An integrated circuit within the voltage regulator can contain manufacturing errors. This can cause excessive electrical charging of the vehicle's alternator, resulting in engine control malfunction or eventual engine stall.

- Jacksonville, FL, USA

Im upset with vehicle and was forced to pay 400 dollars for an alternator caused by oil leak problem which was never fixed correctly in the first place. In December, 1998 while under warranty I had toth Buick replace the head gaskets. Within a few months it was leaking oil again so I took it back in for my usual oil change and told them. The mechanic told me that it probably wasn't leaking oil, it just uses about a quart of oil every 1,000 miles. He said he would do a consumption test and walked away. Well when the truck was ready to go, I asked if they did a consumption test and the lady at the service desk told me to bring it back when it runs out of oil. I thought what is she nuts, yeah I' ll be back when the engine blows up. Sure enough I was back in a month because the oil leak caused my alternator to short out. They agreed to fix the oil leak problem again since they never fixed it in the first place. This time I needed a valve gasket cover. However, they said I would have to pay for the ruined alternator. So I told them to.

- Grafton, OH, USA