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Robert of Maple Grove MN (09/04/08)
Power steering failure. Dealer wants to charge over $1,100 to fix. Car has 45,000 miles on it.
Michael of Atlanta GA (09/03/08)
The Intake Manifold failed on my 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix causing coolant to leak into the engine. My car has 49k miles on it (a small number for a car that age). It appears that this is a common problem and GM should pay for repairs. I have had regular service done and can document.
Repair cost was $850 at local dealer. I needed a complete tune up along with the repairs. Catalytic Converter was also damaged but was under warranty to 80K miles. The dealer was great and speedy.
Todd of Woodbridge VA (08/20/08)
In 2003 My Pontiac Grand Prix caught fire after parking for the evening. Joe Benton wrote a nice article on these fires and used a pic i sent in.
Recently in Feb / March of this year GM contaced me finally after I called them several times. Both of my vehicle VIN numbers are included in this recall. The attorneys their useing to settle these car fires requested I send in all my documention, pictures, fire reports, etc. which I did. Every few weeks I would get a call saying they were still working on my claim.. Then a few weeks ago I got a call from Yvette Young. . She claimed she took my claim and fought for me but is was denied for the statute of limitations. Coincendty they claim the statute ran out the month before they contacted me..(5 yrs ) How can they use a stature like that when they were responsible in the first place for 1 per 100 vehivcle fires and then turn around and deny this ? On top of that in 1999, 2000, 2003 etc when I contact GM they continued to say there were no Grand Prix issues even though I did locate an NHTSA fire investigation that was opened 1 full year before my total loss ? Then within 2000 miles of my first Grand Prix fire I took my second car in for the recall replacement service of the front valve cover. Two day's later my car started smoking very bad. I drive directly to the GM dealer. They inspected it and found that the engine oil pan gasket had rotted out at 60,000 miles and was leaking onto the exhaust system. GM also refused to cover this under either warranty or recall. They claimed this had nothing to do with the recall. Sorry...Thats not right. They used crappy gaskets in these engines and tey break down and leak oil all over manifolds and exhause systems which caused these fires...I out to know...with 2 Grand Prix. And even though GM and NHTSA say the fires are caused by the gaskets my insurance company, State Farm, is still claiming arson and denies the claim to this day...To day my expenses are a litle over 20,000 between the loss of the first car, attorneys to represent me at hearings, repairs to my second car....
Donald of Helper UT (08/10/08)
spider gear broke in half putting a hole in the transmission housing at 82,000 miles
had to buy a new transmission and have it installed was told there was no warenty on car after 30,000 miles this has cost me over $2,000.00 and 2 weeks without a car
Carolyn of Hillsboro OR (07/31/08)
I purchased a 1997 Pontiac Grand Am GT in July 2007 from a local A & B Motors Co. with a little over 86,000 miles on it. Drove to California in Nov. 2007 and the car broke down, didn't want to run. We spent $980.00 to have the fuel pump assembly replaced w/ thermostat. Now in July 2008 we noticed the coolant light comes on and we have to add water or coolant and it is now leaking thru the intake manifold. I called a local dealership and they told me this is a common problem and we would need to replace the gaskets with the new updated ones to prevent the leak. I asked how much that would be and they said over $1000.00 to fix it. I can't afford this have heard there are class action lawsuits going on @ this time and just read one that is going on in California and that we have until Oct. 27, 2008 to file but I don't know who to contact. Please let me know who to contact. Thank you.
Virginia of Sugar Land TX (07/30/08)
We own a 2004 Pontiac Montana. At around 80,000 miles we began having issues with it jerking/shaking when first turned on. This happened intermittently and we took it to 3 mechanics, none of whom could figure out why it was happening. The 3rd visit occurred because the car suddenly began overheating. The water pump had broken and had to be replaced on 6/5/2008. Ironically, the jerking stopped.
One month later, on 7/10/2008, we had to replace some brakes and tires. When the tires were being replaced, we learned that the car also needed to have tie rods boots and hub bearings. At the time, the mechanic noticed the A/C we not cooling as well as it should. Now, not even one month later we had a diagnostic done and the A/C has 2 leaks and it will need to be replaced entirely.
This car has become an absolute money pit. Up until June, we hadn't really had any problems with it. I've had 2 foreign cars (both Toyotas) that I had 7 - 10 years and never had the severe issues I've had with this car. The bad part is that we were given a 2003 Pontiac Montana as well and it had its own issues too. Is there any class action suit for these issues?
Greater than $4,000 in actual/projected costs. We have not repaired the A/C and do not want to put one more dime into this lemon.
Cindy of Stevenson AL (07/08/08)
I own a 2002 Pontiac Grand Am and the dash has folded up due to poor designing and I noticed in every one ive looked at (about 20) they are also folded up, I have contacted Pontiac and suggested a recall on them to have them fixed and they evidently do not back up their product so I would not recommend this model of car to anyone..
