Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 1995 record →
THE WIRING HARNESS CAUGHT FIRE. *JB THE FIRE WAS DUE TO A FAULTY WIRE HARNESS BEHIND THE STEERING WHEEL FROM THE LIGHT CONTROL SWITCH. THE ENTIRE SWITCH WAS MELTED, ESPECIALLY THE WIRE HARNESS PLUG HAT CONNECTED TO THE WIRING HARNESS DIRECTLY TO THE SWITCH. *SC
I PURCHASED THIS CAR USED FROM A DEALER IN 2001 IN MICHIGAN. (I DON'T THINK THE AIR CONDITIONING EVER WORKED ). WITHIN A FEW MONTHS THE TRACTION CONTROL WENT OUT. IT WOULD BE ON, WHEN THE CAR STARTED, BUT WITHIN DRIVING 300FT. WOULD GO OUT AND COULD NOT BE TURNED BACK ON FROM THE BUTTON. A FEW MONTHS AFTER THAT ALL OF THE DASH LIGHTS WENT OUT WHEN EVER YOU TURNED ON THE HEAD LIGHTS. THIS WAS DUE TO A BAD SWITCH & A SHORT. THEN THE CRUSE CONTROL WENT OUT. A FEW MONTHS AFTER THAT WE HAD TO REPLACE THE HEAD GASKETS DUE TO THE ENGINE OVER HEATING BY AN UNKNOWN CAUSE. 1 MONTH AFTER THAT WE HAD TO REPLACE THE ENGINE AFTER THROWING A ROD AND CRACKING THE ENGINE BLOCK, DUE TO THE FACT THAT THERE WAS STILL FLUIND IN THE ENGINE FROM MELTED MANAFOLD.( THIS ALL TOOK PLACE BETWEEN NOV. 2001 & JAN. 2002) AFTER THAT THE IGNITION HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE ONE OF THE WIRES WAS SEVERED DUE TO THE WHEEL TILT. (WE WOULD TILT THE WHEEL & COULD NOT START THE CAR). IN NOV. 2002 THE TRANSMISSION STARTED TO SLIP, WE HAD IT REPLACED. THEN ALL AT ONE TIME (2003) THE BATTERY WENT DEAD, THE TIMING CHAIN HAD JUMPED A TOOTH, THE CAM SENSOR, AND THE SPARK PLUGS WHICH HAD BEEN CHANGED A FEW WEEKS BEFORE. A FEW WEEKS AFTER THAT THE ENGINE OVERHEATED AGAIN DUE TO A LEAK IN THE COOLANT RESOVOIR BOTTEL, THIS CAUSED THE HEAD GASKETS TO BLOW AGAIN. IT IS NOW 2004 WE HAVE AN ONGOING ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. SINCE MID 2003 WE HAVE GONE THROUGH 3 PCM & 3 PROMS DUE TO THE FACT THE THEY KEPT FRYING ( A RESULT OF A BAD GROU
THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG WENT OFF IN MY 1995 BONNEVILLE WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT ABOUT 60 MPH. GM SAID THEY WOULD REPLACE THE AIRBAG.BUT THEY WILL NOT WARRANTY THE NEW BAG. THERE SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM WITH THESE CARS TAKING ON WATER SOMWHERE WHICH THEN GETS TO THE AIRBAG SENSOR UNDER THE PASSENGER SEAT.THIS CAUSES THE SENSOR TO GET CORRODED AND BECOME FAULTY. I'D LIKE TO KNOW WHAT MY OPTIONS ARE FOR DEALING WITH GM ON THIS MATTER. *AK
HEADLIGHT CONTROL SWITCH, ACDELCO/PART # D1522E DEFECTIVE. *AK
I HAVE HAD THIS CAR FOR JUST OVER 1 YEAR, I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE FRONT BREAKS 3 TIMES AND THE ROTORS 2 TIMES AND THE CALIPERS 2 TIMES, ALSO THE PASSENGER REAR WHEEL CYLINDER HAS HAD TO BE REPLACED 4 TIMES AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AGAIN, ALSO THE DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL CYLINDER IS IN NEED OF REPAIR, ALL 4 DOORS WILL NOT UNLOCK WITH THE REMOTE AND THE DRIVERS DOOR WILL NOT LOCK WITH REMOTE, ON THIRD BATTERY FOR THIS CAR AND THERE IS STILL A SHORT SOMEWHERE CAUSING A FLUXATION IN THE VOLT METER IF THE BLINKER IS ON, ANTILOCK BREAK LIGHT WILL COME ON AND OFF AND BREAKS HAVE FAILED SEVERAL TIMES AND MAKE A LOUD NIOSE IF SLIPPING, ALSO HAVE HAD TO REPLACE SPARK PLUGS ALMOST EVERY OTHER MONTH AND HEATER BLOWER WILL COME ON AND OFF AT WILL. *AK
