The contact owns a 1999 Oldsmobile Alero. The contact stated that the vehicle was driving roughly and there was a sudden increase in engine rpms. The contact had to apply force to the brake pedal on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the fuel pump, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was further inspected by the repair shop and the mechanic indicated that the timing chain was worn. The vehicle was not repaired. Also, the contact indicated that the console cover was not closing properly. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 00V140000 (structure) and NHTSA campaign number:14V400000 (electrical system); however, the parts were not available. The manufacturer and the local dealer were not able to specify when the parts would become available. The manufacturer was notified of the failures several times. The approximate failure mileage was 78,000.

- Davenport, IA, USA

Due to GM defect to date I have had to replace intake manifold gasket, water pump, thermostat, serpentine belt and am now looking at replacing gas tank and heater core..

- Sprott, AL, USA

The lower intake gasket & oil pump drive O-ring seal is leaking coolant internal & is mixing with oil, engine will need to be replaced. This car is only 2 1/2 yrs old, the intake gasket and O-ring seal should not leak fluid; this must be a manufacturer's defect. I have taken the car in for service (fitzgerald auto mall- Maryland) consistently..... idlerpulley - I had the serpentine belt replaced in Nov 2001(113.38). In February while driving on the interstate all of car systems began to fail. Once the alternator was drained dry and the car coolant, the battery died, because the serpentine belt came off. After two hours in the rain we were able to get the belt back on and I took the car to the dealership the following day. The dealership discovered the idler pulley bearing was loose and needed to be replaced...this cost $117.47. The dealership would not pay claim any liability, because it had been two months since they had replaced ther serpentine belt and felt anything could of happened since November. I am sure it is not common for an idler pulley bearing to become loose, this may be a manufacturer's defect. Thank you.

- Germantown, MD, USA