Lori of Fremont CA (06/22/08)
My 2002 POntiac Grand Prix was recalled for rocker arm covers catching fire or something so I scheduled an apointment ant took my car in. I needed a oil change as well and explained that my low coolant light would go on and after a while it would go off but the level was fine so they did a diagnistic test that cost me 134.00 for them to tell me that I need to replace my intake manifold gasket and it will cost me over 1100.00. I decided to get another estimate and found out that GM has alot of problems with the intake manifold leaking because of the coolant they tell you to use and that there is a class action law suit. I don't know what I need to do to become part of this law suit or if I can but if this is a defect it should be fixed at the companys expense and all the other damaghe caused from it should be paid by them as well.
Tracy of Fowlerville MI (05/29/08)
I bought a 2007 Pontaic G6 in November of 2006. With-in a months time the car would die as I was driving. Took the car in and they said I had a bad brain component. A week later the car started to do it again. This time they told me that they had to replace the engine because a grit compound had gotten into the engine while it was being put together. After the engine was replaced It only sputtered once since then. Then I started smelling anti-freeze. Took car back to Pontaic. This time the had to replace the hoses. Then the steering started to feel funny in April of this year. Took the car back again. They had to replace the steering linkage. I also was informed that the belts were close to needing to be replaced and the brakes and tires. The car has 18,000 miles. I told the man that this is crazy what has went on with this car. He said to me, that the car must have been made on a Friday, I had a Grand Am for four years with 46,000 miles and never had to have anything replaced but the brakes and rotors. I guess I should have kept that car! I did call Pontaic and told them I wanted a different car. Of course they said no way. Then eventually they would not return my calls. The car is a lease. Is there any way that I can get out of it?
Julianne of St. Petersburg FL (05/28/08)
I have had my Pontiac Grand Am for only 4 years with continual problems. The latest problems have been the worst. Apparently my car had a complete computer system failure. Once I shelled out approximately $2300 in repair, it still has issues. I cannot rely on it to start. The car thinks I am stealing it. So the module in the computer system doesn't recognize the key and thus shuts off fuel to the engine. I have been to the dealer (GM) several times in less than 6 months each time paying for my tows. I was told by the service specialist that GM is aware of a condensation problem within this module, but because it doesn't do bodily harm, it will not be issued as a recall. I am frustrated because I cannot afford to not have my car for work or wonder everyday if it will actually start. It is random and I have no warning. It has left me stranded in unsafe situations usually late at night. Then its a couple of hours for a tow and then I am not home until 11:00 at night. I am at my wits end and I do not have much left on the car to pay. This is a 2001 and should not be having issues like this. I do not qualify for the Lemon laws because the car is old, but I do need to have something done to it besides ...well we are really sorry but we cannot find anything wrong and this will probably happen again....
Charles of Rio Rancho NM (05/16/08)
Having met the intent and letter of the NM Motor Vehicle Quality Assurance Act [57-16A-1 to 57-16A-9 NMSA 1978] and reporting the failure of the air conditioning system in my 2006 Solstice as faulty the day of purchase. I have given Pontiac 5 opportunities since purchase new to resolve the issue without success. At his time I am invoking my right to return the auto for refund of the original purchase price particularly since an identical vehicle (another Solstice) will encounter the same problem. I have been very patient but no longer can expend any of my valuable time to resolve this issue any other way.
Debra of Harrisonville MO (05/15/08)
I have a 2002 Pontiac Grand AM and it was leaking antifreeze. I took it in to the mechanic and found out that it had a Intake Manifold Gasket Leak due to the Dex-Cool antifreeze that is used in the car. The mechanic said this is a know problem with GM cars so he called the local dealership to see if there was anything being done by GM to fix the issue or pay for damages & the dealership said no.
Yvonne of Woodside NY (05/13/08)
i bought a car 2006 pontiac g6 they sold it to me with very bad squeaking brakes steering wheel shakes and 2mts later the sunroof dont open and the oil hasnt been changed the air filter is black i only had the car for two months and i took it to service dept to get it fixed its been sitting there for two days and they wont cover the expenses the car fell apart and i only had for two monthd and this is the second car that fell apart i also bought a hundaii tiburon and it only last two years the car doesnt run sitting in a garage and im still finanicing it and paying for a garage 100 a month and changed the banks about 5times
Wayne of Lincoln NE (04/24/08)
2005 Pontiac G6, continues to have steering problems after ingnition turned off and then back on. Do you see a recall in the future, acct. this could prove to be dangerous, if timing was in conjunction with event that required expected steering capabilities.
Stephen of Tipp City OH (04/12/08)
I purchased a 1999 Pontiac Grand Am in Nov 2004 with 65,000 miles on it. With in the first year of having my car i had to replace the motor from the head gaskets leaking antifreeze. It cost me over $3,000 in parts and labor, which is about half of what i paid for the vehicle. I still have my car and It's started leaking antifreeze in the same location as last time and my car will over heat in the winter and summer. This has been very expensive and embarassing. My passenger side carpet is ruined due to it constantly staying wet and i can smell the burning smell of antifreeze all the time. I've just recently found out about the dexcool & Gm dispute and think that it's absolutely absurd that they have been able to get away with this. Most people are hard working individuals who rely on thier vehilces to get them back and forth to work and no ones taking responsibility of this matter. I feel like they should make it right with everyone who has had problems due to this issue. I have all my reciepts and feel that some sort of reimbursement is only fair. I can honestly say that this has been a horrible nightmare from the beginning and will never purchase another GM product as long as i live due to the total disregard for the issues that many people have had to deal with.
