I had a P0300 code which is a random misfire code after replacing all the parts that I was told that give this code I still had the problem. After doing some in depth research I found that GM had purchased defective distributor drive gears that were not hardened properly causing them to wear out. The knock sensor would pick up this wear and the computer would retard the timing and cause crossfire or a spark jump that caused the distributor cap to prematurely burn out. GM new about this problem and never did a recall on this. I spent a lot of money on parts I didn't need if I would have known what the root cause of the problem was this. Information needs to get out to thousands of people that are chasing this P0300 code on GM vehicles. My vehicle is a 97 S10 4.3 vortec. When the computer kicks this code out the engine skips off idle and the vehicle shakes and stumbles. After replacing the distributor that had a new drive gear the vehicle runs like new again and no codes are set.

- Webster, NY, USA

While driving at any speed and without warning vehicle would suddenly lose power and stall. Dealer has been contacted.

- Nashpee, MA, USA

Original and 3 additional ignition coils, caps, and harnesses corroded in a 4 yr time span. Original and two replacement catalytic converters also needed to be replaced. Most recent catalytic converter was so badly melted, twisted & damaged the mechanic stated that I was "lucky" not to have the entire engine blown. Also, he never saw anything this badly damaged in his 25 yrs of servicing many makes of vehicles. This is a 4 yr old vehicle and it seems like a trend is established for replacing these same parts appx. Every 17-20,000 miles and 10 months apart - just long enough that GM will not honor the parts warranties. I do drive this vehicle long distances (300 miles one way each week to a worksite) but also maintain it to the manufacturers specs. I thought I bought a reliable vehicle, but the dependability is questioned when the vehicle loses momentum and stalls on highway driving, the service engine light continually pops on, & I'm paying large sums of money for towing & replacement parts to resolve a problem GM will not admit to having with this vehicle. GM has not acknowleged this problem or resolved it in any way. A customer service rep stated that this is "normal" maintenance to replace these parts, as well as the 100,000 mile warranty spark plugs (at 73,000) which were corroded due to the corroded ignition coils. Additional info available, as well as all invoices if necessary.

- Kulpmont, PA, USA

Approx 5min of driving at residential speeds engine would cut in and out as if running out of gas. The fuel gauge registered obout 1/3rd full. First trip to the dealer found two trouble codes: SP0440 & P0171. Was told to tighten gas cap and return if proble persists. With full tank of gas and at highway speeds engine cut out and back in causing quite a jolt. Problem continued especially when accelerating. Back to dealer (one week after 1st visit) to find out fuel pump needs replacing. Four months out of warranty, but low mileage, so I complained to dealer. "goodwill" replacement by mfg although out $220 for 2 trips into dealer for problem solving.

- Bremerton, WA, USA

Consumer was traveling 25mph battery light comes on & vehicle cuts off. At times when the A/C is, on it feels like it's draining the alternator. Dealer says the alternator is gone bad, no explanation.

- Lynn, MA, USA

Spark plug insulator cracked.

- Altavista, VA, USA