engine problem
8.2
pretty badTypical Repair Cost:
$1,404.00
Average Mileage:
72,719 miles
Number of complaints:
12 complaints
Most common solutions:
- repair gaskets and check for additional engine damage (6 reports)
- replace intake gaskets, water pump, thermostat & hoses (3 reports)
- replace engine (1 reports)
- replace lower intake gasket (1 reports)
- replaced gaskets and changed back to green antifreeze from r (1 reports)
Helpful Websites About 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix leaking coolant, cracked intake manifold gasket
2008Jun 30
Grand Prix V6
- Automatic transmission
- 52,000 miles
I just got my car paid off last summer, and this is the 4th time since Jan that there has been problems. 1st problem: ignition switch replacement, 2nd problem: busted hub, 3rd problem: air intake sensor, 4th problem: gasket leak. It only has 52,000 miles and already having all these problems. The Pontiac dealer where I take it to get fixed said that almost all 2002 models have the gasket leak with the coolant, and that they are not even sure why Pontiac hasn't corrected it with a recall. I thought this car would last a long time, however with all of these problems, I am not sure.
2008Mar 21
Grand Prix SE 3.1L
- Automatic transmission
- 78,000 miles
Yet another complaint and Pontiac hasn't stepped forward to stand behind their vehicles. I found about this issue of the intake manifold gasket when I took my car in for inspection at the dealer. They told me that it would need to be replaced as there was a small leak. They quoted around $1100 to do this. The dealer also stated that this is a common problem with this make and model. I found another reliable mechanic who could do this for around $800.00. He replaced the gaskets, the water pump and changed the oil. I don't have the ticket right here to know if additional items were also done. Today, my car quit while in a drive thru and wouldn't start. It appears that it was overheating due to the initial problem. After cooling down, I checked the coolant and found sludge on the inside of my radiator cap. It appears that the problem had spread farther than originally expected. Now I am looking at possibly a new radiator, definitely a flush of the system, hoses, etc. and perhaps a fix of the cooling fan. If Pontiac would have stepped forward, this wouldn't be an issue.
2008Jun 20
Grand Prix Coupe 3.8L V6 Series 2
- Automatic transmission
- 64,290 miles
I have read alot on the internet about this problem and it seems to be widespread.I don't know of a recall but would like to see one soon, if just to cover the cost of the repair. It is a good car and I hope to keep it for a long time. Currently my daughter is driving it to college and I don't need her to have a breakdown with this serious problem.
2008Feb 19
Grand Prix 3.1L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 67,963 miles
I can't understand why if 7 other people have had this complaint why hasn't Pontiac
recalled the lower intake manifold.
2008Jan 28
Grand Prix GT 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 86,480 miles
The PLASTIC intake manifold gasket cracked in below freezing weather. My mechanic said it's the 10th Pontiac he's seen *this week* with the same issue. They really should do a recall on this.
2007Oct 17
Grand Prix 4D 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 52,000 miles
Took it in for my CV boots leaking grease everywhere and they found a leak in my intake manifold. This was allowing oil and coolant to mix. They replaced the upper and lower gaskets. Cost 1000+ but was covered under my extended Carmax warranty.
2007Dec 01
Grand Prix SE 3.1L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 79,100 miles
In early December the low coolant light would flicker on and off which was the first sign of this issue. During my routine oil change the repair place put a dye in the coolant. About a week later I was a half-gallon low on coolant again and brought it in. They told me it looked like an alien had attacked as dye marks were all over the place. Solution is to replace the lower intake gasket which will take roughly half a day. Due to the length of time to repair and the timing right before Christmas I rescheduled an appointment for a week out. They did not mention any other issues that could stem from this problem. I will definitely run a few more questions by them prior to the repair after reading other related complaints.
2007Sep 06
(reported on)Grand Prix SE 3.1L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 83,800 miles
First, I noticed coolant (Dexcool) leaking in my driveway followed by the low coolant level light in my car. Second, I took my Grand Prix this morning to an ASE certified independent mechanic. I was told about GM's use of plastic (not metal) intake manifold gaskets. This has been a common occurrence among older GM (2000-03) vehicles. Due to the severity of the leak, engine oil has worked its way in with the coolant. Some of the coolant had begun to clump. As a result, my intake manifold gaskets, water pump, thermostat, and hoses must be replaced. I also need a new oil change (just had one done last week) and coolant flush and fill performed. I was told that GM has re engineered its cooling system on new vehicles to prevent leaks. My total bill will be around $1700.00 to fix. As a manufacturer, GM knew of this issue and should have had a recall for these plastic intake manifold gaskets.
Due to the lack of quality is why GM is losing business and market share to Toyota and Honda. This is my first and last GM vehicle I will own.
2007Jan 30
(reported on)Grand Prix SE 3.2L
- Automatic transmission
- 83,000 miles
My car had been leaking antifreeze, when I had it check out they told me that some engine gaskets had gone bad and needed replaced. This was right before Christmas, they told me that as long as I kept my antifreeze levels at normal that I could hold off a little bit to get thru Christmas time! I live in NE Ohio with cold winters---who wants to be adding antifreeze every few days in the freezing cold? This is yet another problem I have had with my car that was suppose to be reliable! GM can take their cars and sell them to someone else... I will never purchase another GM car! Problem after Problems!
2007Jan 20
(reported on)Grand Prix 3.2 V6
- Automatic transmission
- 57,000 miles
Apparently a common problem with this car, unbeknownst to us! There was a significant coolant leak in which to coolant leaked into the upper and lower intake manifolds. Needed new coolant switch, lower intake and upper plenum (? spelling) gaskets replaced. Valve cover gaskets and intake bolts replaced. Outer intake bolts and dist. seal replaced. Need to replace thermastat and seal as well as water o ring. Parts were relatively reasonable, labor killed me. They tell me that this is because of the new anti freeze used in this vehicle. The "red" antifreeze gummed up the system and destroyed the gaskets. They even had to replace the radiator cap because the coolant ruined the rubber seal on that. When they did the work, they flushed the system and changed it over to the old "green" antifreeze
2006Jun 19
(reported on)Grand Prix GTP
- 94,000 miles
in november the grand prix caught fire due to cracked plastic manifold - gm was aware of this problem - several reported fires - but did nothing to correct - many components were repaired. In June, with few addl miles; engine started to run poorly - ran diagnostic - showed nothing - then engine locked up. our view is that this relates to the original problem which caused the vehicle fire - gm is unwilling to take responsibility for either item - no help from dealership franchises or from the GM customer care line and most important only grief from the product liability area; we have owned multiple GM products - probably 20 - and currently own 4 - I WOULD NOT PURCHASE ANOTHER GM PRODUCT & NOT RECOMMEND THEM TO ANYONE
We have partnered with JustAnswer to offer online auto repair help and advice from expert professional automotive technicians. You describe your engine problem or ask your question and they try to help you figure it out. The fee is typically $9 to $15, but you can offer to pay more for really tough questions. You will usually receive an answer in 10 minutes or less, and you do not have to pay anything unless you accept the answer.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2007Aug 08
Grand Prix
I was CONSTANTLY having to add coolant, and it appeared to have oil in it. My heater wouldn't work during this time, my car would run hot, and it smelt HORRIBLE... I took it to the shop ASAP to get it fixed. I had to take it twice. The second time was free considering that they didn't fix it correctly the first time.
shannonoakley
Greenwood, SC, USA
SEND A COMMENT »