GARAGE STILL HAS THE SIDING HANGING DOWN WHERE IT MELTED FROM THE HEAT. THERE WAS NO POLICE REPORT EVEN THOUGH A DEPUTY SHERIFF WAS PASSING BY AND STOPPED AS THE WINDOWS AND TIRES EXPLODED. *TR

Mileage: 180,000

MY SON WAS DRIVING MY 1997 GRAND PRIX WHEN IT STARTED TO KNOCK AND KILLED ON THE WAY INTO THE WALMART PARKING LOT. SHORTLY AFTER COMING TO A STOP HE NOTICED SMOKE AND THAT THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND AFTER BREAKING INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, PUT THE FIRE OUT. AMOUNT OF DAMAGES UNKNOWN. *TR

Mileage: 229,253

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE AND IT CAUGHT FIRE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 143,000.

Mileage: 143,000

ON THE DAY INDICATED MY 2YR OLD AND I WERE TRAVELING ON THE FREEWAY WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY CAUGHT FIRE. AFTER THE FIRE DEPARTMENT PUT OUT THE FIRE IT WAS DETERMINED THE FIRE STARTED WITH IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE CAR HAD NO PROBLEMS AND I MAINTAINED ALL NEEDED SERVICE TO THE VEHICLE. *TR

Mileage: 127,652

BROUGHT CAR TO DEALER FOR REGULAR OIL CHANGE AND WAS TOLD THE OIL WAS FULL OF COOLANT. WAS TOLD BY MECHANIC THAT THIS WAS A COMMON" PROBLEM ,AND HE HAD CHANGED SEVERAL UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKETS ON PONTIAC GRAND PRIX 3.8 V6 ENGINES SEVERE CASES, INCLUDED CHANGING UPPER AS WELL AS LOWER GASKETS ,AND HEAD GASKETS DUE TO COOLANT LEAKS. ON A FEW OF THE CARS THE DAMAGE WAS BEYOND REPAIR, AND NEEDED NEW ENGINES DUE TO SEVERE COOLANT LEAKS. THE UPPER INTAKE PLENUM HAD MELTED, RESULTING IN A COOLANT LEAK, COOLANT IN THE OIL, AND VICE VERSA. HAD TO HAVE ANOTHER OIL CHANGE A WEEK LATER TO GET THE REST OF THE GUNK OUT, AND WILL HAVE TO BRING IT IN AGAIN NEXT WEEK TO CHECK FOR ANYMORE TRACES OF COOLANT IN THE OIL. IF FOUND WILL HAVE TO POSSIBLY CHANGE THE LOWER INTAKE GASKET, AND POSSIBLY HEAD GASKETS. IF DAMAGE WAS REALLY BAD, NEW ENGINE. IF THIS IS SUCH A "COMMON" PROBLEM GM PUTTING A PLASTIC PART WOULD BE INSTALLED. WHY WAS THERE NO RECALL ON IT? I HAVE CHECKED MESSAGE BOARD AFTER MESSAGE BOARD AND THIS PROBLEM WAS WIDE SPREAD.. LOTS OF COMPLAINTS, BUT THE CONSUMER WAS STUCK FITTING THE BILL FOR THEIR DEFECTIVE PART. *AK

Mileage: 92,000

WHILE DRIVING MY CAR, THE LIGHT ON DASH BEGAN TO FLASH AS I SLOWED TO READ IT, THE CAR SHUT OFF. I WAS JUST GOING TO TRY TO RESTART IT WHEN I NOTICED SMOKE COMING OUT FROM UNDER HOOD. I GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND WAS GOING TO GO GET MY HUSBAND WHO WAS A LITTLE OVER A HALF MILE AWAY. I REACHED INSIDE THE DRIVERS DOOR TO PUT ON THE FLASHERS AS I DID THIS I HEARD A SIZZLING NOISE AND THE FLASHERS DID NOT ENGAGE. I STARTED RUNNING TO GET HELP AND WHEN I LOOKED BACK I SAW EMBERS DROP FROM THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE BY THE PLUG WIRES. I GOT TO A PHONE AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED JUST AS VISIBLE FLAMES COULD BE SEEN FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. *JB UPDATED 3/20/08

Mileage: 99,000

TL* - THE CONTACT STATED VEHICLE EXPLODED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE ENGINE. IT WAS A COLD MORNING ,AND ON THE THIRD ATTEMPT THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT EXPLODED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE HAD NO PROBLEMS PRIOR TO STARTING THE VEHICLE. *AK

I OWN A PONTIAC GRAND PRIX 97, 3.8. I HAVE COME TO HAVE A PROBLEM WITH MY CAR OVERHEATING DUE TO MY MANIFOLD INTAKE GASKETS. I RECENTLY WENT TO THE SHOP TO HAVE THEM FIXED AND THE SHOP OWNER TOLD ME THIS IS THE DEFECT FROM THE DEALER WHICH IS COSTING ME A LOT OF MONEY TO BE FIXED. THE OWNER SAYS HE GETS A LOT OF THE PONTIAC GM CARS THAT ALSO HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. I WOULD LIKE IF SOMEONE CAN LOOK INTO THIS. I ALSO WAS ON YOUR WEBSITE AND NOTICED THAT YOU HAD THIS ALSO ON YOUR DEFECT INVESTIGATIONS. I WOULD VERY MUCH APPRECIATE IF YOU CAN LOOK INTO THIS FOR ME AND THE OTHER OWNERS OF THESE CARS. *JB

ANOTHER MOTORIST WAVED ME TO PULL OVER; THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE. *JB

Mileage: 103,000

DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT 55 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED. HE MANAGED TO PULL OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, AND TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF, THEN BACK ON AND PROCEEDED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE HOME. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP. THEY FOUND THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS LEAKING. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. *AK

Mileage: 60,000

ENGINE COOLANT LEAKING FROM INTAKE MANIFOLD. REPAIR SHOP SAYS" IF ITS ANY CONSOLATION IT IS A DESIGN DEFECT BY THE MANUFACTURUR" WELL ITS NOT ANY CONSOLATION ,IT COST ME $600 TO FIX A DESIGN FLAW?