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Julie of Bartow FL (04/10/08)
I own a 2000 Pontiac Grand Am. I've had the car for seven years, I've had my share of problems with this car. My car uses/ used Dex-Cool coolant. Recently, I took my car to a mechanic and got a new head gasket. I also have had to put a fuel pump and water pump on it as well. The entire a/c unit has also had to be changed.
Randy of Jenison MI (04/04/08)
I have a 1998 Pontiac Bonneville. On July 10, 2007 I put a used motor in this car because the other motor was shot, it lost the oil pressure. The antifreeze would go down very slowly, but we couldn't tell where it was going, until it was to late and it wrecked the motor. I change my own oil every 3000 - 3500 miles and keep a written record of this. It cost me over $2000 to put the used motor in. The used motor has already had a problem to. Had to replace the intake plenum and all the seals and gaskets. Antifreeze was leaking into the cylinders.
Kelly of Mt Braddock PA (04/03/08)
I have a 2001 Pontiac Grand Am that I bought used from a dealer in 2004. I took it to a garage because my car overheated. The garage said that they have had a TON of GM cars coming into the garage because the coolant in the car rusts out some of the parts and causes major damage to the car. He looked over my car and told me that it will cost over $1000 to get the problem fixed. If GM is aware of this problem and are now paying off people in a class action suit, why don't they just do a recall and fix the problems that their coolant caused in the first place.
Julia of Excelsior Springs MO (04/03/08)
We own a 2003 Pontiac Grand Am with a 3.1 Liter engine. We received a class action notice regarding problems with this engine. I have recently found out that they are near settlement, but only as pertains to expenses already incurred. We have not had repairs made to our engine due to lack of funds. We have many of the symptoms including engine knock, having to replace coolant and oil, sludge in the coolant tank, no longer heating or cooling well, etc. I would say that the initial signs started right before the warranty expired, at which time I took the car in for an engine knock sound. I was told they could detect no problem. Not long after the warranty expired, we started having to add coolant and oil, more frequently as time went on. What I would like to know is why are there no provisions for having the car repaired or reimbursement made for the damage if you have been unable to afford the repairs? It seems that leaves those that need the help most out in the cold.
Cynthia of Anthony NM (04/01/08)
I went and purchased a 2003 Pontiac Aztec. It would not run, and it was over heating. On the following bussiness day I took itin for them to look at it, and they said it was a simple thing. Well turns out that it needs a major engine repair. It has been 16 days and I still haven't heard from them. I tried to get a lender car but they didn't at fist but then I got angry because I think that It is not fair that I be without a car so soon, especially if I just gave my first payment. I have have really bad service and I think that I want another vehicle.
Shirley of Chesapeake VA (03/31/08)
On November 3, 2006, we noticed fluid leaking from under our 1998 Pontiac Transport Van. We took it to a repair shop, which resulted in a $697.63 repair bill. The Intake Manifold Gaskets had gone bad. They were replaced with the only parts available as authorized by the manufacturer. We received a one-year warranty on parts and labor. Now, one year and 4 months later, we have the same problem resulting in a $610.43 repair bill. We were advised by the repairer that at the time of the first repair, the replacement parts were plastic. They have since been replaced with a different material, which is supposed to last longer. It is our understanding that Pontiac knew about this problem and has just settled a class action suit over it. Our questions: Why were we not notified of the problem and why was it not taked care of as a recall?
Melissa of Parkville MO (03/30/08)
I own a 2003 Pontiac Grand Am GT V6 ram air. I immediatly switched my anitfreeze to regular old green, But it was too late, the damage was done. I began to leak antifreeze last winter to discover that the gaskets needed replacing. To add inslut to injury, this winter I had to have the headers turned becuase the antifrezze had done some type of damage to them. I am by no means a mechanic, but what I was told was that both of these problems were caused by the dexcool antifreeze.
Tara of Olathe KS (03/29/08)
My 1998 Pontiac Transport that has only around 95,000 miles on it is leaking anitfreeze. I had to have the system flushed out at 90,000 miles and the water pump had to be replaced recently. Since the water pump was replaced the coolant does not simply drop out it pretty much flows and I have to add more of the defective dex-cool every other day.
Philip of Wrightsville PA (03/29/08)
I have a 1999 Pontiac Boneville which I had problems with. I had to have intake gaskets put on for a cost of $750.00. The car ran very good for about a month when the engine failed and burned up. I immediately purchased another engine assembly which was used. It had only 37000 miles on it (I did a carfax check on it). It was in my car for 2 weeks and the same thing happened.
Tanya of Los Lunas NM (03/29/08)
For the past several months while driving my vehile, myself and my family members have been experiencing very bad experiences while driving our 2001 Pontiac Montana. I have ended up in the urgent care while driving my vehicle. I get symptoms of dizziness, headaches, nauseau, very close to fainting, my children have vomitted. So I took my vehicle into the dealership explained our symptoms, there is no smell, but we get the symptoms mainly when driving on the highway, mainly in the night time. We asked if they could check the exhaust for carbon monoxide. Well we pick up the vehicle, they had put my vehicle on a diagnostic and came up with two codes- it needed a thermostate coolant and the 02 sensor. My husband had taken in the van so I called back and I asked them if they had specifically checked the exhaust, I already had taken it elsewhere for a diagnostic. I had wanted them to check the exhaust. They said they did and there were no leaks. But all mechanics that we have spoken to have said that both of those codes have nothing to do with causing us to get those symptoms and we should have it checked again. But we do not have the money to keep having it checked. I am almost tempted to sell the vehicle AS IS. Please let me know what advise you can give or what direction you can lead me to. Is there somewhere I can go to check my vehicle specifically for carbon monoxide poisoning? I have researched A LOT and I am almost positive we have a leak. Thank you.