LOST EXTERIOR LIGHTS. I HAD NO DASH LIGHTS NO RUNNING LIGHTS. TOOK TO THE GARAGE AND FOUND OUT THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH HAD MELTED. TO ME THIS IS A DEFECT. MY CAR COULD HAVE CAUGHT ON FIRE.*AK
THE ELECTONIC CLIMATE CONTROL ON MY 1995 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE HAS STOPPED WORKING....I GET NO COOLING, ONLY HOT AIR ALL THE TIME WHETHER THE CONTROL IS SET ON AIR CONDITIONING, HEATING AND OR IF I JUST WANT TO RECEIVE FRESH OUTSIDE AIR.*AK
AUTOMOBILE STOPS WITH NO WARNING LEAVING ME WITH NO BRAKES OR STEERING. SOMETIMES IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AT HIGH RATES OF SPEED. GENERAL MOTORS DEALERSHIP MECHANICS COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. I HAVE LOOKED ON OTHER SITES AND HAVE FOUND THAT THIS IS A COMMON DEFECT WITH THIS MODEL. HOPEFULLY NO ONE HAS TO GET INJURED OR KILLED BEFORE SOMETHING IS DONE TO FIX THE PROBLEM. *AK
BOTH FRONT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG BROKE THE DASHBOARD AND THE WINDSHIELD. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK *NM
WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON THE STREET BOTH AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. *AK
ALL OF THE DASHBOARD PANEL LIGHTS WERE INOPERABLE IN THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND REPLACED THE HEAD LIGHT SWITCH AND THE CONNECTORS. THE MANUFACTURER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. *NM *MR
AS STATED MANY TIMES HERE-UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD LEAKED AROUND METAL HEAT RISER TUBE, LEAKING WATER INTO CYLINDERS CAUSING A VAPOR LOCK IN CYLINDERS. THIS PROBLEM IS OFTEN MISDIAGNOSED AS HEAD CRAKED OR GASKET FAILURE. THE PLASTIC MANIFOLD MELTS OR CHAFES AROUND TUBE CAUSING A SMALL HOLE IN THE SEALED WATER JACKET IN THE MANIFOLD. WATER WILL DIRECTLY LEAK INTO CYLINDER HEADS. VERY EASY FIX AND A GOOD UPPER MANIFOLD FROM A JUNKYARD WILL RUN AROUND 100 AS OPPOSED TO A NEW ENGINE!*AK
WE HAVE REPLACED ONE LIGHTING SWITCH. THE WIRE HARNESS WAS MELTED. WE ASKED ABOUT A RECALL ON THIS 2 YEARS AGO WHEN IT HAPPENED. WHEN IT GOES OUT WE HAVE NO TAIL LIGHTS AND NO DASH BOARD LIGHTS. BY THE LOOKS OF OTHER COMPLAINTS WE ARE NOT ALONE. WITH THIS MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT AN ELECTRICAL WIRING DEFAULT WHERE IS MELTS DOWN LIKE OURS DID OR THE CAUSE OF A FIRE WHY IS THERE NOT A RECALL ON SUCH A DANGEROUS THING. WOULD THEY RATHER BE SUED AND BE LIABLE FOR DEATHS IF A PERSON IS CAUGHT IN THEIR VEHICLE WHEN IT CATCHES ON FIRE. THIS IS DEFINITELY AN ITEM THAT NEEDS TO BE ON THE RECALL LIST.*AK
DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG SUDDENLY DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING DOWN INTERSTATE. *LA
THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE HEADLIGHTS OFF. THE CONSUMER HAD TO REMOVE THE FUSES IN ORDER TO GET THE HEADLIGHTS TO OUT. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *JB
