: the contact stated while starting the vehicle it backfired and the check engine light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop. The mechanic determined the intake manifold was leaking coolant and the gaskets needed to be replaced. The manufacturer has not been alerted.

- Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

Two intake manifold failures for my 1999 Pontiac Bonneville, 3.8 engine. First one was in January 2003. Now 15 months later, it has failed again after 35000 miles. The first time, repair costs were just over $800. Now I'm looking at a bill of $866. I have read the tsb and many other online complaints that I'm not the only one with this issue of recurring failures. Some have even reported fires in the engine compartments or complete engine failure.

- Westfield, IN, USA

I had to have the intake plenum replaced on my 99 Pontiac Bonneville...started with vehicle hesitating on take off, RPM's accelerating very high but mph not catching up...vehicle then backfired and loss all power...had it towed to dealer...dealer said intake plenum was warped causing coolant to possibly leak into engine...GM would not cover under warranty which cost me $1000 to correct...vehicle was fine for a month or so and started doing it again. I think its ridiculous that GM knows about this problem but refuses to take responsibilty for it as a factory problem..I would like a recall on this and my money reimbursed to me. I also think this problem should be repaired correctly with a part that won't burn up because its made of plastic. I have read on many websites complaints about this same problem but the problem is that they are complaining to the wrong people. I was recently informed that GM does not decide to put out the recall, it's really the NHTSA that is responsible for that. My plan is to post this link on those websites and hopefully enough people will post a complaint here too and maybe we could get some reimbursement for the poorly built cars that all other consumers have purchased.

- Plaquemine, LA, USA

Coolant leaked into the engine. Dealer stated the plastic manifold melted which caused leakage.

- Clarks Summit, PA, USA

Brought vehicle in for oil change @ local repair shop. Shop owner states check engine light came on-vehicle stalled. Found plastic intake manifold burned. Entire engine flooded with anti-freeze. Estimated engine repair cost approximately $2100.

- Farmingville, NY, USA

I have a 1999 Pontiac Bonneville and I noticed about 3 weeks ago that the coolant reservoir would not hold any coolant. I took the vehicle to butts motors to have a belt changed and the coolant leak investigated. They informed me that it was the upper manifold and gasket that needed to be replaced. I asked if those parts were part of the emissions system and the gentleman said, "yes it is. If you don't get it replaced you'll be spilling emissions all over the place." He then quoted me a hefty price of almost $900 to do the work. I told him that I believed that the upper manifold which he confirmed was part of the emissions system should be covered for 7 years/70,000 miles (federal emissions law). This particular problem is common among GM engines from 1995-1999. It is an issue covered in their technical service bulletin no: 01-06-01-007A, dated July 2001. It states that, condition: Some owners may comment on excessive engine coolant consumption, or an engine coolant leak near or under the throttle body area of the upper intake manifold." They continue, " cause: Upper intake manifold composite material may degrade around the egr stove pipe and could result in an internal or external coolant leak." The egr system, intake manifold, and the throttle body assembly are all covered under emissions. The serviceman at butts motors told me by phone on 31 July 2003, that the throttle body was covered under the powertrain warranty, which was, of course, expired. It is not covered under the powertrain. I want GM to cover the cost of the warranted parts/labor for this repair. The fact that the gasket is made of plastic and that the recommended coolant "dexcool" corrodes the plastic is not the fault of the consumer. This is a documented defect and should be corrected for the consumer at no cost. I sent this exact complaint statement to the California state attorney's office. I want General Motors to take responsibility for and rectify its faulty products.

- Monterey, CA, USA

While running, vehicle experienced a back fire causing the manifold to crack which caused a fire. Dealer notified. Ts when backfire occurred engine died and there was smoke from under the hood. Consumer was able to control the fire with snow. Referenced in EA02-030

- Macon, IL, USA