Desi of Regina, Canada (03/28/08)
In October of 2007 i was driving my 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix home from work. I stopped at the local hardware store and was inside for only a few minutes and when i came outside there was smoke coming out from under the hood. I opened the hodd and there was a fire all across the top on the engine. I borrowed a fire extinguisher and put out the fire. It was then a huge hassel for the insurance and they seemed to have thought that it was an insurance scam.
Lizette of Bethlehem PA (03/26/08)
I don't know where to begin or whom should I call to speak to. I previously had my intake manifold gaskets replaced and other services done on my 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix on 1/31/08. On Saturday 3/22/08 my car while driving along interstate 78 died while everyone including myself were driving at speed of 65mph. The car lost all power and was extremely hard to steer we were all extremely scared. Surrounded by all these cars traveling at such a speed while my car was basically on the road with no power to go anywhere but signal and coast are way on to the side of the road praying we will not get hit from behind while trying to get to safety. Luckily we made it to the side of the road. The car was towed and taken to the dealer for service. When I called to find out what was the cause. I was told the car basically died and it just came on like a heart attack. It would cost me $5200 for a new engine for a car that was just paid off in July. After receiving the news and crying my eyes out. I could not help but to keep asking how can this happen? no sign of a problem? no warning light? I went home and started looking into the internet at current issues with GM. Currently there is a $1.2million or billion dollar lawsuit in Canada regarding this issue. You have your manifold gaskets and water pump replaced and bam just like a heart attack your engine goes outs with out warning. Many have been lucky after replacement the car is ok but others end up with engines having to be replaced. Instead of having a recall re this issue basically consumers are left with the issue and no resolution. Please help me get some resolution. If I owed GM for their car i'm sure they would come for their vehicle. Therefore if they owe the consumer for this isssue that is known but they refuse to do anything about it, then they should pay for their faulty parts or service. Please help!!!!!!! I
Rodney of Hueytown AL (03/26/08)
I own a 1999 Pontiac TransAm. I drove it to work and back. The next morning it will not start. Have taken the starter to AutoZone for test. Starter is ok. Battery is good. It has had several factory defect from day one, the motor on the pop-up lights keep shorting out, the driver & passenger window motors quit working, and the car will not start. I love the way the car is aerodynamic designed but it has nothing but electrical problems and Courtesy Pontiac will not take a look or fix it because it no longer has a warranty.
Seth of Limerick PA (03/20/08)
I have a 2004 Grand Prix GTP. The power steering rack has been replaced four times because it was cracked. I was told that the power steering rack is, once again, broken and needs replacement. This will cost about $1000. I sent a letter to GM and sent them all of the invoices of the work done (all of the work done was done by the Fred Beans Pontiac in Limerick, PA). They called me today and said that they would split the cost of replacing the power steering rack and that was their final offer. I asked what would happen when it breaks again. They said that the complaint would be on file. I will not pay for this part again and I will NEVER buy another
Todd of Woodbridge VA (03/18/08)
Long story short: In Feb 2003 my 1999 Pontiac GTP Grand Prix caugh fire and was a total loss. Pontiac consistantly denied my claime stating that it was not a warranty situation. Late last week NHTSA and Pontiac issued a recall for the GTP Grand Fires. Pontiac still refusing to reimburse me for the loss of the car inspite of the recall. At the time the car was covered by GM's 100,000 5yr extended warranty which covers oil leak related failures.
To date this has cost me 3,500.00 to pay off my original car loan, 3,000.000 for attorneys fees when State Farm Insurance required me to submit to Evidence Under Oath where they denied coverage and claimed arson was the reason the car burned. And at the time the car was worth 12,700 on NADA. So to date I'm out appx $19,200.00 for something they could have easily taken care of. Especially considering how many and how long people have been complaining about Grand Prix fires...
Brock of Bothell WA (03/14/08)
My 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP caught on fire while driving in rush hour on the interstate on 12/6/07. The car was totalled. I just saw the recall, which I believe is due to the same issue on my car as the roadside assistance individual saw a massive oil leak and i experienced an oil pressure drop as the car died.
Michael of Wellington FL (03/14/08)
Was sold an 2004 Pontiac Grand Am for $5,995.00 plus tax, etc. Was told that vehicle was in an accident that it had got hit on right side, not much damage, did not even have to replace side panel. Found out on carfax/Georgia State Police that vehicle had hit a stationary object and recieved extensive front end damage.After having my mechanic look at the vehicle noticed that frame has numerous weld spots on it and frame is ripped/cracked on frame. Transmission does not properly go in reverse.Numerous bolts missing that hold on front end and headlight, fog lights not hooked up, cruise control and CD player do not work. Bought vehicle 3-10-2008, notified dealer of findings. Requested that I be refunded my money back, was informed that I bought vehicle as is and he was not going to do anything about it.