Mileage: 98,000

THE EBCM (ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL MODULE) HAS GONE OUT. THIS EFFECT THE POWER STEERING AND THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES. THE PROBLEM IS THAT A NEW COST $700.00. OUR GTP DOESN'T HAVE TRACTION CONTROL AND WE ARE UNABLE TO FIND A USED OR REMAN. EBCM W/O TRACTION CONTROL. THE NOSE CONE ON THE SUPERCHARGER IS ALSO BAD. IT HAS A RATTLE IN IT THAT WON'T GO AWAY. IT WAS THAT WAY WHEN WE BOUGHT THE CAR WITH 68,000 MILES ON IT, NOW HAS 102,000.

Mileage: 98,000

I HAVE A 1997 GRAND PRIX WITH A 3.8 LITER V6 THAT HAS A LEAKING INTAKE MANIFOLD WHICH I HAVE BEEN TOLD IS A COMMON PROBLEM. THE CAR LEAKS ABOUT A QUART OF COOLANT A MONTH AND I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT IT IS GOING TO GET WORSE QUICKLY IF I DON'T HAVE IT REPAIRED. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT LOSS OF COOLANT COULD LEAD TO COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE. DOING SOME RESEARCH, I SEE THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ON THIS ISSUE. IT IS A VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR THAT IS REQUIRED DUE TO A DESIGN FLAW RATHER THAN WHAT I WOULD CONSIDER WEAR.

Mileage: 71,950

THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, BECAUSE THE VEHICLE ENGINE COULD OVERHEAT DUE TO LOSS OF COOLANT OR LEAVE YOUR FAMILY STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF NO WHERE. GENERAL MOTORS PONTIAC DIVISION BULLETIN 01-06-01-007A ISSUED 07/18/2001, PROVIDES LIMITED INFORMATION ON THE PROBLEM. ON MANY OF THE GM CARS FROM 1995 THROUGH 1998, THAT USE THE 3.8L ENGINE THERE IS A DESIGN FLAW. THE EGR PASSAGE MELTS THE UPPER INTAKE PLENUM, SO THE COMPOSITE MATERIAL DEGRADES AROUND THE EGR STOVEPIPE AND COULD (AND DOES IN MANY CASES) RESULT IN THE INTERNAL OR EXTERNAL LOSS OF COOLANT. MY CAR IS A 1997 GRAND PRIX. THEY CHARGED ME $1283.47 TO REPAIR THE DAMAGE CAUSED BY THEIR DESIGN FLAW, INSTEAD OF RECALLING THE VEHICLE. THERE ARE PROBABLY THOUSANDS OF CARS LIKE THIS. IF THE COOLANT LEAKS INTO THE UPPER PLENUM, IT COULD RESULT IN "HYDRO-LOCK" OF THE CYLINDERS. THAT COULD ALSO BE A SAFETY PROBLEM. THE CARS HAVING THIS DESIGN SHOULD BE RECALLED AND THOSE PEOPLE THAT HAVE HAD THEIRS REPAIRED ALREADY SHOULD BE REIMBURSED. THE PROBLEM WAS CAUSED BY BAD ENGINEERING AND MATERIALS USED BY PONTIAC. *NM

Mileage: 34,573

WHEN THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO START THE ENGINE, IT EXPLODED. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VEHICLE IS CONSIDERED A TOTAL LOSS. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB...*AK

Mileage: 78,000

WHILE DRIVING, THE CONSUMER SMELLED SMOKE COMING FROM THE VENTS. THE CONSUMER PULLED OVER, LIFTED UP THE HOOD AND DISCOVERED THE ENGINE WAS ON FIRE. THE CONSUMER EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE DRIVER THAT THE CAUSE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB

AFTER SIGNIFICANT HOURS OF READING AND TALKING WITH PEOPLE, I FOUND THAT MY PROBLEM AFFECTS THOUSANDS OF GM CUSTOMERS WITH SIMILAR ENGINES. THIS IS A WELL DOCUMENTED (ON THE INTERENET) COMPLAINT ABOUT THE PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD FAILURE WHICH CAUSES A SIZABLE LEAK OF COOLANT WHICH CAN UTIMATELY CAUSE CATOSTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE AS WELL AS WATER PUMP FAILURE DUE TO LACK OF COOLANT LUBRICATION. ALTHOUGH NOT LISTED AS A SAFETY ISSUE, THE FAILURE OF AN ENGINE IN TRAFFIC COULD, AND MAYBE HAS, A DRIVER TO INADVERTENTLY HAVE AN ACCIDENT, EVEN FATAL ONE, DUE TO THE ENGINE FAILURE AND LACK OF STEERING W/O USE OF POWER STEERING PUMP. JUST ANOTHER AVENUE TO LOOK INTO WHEN GM SAYS THIS IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE. HOWEVER, THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE APPEAR TO HAVE THIS SAME ISSUE AND HAVE SPENT LARGE AMOUNT OF MONIES REPAIRING AND LOTS OF FRUSTRATION ATTEMPTING TO GET GM TO RESOLVE THIS FLAW THAT HAS EXISTED, TO THEIR KNOWLEDGE, FOR MANY YEARS. THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW IN GM'S ENGINEERING THAT GM SAYS "TOO BAD". IT IS INTERESTING TO NOTE THAT WHEN PEOPLE HAVE TAKEN THEM TO COURT, GM TENDS TO PONY AND PAY FOR REPAIRS.

