Manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe Problems of Oldsmobile Alero - part 2

At 50k miles, low coolant light would flicker on and off so per the manual dexcool/water mixture was added. This alleviated the problem only temporarily however. Light continued to come on, and later at 61k, oil leak was noticed on the side of the intake manifold. An appointment was made to bring the car to the dealership the same week, during which the security dummy light came on (for no apparent reason). Also during this week, the "change oil" dummy light came on 100 miles before the oil change was due (at 2900 miles). The car was brought to the dealership to fix per its appointment, and not only was coolant leaking into the engine, but the upper and lower intake manifold gaskets required replacement. In addition, on its way to the dealership, the engine started to misfire causing the "check engine" light to flash for several moments before turning to a steadily lit dummy light. Car has always been given routine maintenance and oil changes every 3k or as necessary, so this performance and obvious design flaw are very disappointing. Would not recommend this car/3. 4l v6 engine to anyone looking to purchase a new vehicle and considering this make/model/engine type.

See all problems of the 1999 Oldsmobile Alero 🔎.

Consumer took vehicle to dealer for regular maintenance and dealer determined that vehicle needed the following replacements: a new ignition lock cylinder, intake manifold, multi function switch, and an engine oil flush. Consumer stated that when she put key in the ignition it would not turn, but did not know that vehicle would need a new switch. Also, there was ticking noise when she tried to start the vehicle.

See all problems of the 2002 Oldsmobile Alero 🔎.

I bought my Alero in may of 2003, and it is not March 2004 and I am replacing the motor. Started out with brake problems, then went on to the leather under the windows and on the dash "bubbling" up in the sun. Next, I had coolant/oil leaks at the intake manifold. Low trac light came on all the time, low tire pressure light stays on, the fan for the a/c or heat only worked in the 3-5 positions. (it's full blast or nothing. ) coolant light frequently came on, transmission fluid vanishes, coolant leaks, yet no one knows where from. The temperature gauge never goes below halfway, and it ran hot a lot. Had to replace the coolant cap and overflow resevoir. The gas hand sticks, the speedometer sticks, the leather seats are tearing, had to replace the factory radio because it would not pick up any channels, rear defrost works only when it wants to, and service engine light stayed on about half the time. I took this car to 7 mechanics, had it hooked up to diagnostic computers, had everything checked-yet no one could tell me what was going on. Finally, I left the mechanic shop after being told that the car was "good to go" (which I would never put in the same sentence with Alero again. ), and it starting skipping. I had it towed, only to find out that I had a cracked block and cracked heads. (new motor needed-final prognosis) my mechanic told me that it would do absolutely no good to put a motor in it because in 2 years-the new motor will do the same! Oldsmobile should be ashamed that they would recall a glove box latch, yet not the motor. After reading the reviews that I have read in the past week, I am seeking legal action in regards to this issue. I did not pay $17,000 for a lemon, which is all I got!! don't buy!! buyer beware!!.

I purchased a used 2001 Oldsmobile Alero in December 2003 with 41,805 miles. After having the car for only two months I noticed a puddle of coolant under the car, I took it back to the dealer I purchased it from where I was told that it was leaking from the intake manifold and that my warranty would not cover it due to it being a gasket. I also was informed that my water pump was leaking. I learned through research that this is a very common problem with gm vehicles so I contacted gm and was told that I had to take it to a gm dealer to have it diagnosed (I purchased it from a Honda dealer and gm wouldn't take their diagnosis) to see if gm would assist in the repair. I took the car to a gm dealer and they confirmed the problem was the leaking intake manifold gasket and was told that gm would not be of any assistance with the cost of the repair. I was also informed that I would owe the gm dealer $30 for the diagnostic test (which gm also declined to cover) to find the problem; I was never told up front that they would charge me for the test and basically the test was not required since I (and gm) already knew what the problem was and was told by them to take it to a gm dealer for consideration for assistance. I have read hundreds (if not thousands) of complaints against gm for the same problem and also internal service bulletins from gm indicating that they were well aware of the problem with the intake manifold gasket. This is a very costly repair (between $800 and $900 dollars) for only owning the car for two months.

See all problems of the 2001 Oldsmobile Alero 🔎.