MY 1995 PONTIAC PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WHILE MY CAR WAS PARKED, WITH NO IMPACT! IT CAUSED EXTENSIVE DAMAGE AND WHEN GM WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE ISSUE THERE REPLY WAS "TO BAD, ITS YOUR PROBLEM, THE CAR IS MORE THAN 5 YEARS OLD". IF THERE HAD BEEN A PASSENGER THERE WOULD HAVE DEFINITELY BEEN SERIOUS INJURY! *CB
GM TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 01-06-01-007A IDENTIFIES AN INHERENT DESIGN FLAW ON THE 3.8 L ENGINE (VIN K - RPO L36) AVAILABLE IN THE FOLLOWING VEHICLES: 1995-1997 BUICK RIVIERA 1995-1998 BUICK LESABRE, PARK AVENUE 1996-1998 BUICK REGAL 1998 CHEVROLET LUMINA, MONTE CARLO 1995-1996 OLDSMOBILE NINETY-EIGHT 1995-1998 OLDSMOBILE EIGHTY-EIGHT 1998 OLDSMOBILE INTRIGUE 1995-1998 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE 1997-1998 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX GM MINIMIZES THE IMPACT OF THE PROBLEM BY IDENTIFYING ONE OF THE SYMPTOMS AS OWNER COMPLAINING OF A SMALL COOLANT LEAK. THE FACT IS THAT IN MOST CASES THE LEAK IS NOT VISIBLE. THE COOLANT TYPICALLY LEAKS INTERNALLY BY THE EGR STOVE PIPE INTO THE ENGINE'S INTAKE MANIFOLD WHERE IT BUILDS UP. EVENTUALLY THE COOLANT LEVEL IN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD RISES TO THE POINT WHERE THE COOLANT WILL GET SUCKED INTO ONE OF THE CYLINDERS. IN LESS SEVERE CASES, WHEN IT HAPPENS AT IDLE OR LOW RPM, THIS CAUSES THE ENGINE TO SEIZE AND STALL. IN THE MOST SEVERE CASES, WHEN IT HAPPENS AT HIGH RPM, THE HAMMERING EFFECT OF THE ENGINE TRYING TO COMPRESS A LIQUID, CAUSES THE AFFECTED PISTON TO SHATTER (MY CASE). THIS IS A CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE CAUSED BY A DESIGN FLAW. WHEN THIS HAPPENS ON A HIGHWAY AT 75 MPH (MY CASE) THERE IS GREAT POTENTIAL FOR AN ACCIDENT AND INJURY TO PASSENGERS. I WAS LUCKY, BUT I STILL HAD TO REPLACE MY ENGINE WITH A REMANUFACTURED ONE AT MY EXPENSE. I COULD NOT AFFORD WHAT GM CHARGED FOR A NEW ENGINE. GM IS FULLY AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. GM REPAIR CENTERS ARE ATTR
THE PROBLEM WITH MY CAR IS THE PAINT. I OWN A WHITE 1995 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE, WHICH I BOUGHT NEW ON NOV23,1994. I'VE TAKEN THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE PURCHASED AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS A DEFECT IN THE UNDERCOATING PROCESS AND THAT MY CAR WAS GOING THROUGH THE PROCESS KNOWN AS DELAMINATION OF THE PAINT OR BETTER KNOWN AS PEELING OF THE PAINT. THE BODY SHOP MANAGER SAID THAT MY CAR WAS IN EXCELLENT SHAPE AND WAS A CAR THAT WAS WELL TAKEN CARE OF. I'VE WRITTEN TO THE PONTIAC CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AND RECEIVED A REPLY BACK FROM A MICHAEL GOONAN. SPOKE TO A REP. AT THE PONTIAC CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AND WAS GIVEN A SERVICE REQUEST NUMBER: 1-41426281. I EVEN WROTE (AND SENT PICTURES) A LETTER TO JOHN F SMITH JR. CHAIRMAN/CEO AND RECEIVED A PHONE CALL ON NOV.27 FROM ANDREW DRUCKS WHO SAYS HE IS AN EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT FROM GM IN DETROIT. ALL THREE (3) PEOPLE TOLD ME THE SAME RESPONSE: SORRY. YOUR WARRANTY IS UP AND THAT THERE IS NOTHING THAT THEY CAN DO FOR ME...THAT THE CAR IS ALMOST 8 YEARS OLD AND HAS 63,000 PLUS MILES ON IT. THEY CLAIM THAT THE WARRANTY IS UP FOR PAINT AND THAT I WOULD HAVE TO FOOT THE BILL TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. MY QUESTION IS: WHY SHOULD I HAVE TO PAY FOR REPAIRS WHEN GM KNEW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM YEARS AGO? HOW WAS I TO FORESEE WHEN THE PAINT WAS GOING TO START TO PEEL. NO ONE COULD HAVE PREDICTED WHEN THIS WAS GOING TO HAPPEN. THE PAINT IS PEELING ON THE ROOF OF MY CAR AND HAS VISIBLE SIGNS THAT IT WILL HAPPEN ON THE HOOD,TRUNK, AND SPOILER
THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AT ~76,000 MILES. REPLACED AT GM DEALER WITH A REMANUFACTURED GM UNIT. 06/23/2001. BRAKE FAILURE - WARNING LIGHT AT 81,728 MILES. REPLACED MASTER CYLINDER AND REAR WHEEL CYLINDERS. ANTILOCK BRAKES HAVE ALWAYS BEHAVED STRANGELY AT TIMES BUT HAVE NEVER FAILED TO STOP THE CAR IN A REASONABLE DISTANCE. 09/22/2001. ENGINE FAILURE AT 82,449 MILES. REPLACEMENT ENGINE INSTALLED AT INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP FOR $1400.00. . REPAIR LEAKING GENUINE GM REPLACEMENT TRANSMISSION. SIDE COVER LEAKS SEVERELY, DEALER ADVISES OUT OF WARRANTY PERIOD AND REPAIR COST OF $300+ FOR SIDE PAN GASKET. PROBLEM SOLVED AT LOCAL TRANSMISSION SHOP (MR. TRANSMISSION) FOR $92.95. IN ADDITION THE FOLLOWING NO LONGER FUNCTION OR FUNCTION IMPROPERLY: FUEL GAUGE DOES NOT WORK, REFILL BASED ON MILEAGE DRIVEN. ALSO THE FUEL PUMP WHINES VERY NOTICEABLY, CAN BE HEARD PLAINLY IN THE VEHICLE OVER THE RADIO. COST FOR REPAIR OF BOTH AT DEALER: $600+ DEPENDING ON PARTS REQUIRED. STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS FOR THE RADIO DO NOT FUNCTION. AUTOMATIC HEADLIGHT CONTROL WILL NOT TURN HEADLIGHTS OFF AFTER TURNING THEM ON. RESULT - BATTERY REPLACEMENT. NOW LEAVE THE CONTROL IN THE OFF POSITION. SPRING LOADED CENTER CONSOLE DOOR LATCH FAILED CAUSING CONSOLE DOOR TO REMAIN OPEN. REPLACED CONSOLE DOOR AND TWO VENTS THAT HAD BROKEN FOR $124.66. CONSOLE DOOR LATCH FAILED APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR LATER (SAME FAILURE). REMOVED DOOR SPRING SO DOOR NOW STAYS CLOSED. DRIVERS SIDE DOOR LOCK JAMS WHEN USING KEY FOB, HAVE TO US
WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT A CURB PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FORCE EXPLODED THE FRONT WINDSHIELD, AND RIPPED THE DASHBOARD ON THAT SIDE. TEN MINUTES EARLIER A CHILD WAS SITTING IN THAT PARTICULAR SEAT. *AK
WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED, CAUSING SMOKE TO COME FROM THE AIR BAG AND SHATTERED THE FRONT WINDSHIELD AND DAMAGED THE DASH. THE CONSUMER MANAGED TO PULL OVER TO AIR THE VEHICLE OUT AND THEN CONTINUED TO THEIR DESTINATION. THE DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN NOTIFIED AND THE PROBLEM WAS NOT RESOLVED. *PH THE DEALER WOULD NOT COVER THE REPAIR COST DUE TO THE VEHICLE BEING OUT OF WARRANTY. THE SERVICE TECH'S COULD NOT CHECK THE DRIVER'S SIDE WITHOUT INSTALLING A PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG. *SC *JB
AUTO ENGINE CUTS OUT WHEN GOING DOWN HILL. SHIFT TO NEUTRAL AND RESTARTS WITH NO PROBLEM. HOWEVER, LOSS OF POWER CUTS OUT POWER STEERING, POWER BRAKES, ETC. *LA