MOST RECENT COMPLAINT IS, HEATED DRIVER SEAT GETS TOO HOT AND MAKES IT HARD TO STAY SEATED. HEATER BLOWER QUIT WORKING. HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE ALTERNATOR EVERY 3RD YEAR (3 TIMES). HAVE HAD OIL PAN GASKET AND VALVE COVER LEAKAGE. POWER STEERING FAILED TO MAKE LEFT HAND TURNS. HEADLIGHTS CONTINUE TO HAVE POOR RANGE AND VISIBILITY EVEN WITH BULB REPLACEMENT. CAR LURCHES FORWARD WHEN STARTING UP ENGINE. OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE DISPLAY KEEPS WRONG TEMPERATURE. A.M. RADIO WOULD NOT WORK. WATER PUMP HAD TO BE REPLACED. ABS LIGHT STAYED ON. AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS IN ROAD. *LA

CURRENTLY, THE CLEARCOAT IS PEELING OFF THE CAR. LAST SUMMER, THE WINDOW MOTORS DIED. REOCCURING, IS THE AIR CONDITIONER PROBLEM. -IT DOESN'T WORK.

NOTICED SEVERAL AREAS WHERE THE PAINT SEEMS TO BE PEALING ON THE CAR

Mileage: 58,700

I PUT A $1,000 ON A CAR THE TRANMISSON IS DEFECTED THEY CLAIM THE FIXED IT BUT DID NOT AND THE AIR DO NOT WORK/ TODAY THE CAR CUT OFF ON ME AND DID NOT START SO I LEFT IT BESIDE THE ROAD SO THE DEALERSHIP CAN PICK IT UP THIS IS A USED CAR

Mileage: 140,758

THIS IS THE WORST AUTOMOBILE I HAVE EVER OWNED. IT IS NICKEL AND DIMING ME TO DEATH. BOTH BACK WINDOWS ARE BEING HELD UP IN PLACE BY STICKS THAT I HAVE PROPED UNDER THEM. THE FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW I PAID $300 TO HAVE REPAIRED. THE STEERING LOCKED UP ON ME AND I HAD TO DISH OUT $500 TO GET THAT REPAIRED, GM RECALLED IT A COUPLE OF WEEKS AFTER THAT, THANK GOD I GOT SOME OF MY MONEY BACK FOR THAT REPAIR. THE PASSENGERS SIDE HEAD LIGHT LENS COVER FELL OFF $75 TO REPLACE THAT. I AM PRESENTLY WORKING ON THE BRAKE TRANSMISSION SHIFT INDICATOR WHICH I JUST CALLED THE DEALER FOR A PRICE ON THE PART AND AM TOLD IT WILL BE $224.07 FOR THE PART AND PROBABLY $115 FOR THE LABOR. THE ENGINE LEAKS OIL I HAD MY WIFE TAKE IT TO THE SHOP FOR THEM TO TAKE A LOOK AT AND THEY TOLD HER THAT NO LEAKS WERE EVIDENT. WELL THE OIL IN MY DRIVEWAY IS COMING FROM SOMEWHERE. I WILL NEVER OWN ANOTHER GM PRODUCT IN MY LIFE AGAIN. NOT EVEN IF IT IS GIVEN TO ME AND 10,000 TO USE TOWARD THE REPAIRS OF IT.

Mileage: 80,000

THE PAINT ON THE REAR WHEEL WELLS AS WELL AS THE PAIN ON THE RUNNING BOARDS ALL THE WAY BACK TO THE REAR QUARTER PANNELS IS RUSTING OUT. I FOUND YOUR WEBSITE AND THOUGHT THAT I MIGH BE COVERED, BUT APPARENTLY I AM NOT AND GM SAID THEY HAVE CHANGED THEIR PLANT TO OSHAWA, CANADA. THEY ALSO SAID THAT THEY HAVE CHANGED THEIR PAINT. WHEN I ASKED WHAT I SHOULD DO THEY SAID THAT IT IS PRETTY MUCH TOUGH LUCK. AND THAT IS ABOUT IT. ALSO THE COOLENT RETURN HOSE IN THE ENGINE GOES EVERY 2 YRS. AND AT CANADIAN TIRE IT COSTS. ABOUT 375$ TO REPLACE.