Jill of Lubbock TX (02/12/08)
Iam out $1000 to replace a window motor and two headlight motors in my 2002 Pontiac Firebird. I though it was just the car, until I read other reports on this website. There are only 30000 miles on my vehicle, and the motors should not go out so soon.
John of Jacksonville FL (02/05/08)
I bought a 2001 Montana new and in the last 170k miles I have replaced the intake gasket 3 times, the second time resulting in overheating and damaging the head gasket. I worked for a Coggin Pontiac GMC for over 10 years and know this is a chronic problem with 3.4l engines accross the board. I have personally spent almost 2000 repairing this vehicle over and over and the last time was told GM had redesigned the gasket and had finally resolved the issue. Well its in the shop again with oil in the coolant and I want to add my example to the existing database of known problems.
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Edward of Dayton OH (01/27/08)
I purchased a vehicle. A 1997 Pontiac Montana Trans Sport. Months later it overheated and stopped. I had it towed to my mechanic and he said that the engine was shot. He said it was common in the 3400 engines of that year. I cannot even drive it now...My mechanic said it would cost about $4,000 to repair it. I am interested in filing claim against the manufacturer.
Greg of Fremont OH (01/15/08)
Our Pontiac Vibe is a 2003 model, and in the second year of our ownership, our passenger window (front)shattered. Two years later, our drivers side window (front) shattered. We just had both of them fixed again in October, and yesterday, our driver's side window fell off the track and is preparing to shatter again. Other than shattering, these windows have also just stopped working altogether. We're needing repairs AGAIN! These repetative problems, due to shotty workmanship, should not be our financial responsibility anymore.
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Heman of Houston TX (01/13/08)
Original new, 1 owner 1997 Pontiac Transport II van engine quit, knocking. Later found broken cam shaft. Mileage 57k. Age 3+ yrs.Just out of warranty and this happens.
Vincent of Perrineville NJ (01/01/08)
My 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP had a engine fire on Dec 27th 2007. This car was bought about 7 months prior and was inspected by the state of N.J. for safety and emissions. this car was well maintained and garage kept, it had no leaks of oil or any other fluid. The engine compartment and engine was spotless from film or debris of any kind. The only repairs done to the car except regular maintenance (oil changes) were front brake pads a belt and tires. The car was driven by my wife. At the time of the fire my wife and three children were stopped at a traffic light in East Windsor, the car started to smoke from under the hood. The check engine light flashed on and the car shut off flames started to be seen from the hood. My wife called 911 and the police and fire showed up within a very short period if time and put out the blaze. Too late for the car but luckilaly for my family all were ok. The East Windsor case number is 07-76572.
Greg of Clinton MS (12/04/07)
The driver side and passenger side window clips broke on my 2002 Grand Am GT within one month of each other. The catch is that one of the clips is connected directly to the window, therefore requiring the entire window system to be replaced which is around $500. When I called a Pontiac dealer regarding this I was told this happens all the time and that it's normally on the driver side window. Another friend of mine with a Grand Am GT has the same problem. Pontiac is aware of this major defect, but has done nothing about it. I've called Pontiac directly regarding this and so far they have done nothing
John of Arlington Heights IL (11/19/07)
I own a Pontiac Grand Prix GTP. I started on fire 11/16/2007. I had fire department to put fire out. Half of the car is burned.
Samantha of Owatonna ME (10/05/07)
I bought my car a 2007 Pontiac G6 Black GT. It had 19 Miles which a few of them I put on by test driving. My husband and I bought the car after trading in my Trailblazer, which they told me they could only gove me 10k because that is what they could get at an aution...a little while later they sold it on their lot. But that is not the problem. This is what I went through. On the first day I got my car I drove the ccar from Northfield to Faribault. We had noticed some white stuff on the hood right away and thought it was lint or fuzzies from being inside the shop. Well, that same day I noticed it was a chip in the paint down to the metal. I called Furlongs because I thought that it looked like a paint defect so I brought it back the next business day.
They told me that it was the Principle of the matter that they would not fix it. They told me that they could arrange for the chip to be repaired for $75. Otherwise the entire hood for more than that but the paint would not look the same. I agreed that painting the whole hood was not an option. So I left, pretty upset and I called GM Customer Care, because I just bought a new car and spent 26k on it and for Furlongs to not fix it for $75 was crazy. They agreed and they contacted Furlongs and Furlongs then agreed to fir the chip.
I took it in and they had it for 5 days. I got it back and the paint job was terrible. There were groove marks and buff marks and the color black is a brown black in instead of black black. So I called GM to let them know that it was horrible. At this point I realized that they painted the entire hood, without my permission, and I never signed anything to allow them to do this. So I had to take it back.
They tried to fix it again and it came back worse the second time. So, GM said to take it in one more time and that it would be better. During this whole time I am an emotion wreck. So the third time I got it back, no difference, it still looks terrible. So GM told me that I could take it were I wanted to get it fixed and Furlong Motors would reimburse me.
