Manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe problems of the 1998 Buick Lesabre - part 2

The manifold warped, which caused coolant to spill into the engine. As a result the engine needed to be replaced. Please provide additional information.

Coolant leak into engine thru plastic intake manifold gasket.

While driving reached high temperatures due to intake manifold failure. Coolant leaked inside the engine. Dealer notified. Sorry no recall, and would cost $ 1,400 to fix it. Consumer took vehicle to an independent shop, and would cost $ 700 for consumer to fix it.

Steering related problems involving major part replacement. I already contacted an NHTSA rep about a different issue, the ubiquitous upper intake manifold problem which we have spent thousands on. And I discussed problems with stalling too. After that, I searched the internet; I see that the manifold problem is more prevalent than I suspected. I also stumbled onto discussions of stalling, steering, and engine fire problems. When I called gm 2 years ago about the upper intake manifold, they denied the problem existed even though my dealer and other shops told me everybody knew about it. I called gm again a few weeks ago after having more gasket problems and although they finally admitted to the manifold and gasket problems, they could not help me with my expenses, they were unable to locate my previous complaint, and the rep was obsessed with having me say that I was satisfied with my call to him. I tried telling him that I was unsatisfied with gm but satisfied with him as a person, but he kept talking to me until I agreed that I was mostly satisfied with my call. I wonder if manufacturers have different obligations in recording and reporting their complaints to authorities depending on whether customers are satisfied or not.

While driving on interstate 75, engine light came on and the car suddenly slowed down and stopped (I had to quickly move to the shoulder). Noticed no coolant in the coolant reservoir. Towed it to the GMC dealer. Service manager remarks: due to antifreeze leak from manifold gasket all fluids went through engine block and hydrolocked the engine and causing it to shut down. (the service manager indicated that they had to several Buick Lesabre with the same problem). At least I am lucky that this person knew what was the problem without speculation. I have heard others were not that lucky at other dealer place where they couldn't figure out what is the problem except speculating on the cause of the problem. All I want is that the GMC company pay for the repairs or reimburse for the repairs caused by their poor technical workmanship.

The vehicle stalled while driving at 30-mph without warning. The vehicle was taken to a local garage and they found that the intake manifold was cracked and caused coolant to leak inside the engine. When the vehicle stopped, the consumer was unable to restart it, the engine was hydrostatic locked due to the coolant leaks.

The check engine indicator light illuminated. While driving the vehicle engine stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, and they replaced the plastic intake manifold at owner's expense of $985. 00.

1998 Buick Lesabre - engine backfire upon starting - blew off vacume hose at intake manifold, cracked plastic intake manifold. Engine hydrolocked, sucking coolant into all 6 cylinders. Fuel pressure regulator replaced along with a new plastic intake manifold.

Consumer took vehicle to dealer for inspection, and mechanic noticed that the plastic intake manifold cracked, causing fluid to leak onto the engine.

When the vehicle was started, there was an explosion. There was a breakage in the intake manifold and melting on the underside of the engine dumping shroud. A small fire was burned on the engine block when the shroud was removed.

The intake manifold leaked coolant into the cylinders. As a result the vehicle stalled.

Engine coolant leak, into the engine manifold,of my vehicle, resulted from defective upper intake manifold composite material degrading around the egr stove pipe. Buick motor division of general motors corporation has issued a service bulletin, #01-06-01-007a-(07/18/2001), document id#812024, pertaining to this exact type of engine manifold defect in 1998 Buick Lesabre automobiles. On September 3, 2003, the egr stove pipe failed in my 1998 Buick Lesabre, allowing engine coolant to enter the engine manfold. I formally request that your agency immediately begin an investigation into this defect, in order to proceed toward ordering a recall of this vehicle.

Gentlemen: I have a 1998 Buick Lesabre with 31,258 miles on it. Last weekend, I turned the key and heard a loud bang. The starter motor case had cracked. My independent garage put in a new starter to the tune of $526. 00. When they tried to start the car, the same thing happen to the new starter. The garage then discovered that the 3. 8l v6 engine was frozen due to a leak in the intake manifold which allowed coolant to enter the cylinders. They said the leak was caused by the gm "5 year" coolant rotting the manifold away. They estimated the repair at $2,000. 00, including the starter. I called Buick customer service; they are vague about any problem or liability. They did ask that I take the car to a Buick dealer for diagnosis. I took it to fields Buick. The dealer confirmed the problem and the cause. They want $2,300. 00 to fix it, excluding the starter. Gm refuses to do anything. I have discovered a gm technical service bulletin (01-06-01-007a) indicating that gm has known about this problem since at least July, 2001. The problem affects several makes and models. A catastrophic engine failure at 31,000 miles is absurd.

The vehicle experienced the same problem as the recall that was issued regarding the manifold, however the vehicle identification number was not included in the recall. The consumer stated the vehicle ran for five hours, he stopped to get gas and the vehicle failed to restart.

1998 Buick lasabre. . . With plastic intake developed a crack and allow all coolant to pass thru engine and out exhaust. . . Was stranded 100 miles from home. . . To get towed and replace this design flaw cost me over 600. 00 dollars.

The upper intake manifold gasket corroded and caused coolant to leak from the vehicle. This leakages occurred while driving or parking. The dealer was notified and informed the consumer that the vehicle was not covered under a manufacturer's recall.