Mileage: 180,000

WHILE DRIVING INTAKE MANIFOLD LEAKED COOLANT FLUID. DEALERSHIPS MECHANIC HAD BEEN NOTIFIED, BUT THE MECHANIC DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM.*AK

Mileage: 145,000

INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET FAILED. AS A RESULT A COOLANT LEAK OCCURED AND AN ENGINE FAILURE WAS ALMOST A RESULT. THE HEATER FAILED IN 5-20 DEGREE WEATHER. MY MECHANIC INFORMED ME THAT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM THAT SHOULD BE CLASSIFIED AS A DESIGN FLAW.*AK

Mileage: 93,000

LOW COOLANT INDICATOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED. DEALER REPLACED THE LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET. *AK

Mileage: 80,000

WHILE VEHICLE WAS CHECKED FOR DASHBOARD LIGHTS MECHANIC FOUND THAT ENGINE HEAD CRACKED. VEHICLE WAS LEAKING OIL, AND OIL SENSOR LIGHT WAS ON ALL THE TIME. *AK

Mileage: 100,000

VERY LARGE AND QUICK SPREADING FIRE IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT WHILE DRIVING. CAR WAS TOTALED. *LA

Mileage: 101,000

VEHICLE STALLS INTERMITTENTLY WHEN SLOWING DOWN, AT A STOP OR AT 30-40 MPH. VEHICLE HAD BEEN EXAMINED BY DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES, UNABLE TO FIND THE CAUSE OF PROBLEM.*AK

EGR VALVE MADE OF CHEAP PLASTIC. HEADLIGHT LENS FALLING OFF CAR. FAULTY HYDRAULIC MODULATOR AND EXHAUST SYSTEM. *PH

Mileage: 50,431

PROBLEMS WITH POWER STEERING PUMP, ALTERNATOR, RACK AND PINION, POWER WINDOWS, AND HEAD GASKETS. *MR THE POWER STEERING PUMP HAD SUDDENLY GONE OUT IN TRAFFIC, THE VEHICLE STOPPED ABRUPTLY IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC(THE ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED), THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WERE INOPERATIVE UPON START DUE TO THE FAILURE OF THE WIPER LINKAGE UNDER THE COWL, THE STEERING SKIPPED AS THE CONSUMER MADE RIGHT HAND TURNS(THE RACK AND PINION WAS REPLACED ALONG WITH THE POWER STEERING PUMP), THE HEADLIGHT LENS HAD FALLEN OFF, THE CERAMIC HEADGASKET HAD TO BE REPLACED, THE WAS A HESITATION AND ALTERNATOR HAD TO BE REPLACED FOR A SECOND TIME, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT HAD COME ON DUE TO A SHORT IN THE WIRING HARNESS, THE TRANSMISSION GRABBED ALONG WITH HESITATION(A TUNE UP WAS PERFORMED AND WORK WAS DONE TO THE TRANSMISSION), THE VEHICLE COULDN'T BE TAKEN OUT OF THE PARK POSITION(THE SHIFTER WAS REPLACED), THE POWER WINDOW(S) FAILED, THE TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT HAD ILLUMINATED, AND THE WINDSHIELD WIPER PUMP LEAKED AND WOULD NOT HOLD FLUID. *SCC *CB

Mileage: 23,000

CONSUMER NOTICED WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE OVERHEATED. TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THE INTAKE PLASTIC MANIFOLD BEING CRACKED. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK

THE ENGINE EXPLODED WHEN THE DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE. THE TOP OF THE ENGINE AND THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WERE REPLACED. *NLM

THE CONSUMER HAD THE POWER STEERING RACK REPLACED PRIOR TO RECEIVING A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE RACK AND PINION STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY. THE CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGEMENT INFORMED THE CONSUMER HIS VEHICLE DIDN'T QUALIFY AND DID NOT HAVE SYMPTOMS OF THE RECALL. THE CONSUMER WAS REFUSED REIMBURSEMENT AND STILL WISHES TO RECEIVE. OTHER PROBLEMS ARE AS FOLLOWED: OIL PAN LEAKED-REPLACED GASKET ASSEMBLY, AND THE END SEALS OF THE RACK AND PINION LEAKED, WHICH WERE REPLACED. MR SCC *JB

I BOUGHT THIS CAR BRAND NEW. IN JANUARY OF 2003 THE CAR STARTED DYING WHILE DRIVING IT AT SLOW SPEEDS. THIS USUALLY HAPPENS WHEN I AM SLOWING DOWN FOR A STOP SIGN OR RED LIGHT. IT ALSO HAS TWICE STOPPED WHEN I AM GOING SLOW ON A LARGE LOOPING ENTRANCE RAMP TO THE INTERSTATE. EACH TIME THE CAR WILL START RIGHT UP AGAIN AND RUN FINE. THERE IS NO PRIOR WARNING THE CAR IS GOING TO DIE. I FIRST NOTICED IT DIED WHEN I WA NO LONGER ABLE TO STEER THE CAR, BECAUSE THE POWER STEERING IS GONE. IN FEBRUARY 2003 I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER I BOUGHT IT FROM TO HAVE THE PROBLEM CHECKED OUT. I WAS CHARGED $36.25 FOR A DIAGNOSTIC ON THE VEHICLE AND WAS TOLD THEY COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. I ASKED WHAT I SHOULD DO SINCE THE CAR KEEPS STALLING AND I BELIEVE IT IS VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. I WAS TOLD TO TRADE IT IN. *JB

