This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
I have a 1998 Tahoe (purchase new from edmark Chevrolet in nampa, Idaho) with a 350 vortec with 42,000 miles. I have just been told that I am leaking engine coolant from the intake manifold near the rear firewall. A very reputable mechanic says this is very common for this engine and will cost around $400-$500 to fix. While I have owned the car for 6 years I am am upset that a $34,000 car with only 42,00 miles has a problem which is deemed to be "common". if it is common, and I suspect it is, why doesn't GM post a bulletin and offer to repair the problem. It certainly wasn't caused from abuse or neglect. This same car last year with around 36,000 miles on it had to have its alternator replaced at a cost of $350 and a leaking gas tank which cost me $450. These repairs seem rediculous to me considering the price of the vehicle, the low mileage, and the general overall care. It has never been in an accident. Frankly, I enjoy the vehicle tremendously and it fits my lifestyle perfectly. However, having said that I cannot afford to keep pouring major dollars into this vehicle. I have always been a Chevy guy and would like to remain one. I have been loyal and would appreciate Chevy being loyal to me by repairing my coolant leak and reimbursing me for the other previously mentioned expenses.
Water pump starte to leak after 2 years with a replacement from the dealership.gasket originally was corroded from the dexol coolant. This time the metal housing for the water pump developed a hole just below the shaft, large enough for a pencil to be inserted.
Coolant used in my 1998 Tahoe causes early corrosion of parts in the cooling system. Even following the recommended flushing, I am finding myself facing a rather large service bill to fix a leak caused by the type of coolant used. The dealer I purchased the car from (new) admitted that they do have this problem with early corrosion, yet Chevrolet is not covering any of the repair cost.
The brake failures are well known by all Tahoe owners. The failures for the windshield wiper control assembly, brake light assembly are all related to poor quality electrical components not intended for any reasonable service life. Junk by any quality standards. The service department at nelda stevenson Chevrolet acknolwdged these components have high failure rates, but they get paid to correct them. The coolantconnector is an extememly poor design. Despite threading into the intake, it is made of a poor quality material that breaks off at the entry to the manifold requiring removal of the manifold to remove the broken threads resulting in a $400 bill to replace a $12.95 part. Again pathetic design and choice of materials to save a couple of dollars in manufacturing. As a design engineer, I find these choices by GM designers deplorable and will buy used bmws from now on. A BMW with 200,000 miles has more service life left in it than a brand new GM product.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Boise, ID, USA