1. events unknown 2. cooling system failure, all the time, undriveable 3. unable to correct failure.

- Hastings, MI, USA

Two separate gasket problems on my 1999 Pontiac Montana mini van. The most recent was today in Aug. Of 2008 the local garage told me that my vans lower intake manifold gasket needed replaced for about $700. The problem was noticed when my temperature light came on and after filling radiator I saw water leaking underneath vehicle.

- Lehigh Acres, FL, USA

My 1999 Pontiac Montana has had persistent problems with a faulty intake manifold gasket where antifreeze is required to be added every few weeks. The manifold gasket was replaced by a GM dealership at 65,000 miles, but shortly after began to leak again. The vehicle has now at 99,000 miles has had a catastrophic engine failure, and an estimated $5,000 repair. I believe the engine has ceased as a result of the faulty intake manifold gasket.

- Farmington, CT, USA

On Feb. 3 of 2004 we purchased a used 1999 Montana. The low coolant light was coming on so we took it back to the dealer. They "couldn't find anything wrong" but it was low on coolant. I checked this web site and found many complaints about manifold gasket failure around 60,000 miles. Our van had less than this so we kept our eyes open to why this light kept coming on and even asked the dealer to make sure it wasn't leaking antifreeze into the engine. They said it was low but there was no leak. Then in Feb of 05 we had to replace the water pump and one week later a new noise started, so we took it back to a mechanic who found antifreeze leaking into the engine, $800 later it seems to be working fine. Why can't Pontiac be made to fix this obvious problem. We no longer have dex-cool for antifreeze!! the low coolant light had come on intermittently for the whole year we owned it and finally we found a good mechanic who knew exactly what the problem was, the dealership--lithia Ford of boise--had "no idea". it would have been under warranty if they had fixed it last year. Leaking intake manifold gasket caused engine problems.

- Boise, ID, USA

The consumer states the intake manifold has malfunctioned. As a result the coolant leaks into the oil and the consumer is now concerned that the engine could fail. The cause has yet to be determined. Please provide additional information.

- Maplewood, MN, USA

Intake manifold gasket leak. Needed replacement after loss of coolant into oil. Evedently a common defect. $700. Transmission problems at 24K miles. Dealer fixed. At 79K miles needed replacement for $3300.

- Waunakee, WI, USA

I have noticed my coolant level is down very often with the "low coolant" light coming on, as well. According to my GM dealer the lower intake manifold is leaking coolant from my 99 Montana with about 60K miles. Dealer has indicated the repair of this gasket to be over $700 which is outrageous. I have owned about 12 cars in my lifetime and not one has had a problem leaking coolant out around the intake manifold gasket. After reviewing other complaints on the NHTSA website, it is obviously a defect in this model engine and consumers should be reimbursed, if not fully, then partially for the repairs. A $700+ repair bill is way too much to expect the consumer to pay out for this defect.

- Chagrin Falls, OH, USA

1999 Pontiac Montana experienced no heating. Garage stated coolant had sludge and was flushed and recharged. After driving 10 miles to home, coolant light came on and steam rolled out under hood. Found air intake manifold gasket leaking in numerous places. Garage said they have seen many of these. Coolant cap states coolant good for 150,000 miles. Only 49,000 miles on van.

- Anna, OH, USA

I have a 1999 Pontiac Montana that the coolant light came on and noticed water missing from coolant recovery tank. This had happened before so I took the vehicle to a local GM dealer. After they tested it I was told that the intake manifold and head gaskets were leaking and would need to be replaced at a cost of $1540.39. After doing a small amount of research on the internet I found hundreds of websites of people having the same problem with this vehicle. I contacted GM for assistance and I was told that my vehicle was out of warranty and they were not aware of this type of problem from anyone else. I know two other people that own Pontiac Montana's in the town I live in that have had the same problem. They both called GM and were given the same story I was told. With as many people having this problem with the same type engine/vehicle I feel like GM should stand behind there product and pay for this repair.

- Brunson, SC, USA

My 1999 Pontiac Montana overheated. There were no signs other than my wife mentioning a funny smell. Had to replace both intake manifold gaskets and have the cooling system flushed. He claimed dex-cool causes this problem.

- Poughkeepsie, NY, USA

I've experienced the well known (thousands affected) intake gasket leak on GM's 3.4L engine. At 75K miles, experienced low coolant, topped off, but no puddles. At next oil change, found oil to be milky-brown and reek of coolant. Dealer service confirmed intake gasket leak and repaired at cost of $700 including fouled oxygen sensor. Pontiac "customer service" was no help and was somewhat evasive when I asked if she had been involved with any other intake gasket problems. When I asked why GM would redesign the gasket, change coolant manufacturers, and have a nationwide shortage of the new gaskets, she said she was not aware of these issues and I should question my information as it was not from GM. Her final advise, "save your receipt, you never know." I am so consoled. There must be pressure applied to force GM to make this right.

- Covington, OH, USA

Our 1999 Pontiac Montana has just been worked on by the dealership for a leak in the lower intake manifold gasket. They charged me $795 to fix this last week and now it is back in the shop to fix the coolant sensor which will cost another $175. Last night I found out there is a petition online with over 2,500 signatures on it for these same problems with their GM car. Why isn't there a recall on this!

- Federal Way, WA, USA

Low coolant light came on intermittently. Dealer stated water pump and intake gasket were leaking coolant. Had to replace water pump and reseal intake at 40K miles. $1100 repair

- San Jose, CA, USA

1999 Pontiac monata vehicle is similar to the 1915 others online www.petitiononline.com/mod_perl/signed.cgi?gmcnsmrs&1 cost $800 to repair.

- Wynantskill, NY, USA

Failure of lower intake manifold gasket on my 1999 Pontiac Montana. Internet search provided evidence that thousands of these are failing and there has been no recall notice to date.

- Neenah, WI, USA

Lower intake manifold gasket leak causing coolant/oil mix internally on a vehicle with only 41K. Caught before christmas 900mi trip. Would have likely caused engine to seize if not caught before trip. Oil was creamy white.

- Mechanicsville, VA, USA

The manufacturer does not have parts available for a 1999 production vehicle. Been told by my selling dealer that the part is on "national back-order" with no expected date of arrivial. Was also told that the manufacturer stopped making the part due to a supplier failure. Was also told that the dealeraship itself was had six vehicles waiting the same repair. I thought that the manufacturer had to have a supply of parts available for all car for at least ten years past production ending? this is a three year old car.

- Ferndale, MI, USA

At 28,000 miles, the general tires that came w/the vehicle were completely bald & had to be replaced. They were supposed to be 80,000 mile tires & had been rotated numerous times, the cooling system: While on vacation, the cooling system overheated. Told by dealer out of town that radiator cap loose & was tightened. 3 weeks later low coolant light kept coming on & took to dealer on 8/12/00. Told coolant system dirty & needed to be flushed; $100. Also told battery that came w/vehicle was leaking acid which also ruined battery positive cable. Both needed to be replaced. Said out of goodwill would not charge for battery cable but charged $98 for battery. Brakes started to fail @ 11,000 miles, rotors cut @ 28,000 & told rotors not under warranty because not considered safety problem. Rotors still warped & need cutting. Brake light socket was melted to light & was fixed by dealer early on.( dot number: Acm3kmi368 tire size: P215-70R15 )

- Sunrise, FL, USA