In the past 4 months, I have replaced my heater core, because it is plastic, and then the radiator, now the head gasket. Problems of this nature first surfaced with heater core failure, which is made of plastic and then proceeds through the cooling to system, to my current problem, head gasket replacement. The water pump and transmission have both been replaced, while under the new car warranty. I took my car to hardin Pontiac in anaheim, ca at 3 pm on March 4th. They have now had my car 2 days and they want to charge me another $80 to further diagnose my coolant leak. I have opened a file w/Pontiac, ref # 1-78-69-0865. Pontiac determined that, as I am the second owner, the age of the car (1996) and number of miles (82,622) they have no responsibility. I explained to her, that while I am the 2nd owner, I purchased the car while it was still under their 3 year/36,000 mile warranty. And while under warranty, my transmission & water pump had been replaced. The cooling system problems began while under the new car warranty. Also GM's N' car series has numerous problems with their cooling systems, I am being penalized, primarily, because I am the second owner, rather than the original owner. My car has been maintained and serviced as specified in their owner"?S manual. While speaking w/Pontiac, I was told there is an open recall on the ignition system, apparently it is know to overheat and melt, rendering the car undrivable. It appears GM's overheating issues are not limited to their cooling system and cheap plastic parts. I requested that the service rep, Mr. Romero, explain why he felt they needed to further diagnose my coolant leak, is the head gasket leaking, or not" Mr. Romero, did indeed diagnose what he termed an "external coolant leak' in other words a leak at the head gasket. At this point, I have instructed ernie to handle the recall problem with the ignition only. Pontiac has minimized the problem and conveyed that it does not warrant immediate attention.

- Fullerton, CA, USA

Consumer noticed coolant indicator light flashing on after backing vehicle out. Also, consumer noticed water on ground. Vehicle was serviced, and technician stated heater core needed to be replaced.

- Cotton Dal, FL, USA

Car runs hot. When starting up windows would fog, could smell antifreeze. Took vehicle to dealer, and they replaced heater core, they said it had a pin hole in it. Consumer said car wasstill running hot, consumer could hear a flapping noise, like a helicopter under the hood. The poping front right suspension was due to sway bar link failure which made stablizer bar loose. Horn malfunctions due to dirty contacts. Window does not go up or down properly due to window motor failure. The noise in engine area when cold was due to alternator failure. Water pump was leaking. Temperature guage was inaccurate. The noise from front and rear brakes was caused by worn brake pads. Driver side mirror control fell into the door panel.

- Compton, CA, USA

Anti freeze odor comes as soons as heater is turned on due to heater core failure.

- York, PA, USA