This is a safety issue, because the vehicle engine could overheat due to loss of coolant or leave your family stranded in the middle of no where. General Motors Pontiac division bulletin 01-06-01-007A issued 07/18/2001, provides limited information on the problem. On many of the GM cars from 1995 through 1998, that use the 3.8L engine there is a design flaw. The egr passage melts the upper intake plenum, so the composite material degrades around the egr stovepipe and could (and does in many cases) result in the internal or external loss of coolant. My car is a 1997 Grand Prix. They charged me $1283.47 to repair the damage caused by their design flaw, instead of recalling the vehicle. There are probably thousands of cars like this. If the coolant leaks into the upper plenum, it could result in "hydro-lock" of the cylinders. That could also be a safety problem. The cars having this design should be recalled and those people that have had theirs repaired already should be reimbursed. The problem was caused by bad engineering and materials used by Pontiac.

- Elkview, WV, USA

Consumer stated the water pump failed.

- Worthington, OH, USA

Belts on water pump began squealing around 40,000 miles. At 72,000 pump was leaking badly and seizing. The belt was very loud. Serpentine belt also had to be replaced.

- Bloomingdale, NJ, USA

While traveling at about 35-40 mph, consumer ran into another vehicle head-on. Upon impact, driver and passenger air bags did not deploy. Contacted dealer and they are not willing to do anything. Consumer stated there was an injury in the accident. Two weeks after purchase, water pump failed. Alternator failed. Windows quit going up and down.

- San Jose, CA, USA

I purchased my car in Feb of 2000. It only has aprrox 43000 miles and I have had numerous trips to the dealer and other mechanics. In June of 2000 I had to take the car in because the headlight covers fell off. I had noticed condensation when I purchased the car and was told by the salesman that this was normal. Luckily I found the covers and did not have to replace them. In Sept of 2000 I had to replace the alternator when it failed while I was going to work. Then in Dec of 2000 I took my car to have the tires rotated and the mechanic noticed that the antifreeze in the radiator was just about completely solidified. I had to pay for radiator flushes and was told by the dealer that it was normal "wear and tear". they also noticed that one of the main engine belts was needed to be replaced and I have replaced it. Now it is March of 2001 and my car is now again at the dealership with antifreeze leaking from the water pump and an airbag light that will not go off. I have also noticed on numerous occasions that I will get in the car and the windows will not go down. I know that cars need repairs but I feel that I am definetly having lots of problems when the mileage on the car is not excessive.the owner of the dealership told my husband that he thought we would continue to have problems with the car and that if he were in our shoes, he would trade the car.

- Knoxville, TN, USA

Corrosion in cooling system that led to failure in several components. I think there's been a problem with the "dexcool" coolant geling up and causing corrosion but the dealer wouldn't admit anything and said a coolant flush wasn't even necessary when there's obvious corrosion and rust floating in the coolant.

- Hugo, MN, USA

No summary listed for abov evehicle.

- Waterbury, CT, USA

Windshield wipers failed while driving in a rain storm (out of home state) at highway speeds. Vehicle was taken to dealership for repairs, which cost around $280. Both side door power window have problems, and dealer said regulators and motors need to be replaced for about $500 per door. Airbag light came on and dealer said that a harness on the passenger airbag needs to be replaced for about $250. Engine has been burning coolant - dealer says head gasket needs to be replaced and possibly cylinder heads at a minimum cost of $1900. Manufacturer was contacted about wipers, airbag, and power windows and said they couldn't help with the cost - standard warranty had expired. They were not obligated to fix.

- Bensenville, IL, USA

No summary listed for this vehicle.

- Alpharetta, GA, USA