Engine Cooling System problems of the 2003 Buick Lesabre

Upper intake manifold leaking externally at 50,400 miles on 2003 Buick Lesabre. Same occurred on my 1997 Buick Lesabre at 85,000 miles. Replaced upper intake manifold and gasket with after market assembly on 1997 now at 103,000 miles. 2003 Buick currently at dealers for repair pending.

I helped my 78 year old mother purchase a 2003 Buick Lesabre in early Jan. 2006. When I test drove car I noticed coolant was low and mentioned to salesperson. Dealer replaced leaking plenum gasket but did not report to me. Less than 300 miles later the car was severely losing coolant again. Dealer said upper intake manifold (plenum) was warped and needed replacement. Problem is that the only plenum gm makes for this engine is defective and will likely warp again, possibly destroying engine. This has happened to many owners of gm vehicles that have this engine. All repairs on my mother's car have so far been under warranty but warranty will soon run out. Warranty is supposed to cover any defects in manufacturing. Plenum is defective and the only gm authorized repair is with another defective plenum. This is just a temporary fix. I spoke with a former gm mechanic who told me that he sees this problem all the time and that gm knows about it. Plastic is not a suitable material for the plenum, as it warps due to engine heat. A recall is only way to remedy this problem. This engine is used in many vehicles (buicks and other models) that are popular with the elderly. It is unconsciousness that gm knowingly allows the elderly to drive cars that will likely leave them stranded.

Vehicle engine coolant leak. The problem had been corrected.