Manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe problems of the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

I am the original owner of this very well maintained silverado. At just 100000 miles I noticed multiple exhaust manifold bolts broken, I had noticed a ticking sound for at least 10000 miles but could not locate the sound, as it turns out it was the broken exhaust bolts. These bolts break off at varying lengths including below flush which is extremely costly to have replaced. After a brief internet search I have realized this is a major issue with a majority of these vehicles. This is definitely an epa concern being the raw gasses are flowing out of the vehicle bypassing the catalytic converter and by not allowing these vehicles to pass regulatory smog certifications. This defect could also be considered a safety concern with the potential for the exhaust gasses to get into the passenger compartment. I truly hope that you can investigate these defective bolts and at the very least get Chevrolet to acknowledge the issue and help with a portion of the cost to repair.

Went to change exhaust manifold and gasket when number one cylinder manifold bolt broke off under minimal pressure. Bolt broke off flush/recessed to gasket surface of cylinder head. Inspected bolt and came to the conclusion that the bolt was fractured when it was installed during vehicle assembly. Spoke with dealership and representative pulled up VIN history in computer. History showed an error with number one cylinder during vehicle assembly and dealer service representative stated "that motor should have never made it out of the assembly plant. " no help from dealership to remove broken bolt so exhaust leak can be repaired. Dealership also noticed that the number one spark plug on the same cylinder was sticking out further than the other plugs. Come to find out that the spark plug hole had not been threaded all the way into the cylinder. No help from gm on that one either. Had to buy a tap and finish threading the hole myself at home. Researched broken bolt extraction for silverado exhaust manifold and have found that this is an epidemic and there are multiple videos on youtube about this issue.