A defect on a 2001 Oldsmobile Alero. No safety defect listed.

I have a 2000 Oldsmobile Alero. I just recently bought this car used with approximately 35,000 miles in October 2003. At around 40,000 miles in February of 2004, I discovered that I had an coolant leak. While the manual says with the "dexcool antifreeze" I should not have had to replace any coolant until 150,000 miles, I had refilled around three times within around 4,000 miles. I took it to a gm dealer who informed me that I needed a new intake manifold gasket, along with many other small parts associated with the I. M. Gasket, that came to a total bill of around $600. My intake had to be completed taken apart and resealed because the dealer said that Oldsmobile had used a "weak sealant". I have filed a complaint with Oldsmobile, but was informed that it would not be a recall until more people complained to them. I have seen many consumer complaints on this subject, and if more people complain we may be able to get our money back. This was a defect on my car because of faulty eqiupment and parts used in the manufacturing, and I feel that no matter if I was the first to complain or the thousandth person to complain, an intake manifold gasket should not have malfunctioned and had to have been replaced on a car that only has 40,000 miles. Oldsmobile really needs to take credit for their actions in replacing faulty equipment on the cars they have made, no matter if they are going out of business or not.

See all problems of the 2000 Oldsmobile Alero 🔎.

Head gasket and manifold gasket leak on a 1999 olds Alero with 55000 miles.

Check engine soon light comes on; had prob fixed before mechanic said a wire was laying on manifold, repositioned and tightened but prob is occuring again; service vehicle light stays on along with trac off light; car engine presur is decreased and makes noises and when turning wheels left or right there is a sound like rubber running together; pads have to be changed every 6 months and rortors have been changed twice.

The check engine light came on. Upon checking the coolant levels, it was low. The repair shop diagnosis is a leak in the intake manifold with an $800+ repair cost. According to research, the particular type of coolant, dexcool, used in gm cars is linked to corrosion to the intake manifold gaskets.

Car overheated. Had to have it towed. Rear of intake manifold was found to be leaking. Intake manifold gaskets had to be replaced.

Failure of intake manifold resulted in coolant leaking into the engine after only 40,000 miles, I am finding this is a common problem often resulting in engine failure.

My intake manifold gasket began to fail earlier this year. Starting in sept. 2003 I had to add dexcool every two weeks to my reservoir; beginning in oct. 2003 I had to add every 7 to 10 days. My car was not quite yet to 50000 miles. Gm claims that my problem was not caused by dexcool and that I should have had my coolant system serviced at 30000 milles but I have three pieces of gm documents that say that the coolant system does not have to be serviced until 150000 miles. I was told by one gm service technician that the part I had to replace was a piece of junk. Fortunately there were no crashes or fatalities. I had to add two months to my car note in order to have this problem fixed. The part cost $58 and the repair cost $540. I have read complaint after complaint on the internet that this part has caused many problems and that gm refuses to do anything about it.

Coolant leaking from engine area, told intake manifold gaskets needed replacing. 3. 4l engine.

The "coolant" light came on - then the car died & overheated. . . Apparently coolant was leaking into the engine because a gasket failed. . . Now the engine must be replaced at 70,000 miles. Starting at 3,000 miles, the check engine soon light came on & it has been in and out of dealerships ever since!!! gm hasn't done a thing to help me! I just spent $1,300 to get the gasket replaced in the intake manifold & now they tell me the engine needs to be replaced!!! please help me - I need a contact for gm - the customer service line has not done a thing to help & apparently this is a common problem. . .

While driving driver noticed smoke coming under the hood. Pulled vehicle over and checked. Noticed coolant was leaking on the intake manifold. Took vehicle to dealership. Mechanic had not determine the cause of the leakage.

While driving the vehicle reach high temperatures because the intake manifold failed which caused coolant to get inside the engine. Dealer notified. Please provide further information.