Up to $300.00 Well, After all the paint and mess ups it has been through the hood needs to be blasted of the paint and redone. Not to mention I never ok'd the entire hood to be painted, it was suppose to be a $75 chip repair. Furlong took it upon them selves to damage the car that is in my name and not even tell me or ask me if it was an ok resolution.
So I took it to Ford in Owatonna and got a price quote, just to fix the hood, paint it only it would cost $581.50. This does not include any blasting off of the paint if it need to be done. So I called GM and told them the price quote and they called the district manager of Furlongs and he refused to up the $$. A $300.00 paint job is what I have on a brand new car hood and it is terrible.
I asked GM numerous times to just take the car back or give me a new hood. I even offered to pay for the miles that I put on. But no, now I am stuck with a brand new car that has a terrible hood that I pay 500.00 a month for. I don't even know what to do at this point. I really thought that if they would just fix my hood it would be ok, but now after all the tears and stress I do not even want the car. It seems so unfair to feel so taken advantage of.
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Sandra of Lexington NC (10/01/07)
I brought my Grand Prix used but it was in very good condition when I got it from Plaza Ford. Which is in Lexington,NC. I have no complaints about the place where I purchased my car.Shortly after I got the car the windows started to stick. Then they just stopped working.I found out to get the window fixed cost $400.00.I can't afford that. Now I only have one good window.After reading about other people and their problems,I think General Motors should be responsible and do a recall. My car is a 2000.
Connie of Winston Salem NC (09/30/07)
Complaint is for 2000 Pontiac Grand Am Gt and the 2000 Chevrolet Malibu. I own the 2000 Grand Am and there have been several problems as described by many other people before me: The window deciding to just fall and having to replace entire motor unit (not the glass), the signal switch not working 97% of the time, and the intake gasket leak and having to replace the water pump also. Mechanic recommended that I replace a couple of small items and switch to green antifreeze. Once work was completed, the idle smoothed out and the car didn't overheat any longer. I'm on my second set of breaks this year, along with new rotors. This is also a recurring problem. No help from GM for any of these problems. My son purchased the Malibu. We attempted to return the car the same day, NOT. North Carolina law doesn't protect us. So, here we go again with another piece of crap GM. The car not starting, erratic shift changes, and having to replace the starter also. The engine coolant is leaking and the car is idling so quickly, the brakes have to be applied at full force to keep from running over someone when at a complete stop. That happens when it decides to start! There are those times when it won't start and he has to drive the Grand Am, which has that pesty transmission issue...slippage...that I can't afford to fix. Back to the Malibu, the tire wear, the brakes are weak, the sensors get replaced and the problem still exist. With the cost of ins. and payments for this car, he can't afford to fix it. Its sitting, not being used, in my driveway with antifreeze leaking, and who knows, it may not start anyway.
Shandy of Milton FL (09/24/07)
GM is well aware of TSB 03-08-98-001A for Camaro's and Firebirds which pertains to the type of glue that was used in production to hold the roof panel on the vehicle. The glue is too agressive(worng glue)and works it's way around the roof panel and through the paint and makes bubbles in the paint on the roof. I have talked to many owners of Camaro's and Firebird's that have had the same issue and they state that GM picks and chooses which vehicles are eligible for a no cost repair regardless of ownership, mileage, etc. Since GM has admitted the problem Gm should repair all of the vehicles with this issue including my own at no cost instead of making excuses and giving loyal customers a run around.
Michelle of Berry AL (09/17/07)
I am leasing a 2006 Pontiac G6 and have had so many problems that are ongoing. It is still in the shop. Last week it was in the shop with numerous problems that had to be fixed, which in my opinion should not be happening to a new car. Coolant was leaking, they had to replace the rt and lft freeze plugs in rr cyl head, replaced the passenger side air bag, both headlights had rain water in it filled up with water, had to replace both headlamps, theft module had to be replaced, dome light, fog light switch, steering gear and steering shaft and rod had to be replaced, they replaced outer tie rod and set toe in, and that was last week. When i got the car home, the service air bag light came on again and now it is in the shop having the drivers side airbag replaced. Also have a problem that they cannot find, when i try to start the car and let go of the key, it hangs up like it is still trying to start, but then it doesn't start. Try to start again and it doesn't. Sometimes i have to wait up to 15 minutes to try again. This problem started about 5 months when i had the car, but it was not everyday. Now it is happening everyday and they can't find out why. When the service technicians try it, it starts right up with them. I am very unhappy with Pontiac. I had a 2003 Grand am and got rid of it due to many problems. My opinion, these things should not be happening to a new car! I need something done, but trying to figure out what to do. I want out of this lease asap!!
Stephen of Elizabethtown KY (08/27/07)
Just bought a 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix GT from a person that lives right down the road from me for $400 and the For-Sale sign on it said 'bad motor' on it. Being the curious person I am, I wanted to find why it wouldn't run. The engine still turned over and even fired sometimes so the engine seemed more than salvageable to me and turns out....the intake manifold gasket was shot because of the plastic intake manifold expanding and contracting with heat differently than that of the engine. So, I changed it and it runs sweet as a nut. Problem solved! Paid $400 for the vehicle I will be driving back and forth to work everyday once I get some new tires and insurance ;-)
Carl of Wellman IA (07/01/07)
Last year my wife and I purchased a 2005 Pontiac Grand am,which after the first year was an awesome car,great gas mileage & drove nice.That is until about 3 weeks ago when my wife was on her way to work the car suddenly took off on her and with her foot off the gas it would run 80MPH on its own.She almost got into a terrible accident that really had her scared and shook up.The only way she made it to work was to ride the brake to keep her speed down and to stop at a light she would have to put the car in neutral and would rev up as high as it could,by the time she got to work it was overheating.She then had a mechanic check it out and he told her it was the IDOL AIR CONTROL MOTOR,we got the part changed,which lasted two days and the car took off on her again,That was when she refused to ever drive it again for safety.
