8.2
pretty bad
cooling system problem
click to see larger images
Alero GL 3.4L V6 This is the 4th time I have to replaced the Manifold Head Gasket. The last time was in Mar 2011. I'm tired of this crap. I have to do it myself because the the first time it cost me $1400.00. and I don't have the money to replace the car. The second time $900.00 and the last time $750.00 I'm getting tired of this. Now I have to do it again because this week I noticed it was leaking again and overheating just under the throttle body by the manifold. I'm a die hard American car fan. I don't know why GM has not addressed this problem. Come on GM, I love American cars whats up with this!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- horsetank, Miami, FL, US
This is the first problem I've had with the cooling system on my Alero in nearly 150K miles. The plastic water outlet assembly, located on the back of the engine, is a difficult leak to spot and it will eventually happen on any Alero... fortunately, it's an inexpensive fix. Don't procrastinate when you have a coolant leak, take the car in to your mechanic right away!
To prevent future problems with the Alero 2.4L engine, it's critical to follow factory recommendations-use only dexcool, maintain proper coolant levels, and change the dexcool every 5 years or 100,000 miles max. Otherwise, you'll be dealing with expensive repairs like warped cylinder heads, blown head gaskets, and failed water pumps....instead of having to replace a plastic part every once in a while.
- Paul W., Phoenix, AZ, US
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
I UNDERSTAND THAT ALERO HAS A DEFINITE PROBLEM WITH THIS INTAKE GASKET LEAKING. USING CHEAP MATERIALS IS NOT GOOD. AS MUCH AS WE PAY FOR THESE CARS WE SHOULD AT LEAST GET QUALITY PARTS OR THEY FIX THE PROBLEM. WE ARE BOTH ON DISABILITY AND CANNOT AFFORD TO FIX THIS. NOW WE HAVE TO CARRY AROUND 2 GALLONS OF WATER WITH US EVERYWHERE WE GO. THANKS GM
- dlbailey1948, Orrville, OH, Pacific Islands (US)
Added coolant and it is leaking from behind the engine where I can not really get to it. I had the same issue a while back and the dealership said I needed to replace the entire water pump. I didn't have the $800 they wanted so I had another guy look at it and he ended up replacing a plastic piece where the hoses come together but he never told me the name of the part and I have not been able to locate him. Anyone got any ideas?
- karnatz, San Antonio, TX, US
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Noted the coolant light would come on about every two wks. Would add coolant each time. Took in to have a oil change and asked them to flush coolant system and check for why I was having to put coolant in so often. Was told and shown that the coolant was leaking in several places at the intake manifold gasket at the cost of 782.00 lol Now i see that this is a problem and that there was a lawsuit at one time addressing this issue in 2007. Too late for me
- Lori M F., Stanton, CA, US
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Oldsmobile Alero 2001...This car is nothing but problems. I purchased my car in October of 2002. I got it 0% financed and figured it was a great deal. Boy was I wrong. I have had to pay so much money on repairs for this dumb car than I ever would have expected. Worse of all, I have wasted my time waiting for tow trucks and putting my own life on the line because the dumb car has stalled on the freeway during RUSH HOUR!
I've had problems with this car, such as (it is sad when you have to make a list because it is so long): 1) PRNDL Gauge getting stuck (couldn't move it off Park). This happened just about 6 months after I got the car. The dealer had to remove the entire center consol, replace a part, and then it was fixed. 2) Turning signal works when it wants to. This is an ongoing issue; I believe it has to do with the electrical wiring in the car. I rather stick out my hand and do hand signals rater than waste more money on this. 3) Break Light: Sometimes the left break light goes out, sometimes it works (electrical wire issue?). 4) Air Condition/Heater only works when the knob is set to the third level of air. I gave up on this. Thank goodness for windows for the summer and blankets for the winter. 5) Hazard light button FELL back to the inside consol of the car. I have no idea how to get it out. Maybe taking out the whole consol. I haven't even attempted to get this looked at because I fear it would cost too much. 6) Last but not leas, the famous COOLANT leaking problem. I thought I had this repaired some time ago (gasket was fixed/repaired), but noticed that the leak was back. Every time I move the car it leaks. I have to carry coolant in my car all the time. Mysteriously it has not over heated. The gauge in the car seems to always be leveled. With this car, who even knows if that works?
I am no longer going to waste my time or money if this car. If it breaks down, it breaks down. I will be taking the bus to and from work until I get a more reliable car. Maybe something FOREIGN!
- geniepoo, Covina, CA, US
Looking at everyone else, I guess I'm lucky I got the KM on it I do... It has been a good car up until this year. I have the whole hazard light issue- if you don't know this your signal light goes crazy and then doesn't work at all some times. If you lightly press your hazard button then your signal light works... I too have a fan that does not have the first two settings ( and I replace the fan about 2yrs ago and its doing it again). Also for some odd reason my rear defrost hasn't worked since the car was two years old. Since the light still comes on when you press the button I'm told that "works". Just this summer I had to replace the fuel pump. Now I have a coolant leak from HELL I just pour coolant it to the resvour every day to go to work (I commute from an farm so buses ..) from the sounds of things its going to be at least a 1k touch... Heck if I could have affored that I wouldn't be living with the fan/hazard light/rear defrost issue...
