Intake manifold needed to be replaced at 84,000 miles. Very costly repair $1,500.

- Port Deposit, MD, USA

I own a 2000 Pontiac Montana that needs an intake gasket replaced. The company specifically advises that no other coolant is to be used in this van but dexcool. I never used a different product than dexcool. Now dexcool has destroyed that gasket. My car is leaking fluids and barely heats. Cost for repair is outlandishly expensive. The recommendations by GM were followed and they were wrong! this is a manufacturing issue, not a consumer one. The onus should be on GM to recall and repair the intake gasket immediately! they have gotten away with this problem for years and every Montana has this issue. Please help. Thank you.

- Cleveland, OH, USA

Manifold intake gasket failure at 125,000 miles replaced at cost of $1100, mechanic told me this was common problem for vehicle, because original gasket was plastic and failed often. Would like at least partial refund for repair.

- Atlanta, GA, USA

Blown head gasket at 107K miles in a 2000 Pontiac Montana. This is an expensive repair caused by faulty design or the use of dex cool. This is one of many failures on the vehicle.

- Brownsburg, IN, USA

New March 2000. Van always receives regular maintenance. The following is a history of repairs: 4/00 windshield wipers would not return to closed position - dealer fixed. 12/03 (37,179 mi) tps sensor breaking down causing idle to surge - dealer replaced throttle position sensor, completed reprogram ($255.14) 12/03 (37,182 mi) air bag light coming on - dealer replaced right front seat belt buckle under warranty (labor $134.51). 12/27/03 (37,555 mi) was in collision (other vehicle pulled out in front of me as I was coming down small overpass, he was cited). My van sustained $4,500 in front end damages, his car was totaled. My air bags did not deploy. No one injured. 5/04 (40,983 mi) rear hatch would not stay up - dealer replaced both hatch props ($258.73) 7/04 (43,437 mi) van was "shifting" hard, would not pick up speed correctly. Dealer replaced pressure control solenoid, flushed transmission and replaced front brake pads and machined rotors ($986.48). 12/04 (48,284 mi) van would not start on several occasions. Known independent repair shop replaced battery, checked oil leak. ($114.90). 4/05 (51,646 mi) low coolant light /check engine light coming on. Same independent repair shop replaced intake gaskets, thermostat, spark plugs and filter, and oil pump shaft 0-ring. Corrected air bag light ($791.03) 6/05 purchased new tires and were told needed all new tie rods. We went on vacation July 9, 2005 (Ohio to Virginia and back). Concerned that the van shook terribly when applying the brakes on long downgrades through wv and va. We were towing nothing. The very next day, after returning home, the van would not start consistently. 7/05 (56,533 mi) told that the computer crashed. Same independent repair shop replaced ECM, crank sensor, ign module and machined front rotors which if you remember were just done in July of 2004 ($982.02). After researching the track record of Pontiac Montana, have found that many consumers having the same problems.

- Orrville, OH, USA

Dexcool antifreeze leaking from engine. Took vehicle to my mechanic and was told it had a faulting intake gasket. Replaced all gaskets at a cost of almost $800. Was told GM redesigned gasket but did not place a recall on the part. Old parts are not available.

- Florence, KY, USA

Lower intake gasket failed. Mdealership repaired at my cost shortly after, the cam shaft broke. I will not pay to fix.

- Salem, OH, USA

Recently a number of GM car/vans have experienced problems with the 3100 engine. A great number of them have a "low coolant" indication with the result being a new intake manifold with a cost of $700 to $1000. Is there a problem with this engine.

- Langhorne, PA, USA

Consumer complained about engine problems. A variety of gaskets were replaced; however, engine problems still exist.

- Marshall, TX, USA

The intake manifold cracked while driving, which caused coolant to leak onto the engine.

- Simi Valley, CA, USA

Pontiac Montana 2000: My car only has 49,000 miles yet has a major problem. I just got a repair estimate for my intake manifold gasket which is leaking dexcool out and into my engine. Repair, which after researching on the internet, appears common yet has not been recalled by GM.

- Cameron Park, CA, USA

Heavy valve lifter noise - indicating possible early engine failure

- Mechanicsville, VA, USA