The contact owns a 1996 Buick Regal. The contact noticed that the vehicle sporadically experienced a no-start condition. There was also a backfire that occurred when the vehicle was started. The upper intake manifold failed prior to the upper intake manifold. The dealer stated that his VIN was excluded from NHTSA campaign id number 96V116000 (fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection system). The contact would not assume responsibility for the repair. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure and current mileages were 78,117. Updated 02/05/09. Coolant was found in the oil when repairs were made on the manifold. Updated 02/10/09.

- Saint Helena Island, SC, USA

: the contact stated while starting the vehicle the plastic upper intake manifold exploded. There is a NHTSA recall, # 96V116000, regarding the fuel injection system. The vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however it is not included in the recall due to the VIN. Updated 5/3/2006 - when the consumer started the vehicle an explosion was heard. The consumer exited the vehicle and opened the hood to find the engine on fire. The consumer was able to extinguish the fire with a garden hose.

- Lincoln Park, MI, USA

After turning the ignition to start the vehicle there was an explosion, the engine was on fire. The fire department was called, and the fire was extinguished. This vehicle was not included in the intake manifold NHTSA recall 96V116000. The egr valve was inoperative and on another occasion the vehicle had to be jump started.

- Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA

While vehicle was parked there was a loud noise that came from engine. When consumer opened the hood, the engine was on fire. Contacted dealer. Consumer had tried to start the vehicle, once he turned the key a loud noise errupted from the hood area. Vehicle was under recall for backfire during engine starting, dealer refuses to repair without payment. Referenced in EA02-030

- Massapequa, NY, USA

When consumer started vehicle there was a loud bang that came from front of vehicle. Smoke started coming from underneath hood, and the vehicle was on fire. The cause of this defect was that the fuel did not go into fuel relay system, and injector sprayed fuel backwards onto intake manifold which ignited the fuel. This happened once before July 28, 2000 and again on May 13, 2001.

- Tamarac, FL, USA

Car fails to accelerate past 30mph under normal driving conditions. Increasing pressure on gas pedal at 30mph yields no response from car. When car hits passing gear, finally accelerates past 30mph. In addition, at interstate speeds ie. 70-75 mph car develops almost a stutter and cannot maintain speed and starts to decelerate. Both problems occur in both drive and overdrive. Has been in for repairs to 4 different repair shops, 2 of them authorized Buick dealers. They have replaced throttle position sensor, cleaned fuel injectors, new fuel pump and fuel filter, new knock sensor and blown carbon out of engine twice. Car still does not accelerate as described.

- Mt. Pleasant, TX, USA