I HAVE A 1995 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE WHICH I PURCHASED USED FROM JIM CULLIGAN GM PONTIAC IN 1996. AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE ONLY ONE MONTH THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET HAD TO BE REPLACED AS THERE WAS A BULLETIN ON IT. IT IS OBVIOUS THE DEALER KNEW OF THIS WHEN IT WAS SOLD. THIS GASKET ALSO HAD TO BE REPLACED AT 39000 AND 43000 MILES AND A HISTORY NOTE OF IT WAS MADE. GM HAS NOW REFUSED TO REPLACE THIS CHRONICALLY DEFECT PROBLEM AT THE 65000 MILE AND 84000 MILE LEVELS. THE CURRENT GASKET NEEDED REPLACING WITH ONLY 22000 MILES ON IT. THIS TYPE OF PART SHOULD NOT GO THIS FREQUENTLY AND PREVENTS A SAFETY HAZARD SHOULD THE OIL LEAK OUT AND CAUSE ENGINE FAILURE WHILE DRIVING. GM IS TRYING TO SAY THAT BECAUSE THE VEHICLE HAS 84000 MILES ON IT THEY WILL NOT PAY. HOWEVER THIS PART SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPLACED AFTER ONLY 22000 MILES ON IT. IT IS CLEAR THAT GM IS ACTING IN BAD FAITH AND MS DESIREE RICHARDSON AT GM CUSTOMER SERVICE AND MOIZ AHMAD THE AREA SERVICE MANAGER REFUSED TO ACCEPT THIS PROBLEM. MR AHMAD WILL NOT EVEN GIVE ME THE COURTESY OF A CALL TO SHOW HIM THE DOCUMENTATION I HAVE AND EXPLAIN HIS DECISION. I HAVE SPOKEN TO SEVERAL MECHANICS WHO HAVE ALL ADVISED ME GM IS WELL AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND THEY REPLACED THE DEFECTIVE PART WITH EVEN MORE DEFECTIVE PARTS. I HAVE ALREADY TO PAY APPROXIMATELY $300 OUT OF POCKET TO REPLACE THIS INTAKE MANIFOLD ONCE AND AM NOW LOOKING AT HAVING TO DO IT AGAIN. THIS IS A FINANCIAL BURDEN ON MY FAMILY AND VERY UNETHICAL ON GM'S PART TO NOT OWN UP TO
CONSUMER PULLED OUT FROM A STOP AND HEARD A LOUD POPPING NOISE. THE DRIVER HAD NO STEERING ABILITY, AND VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO MECHANIC.*AK
THE EXTERIOR PAINT ON THE VEHICLE IS "FLAKING OFF", SOMETHING THAT THE AUTO BODY SHOP REFERS TO AS "DELAMINATION"... SEEMS TO OCCUR A GREAT DEAL ON 1995 PONTIAC BONNEVILLES. *AK
TRACTION CONTROL TURNS OFF WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. RANDOMLY OCCURS AFTER TRAVELING SEVERAL HUNDRED FEET. HIGHER INCIDENCE AT TIME OF AUTOMATIC GEAR SHIFT INTO 3RD GEAR. CAN NOT BE RESET BY TRACTION CONTROL SWITCH - MUST COME TO FULL STOP AND TURN OFF ENGINE. WITH RAPID ACCELERATION AND MAINTAINING SPEED AT 55 MPH OR ABOVE "TRACTION CONTROL OFF" LIGHT WILL NOT COME ON. DROP DOWN TO ~50 MPH AND LIGHT COMES ON. GM DEALER CLAIMS NPF BUT PROBLEM OCCURS ALMOST EACH TIME OUT FOR ME. ANOTHER DEALER CLAIMS REPLACEMENT OF TC MODULE NECESSARY - SERVICE TECH TELLS ME IT IS COMMON PROBLEM TO 95 & 96 BONNEVILLES.*AK
PROBLEM DESCRIPTION: - CAR DIES IN TRAFFIC AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 5-65 MILES/HOUR. - CAR WILL NOT START- RANDOM OCCURRENCE. - ELECTRICAL SURGES ON DASH BOARD (MOMENTARY LOST OF ELECTRICAL POWER) WHEN CAR IS IN MOTION. - ELECTRICAL SURGE ACCOMPANIES VEHICLE HESITATION WHILE IN MOTION - SPEED TYPICALLY 20 MPH AND ABOVE. - CAUSE "SEEMS" TO BE RELATED TO BATTERY CABLE ON POSITIVE POLE. REPLACING BATTERY, BUT THE BATTERY ISSUE STILL EXISTS. - CAR HESITATION, OR DEWING IN TRAFFIC IS A GREAT HAZARD. THIS HAS HAPPENED ABOUT 12 TIMES IN PAST THREE MONTHS - FIVE ATTEMPTS TO REMEDY AND ALL WERE UNSUCCESSFUL. THE REPAIR SHOP REPORTED THAT A CABLE ISSUE IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR CABLE CONFIGURATION. INCIDENT DATE REPORTED IS THE LAST DATE THIS PROBLEM ENCOUNTERED. *LA
