Every year, a week or two after turning on the heat in the van, the heater stops blowing warm air. While sitting at idle the temp gauge rises extremely high. Every year the dealer has fixed the problem. This year they are telling me that I need a new engine! after researching online, here and at respected sites such as edmonds.com it seems to me like these problems should have been addressed long before I even bought my van so many years ago!!!!

- Richmond, VA, USA

: the contact stated while the vehicle was parked antifreeze was observed on the ground below the front end of the vehicle. An independent repair shop replaced the intake gasket and head gasket on two separate occasions. The problem returned following both repairs. Updated 06/07/2006.

- Loveland, OH, USA

: the contact stated while an independent mechanic was performing a routine oil check, it was determined the intake manifold was bad and needed to be replaced. The mechanic informed the contact this was the fourth vehicle within one week with the same engine size that had a bad intake manifold.

- Ormond Beach, FL, USA

Low coolant icon lit up on dash at 15000 miles.dealer said intake manifold gasket failed and it was replaced under warranty. At 51500 miles low coolant icon lit up on dash. Dealer said intake manifold gasket failed and it was replaced at a cost of $503 dollars to myself.

- Massillon, OH, USA

Intake manifold failed at 35,888 miles. Dealer advised they were not aware of this problem. Veh out of warranty due to age.

- Tuscaloosa, AL, USA

Lower intake manifold gasket and water pump leaking dexcool coolant. Dealer reports oil pressure switch, oil pump drive O-ring, and both valve covers leaking oil. Don't know if these oil leaks are due to gasket & seal damage from dexcool coolant.

- Richardson, TX, USA

I took my 1999 Pontiac Montana in for an oil change and was told that I have an intake manifold gasket that is leaking. I was told that if it was not repaired serious engine damage could result. I have 63,000 miles on the vehicle and believe that this is not normal wear and tear but rather a factory assembly defect or poor design.

- Flint, MI, 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

While driving 65 mph the intake manifold gasket failed and allowed coolant to mix with the engine oil. This caused the engine to overheat and shut down. The consumer found out that the manufacturer was aware of the problem and redesigned the gasket. Chevrolet owners with 3.8L engines were notified of the potential failure, but owner of GM vehicles with 3.1L and 3.4L engines were not contacted.

- Elizabeth, PA, USA

Leaking intake manifold gasget at 44,000 miles. Was found by dealer when in for normal service. Told they look for this problem. This is out of warranty service even though this is a common problem on the 3.4L engine.

- Mentor, OH, USA

1999 potiac Montana - manifold failure, coolant leak. A costly and apprantly frequent problem.

- Dillsburg, PA, USA

Consumer states that while driving and without warning the intake manifold crack causing coolant fluid to leak onto the engine. Dealer notified.

- Denville, NJ, USA

Consumer states the engine is losing coolant and there was a loud valve train noise when started cold. Dealer found leaks of the gaskets under the intake manifold.

- Stafford, VA, USA

We have been plaged with coolant leakage for some time. Our intake gasket has been pegged as the cause. Why should the consumer be forced to foot the bill for something that in my mind is an assembly or defect problem. Noone should be having to fool with the engine on such a new vehicle. This is above and beyond any wear and tear issue.

- Metairie, LA, USA

Intake manifold assembly cracked where pipe is pressure fitted into manifold, causing engine coolant to leak rapidly, coolant light came on after coolant container was over 1/2 empty.

- Brownstown, MI, USA

Consumer was traveling 55mph on highway and went to pass another vehicle, and accelerator pedal was stuck down to the floor. He was able to put vehicle in neutral, pull over to side of road, and shutdown. Dealership was aware of problem. Vehicle was towed to dealership. While having oil changed, consumer requested to have the air filter replaced, in order to replace air filter, the throttle cable clamp was loosened to gain access to the air filter housing, it was not lined back up properly causing the sudden acceleration.

- Carbon, IN, USA