I have a 2000 Oldsmobile Alero with 55,000 miles on it that is leaking coolant. I have brought it to 2 different auto locations, one a dealer snd the other a mechanic whom I trust. Both places agreed that the intake manifold gasket has worn out. I am now in the process of getting the gasket replaced which will cost me $600. 00, not including the towing charges and diagnostic expenditures that I have gone through. The mechanic who is replacing this gasket said that this probobly about the 15th Alero that he has had to do the same replacement work to and that he has read that this a common defect for this car. The first time that the car wa towed, because the engine coolant leaked all over the garage of a friend's house, it was taken to a pep boys shop and he also said that he had read in car magazines that this was a common problem for old's Aleros from the year 2000-2003. I believe that gm should put out a recall on this problem as it is costing many people a lot of money and it is a road hazard, something which could cause a fire.

Premature intake manifold gasket failure on gm sohc v6 engines causing an external coolant leak. This is common knowledge to mechanics and parts stores. In my case at less than 50k miles, although most commonly occurs around 70k miles.

Due to gm defect to date I have had to replace intake manifold gasket, water pump, thermostat, serpentine belt and am now looking at replacing gas tank and heater core. .

Engine: 3. 4l v6. The manifold gasket and water pump failed at approximately 40,000 miles. The dealer picked up the cost of the parts under their "goodwill" policy, but out of pocket cost to me was still over $800. The manifold gasket on my 2002 Buick rendezvous, VIN 3g5da03e52s528965 also failed and had to be replaced at 18,000 miles. This was done under warranty at no cost to me. This was also the 3. 4l v6 engine. It is obvious this is a problem gm has known about for quite some time and have not taken corrective action in a timely manner. An extension of the warranty on this engine is certainly called for. I have advised many friends to avoid purchasing a gm car with either the 3. 1l or 3. 4l engine.

I am in the navy and have had my car for around 8 months but just found this site now. My intake manifold gasket went on me at 40,000 plus miles. I have read TSB's and found many others have had this problem. I know Oldsmobile is being phased out but I love my car due to it being my first car and I have been financially stricken due to incidents like this. My warranty had expired and it cost me 600 dollars to repair it. I was told by my family and a navy jag to file a complaint with the better business bureau and the dealership but I decided to take this route. Please get back to me on this. I would appreciate it.

3 months after buying my used 2000 Alero I found that the intake manifold was leaking and needed to be replaced soon. Once I saved up money I took it in and had it replaced. Since then (one and a half months later) my "service engine soon" lamp continually comes on. Place that repaired my intake manifiold gasket has no idea what the problem is--something with my air system. Also, immediately after repair of img my fuel gauge is stuck on (e)mpty. . Will occasionally move. I am extremely upset that I wasted my money on a piece of junk. Also, my cruise kicks out when I am in overdrive--has not worked since a week after I bought the car. I have put more money than need be into a car that is only 3 years old and I have not even owned for a month! what is going on with my car??.

Service engine soon lamp: intake manifold gasket: cruise control: transmission.

Water pump and intake manifold gasket had to be replaced at 40,000 miles. Very disappointing. Appears to be common problem with gm 3. 4l v6 engine. Reconsider before purchasing car with this engine.

Gm v6 intake mainfold leak.

I have a 1999 Oldsmobile Alero with a 3. 4l v6 engine that leaks coolant from the intake manifold gaskets. My dealer is jim muir Oldsmobile, who put me in contact with gm customer service. They claim no knowledge of the problem. According to the internet, there are thousands of vehicles with the problem. My father, who works at gm says that at least seven people he knows in his office have had repairs done. Gm needs to acknowledge the issue and start fixing them.

We purchased this car in July 2002 from classic Chevrolet in owasso, ok. We also purchased an extended warranty. In December the car was hit from the rear by a hit and run driver. In January the engine began to knock. I called the warranty place and got permission to take it to a mechanic, he said it was the intake manifold gasket, replaced it when it still knocked he said it would take awhile for all the water to get out of the engine. We took it back, and got a run around for 4 weeks, finally called the warranty place told them he wasn't getting it fixed and requested permission to take it to a different shop. Granted then when they found out it needed a new engine they refused to pay for it, said they would only contribute a sum of money toward fixing it. I called gmac because they financed the warranty, one person told me that gm should honor the warranty and so I have a call in to a dealer in pittsburgh, KS. We no longer have a gm dealer in our town. My point is that someone needs to make this right and put a new engine in my car at no more expense to me. When I talk to gm I will be letting them know that I found your site and checked it out, and lodged a complaint. I am unsure of the exact date of the incident and since it is 4:15am am unable to call and get it.

