1999 PONTIAC Grand Am has a 3.4-V6 engine with 120,000 miles - intake manifold gasket leaking

# 10 for May 15, 2002

Complaints.com received the following consumer message on May 14, 2002:

From: E.D. [Email User]

RE: 1999 PONTIAC Grand Am has a 3.4-V6 engine with 120,000 miles - intake manifold gasket leaking

My 1999 PONTIAC Grand Am has a 3.4-V6 engine with 120,000 miles. The intake manifold gasket is leaking coolant into the engine and out on to the engine block. This is a very labor intensive repair at an estimated cost of $550.00. To me this is not a part that "wears out" but an Engineering flaw. The dealer said they have seen "a few" with this problem. Why is the customer paying to correct a GM design flaw in a $20,000+ automobile. Several different makes of GM vehicles use this engine and I wonder just how many others have had this repair done. The part cannot be purchased because it has been on back order forever. You can’t even buy it aftermarket. Why is it that Pontiac hasn’t recalled these cars? With so many people with the same problem and waiting for the part, what can be done about this problem ? Email User

Comment On This

YES!! I agree I too have the same car 1999 grand am gt 3.4 and twice Ive had a head gasket replaced!! I am really broke after all the new parts I have replaced on this car, master cylinder, pulleys, power steering pumps, calibers, and the list goes on... after all this I had this car breakdown on me on 95 in Philadelphia and it was not pretty! The car was overheating and I too had oil in my coolant, I relaced a water pump and thermostat, and that still was not the answer. Finally I took it to my mechanic and he told me with the 145k I have on the car I might as well buy a new engine or used with low miles, or the car would not be worth the repair (head gasket) so with this said, I contacted Pontiac, and to be told that all these 1999 have the same problems overheating and leaking. tell me what anyone thinks my personal email is MsLainey79 AT yahoo.com