- Tammy B., Calgary, Alberta, Canada
I have had issues with this car off and on mainly with the check engine light....bought it new with 34 miles and just had to replace the intake gasket....I was told that I was blessed that it has not been an issue up until now. Well having it replaced at a discount because the guy has done so many of them that he can almost do it blindfolded. Go figure. If there is a class action suit I want in....it was 750.00 I really didn't have to give, to fix this car.
- Nathan H., Loganville, GA, US
On several occasions, my cooling reservoir was empty, and the car started to overheat. The last time a big puddle of coolant formed on the ground.after stopping at a store. I could not find any leaks, and after filling the reservoir the car would drive alright for several days or weeks. There are no leaks in the cooling system, and the level in the reservoir stays normal until another "episode".
I wonder if it could be a faulty thermostat, since I had some warnings about it in the winter.
- hberg, Ottawa, ON, Canada
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
I've only had this car for 3 month's. Bought low miles, used (sure). Have also had to put on all new tires.
- Suzy F., Port Saint Lucie, FL, US
we bought this Alero in 2004 and have had fairly good luck until a few days ago...we pulled up in the driveway and coolant was gooshing out like there was a busted hose so I let it kool down until the next day.....waited until it was dark took a flashlight and tried to find the leak around hoses,headgasket,waterpump etc and could not find one.So I knew if our car had leaked that much after pulling it up I knew something caused it. So I took it to a certified dealer.They called later that day,and said it was the intake gasket...cost 650.00 parts and labor. I took the car for second opinion the next day andhe said he could not find any leaks but said i need to change the dex-cool because it will eventually eat up the gaskets.....lol....but i know the car leaked for a reason.it just don't go away.he thought maybe it could be a bad thermostat, with me being optimistic thought maybe it is the thermostat as well, and was planning on changing it myself. But after reading other feedback from people that have had the same problem it seem like that to me it most definitely is the intake gasket. I am very disappointed about this problem and feel like we should be stuck with the bill, I think GM should have to pay....since the dex- cool is the problem...wasn't are fault.
- kevinlgoddard, Clinton, IA, US
Real pain in the butt. Searching for others with same problem. Found there is a class action against GM for same problem of the Dexcool supposedly causing problems with the intake manifold causing it to leak severely. This class action started in Missouri. I am trying to find out the result. Found a phone number to log a complaint 800-318-7434 but haven't had opportunity to try it yet.
- Sandy S., Edon, OH, US
The best thing is we received this car for free. I have not repaired it yet, but I am able to perform my own repairs so it will end up costing me less than 50.00. The leak is right over the thermostat housing. I have spoken with another Alero owner who told me their leak was in the same place.
- Timothy T., Villa Hills, KY, US
Intake Gasket went out for the second time only 18 months after the last one was replaced. $999 for the second time, 900 for the first. evidently it is a major design flaw.
- Tobias F., Oak Park, IL, US
I see where there are alot of people complaining about this intake manifold gasket problem and I also see where there is a case act lawsuit that had to be postmark by the 27th of October, Well that is messed up, we were NEVER informed of this problem or the lawsuit, and now I am out $1000.00 for labor and $95.65 for the gaskets. I am sorry in this date and time I do not have $1095.65 , but I need my vehicle. They should have a recall on this problem.
- Obx L., Outer Banks, NC, US
Brought car in to have tune up and cooling system checked due to leak. Mechanic called to advise me that it was a bad gasket, I'm thinking that's good because gaskets are pretty cheap. Not this one. Have to remove half the engine to get to it. $710 to fix.
- Erin P., Bartlett, IL, US
INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKETS WENT BAD TWO SUMMERS IN A ROW. HAVE BEEN TOLD BY MANY MECHANICS THIS IS A VERY, VERY COMMON PROBLEM. EACH TIME IT COST ME $500. NOW I AM HAVING ALL THE PROBLEMS EVERYONE ELSE IS HAVING WITH MY ENGINE NOT STARTING-SECURITY PROBLEMS AND MY SUNROOF NOT WORKING ALL OF A SUDDEN-IT WON'T CLOSE. I CAN'T AFFORD A NEW CAR BUT KEEP PUTTING MONEY INTO THIS ONE.
- Chris N., Portage, IN, US
Brought the car in to fix a minor brake problem. During inspection, service rep. told me the lower intake gasket is leaking and needs to be changed. Cost. $1000.00 Canadian. He says they see this problem frequently on the 3.4L V6 engine and admitted that in his opinion it's a design defect on GM's part. I told the service rep. that I've had it with GM's poor quality. I've had plenty of problems with my Alero, and this was the last straw.
My next car will be be Japanese.
Personally I think GM should cover at least 90% of the cost of repair.
- serge, Ottawa, ON, Canada
I had this coolant leak repaired on 12/27/05.... and it appears that it is leaking AGAIN!! I am taking it back to the shop tomorrow.
The car is not under warranty, so...
Word is that there is a lawsuit against GM for this problem for this engine on this car. Anyone have any information about that?
- Alisa T., Springfield, MO, US
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
I have a 2001 oldsmobile alero car runs good just one problem I have to put coolant in this car all the time and it still heats up at stop lights then when I park it there is a big puddle under the car. I live on social security and cannot afford to pay a high bill please sujjesr what the problem is. I need it desperately. Dee fensin
- dee fensin, Merced, CA, US