1995 Pontiac Bonneville engine would suddenly shut off anytime, anywhere, at any speed, usually during warmer weather, leaving the driver with no power brakes nor power steering. The car usually would not start for at least 30 minutes, stranding the driver and passengers. After spending alot of time and money trying to diagnose the problem, we replaced a "functioning" yet defective tps (throttle positioning sensor) that did not malfunction to the point of registering a code on the computer. The problem has not recurred.

- Neola, UT, USA

In February 2010, driving at 5 mph while making right turn on bumpy blacktop, the engine fell out from under car causing steering to become inoperable. Car was towed from scene. Upon investigation it was found that 4 (rear) of 6 bolts holding engine cradle to uni-body frame pulled through rusted retainers. All (6) bolts, retainers, spacers and insulators were replaced. The steering linkage was reattached and the clock spring coil kit was replaced (clock spring was torn when steering linkage separated). This incident caused a lot of concern because it could have happened at any speed. Towing, repairs and parts cost $805.14. 4 months later the steering rack was found to be leaking and was replaced at a cost of $450. No parts have been retained but photos of the bolts in the frame with the engine sub frame hanging are available. Naturally the retainers that failed are gone because they fell off when they failed. The engine did not fall entirely from the vehicle because the 2 front bolts were still intact and the upper engine mount held the engine sub frame 2" above the road surface.

- Ephrata, PA, USA

Failure of the plenum, intake manifold on 3.8 litre engines.

- Fountain, FL, USA

While driving at any speed the engine produced smoke and it overheated. Please provide additional information.

- Graham, NC, USA

The transmission failed at ~76,000 miles. Replaced at GM dealer with a remanufactured GM unit. 06/23/2001. Brake failure - warning light at 81,728 miles. Replaced master cylinder and rear wheel cylinders. Antilock brakes have always behaved strangely at times but have never failed to stop the car in a reasonable distance. 09/22/2001. Engine failure at 82,449 miles. Replacement engine installed at independent repair shop for $1400.. repair leaking genuine GM replacement transmission. Side cover leaks severely, dealer advises out of warranty period and repair cost of $300+ for side pan gasket. Problem solved at local transmission shop (Mr. Transmission) for $92.95. In addition the following no longer function or function improperly: Fuel gauge does not work, refill based on mileage driven. Also the fuel pump whines very noticeably, can be heard plainly in the vehicle over the radio. Cost for repair of both at dealer: $600+ depending on parts required. Steering wheel controls for the radio do not function. Automatic headlight control will not turn headlights off after turning them on. Result - battery replacement. Now leave the control in the off position. Spring loaded center console door latch failed causing console door to remain open. Replaced console door and two vents that had broken for $124.66. Console door latch failed approximately one year later (same failure). Removed door spring so door now stays closed. Drivers side door lock jams when using key fob, have to use passenger side door. No longer use key fob, door unlocks properly when using the key. Within the past year the paint has began to peel on the top of the rear quarter panels and roof. I had a flat tire and went to retrieve the jack, which is located in the passenger side of the trunk. The jack is stored in a plastic case that is bolted to a bracket. Only one weld was made during manufacture allowing the bracket to break loose. The jack case now just lies in trunk.

- Columbia, SC, USA

GM technical service bulletin 01-06-01-007A identifies an inherent design flaw on the 3.8 L engine (VIN K - RPO L36) available in the following vehicles: 1995-1997 Buick riviera 1995-1998 Buick Lesabre, Park Avenue 1996-1998 Buick regal 1998 Chevrolet lumina, Monte Carlo 1995-1996 Oldsmobile ninety-eight 1995-1998 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight 1998 Oldsmobile intrigue 1995-1998 Pontiac Bonneville 1997-1998 Pontiac Grand Prix GM minimizes the impact of the problem by identifying one of the symptoms as owner complaining of a small coolant leak. The fact is that in most cases the leak is not visible. The coolant typically leaks internally by the egr stove pipe into the engine's intake manifold where it builds up. Eventually the coolant level in the intake manifold rises to the point where the coolant will get sucked into one of the cylinders. In less severe cases, when it happens at idle or low RPM, this causes the engine to seize and stall. In the most severe cases, when it happens at high RPM, the hammering effect of the engine trying to compress a liquid, causes the affected piston to shatter (my case). This is a catastrophic engine failure caused by a design flaw. When this happens on a highway at 75 mph (my case) there is great potential for an accident and injury to passengers. I was lucky, but I still had to replace my engine with a remanufactured one at my expense. I could not afford what GM charged for a new engine. GM is fully aware of the problem. GM repair centers are attributing the failure to normal wear and tear and are charging owners to replace the flawed parts with the new design. I spoke with a service manager at a local dealership and he stated that he has seen a lot of vehicles coming in with the same failure, the less severe case being the most common.. I believe this problem calls for a recall of the affected vehicle to replace the flawed parts. I also believe that GM should partially reimburse me for my expenses related to the engine replacement.

- Avondale, AZ, USA