Mileage: 54,000

I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE, 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX ON 5/5/01 WITH 50,768 MILES. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALER FOR A RECALL ON THE FRONT STEERING PINION. I HAD ASKED THEM TO REPLACE THE COOLANT SINCE THE MANUAL CALLED TO REPLACE AT 5 YEARS OR 150,000 MILES. I WAS INFORMED THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS LEAKING AND WAS TURNING MY ANTIFREEZE INTO MUD. I ASKED THE SERVICE MANAGER WHAT CAUSED THE MANIFOLD TO LEAK. HE TOLD ME THAT IT WAS WARPED AND WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE COST TO REPLACE IT WOULD BE $400.00. MY CAR HAS APPROXIMATELY 13,000 MILES ON IT SINCE I BOUGHT IT. IT IS MAINLY USED LOCALLY WITH THE LONGEST ROUND TRIP DRIVEN TO DATE AT APPROXIMATELY 100 MILES. I HAVE MY OIL CHANGED AT REGULAR INTERVALS WITH THE DEALER, AND MAINTAIN ALL OTHER FLUIDS, WIPERS ETC. I ASKED THE MANAGER HOW LONG IT WOULD TATLE TO REPLACE IT. HE SAID THAT THEY HAVE REPLACED 12 OF THESE JUST IN JANUARY OF 2003. I ASKED HIM HOW MANY HE REPLACED LAST YEAR, AND HE SAID MORE THAN HE COULD COUNT. HE SAID IT WOULD PROBABLY TAKE LONGER TO FIND ONE, GET IT ORDERED, THAN IT WILL TO REPLACE IT. HE SAID THIS PART IS A COMMON FAILURE ON THE 3.8 LITER ENGINE. IF YOU DON'T REPLACE IT, WATER BUILDS UP IN THE MANIFOLD, AND RUNS DOWN INTO THE ENGINE. THIS WILL TAKE THE BEARINGS OUT OF THE MOTOR. WHY WOULD THE MANUFACTURER CONTINUE TO MAKE THIS PIECE KNOWING THAT IT COULD CAUSE A MAJOR ENGINE FAILURE. I CAN ONLY GUESS TO REPLACE THE ENGINE IN MY CAR WOULD BE AT LEAST $5000.00 OR MORE. WHY HASN'T THIS PART BEEN RECALLED OR CORRECTED? IS THERE A POTENTIAL FOR ME TO HAVE AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE? PLEASE EMAIL ME WITH CONFIRMATION THAT YOU HAVE RECEIVED MY COMPLAINT. WHERE DO I GO FROM HERE?

Mileage: 63,800

I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE, 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX ON 5/5/01 WITH 50,768 MILES. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE LOCAL DEALER FOR A RECALL ON THE FRONT STEERING PINION. I HAD ASKED THEM TO REPLACE THE COOLANT SINCE THE MANUAL CALLED TO REPLACE AT 5 YEARS OR 150,000 MILE. I WAS INFORMED THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS LEAKING AND WAS TURNING MY ANTIFREEZE INTO MUD. I ASKED THE SERVICE MANAGER WHAT CAUSED THE MANIFOLD TO LEAK. HE TOLD ME THAT IT WAS WARPED AND WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE COST TO REPLACE IT WOULD BE $400.00. MY CAR HAS APPROXIMATELY 13,000 MILES ON IT SINCE I BOUGHT IT. IT IS MAINLY USED LOCALLY WITH THE LONGEST ROUND TRIP DRIVEN TO DATE AT APPROXIMATELY 100 MILES. I HAVE MY OIL CHANGED AT REGULAR INTERVALS WITH THE DEALER, AND MAINTAIN ALL OTHER FLUIDS, WIPERS ETC. I ASKED THE MANAGER HOW LONG IT WOULD TAKE TO REPLACE THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. HE SAID IT WOULD TAKE LONGER TO FIND ONE THAN REPLACE IT. HE SAID THAT THEY HAVE REPLACED A LOT OF THESE ON THIS ENGINE, AND THEY ARE IN SHORT SUPPLY. I HAVE CHECKED YOUR WEB SITE FOR ANY TYPE OF RECALL AND HAVE FOUND NONE. I DID FIND ONE COMPLAINT REPORT THAT A FIRE HAD OCCURED BECAUSE OF A CRACKED INTAKE MANIFOLD. DO I RUN THE RISK OF A FIRE WITH MY VEHICLE BEFORE THEY REPLACE THE MANIFOLD? ALSO, IF THIS PIECE IS SO PRONE TO FAILURE, WHAT IS CAUSING IT? COULD SOMEONE PLEASE RESPOND BACK TO ME WITH SOME ANSWERS?

Mileage: 63,800

ENGINE HAS SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS WHILE ON A STRAIGHTAWAY OR TURNS. VERY HAZARDOUS SITUATION AS ALL POWER ASSIST IS LOST. ENGINE WILL RESTART IMMEDIATELY BUT NEVER KNOW WHEN POWER LOSS WILL OCCUR. HAVE NOTICED MANY OTHER SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ON THIS WEB SITE. TS

Mileage: 81,232

THE VEHICLE HESITATE WHILE STARTING UP AND BACK FIRED. PLEASE FURNISH ADDITIONAL INFORMATION DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. MR

CONSUMER STATED THE WATER PUMP FAILED. *YH

RECALL 99V348000 REPAIRS ON WINDSHIELD WIPERS WERE DONE IN JULY OF 2000, VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN BACK TO DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES. WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED WORKING INTERMITTENTLY.*AK MAP LAMP ASSEMBLY, DOOR LIGHTS, REAR DOOR LENS, GASKET LAMP AND HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY WERE ALL REPLACED, ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED, DEALER ADJUSTED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. BOTH OUTER TIE RODS WERE REPLACED. WINDSHIELD COWL PANEL LEAKED AND WAS REPLACED. STEERING COLUMN WAS REPLACED. SERPENTINE BELT HAS BEEN REPLACED 3 TIMES, VALVE COVER GASKET HAS BEEN REPLACED 2 TIMES, VEHICLE HAS EXPERIENCED 3 OIL LEAKS, OIL PAN AND WATER PUMP WERE REPLACED, A BELT SNAPPED AND HAS NOT YET BEEN REPAIRED. ALTERNATOR HAS BEEN REPLACED 3 TIMES. THE SUPERCHARGER GASKET WAS REPLACED. THE AUTOMATIC SHIFT MECHANISM WAS REPLACED. THE RADIO SKIPS AND THE RADIO MODULE TO THE STEERING COLUMN BROKE. 2 FRONT WHEEL SPEED SENSOR JUMPER WIRING WAS REPLACED. *SLC