Angela of Jenison MI (06/27/07)
We have a 2004 Pontiac Vibe that has approximately 78,000 miles on it and a few weeks ago our transmission went out. We had the vehicle towed to the closet transmission repair and they found that the transmission had such severe damage that it could not be rebuilt. The cost $2500.00!! On a car that we owe almost $7000.00 on still.
We called Pontiac Elhart to find out if Pontiac had a longer warranty on the transmission and they told us to bring the vehicle to them. When we told them that it was in the process of being fixed they basically told us there was nothing they could do for us because we did not bring the vehicle to them first. We immediately had the process stopped, until we could find out more information.
We contacted GM to register our complaint. After a few more conversations with GM and Elhart Pontiac, Holland Michigan, we were told to continue to move forward with having the car repaired and to bring the transmission out to Elhart. Customer Service, at Elhart, found that a clip or a bearing had come loose and that is what caused the damage.
This is not suppose to happen on vehicles with 78,000 miles on them. We were then told that we would have a three way conversation with GM, Elhart and ourselves to talk about what they discovered and see if we were eligible for any assistance. This conversation never happened. We simply received a phone call saying that we were denied of any assistance.
This decision came from the District manager, whose name we were denied, and we are also being denied access to any and all of the records that General Motors was given. When we asked to speak with someone higher up, we were told that we could not speak with anyone and if we wanted to proceed we needed to write a letter. So basically we bought a GM car and after we purchased it, General Motors could care less about customer satisfaction or standing behind their product.
Jacquelyn of Buxton ME (06/24/07)
My daughter owns a 2006 Pontiac G6 sedan. The car was bought from Enterprise Auto rental and is still covered by the original warranty. It has 26,000 miles on it. The power steering fails, She took it to Banner Pontiac in South Kingston where they told her they found and corrected a loose connection. Less than a week later she lost the power steering again and called Fiore to make a service appointment. They were not able to work on her car for several days. She did not drive the car until the morning it went into the dealer. The power steering worked fine. She asked the man in the service department if he was aware of any problems with G6s. He denied having heard there was any problems, which may have been true, but a quick check on the Internet revealed that there were many 05/06 G6s with the same problem my daughter is experiencing. Fiore told her there was nothing wrong with her power steering and the onboard computer said there never has been a problem. Today ( 4 days) after she was told her power steering was fine it failed again. It's a Sunday so the dealer is closed but chances are by the time we can get it in it will be working again.
Michael of Spencerport NY (06/05/07)
My daughters 1999 Pontiac Grand Am GT is experiencing uneven idle & not properly stopping when applying brakes. Mechanic states Intake manifold needs replacement. GM Know of defective issue but DOES NOT STAND BEHIND IT ! Estimated costs of repair INTAKE ONLY $700.00 ! with no gaurantee it won't happen again ! VEHICLE is kept in A#1 Shape on the outside/inside, I need to appologize for the Engine/Cooling design to my daughter as it appears GM WILL NOT !
Mark of Delmar DE (05/29/07)
Pontiac issued a TSB(technical service bulletin)on 4th Generation f-bodies (Trans AmsP where the glue used for the headliner was causing paint bubbling in the sail panel for MANY, MANY customers. When I inquired w/my dealership (Price Buick-Pontiac, Salisbury, MD), they said it would be referred to the Pontiac District Manager (WHO DISSAPPROVED). I then contacted Pontiac Customer Service and inquired. Was told beyond the 3 yr/36K warranty. Furthermore, the Dealership said second hand owners would be void anyhow, but I am the original owner. Recently, Scott Summers @ Pontiac has approved many repair orders BEYOND those conditions I just described. This is a discriminatory and subjective practice that is IMHO illegal. Why are they approving some, while not others? How can discretionary authorizations be allowed? If you require my claim # and the TSB listed by Pontiac, I do have that information available. Furthermore, I still have not heard back from Pontiac (Scott Summers) or the email I sent to the GM Complaint department for investigation. I have basically exhausted all avenues w/Pontiac and GM. Thank you
Stephen of Patchogue NY (05/27/07)
timing chain went on 2002 GrandAM SE1 after just 82,045 miles on it. The car is only 5 years old.
i sent my first complaint to you before, this is a continuation, the car that is now being fixed, was also a rental from someone in Florida, in 1999, and the only way I found that out was after my wife ran a carfax on my car to see about the safety hazards of this car. turnes out the engine needs work, and it was a rental for 13 mos. But when I purchased it, my brother and i were not informed of this matter. This was hidden information, and in all fairness, I think my brother and I should have been informed of this in the first place, but we weren't. Sincerely, Stephen Willett
James of Atmore AL (04/30/07)
I've had problems with a 2001 Bonneville that I didn't expect. These include left drive axle at about 67,000 miles for $500, BOTH rear window motors at about 52,000 miles for $435 EACH, air bag warning light staying on at about 47,000 miles for $300, and other issues covered by warranty/recall such as steering column knocking, water leaking into interior (the car leaked like a sieve!), throttle body nuts and steering column knocking - again. I informed Mr. Wagoner that I did not plan to purchase another GM vehicle and that poor quality was the cause of their struggles with market share. I did receive a phone call from a lady that basically said that my correspondence would be put on file. I really think that the window motor issue should be investigated for possible recall. I know of others that have experienced window motor failure.