THE PROBLEM WAS WITH THE PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD.*AK THE INTAKE MANIFOLD LEAKED WATER INTO THE MOTOR AND CAUSED IT TO LOCK UP. THE PART WAS REPLACED. THE CONSUMER FELT THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE CLASSIFIED AS A LEMON. *SCC *JB
CONSUMER STATES THAT DASHLIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING. CONSUMER IS NOT ABLE TO DRIVE AT NIGHT. CAUSE UNKNOWN. *AK
CONSUMER STATES THAT FUEL LINE IS DRIPPING GAS ON TOP OF THE ENGINE. DEALER NOTIFIED. VEHICLE IS RUNNING WITHOUT WARRANTY. *AK
GM TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 01-06-01-007A IDENTIFIES AN INHERENT DESIGN FLAW ON THE 3.8 L ENGINE (VIN K - RPO L36) AVAILABLE IN THE FOLLOWING VEHICLES:995-1997 BUICK RIVIERA995-1998 BUICK LESABRE, PARK AVENUE. *AK 1996-1998 BUICK REGAL 1998 CHEVROLET LUMINA, MONTE CARLO 1995-1996 OLDSMOBILE NINETY-EIGHT 1995-1998 OLDSMOBILE EIGHTY-EIGHT 1998 OLDSMOBILE INTRIGUE 1995-1998 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE 1997-1998 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX GM MINIMIZES THE IMPACT OF THE PROBLEM BY IDENTIFYING ONE OF THE SYMPTOMS AS OWNER COMPLAINING OF A SMALL COOLANT LEAK. THE FACT IS THAT IN MOST CASES THE LEAK IS NOT VISIBLE. THE COOLANT TYPICALLY LEAKS INTERNALLY BY THE EGR STOVE PIPE INTO THE ENGINE'S INTAKE MANIFOLD WHERE IT BUILDS UP. EVENTUALLY THE COOLANT LEVEL IN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD RISES TO THE POINT WHERE THE COOLANT WILL GET SUCKED INTO ONE OF THE CYLINDERS. IN LESS SEVERE CASES, WHEN IT HAPPENS AT IDLE OR LOW RPM, THIS CAUSES THE ENGINE TO SEIZE AND STALL. IN THE MOST SEVERE CASES, WHEN IT HAPPENS AT HIGH RPM, THE HAMMERING EFFECT OF THE ENGINE TRYING TO COMPRESS A LIQUID, CAUSES THE AFFECTED PISTON TO SHATTER (MY CASE). THIS IS A CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE CAUSED BY A DESIGN FLAW. WHEN THIS HAPPENS ON A HIGHWAY AT 75 MPH (MY CASE) THERE IS GREAT POTENTIAL FOR AN ACCIDENT AND INJURY TO PASSENGERS. I WAS LUCKY, BUT I STILL HAD TO REPLACE MY ENGINE WITH A REMANUFACTURED ONE AT MY EXPENSE. GM IS FULLY AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. GM REPAIR CENTERS ARE ATTRIBUTING THE FAILURE TO NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR AND ARE
THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING DID NOT GO OFF AT VARIOUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO TOOK THE FUSES OUT TO GET THE LIGHTS OFF. *NLM *TS *JB
WHEN THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE THERE WAS A LOUD BANG AND THE CONSUMER COULD SEE SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. A FEW SECONDS LATER THE CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY THE DRIVERS HUSBAND. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER BUT WAS DECLINED ANY TYPE OF ASSISTANCE. THE CONSUMER REFERENCED RECALL # 96V116000 BUT WAS TOLD THAT HER VEHICLE DID NOT FIT THE SCOPE OF THE RECALL. *M *SCC *NLM
WHILE DRIVING SMOKE CAME OUT OF THE DASHBOARD. HEADLIGHT SWITCH AND BRACKET WERE BURNED. INTERIOR LIGHTS, HEADLIGHTS, AND PARKING LIGHTS STOPPED FUNCTIONING. OWNER HAS MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS.
WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 55 MPH THE DRIVER HEARD A POPPING. UPON INSPECTION THE CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR TIRE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE INSIDE (FIRESTONE AFFINITY P22560/R16R). *NLM. *AK
THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM AS STATED IN RECALL #95 V 204 000, HOWEVER THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, AND CONSEQUENTLY THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. *JB *SCC
VEHICLE LOOSING COOLANT FLUID, HAVING TO REPLACE FLUID ON A DAILY BASIS, GOING TO TAKE IN FOR REPAIRS AND SEEN A LOT OF OTHER PEOPLE WITH THE SAME ISSUE. NO VISIBLE LEAKAGE. *JB
ENGINE FAILURE CYLINDERS FILLING WITH COOLANT. TALKED WITH SEVERAL INDEPENDENT GARAGES AND THEY SAY IT'S A COMMON OCCURRENCE WITH THE 3800 V6. SPOKE WITH PONTIAC DEALER IN GAINESVILLE GA. ACCORDING TO PARTS/SERVICE DEPARTMENT THERE ARE NO TECH BULLETINS RELEASED FROM GM. WANTED TO KNOW IF THERE HAVE BEEN OTHER COMPLAINTS RE: 1995 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE'S 3800 V6'S. ACCORDING TO INDEPENDENT GARAGE THE INTAKE GASKET AND HEAD GASKETS FAILURES. THE CAR ALSO HAS A WATER LEAK INTO THE PASSENGER CABIN AND TRUNK AS WELL, APPEARS TO LEAKED SINCE IT WAS MANUFACTURED. I OWNED AN OLDSMOBILE WITH A SIMILAR PROBLEM IN 1992 AND THE FACTORY DIDN'T SEAL THE COWL AREA PROPERLY WHEN THE CAR WAS ASSEMBLED. THANKS FOR YOUR INPUT! *JB
MY HEADLIGHTS WOULD NOT TURN OFF. I HAD TO UNHOOK THE BATTERY. I SAW ON THE INTERNET THERE WAS A RECALL ON MY HEADLIGHTS . MY HUSBAND CALLED PONTIAC AND AGRESTA, THE DEALER, AND THEY BOTH SAID THERE WAS NO RECALL. COULD YOU LOOK INTO THIS FOR ME. ALL I WANT IS THE DEALER(SERVICE) TO REPLACE THE HEADLAMP MODULE. *JB
CONSUMER STATES UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD CAUGHT ON FIRE CAUSING A EXPLOSION. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. TS REFERENCED IN EA02-030
CONSUMER STATES THAT UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD FAILED WHILE DRIVING. ALL COOLANT DUMPED LEAKED INTO INTAKE OF ENGINE CAUSING ENGINE TO FAIL. DEALER HAD TO REPLACE VEHICLE'S ENTIRE ENGINE. TS
WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT THE VEHICLES HEADLIGHTS GO OUT. CONSUMER STATES' THE VEHICLE HAS TO SIT WITH ENGINE OFF FOR A COUPLE OF MINUTES TILL LIGHTS COME BACK ON. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. TS
SUBFRAME DROPPED OUT, CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING.*AK
WHILE DRIVING INTAKE MANIFOLD CORRODED, CAUSING A HOLE TO FORM. AS A RESULT, ENGINE LEAKED. *AK
INTERMITTENTLY, THE VEHICLE WON'T START AFTER SITTING FOR A FEW MINUTES. IF I WAIT ABOUT 10 MINUTES IT WILL START RIGHT UP. ALSO IT STALLS OCCASIONALLY WHEN DRIVING EITHER IN TOWN OR ON THE HIGHWAY.*AK
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
LOSS OF COMPLETE POWER ON ROAD AT TURNING AND SPEEDS ABOVE 35 TO 40 AND AT ACCELERATION : PASSING, ETC...COMPUTER CODE READS POSSIBLE PROBLEM WITH NEUTRAL SWITCH AT MY MECHANICS. *AK
WHILE DRIVING AT 65MPH ON FLAT SURFACE WITH NO WARNING VEHICLE WILL SHUT OFF, AND IT WILL BE HARD FOR CONSUMER TO START IT BACK UP. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK
CONSUMER HAD TO REPLACE 2 ROD KITS AND SHAFT FOR RACK AND PINION STEERING. WHILE TURNING CORNERS VEHICLE WAS MAKING A CLUNKING NOISE THAT HAS GOTTEN PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. CONSUMER CONCERNED ABOUT LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL.*AK
HEADLIGHTS GO OUT WITHOUT WARNING. *AK
NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
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