The contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Venture. The contact began to smell gas both inside and outside the vehicle. Approximately one year after initially detecting gas the dealer inspected the vehicle. The dealer stated that the failure was the head gasket. The contact brought the vehicle to a local mechanic for repairs, but the scent of gas remained. The vehicle was inspected again approximately four months later. The dealer stated that the entire fuel system should be replaced. Once more, the contact brought the vehicle to a local mechanic for repair. The mechanic stated that the filler hose deteriorated due to poor design or a material defect. The current and failure mileage were 113,000. The consumer stated that the vehicle leaks from the manifold as well as the fuel tank system. Updated 07/30/07

- Cummings, GA, USA

: the contact stated the dealership noticed the intake gasket was leaking while an oil change was being performed. The intake gasket needed to be replaced.

- Dexter, MI, USA

I have just been notified by a local GM dealership that our 2003 Chevy Venture, with 40000 miles on a 3.4L V6 engine, needs the lower intake manifold gasket replaced. Upon further research, it appears this is a widespread problem with this particular engine, in fact GM issued a recall in Canada to have this problem rectified for no charge to their loyal owners. However, here in the us we are being asked to pay $1100 or more because of an intial design flaw. Not only am I disappointed to have this kind of trouble with my relatively new vehicle (we have owned it since it was brand new and taken excellent care of it), the quote of $1100 from the dealer to replace this gasket is, I think, ridiculous. GM has admitted their part in the problem by issuing the recall in Canada, and I feel they need to do the same here in the states.

- Baldwin, WI, USA