THE FAN TO RADIATOR DOES NOT WORK AND IT MIGHT CAUSE A FIRE IF THE CAR GETS TO HOT. *AK

WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN VEHICLE LOCKS UP AND THEN SHUTSDOWN. WAS CAUSED BY FILTER BEING CLOGGED. REPLACED PART, PROBLEM STILL OCCURRING.*AK

DEALER'S SEVICE MAN STATED THERE IS LEAKAGE FROM THE LOWER AND UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKETS AND RECOMMENDS REPLACING GASKET AND UPPER MANIFOLD. I DON'T BELIEVE A CAR WITH ONLY 33,000 MILES ON IT SHOULD HAVE A SERIOUS PROBLEM LIKE THIS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. NLM

SERPENTINE BELT HAD TO BE REPLACED AT DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION.*AK

ENGINE COMPLETELY SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING, STEERING COLUMN LOCKS, BRAKES BARELY FUNCTIONED. ALTERNATOR REPLACED TWICE. DIAGNOSED WITH SAME PROBLEM. ONCE IN JULY 2001, AGAIN IN AUGUST 2001. SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AGAIN. DRIVES OK NOW, BUT WORRIED IT WILL CONTINUE TO GIVE ME PROBLEMS. IN AND OUT OF SHOP 4 TIMES IN PAST YEAR FOR SAME PROBLEM. BACK IN SHOP TODAY FOR WHO KNOWS WHAT.

BELTS ON WATER PUMP BEGAN SQUEALING AROUND 40,000 MILES. AT 72,000 PUMP WAS LEAKING BADLY AND SEIZING. THE BELT WAS VERY LOUD. SERPENTINE BELT ALSO HAD TO BE REPLACED.

PE-01038; STEERING WHEEL BECOMES DIFFICULT TO STEER. POWER ASSIST FELLS LIKE IT'S MISSING. PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING WAS DIFFICULT ESPECIALLY IN LOW SPEED AND COLD MORNING. THE ENGINE MAKES A RATTLING NOISE. *YH

ENGINE SHUTS OFF UPON ACCELERATION FROM A STOP. LIGHTS AND RADIO STILL WORK. THIS HAS HAPPENED FOUR TIMES, VEHICLE HAS ALWAYS STARTED RIGHT BACK UP. THE TACHOMETER ALSO DROPS WHILE DRIVING VERY FREQUENTLY.*AK

MY 1997 GRAND PRIX WITH A 3.1 L ENGINE WAS CONSUMING COOLANT FOR A FEW MONTHS. ON DECEMBER 6 2001 I NOTICED COOLANT IN THE OIL.I BROUGHT MY VEHICLE TO MY MECHANIC AND HE THOUGHT THE HEAD GASKET HAD BLOWN.HE TOLD ME TO GO TO PONTIAC TO SEE IF THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE FOR THE HEAD GASKETS.WHEN I WENT TO MY LOCAL PONTIAC DEALER I WAS TOLD THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THE HEAD GASKETS.I WAS FURTHER INFORMED BY A REPRESENTIVE AT PONTIAC THAT IT WAS PROBABLY NOT THE HEAD GASKET LEAKING BUT RATHER THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET WHIUCH THEY SEE ABOUT 10 TIMES A WEEK IN THESE ENGINES.A OBVIOUS DEFECT WHICH GM IS DOING NOTHING ABOUT.MY MECHANIC CHECKED THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET AND INDEED IT WAS LEAKING INTERNALLY INTO THE ENGINE.THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR JUST OVER 600.00 DOLLARS. PONTIAC HAS DONE NOTHING TO TRY AND RECTIFY THIS SITUATION AS THE NEW GASKETS PURCHASED FROM PONIAC WERE THE SAME AS THE ORGINIALS.PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS AS IT APPEARS GM IS DOING NOTHING ABOUT A MAJOR DEFECT.THANK YOU.*AK

DIFFICULTY STARTING AND RESTARTING VEHICLE IN COLD WEATHER. VEHICLE WILL SOMETIMES CUT OFF 5-10 MINUTES AFTER IT WAS STARTED. VEHICLE HAS BEEN AT DEALER'S SHOP SEVERAL TIMES FOR REPAIRS. CONSUMER HAS BEEN TOLD THAT OIL PUMP COVER MAY CAUSE HIGH OIL PRESSURE AND ENGINE TO MISFIRE.*AK

WHILE TRAVELING AT ABOUT 35-40 MPH, CONSUMER RAN INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE HEAD-ON. UPON IMPACT, DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. CONTACTED DEALER AND THEY ARE NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING. *AK CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS AN INJURY IN THE ACCIDENT. TWO WEEKS AFTER PURCHASE, WATER PUMP FAILED. ALTERNATOR FAILED. WINDOWS QUIT GOING UP AND DOWN. *SLC

