Five problems related to manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe have been reported for the 1996 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Due to intake manifold gasket leak (this is the fourth time for this problem on this vehicle) I had to stop to add coolant in order to safely drive the vehicle. Had I not noticed the problem this potentially could have left me stranded on the side of the highway. After getting to a safe location I had the vehicle towed to a dealer for repair. Also, as I stated above this is my fourth time dealing with this issue; in addition, I know of personally 3 other vehicles with the same engine that have had the same problem and they too have changed the intake gasket several times.
My intake manifold is leaking. I understand from the dealership that this is extremely common but unfortunately has not lead to a recall yet. Ts.
While driving started to smell exhaust fumes in vehicle. Vehicle was checked, and determined that manifold is cracked all the way around.
When I purchased this car, it was the car of my dreams. I had it for less than 2 weeks, when I noticed sludge in the oil and around the cap. I was told that it was condensation! it wasn't. It was the intake manifold gasket. When I first complained to sunshine Ford, where I bought the car, it was still under warranty. When it finally blew, thank god 10 feet from my driveway, it was 300 miles over the warranty. I had nothing but problems trying to get them to fix it. They diagnosed it wrong to begin with! it ended up costing me around 250. 00. Two weeks after I got the car back I was doing 65 on the highway, when something big dropped out from under my car. It was the computer and the front guard! they charged me for that too. Now, I started up the car the other day and heard a muffler noise in the front down in the engine. My drivers side manifold is cracked all the way around! needless to say, this is another $6-700. 00 I have to put in this car! also, my steering column, turn signals shorted out, were replaced, but I still get surging in my lights. I am not at all happy with this car, or chevy. Oh! and let's not forget the snapped frame on the front driver seat!.
The intake manifold gasket leaked fluid which resulted in the engine over heating.