My 2000 Oldsmobile Alero has had serious problems with it since purchasing it in June of 2002. To date, I have had to replace my waterpump, intake manifold gasket, tires, brakes and rotors consistently (three or more times ayear) . The most recent problem is my gas gauge will indicate that I have 1/4 tank and to my surprise the car will not start unless more fuel is added. The engine also sounds rough, I have both service engine lights on, along with my low tire pressure, anti lock brake light on and I have new tires, replaced a gas cap, and the lights went off, but then come back on. I am also positive that my car will not pass inspection. The cosmetic defects are that of the dash board starting to peel and come loose. I have read up on that gm responded to a problem with all 2000 Oldsmobile Aleros about the gas problem and I contacted the dealer dorschel and spoke with service manager lou, gm agreed to add a different filter so that the gas was draining back into the tank, it was also mentioned in the article that dealers could be fined thousands of dollars daily if not complied with, but because it was not an actual recall, the dealer denied my request to fix. After reading the multiple complaints about these vehicles, I am shocked that they have not been recalled, the should be as they are not safe cars in my opinion. I am challenging you to take a ride in my car with your family and see if you feel safe, because not only am I out 13,000 that I paid for the car, but also if I have to estimate probably another 6,000 in repairs. That is ridiculous. I expect a written response from your office within 30 days of what you intend to do to investigate these problems. Not only read my letter, but you should google in 2000 Oldsmobile Aleros and see the disgust of performance people are complaining of.

Intake manifold gasket failure causing leakage of coolant into engine.

2000 olds Alero gl 3. 4: found coolant drops on garage floor. Took in to dealer and was told intake manifold gasket leaking. This does not seem reasonable at 3 years old and only 47,088 miles. Gm needs to be investigated and a recall should be made. Too many others I found online have same problem about same mileage. Cost to do work $843. 85 (replaced intake and other gaskets drained cooling system and changed oil etc. ) told this was all necessary because of the leak from the intake manifold gasket. On January 10, 2003, I spoke to a man at olds customer service. . . His name garritt bates. After putting me on hold he called the dealer and came back to tell me this problem was "normal wear and tear". He gave me a file # and told me to hang on to my reciepts in case there ever was a recall.

The intake manifold gaskets had to be replaced. If left alone, the leak would have ruined the engine which would have cost 2000. 00 or more.

Engine: intake manifold gasket leak. Leaking antifreeze into engine. $846 estimate to repair. Gm dealer will not cover repair. Brakes: 2nd set of brake rotors and pads replaced, this is first one out of warranty.

After experiencing loss of coolant in my 2000 Oldsmobile Alero, I was informed that I needed a new intake manifold gasket (it was leaking) which would cost almost $700 to fix. Although my vehicle is no longer under warranty, I feel that a leaking intake manifold is a premature repair for a vehicle only 3 years old. I have done some searching and know that I am not the only gm owner with this problem. This problem is obviously a manufacturer defect not to mention a potentially dangerous one. Any longer and I would have had a ruined engine that could have caught fire or stalled on the highway. Gm needs to take responsibility for this problem.

The brake rotors turned twice and replaced once. This caused the brake pads to have to be replaced. The drivers door automatic window motor had to be replaced twice and now the passenger door window was doing the same thing. The interior light fell out and had to be put back in. The sun visor came loose and had to be tightened again. The cd player had to be replaced. A backlash of electricity caused a fuse to be replaced. The car died on a highway and towed to the dealership. The intact manifold leaked, it was tightened up and one month later the same problem happened again. The drivers side seat belt did not detract automatically.

The consumer states that on three seperate occasions they have been left without a vehicle due to the engine throwing coolant out of the coolant resevoir, this results in an engine that was heaving and vibrating/knocking. The vehicle was losing most of its anti-freeze during the operation. On one occasion they found a leaky intake manifold gasket. Consumer states that when he'd take the vehicle to get repairs, the problem was never found or there was an impression that the vehicle was okay. Also, the consumer states that the cooling system is designed in a way that air bubbles cannot be bled out and would like his money back.