ENGINE WILL "SHUT-DOWN" FOR NO APPARENT REASON AT VARIOUS TIMES, WITHOUT WARNING; THIS OCCURS AS THOUGH THE KEY WAS MOVED TO THE "OFF" POSITION. MANUFACTURER'S DEALERS ARE UNABLE TO DETECT THE PROBLEM AND FIND NOTHING "WRONG" WITH THE VEHICLE. THE PROBLEM HAS OCCURED SEVERAL TIMES AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND POSES AN EXTREMELY UNSAFE RISK.*AK

ENGINE SHUTS OFF WITHOUT NOTICE AT ANY AND ALL SPEEDS. ABLE TO RESTART IMMEDIATELY. 3 TIMES AT DEALERSHIP CANNOT DUPLICATE EXPERIENCE PROBLE AT LEAST A DOZEN TIMES. *AK

ENGINE SHUTS OFF WITHOUT NOTICE AT ANY AND ALL SPEEDS. ABLE TO RESTART IMMEDIATELY. 3 TIMES AT DEALERSHIP CANNOT DUPLICATE EXPERIENCE PROBLE AT LEAST A DOZEN TIMES. *AK

WENT TO START ENGINE IN THE MORNING AND IT MADE A LARGE BANG (WHICH I THOUGHT WAS A BACKFIRE). I TRIED TO START AGAIN AND THE ENGINE BURST INTO FLAMES, WHICH ENDED UP TOTALLING CAR, AND CAUSED SMOKE DAMAGE THROUGHOUT MY HOUSE (THE GARAGE IS LOCATED UNDER THE HOUSE). *AK

CONSUMER'S STOPPED VEHICLE WAS HIT FROM BEHIND BY ANOTHER VEHICLE TRAVELING ABOUT 45 MPH, AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND CONSUMER GOT KNOCKED OUT FROM INHALING AN IRRITANT THAT IS IN THE AIR BAG, CONSUMER CONTINUES TO HAVE BREATHING PROBLEMS. *SLC

IN JULY OF 2000, I WAS AT RESTAURANT'S DRIVE-THRU WINDOW. WHEN I TURNED TO EXIT I HEARD A LOUD POP AND THE STEERING WENT OUT ON MY CAR. THE CAR WAS STILL DRIVEABLE, BUT THERE WAS NO STEERING. I STRUGGLED TO STEER IT TO A PARKING SPOT, WHICH I COULD NOT DO. LUCKILY, A CONSTRUCTION WORKER SAW ME AND OFFERED TO HELP. HE GOT IN THE CAR, AND WITH GREAT EFFORT, MANAGED TO STEER THE CAR TO A PARKING SPOT. HE OPENED THE HOOD AND WE SAW THAT THE SERPENTINE BELT HAD COME OFF. I HAD IT TOWED TO PONTIAC IN BURLINGTON, KY, WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR. *AK

I PURCHASED MY CAR IN FEB OF 2000. IT ONLY HAS APRROX 43000 MILES AND I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS TRIPS TO THE DEALER AND OTHER MECHANICS. IN JUNE OF 2000 I HAD TO TAKE THE CAR IN BECAUSE THE HEADLIGHT COVERS FELL OFF. I HAD NOTICED CONDENSATION WHEN I PURCHASED THE CAR AND WAS TOLD BY THE SALESMAN THAT THIS WAS NORMAL. LUCKILY I FOUND THE COVERS AND DID NOT HAVE TO REPLACE THEM. IN SEPT OF 2000 I HAD TO REPLACE THE ALTERNATOR WHEN IT FAILED WHILE I WAS GOING TO WORK. THEN IN DEC OF 2000 I TOOK MY CAR TO HAVE THE TIRES ROTATED AND THE MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THE ANTIFREEZE IN THE RADIATOR WAS JUST ABOUT COMPLETELY SOLIDIFIED. I HAD TO PAY FOR RADIATOR FLUSHES AND WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT IT WAS NORMAL "WEAR AND TEAR". THEY ALSO NOTICED THAT ONE OF THE MAIN ENGINE BELTS WAS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND I HAVE REPLACED IT. NOW IT IS MARCH OF 2001 AND MY CAR IS NOW AGAIN AT THE DEALERSHIP WITH ANTIFREEZE LEAKING FROM THE WATER PUMP AND AN AIRBAG LIGHT THAT WILL NOT GO OFF. I HAVE ALSO NOTICED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS THAT I WILL GET IN THE CAR AND THE WINDOWS WILL NOT GO DOWN. I KNOW THAT CARS NEED REPAIRS BUT I FEEL THAT I AM DEFINETLY HAVING LOTS OF PROBLEMS WHEN THE MILEAGE ON THE CAR IS NOT EXCESSIVE.THE OWNER OF THE DEALERSHIP TOLD MY HUSBAND THAT HE THOUGHT WE WOULD CONTINUE TO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR AND THAT IF HE WERE IN OUR SHOES, HE WOULD TRADE THE CAR.*AK

CORROSION IN COOLING SYSTEM THAT LED TO FAILURE IN SEVERAL COMPONENTS. I THINK THERE'S BEEN A PROBLEM WITH THE "DEXCOOL" COOLANT GELING UP AND CAUSING CORROSION BUT THE DEALER WOULDN'T ADMIT ANYTHING AND SAID A COOLANT FLUSH WASN'T EVEN NECESSARY WHEN THERE'S OBVIOUS CORROSION AND RUST FLOATING IN THE COOLANT.

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE. *AK

ENGINE REPLACED APPROX 12000 MILES, NOW ON 3RD ALTERNATOR, 4TH BATTERY. GAS GAUGE REPLACED, WIPERS REPLACED 3 TIMES BEFORE RECALL.

