Dealer reported that upper manifold gasket leaks coolant. This is a common complaint on this GM 3.4 L engine. The vehicle has 60,000 miles.

- Matthews, NC, USA

Intake manifold malfunctioned. As a result, oil and coolant leaked into the engine compartment.

- Clarks Summit, PA, USA

I have a 2000 Oldsmobile Silhouette that recently suffered engine damage caused from a faulty intake manifold gasket. My van only had 48,000 miles on it at the time and I was hoping to keep it for well over 100,000 miles. I purchased it new. This faulty intake manifold gasket problem is not an isolated case but is a very common problem and often occurs around 35-45,000 miles on GM 3.1L, 3.4L and 3.8L V6 engines. GM issued a service bulletin to their dealers warning them of this problem but never warned the car owners. Bulletin #03-06-01-010. A warning would have prevented my problem as I was still under warranty when the bulletin was issued. GM has refused to offer any assistance toward the cost of this repair which often costs between $650 to $2000 depending on severity of the damage to the engine. Many GM owners have had to replace the engines even after the gasket was replaced. Here is the name of the GM representative that is aware of these engine problems. Kathy sawyer, customer relationship manager, Oldsmobile customer assistance at 1-800-442-6537, service request number 1-184274674. I want to know how many of these gaskets have been repaired and why GM has not recalled these engines for repair. Thank you in advance, steve nabholz www.petitiononline.com/gmcnsmrs/petition.html

- Liberty, MO, USA

I own a 2000 Oldsmobile silohette van that has 40,000 miles. It was leaking coolant fluid and I brought it into my local service center. The technician advised me that the intake manifold gasket is leaking. Cost to repair $700+. after researching on the internet, I discovered that there are numerous (over 2500) complaints regarding this component in GM vehicles. As of April 10, 2002, there is a nationwide backorder of the intake manifold gasket. I am demanding accountability from General Motors. A nationwide backorder should be reason enough for GM to assemble a recall. I can only hope that the manufacturer who has been the world's automotive sales leader since 1931 will stand up and claim responsibility for a problem that is so prevalent among their vehicles. Recalls should be mandated in all cases of incompetence, not solely when it affects public safety. If the problem is not detected, the coolant may mix with the oil and cause major engine problems and failures. I have 2 small children and I can't imagine what I would do if something happened to me on the road. Please address this serious issue immediately. Thank you in advance for your attention.

- Goodyear, AZ, USA

While driving vehicle, it didn't have any speed. While sitting in vehicle, vehicle exploded with flames coming from driver's side. Also, consumer stated muffler burnt hole in gas tank. Contacted dealer and dealer bought vehicle back. Consumer stated service engine light would also illuminate when the vehicle would lose power, mechanics found a hole in the muffler had burned a hole in the plastic gas tank.

- Towanda, PA, USA