My vehicle is affected by the recall involving potential underhood fires. It is a 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix gtp. I received the "customer advisory letter" 3-4 weeks ago stating the car would be subject to a recall when parts were available. I called the GM support line at 800-762-2737 to find out when the actual recall would commence, as I have indeed seen puffs of oil smoke from under the hood appear under heavy braking. I told this to the GM rep. The rep stated, among other things, that they did not know when parts would be available for the repair or when the actual recall letter would go out. She suggested I have the repair done and "pay for it yourself", seeking reimbursement "if there is a recall". I stated repeatedly why would I pay out of pocket for a safety recall. They then called back the next day and stated I could bring the car to a dealer and "if it indeed had the condition, they would fix it", but if it did not, "you'll have to pay a diagnostic fee". I again stated I would not pay anything out of pocket for a mandatory safety recall. GM's support people seem to have a very unconcerned, dismissive attitude toward my concerns and for this recall. I highly recommend someone from your Agency get them motivated.

- Clifton Park, NY, USA

My 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix gtp had an engine fire as I was pulling into parking area at work. As I swiped my car, I noticed smoke coming from under the hood. I did not pull into the parking garage as I usually do so that I could check to see what was the problem. I popped the hood and the back of the engine near the firewall was on fire. I backed away and called 911. Police and fire department responded within minutes, but by that time, car from the dashboard forward was engulfed. Fire was put out with foam material and car was towed. I did not have fire or theft on the vehicle. I promptly called the insurance company to inform them of incident and dropped the car from the insurance. I signed the title over to my mechanic. I purchased the car in Feb of 2,000 with about 30,000 miles. It was a good car until the fire. It had the 3.8 liter supercharged engine. No other problems prior to event. At that time, the car had about 140,000 miles on it. Only major work done was trans was replaced in Mar of 2005 with 108,000. If you need copy of police report, please advise.

- Kearny, NJ, USA

I own a Pontiac Grand Prix 97, 3.8. I have come to have a problem with my car overheating due to my manifold intake gaskets. I recently went to the shop to have them fixed and the shop owner told me this is the defect from the dealer which is costing me a lot of money to be fixed. The owner says he gets a lot of the Pontiac GM cars that also have the same issue. I would like if someone can look into this. I also was on your website and noticed that you had this also on your defect investigations. I would very much appreciate if you can look into this for me and the other owners of these cars.

- Berkeley, IL, USA

The contact stated while driving on the freeway at 55 mph the vehicle stalled. He managed to pull off to the side of the road, and turned the vehicle off, then back on and proceeded to drive the vehicle home. He took the vehicle to an independent repair shop. They found the intake manifold was leaking. No repairs were made.

- Laurel , MD, USA

While driving intake manifold leaked coolant fluid. Dealerships mechanic had been notified, but the mechanic did not resolve the problem.

- Muskegon, MI, USA

Intake manifold gasket failed. As a result a coolant leak occured and an engine failure was almost a result. The heater failed in 5-20 degree weather. My mechanic informed me that this was a common problem that should be classified as a design flaw.

- Lawrence, KS, USA

Low coolant indicator light illuminated. Dealer replaced the lower intake manifold gasket.

- Chillicothe, OH, USA

Egr valve made of cheap plastic. Headlight lens falling off car. Faulty hydraulic modulator and exhaust system.

- Carol Stream, IL, USA

Consumer noticed while driving vehicle overheated. Technician diagnosed the intake plastic manifold being cracked. Dealer notified.

- Madison, WI, USA

The muffler broke off right at the engine

- Romulus, MI, USA