CAR WAS OFF AT THE TIME OF THE FIRE MY FRIENDS AND I HAD BEEN OUT OF THE CAR ONLY A FEW MINUTES. *AK

THE MUFFLER BROKE OFF RIGHT AT THE ENGINE

WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, TAKING AN EXIT AT 35 MPH, SERPENTINE BELT JUST FELL OFF, CAUSING A LOSS OF POWER STEERING. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK

WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED WHILE DRIVING IN A RAIN STORM (OUT OF HOME STATE) AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS, WHICH COST AROUND $280. BOTH SIDE DOOR POWER WINDOW HAVE PROBLEMS, AND DEALER SAID REGULATORS AND MOTORS NEED TO BE REPLACED FOR ABOUT $500 PER DOOR. AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND DEALER SAID THAT A HARNESS ON THE PASSENGER AIRBAG NEEDS TO BE REPLACED FOR ABOUT $250. ENGINE HAS BEEN BURNING COOLANT - DEALER SAYS HEAD GASKET NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AND POSSIBLY CYLINDER HEADS AT A MINIMUM COST OF $1900. MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT WIPERS, AIRBAG, AND POWER WINDOWS AND SAID THEY COULDN'T HELP WITH THE COST - STANDARD WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. THEY WERE NOT OBLIGATED TO FIX.

VEHICLE EXPERIENCING PROBLEM WITH ENGINE STALLING FROM A STOP POSTION AT HIGHWAY SPEED OF 50 MPH OR MORE OR WHILE MAKING TURN. VEHICLE BEEN IN DEALER SHOP AND CONDITION STILL REOCCURRING. *AK

ENGINE'S MAIN REAR SEAL LEAKED OIL. ALSO, OIL PAN WAS LEAKING. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER & THE MECHANIC REPAIRED THE PROBLEM. EACH TIME IT WOULD FAIL TO WORK. HAS HAPPENED 3 DIFFERENT TIMES AROUND 8 MONTHS LATER. EACH TIME THE MECHANIC INDICATED THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN CORRECTED. *AK

ENGINE'S MAIN REAR SEAL LEAKED OIL. ALSO, OIL PAN WAS LEAKING. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER & THE MECHANIC REPAIRED THE PROBLEM. EACH TIME IT WOULD FAIL TO WORK. HAS HAPPENED 3 DIFFERENT TIMES AROUND 8 MONTHS LATER. EACH TIME THE MECHANIC INDICATED THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN CORRECTED. *AK

ACCORDING TO DEALER - OIL FROM DIP STICK DRIPPED ON ENGINE AND IGNITED! PONTIAC AUTHORIZED AN INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION AND REPAIRS, BUT REFUSES TO RELEASE INFORMATION RELATED TO CAUSE, SAYS IT IS PROPIETARY. *AK

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR THIS VEHICLE. *AK

ENGINER DIED; WILL START, BUT CHOKES AND STALLS AFTER A FEW SECONDS. *AK

ENGINE HAS LOUD UNSETTLING INTERMITTANT KNOCKING NOISE; ENGINE LOOSES DRIVE WHICH HAS RESULTED IN LOSS OF CONTROL; DEALER REFUSES TO ADDRESS PROBLEMS AND DENYS THEIR EXISTANCE; GM HAS BEEN CONTACTED BUT REFUSES TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER ASSISTANCE

DRIVING AT APPROXMATELY 65 MPH ,WAS CHANGING LANES, EXPERIENCED LOSS OF ENGINE POWER/COMPLETE SHUT DOWN WHICH CAUSED LOSS BRAKES AND STEERING, ALMOST RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. DEALER REPLACED TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE. DEFECT IS STILL OCCURRING. DEALER CANNOT DETERMINE PROBLEM. *AK

WHILE THE KEY IS OUT OF THE IGNITION AND WAS ABOUT TO ADD OIL TO THE VEHICLE,AND A DROP FELL ONTO THE ENGINE AND CAUSED A FIRE. CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS. *AK

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION/CONTROL VALVE BODY ASSEMBLY FAILED.

ENGINE STALLS UPON TURNING.

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE FROM PARKING LOT ENGINE SHUT DOWN, CAUSING LOCKUP OF STEERING WHEEL AND BRKAES. *AK

DRIVE BELT FELL OFF.

WHILE DRIVING AWAY FROM A STOP SIGN THE BACK MOTOR MOUNTS FELL OUT WITHOUT WARNING. THIS CAUSED THE MOTOR TO DROP APPROXIMATELY 6 INCHES. THIS IN TURN PULLED THE STEERING COLUMN APART, RESULTING IN TOTAL LOSS OF STEERING.

THE ENGINE/POWER STEERING TURNED OFF SIMULTANEOUSLY WHILE DRIVING AT 65-70 MPH. *AK

VEHICLE DIES WHILE DRIVING IN LEFT LANE; ALSO , FAILS TO START IN THE MORNINGS. IN ADDITION, CRUISE CONTROL FAILED/ ERRATIC OPERATION OF WINDSHIELD WIPERS, MOSTLY IN COLD WEATHER/HORN FAILURE AND FRONT BRAKE ROTORS MALFUNCTIONED. *AK

ENGINE STALLS IN TRAFFIC WITHOUT WARNING, VARIOUS SPEEDS, CAUSE UNKNOWN, DEALER HAS NOT DUPLICATED PROBLEM, NEARLY CAUSED CRASH. *AK

ENGINE SHUT DOWN, CAUSING ACCIDENT.