My 1998 Buick Lesabre had a ruptured manifold in June 2003, causing engine to cease and smoke and minor fire. The smoke made myself and my infant son very ill. This was reported to Buick but they refused to reimburse for repair since vehicle was just out of warranty. They told me that the following recall was not in effect: NHTSA recall no. 03v473/gm recall no. 03054 and that my vehicle had no recall. A few months later the engine ceased to start again and it was determined at the Buick dealership that it was a faulty fuel pressue regulator which was replaced. Buick again refused reimbursement although I brought their attention to the current recall on my vehicle. I called again today as the recall for 98 Buick Lesabres with v6 engines was again posted but Buick told me that their system has no such recall and they refused to reimburse me for over $1000 of repairs for the faulty fuel pressue regulator and manifold. Nhtsa recall no. 04v090/gm recall no. 03054b.

Consumer parked vehicle after driving with no signs of mechanical trouble. The consumer returned to car and attempted to start the vehicle, but was unsuccessful. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the plastic intake manifold cracked, which caused coolant to leak, which resulted in engine failure.

The plastic intake manifold melted inside the engine. The vehicle was missing and was smoking. New manifold and plug wires were added.

The battery was low, tried starting the motor a few times in the morning. After waiting all day, charged the battery back up to normal and started the car. A loud bang and flash was noted and then the engine caught fire. Put the fire out with an extinguisher. There was a back fire in the intake manifold, which is made of plastic and it exploded casusing the engine to catch fire. Visual damaged caused by the fire was to the fuel line, air line and wire harness. Vehicle is 4. 5 years old and only has 23,000 miles on it.

While attempting to start the vehicle the consumer heard a load pop then smoke began to fill the cabin of the vehicle. Shortly after the vehicle caught on fire. The consumer requested reimbursement. The problem was due to a leaking manifold.

Vehicle is leaking oil. The consumer had vehicle serviced by a dealership, who indicated that the upper intake manifold is made of plastic, and the heat of the engine causes a hole in the manifold. This results in the leak. Please provide more details. Ts.

While driving and without warning intake manifold blewout, making it hard to start vehicle. Dealer notified. Ts.

The consumer took the vehicle to be inspected. The mechanic noticed that the plastic intake manifold was cracked and leaking fluid onto the engine.

Recall campaign received concerning fuel pressure regulator. The vehicle experienced a backfire which resulted in the replacement of the manifold. The problem recurred and the fuel pressure regulator was replaced.

The plastic intake manifold on my 1998 Buick Lesabre went bad last fall, which cost me over $1,000 to repair. There were about 70,000 miles on the engine at that time. Subsequently, I read an article in a newspaper that said the NHTSA was investigating gm cars with the 3. 8 liter engines for engine fires that resulted from these problems with the plastic intake manifold. I am wondering if a recall has been/could be issued, or if there is any way owners of cars with these engines can be reimbursed for the massive repair bills resulting from this engineering defect. Of course I am also very concerned for my safety since I have learned of the propensity for fires with these engines. Thank you.

July 11, 2002: we had to have 5 injectors replaced by jordan Oldsmobile-Buick, hot springs, arkansas. Cost: $709. 42. Mileage was 82,260. October 31, 2002: we had to take our car to orr pontiac, Cadillac, Toyota, hot springs, arkansas, because the car misfired (or backfired) on us. The work order states: customer states that oil light and temp light came on; car was low on coolant and had to add water, said a lot of white smoke came out of tail pipes and had very bad sulfur smell. Intake leaking, flooding cyl with coolant. replaced : two manifolds, coolant, oil, etc. Cost: $1398. 66. Mileage: 88,103. November 15, 2002: oil gauge goes to red and engine has knock. Diagnosis was internal engine damageI was told that parts of the engine had been made of plastic and this plastic had melted. Complete new engine. Cost: $4174. 94. Mileage: 88,821.

Vehicle completely stalls while driving without warning. Dealer stated engine manifold that is made of plastic is cracked and sending fluid through engine, damaging parts in engine. The plastic intake was replaced and the consumer is seeking reimbursement of repair expense.

While driving engine light illuminated on the dashboard constantly. Then, engine completely failed. The gaskets had been changed several times. Anti-freeze and oil leaked. Consumer found that it was the intake manifold.

When accelerating, the vehicle stalled. The driver stated that the vehicle has a design flaw in the engine manifold upper intake valve. (manifold and gaskets malfunctioned) the oil pan and valve cove was replaced. There was also a fuel injector problem. The dealer found the #4 cylinder misfiring with no fuel drop.

While stopped for gas, the vehicle smelled hot. The mechanic checked under the hood, and informed consumer that all the water and antifreeze was gone. This happened without any warning. The check engine light did not illuminate. Teh mechanic checked the pressure and filled the radiator and resevoir. An hour later the car would not start and all the water was gone. Consumer had vehicle towed and the owner of the garage showed consumer a plastic manifold on top of the engine with an emission control tube carrying exhaust back into the valve area. The tube had gotten so hot it melted a hole into the plastic allowing the radiator water to run into the valves. Consumer took vehicle back to the dealer where purchased. The service manager knew of the problem but says there is no recall for it. Consumer feels Buick should be responsible for the repairs made to the vehicle.

Consumer had manifold system repairs done on 98 Buick Lesabre. The manifold system was replaced twice. After the second repair, consumer became aware of the recalls for the same make and model with 3. 8 v6 engine. General motors were contacted but the consumer didn't receive a response.

1998 Buick Lesabre with cracked intake manifold. Consumer states that the manufacturer has no intention of sending out a recall for this problem or reimbursing the customers. The consumer stated the manifold was made out of plastic, which caused anti-freeze to mix with the oil.

3 times in shop due to checke engine light on. Claimed it was sensor. New alternator needed. New struts needed. Engine light was not sensor but was due to antifreeze leak from manifold gasket. All fluids went thru engine and out tailpipe causing over heating.

Vehicle made a grinding noise when in motion. The vehicles vacuum hose, power steering pressure and intake manifold failed.