On 12/26/05 I smelled coolant when exiting my vehicle. After investigating, I found that coolant was leaking. I took it to a mechanic, and had the internal gasket replaced for $575. The next day I saw that it was still leaking coolant. I took it back, and had the water pump replaced for $166. The next day I saw it was still leaking, and I had no heat. I took it back to the mechanic, who told me that it is leaking at the timing cover, and the lack of heat could be due to an air bubble, or I may need my heater core replaced. He gave me rough estimates of $900-$1500 for the leak, and probably about $400-600 if my heater core needs replaced. GM needs to recall this vehicle for this problem.

- Saint Louis, MI, USA

Where do I start? same complaints as all other Pontiac minivan owners. Since original purchase in 1998, headlight assembly faulty, ABS warning light malfunction, air bag warning light malfunction, and malfunctioning (still) passenger automatic sliding door. Recently had head gasket replaced due to antifreeze leak, as well as front left wheel hub. This is the worst (and most costly) vehicle I have owned with respect to maintenance.

- Kokomo, IN, USA

Coolant leaking into engine through intake manifold gasket.

- White Lake, MI, USA

While driving vehicle overheated. Check engine light flashed and then vehicle stalled. Consumer tried to restart vehicle but was unable to do so. Consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic replaced the water pump due to mixture of antifreeze and corrosion.

- Heath Springs, SC, USA

While driving vehicle overheated and check engine light flashed. Then, vehicle shutdown. Consumer tried to restart vehicle but was unable to do so. Consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic replaced the water pump due to mixed antifreeze corrosion.

- Heath Springs, SC, USA

1998 Pontiac Montana with a GM (generic) 3.4 liter engine events leading to failure were normal driving conditions and regular maintenance. The failure is the intake manifold gasket. The consequences currently are exterior leaking coolant. The probable future consequence per the dealer, is coolant leaking into the crankcase causing the failure of the crank bearings. Which documented cases have resulted in engine failure while driving which can cause a unsafe situation. What will have to be done is to replace the intake gasket at a cost of $500-$700.

- Zeeland, MI, USA

Diagnosed with intake manifold gasket failure on 1998 Pontiac Trans sport with 3.4 V6 engine. Oil and antifreeze mixed and fixed by dealer at cost of $890. With no assistance from General Motors. All to common problems on this engine and the 3.1 V6 with speculation that the dexcool antifreeze deteriates gasket. Could possibly be true since gasket is now made out of a diffrent material. At this time it is imperative that NHTSA forces General Motors to recall these engines and reimburse all owners who have paid out of pocket for repairs. This vehicle in question was well maintained and items were changed way above recommended service schedule. Vehicle also developed a rough idle with no obvious cause with possible explanation of internal engine damage. These intake gasket failures could be the reason for numerous engine fires witnessed on the highway. Also I am the original owner. Thank you.

- Pa, PA, USA

A well maintained 1998 Pontiac Transport with a 3.4 liter engine developed a coolant leak. This was diagnosed by a local service center. As they explained that my vehicle has an intake manifold leak, it was also mentioned that they have seen many manifold coolant leaks with this engine. I decided to have it repaired at a GM dealer where I purchased the vehicle. They also explained that they service many of these type of leaks. They explained that the repair calls for a new type of manifold gasket and new bolts. The mechanic even showed me where on the old gasket the failure usually occurs. Although it may seem as if these comments where anecdotal, it still appears to point to a general failure in the design of the manifold gasket. This repair was very expensive. Why haven't these 3.4 liter been recalled" are only inexpensive manufacturer defects recalled" had this coolant leaked into the engine which in some cases it does, based upon my research of this issue, then even more damage and possibly risk to the vehicle operator and passengers could have occured.

- Westerville, OH, USA

Currently I have 56,187 mile's on my 1998 Pontiac Trans sport and have been experiencing excessive oil useage since the second year of ownership as well as just recently experiencing the temperature gauge going past the 210 mark despite it only being 60 degrees outside and driving short distances. I have found a numerous amount of complaint's regarding issues comparable to this including a bulletin that was in fact distributed to G.M dealers in Canada and the U.S (bulletin # 03-06-01-010) dated March, 2003.titled engine oil or coolant leak (install a new design intake manifold gasket. This bulletin describes comment's from owner's as followed. An apparent oil or coolant leak. Additionally, the comments may range from spots on the driveway to having to add fluid. Cause, intake manifold may be leaking allowing coolant, oil or both to leak from the engine. I have discovered that this has been a well known problem since 1998 but has yet to be an actuall recall on these van's. many of the complaint's mention coolant found in the engine oil. I have come across several complaint's of motor's having to be replaced in these vehicles due to this problem with the consumer having to endure the costly repair financially. I primarely use my van to Transport my 16 year old severely disabled son to and from school with his wheel-chair as well as to dr appointment's. the recent problem's with ticking sound's as well as at times idling rough and chuggling while driving with the temperature gage amping past the 210 mark is not a good sign. At 56187 miles I should not be experiencing major problem's with this vehicle. With the numerous complaint's on this matter being considered I am requesting an investigation that will lead to a very much needed recall on the 1998 Pontiac Trans sport as well as the other year's that are affected by this major flaw from the manufacturer.

- Corona, CA, USA

Problems with engine's head gaskets and intake gaskets. While driving the vehicle began making a ticking sound. The consumer took the vehicle to the dealer where it was later determined that the head gasket and intake gasket failed and caused coolant to leak into the engine. The dealer replaced the gaskets.

- Unknown, DC, USA

1998 Pontiac Transport minivan 3.4 liter, coolant leaking from the intake manifold. Mechanic believes it is a general problem with the gasket. Major expense to repair on vehcile with 75,000 miles.

- Clinton Township, MI, USA

My 1998 Pontiac Trans sport minivan has developed a problem where the dexcool coolant is leaking into the engine...my mechanic found coolant in the engine oil. I called my dealer, the man from whom I bought the car, and he experienced the same problem on his GM minivan. I did an internet search and found numerous others (www.GM-V6lemons.com, and other places) who have experienced this problem. It seems clear that the manifold gasket in these vehicles develops leaks when exposed to the dexcool coolant. In my case, the vehicle is 5+ years old, and has 59,000 miles...so there is no warranty in effect. GM should be forced to recall these vehicles and repair this problem.

- Crofton, MD, USA

1998 Pontiac Trans sport 3.4 liter coolant leaking engine damage major expense on a vehicle w/ 70'000.

- Wappingers Falls , NY, USA

No summary listed for above vehicle.

- Troy, MI, USA

The vehicle experienced oil leak. Nlm

- Unk, UN, USA