9.7
really awfulTypical Repair Cost:
$1,169.00
Average Mileage:
95,190 miles
Total Complaints:
6 complaints
Most common solutions:
- replace intake manifold, clean coolant from engine (4 reports)
- not sure (1 reports)
- replaced engine with new factory engine (1 reports)
engine problem
This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Pontiac dealer.
Helpful Websites About 1998 Pontiac Bonneville cracked intake manifold causing engine failure
2008Feb 13
Bonneville
- Automatic transmission
- 82,000 miles
Same as everybody else. Had a local good-ole-boy garage fix it pretty cheap, runs great now.
2006Dec 22
(reported on)Bonneville SE 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 125,338 miles
had the intake manifold cracked to and was told when i got it replaced Gm did know about this for 2 years and didn't do anything about it. the new 1 they put in isn't plastic . also what color is yours? mine is white and the paint is coming off
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2005Mar 18
(reported on)Bonneville SE
- 107,000 miles
I cannot believe after doing research on this problem there is not a class action lawsuit against GM for the 3800 engine that has the plastic intake manifold that seem to go. The dealer wants $1450.00 to fix it, I haven't called a local garage yet. This is a serious problem and I feel GM needs to step to the plate and take ownership and say we screwed up and we are going to fix this for you all. What are we supposed to do?
2006Nov 15
(reported on)Bonneville SE
- Automatic transmission
- 58,800 miles
Same exact problem as clwills. Driving on highway and engine started shaking and knocking crazily. I forget if it's the upper or lower intake manifold that fails, but it's common. The dealer in Henderson NC was closest to me when it happened (I was actually 100 miles North in VA). They replace the manifold, got the coolant out of the engine, and had to replace the starter. But depending how long you drive with the problem I don't know if they can fix it this way.
2002Oct 05
(reported on)Bonneville SE
- 58,000 miles
The engine started spark knocking loudly at 65 MPH on the interstate. It sounded like a Mercedes diesel. I immediately pulled off the Interstate and shut off the engine. After being towed in, dealer said engine was totally ruined and it was locked up. The plastic manifold had cracked allowing water into the combustion chambers and crankcase. This was later found to be a problem on all newer 3.8 engines.
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2006Jul 22
Bonneville SE
I broke down in the middle of nowhere on I-65 between Columbus IN and Indianapolis. I had to have it towed. It took two days and $1200 for a Firestone in Greenwood IN to fix it. UGH!
It's now 5 years later and guess what!?! I'm dealing with the same D@*&ED problem again!!!!!
Jennifer P.
Berne, IN, USA
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