Roberta of Barstow CA (04/10/07)
I received a recall/reimbursement notice for my 2002 Pontiac Firebird in December 2006. On April 9, 2007 I noticed a rattling noise in coming from the engine compartment while I was running errands in the morning. Before leaving Barstow for my job in Apple Valley (32 miles away), I went to the repair shop that I normally use. They inspected the car by starting it up, listening for the rattle. They reasoned that it was coming from the right-side catalytic converter and used a brass hammer to tap it as a way of feeling if the inside baffles were in pieces (failure of the converter).
After a total of 5 minutes with my car, they informed me that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. I made an appointment for April 10 to take my car to Greiner Buick, Pontiac and GMC. I left my car at Greiner at 6:30 on the 10th. When Larry Largent started my car and moved it, he came back into the service area and told me that it sounded like the converter to him. At noon or so I received a call from Mr. Largent telling me that the converter had marks on it from a hammer and the recall would not be honored.
I called General Motors. Joseph took my information and turned it over to Nicole. Nicole talked to me and called Geiner. She talked to Carl Williams, Service Manager. She came back to me to say that GM needed to stand by their dealership and not honor the recall. Does GM think that I have nothing better to do than take my car to my mechanic when it running fine and have that mechanic cause damage to my vehicle?
I went to my normal mechanic because the converter was already damaged. The left-side converter is fine. The recall letter says nothing about an inspection by their dealer or the option to refuse to honor the recall. If I had already replaced the converter before the letter was received, would I have had to send the original converter to them for reimbursement? Would they want to inspect it too?
Danny of Gulfport MS (04/09/07)
2001 Pontiac Grand Prix Special Edition engine fire.
Nathan of Crawfordsville IN (03/29/07)
We purchased a used 1998 Pontiac Montana from ---- Pontiac in Crawfordsville Indiana. We were very happy initially with the Van. Then the repairs started. Problems with the steering column, problems with the automatic door. Then the Biggy. The headgaskets failed and the engine seized. My wife called me stranded out on the highway in the bitter cold. Sounds so familier doesn't it! A new engine from the dealer we bought it from was $6500 not including installation. I found a dealer in Pennsylvania that sold me the same New Crate engine for my van for $5000 I drove to Pennsylvania and bought it. I did not allow the dealer in Crawfordsville to put Dex-Cool back in this new engine. I put the Green Anti-Freeze that we have all used for years. Calls to GM customer service fell on deaf ears. What will it take to get the U.S. Attorney General to step in and make GM make restitution to all of us? My wife was recently rear ended and the practiclly new engine is now For Sale ($1500.00) If you need an engine for your Montana that has never had Dex-Coolant in it email me. pegmill@sbcglobal.net I will never buy a GM product again.
James of Chicago IL (03/13/07)
Sold me a warrent that was only for their dealer. I wanted a GMAC warrent, I paid 1,400 dollar for nothing. Four times my car was taken in for service in less then a year. Now I,m have leaks from my valve cover gasket, leaks from my engine seals and I have no Montell dealer to take it to. I will never get a car from GMAC after over 30yrs. thanks
Carlos of Spring Hill FL writes (7/27/01):
Pontiac Montano wagon. Passenger rear door recalled, same door in for repairs 5 different times. Still does not operate as it was supposed to do. We were told we were beyond warranty and did not complain about problem. Wagon was taken for repairs 5 separate times, that itself makes a statement. If the same door goes in for repairs what does that say about door? They claim each visit was a different problem. Is this a way of getting around Mr Goodwrench policy of pay for repair only once?
We'd say it's an attempt to get around the Lemon Law. Carlos should consult an attorney right away.
David of Cumming, GA, writes:
Owning a Pontiac Grand Prix was one of the most miserable experiences of my life. The only satisfaction I will have is sharing this information with others, including ConsumerAffairs.com.
I have been experiencing an amazingly large number of problems with my 1997 Grand Prix, and I have found that others are having the same hardships. The transmission, battery, water pump, radio, steering wheel controls, headlights, brakes, seats, and air conditioning have all crapped out in one way or another. Also, the driver's door lock leaks whenever it rains, and various snaps and pops were heard while I had the car.
I am very happy to report that I no longer have the car. I got a 2000 Honda Accord EX in February and I could not be more pleased. I can see why Hondas are so popular and why GM is losing market share.
In dealing with GM on my transmission problem, the real problem with GM became apparent. There is no policy and procedure within GM that directs and/or empowers its employees to stop, think, and resolve customer issues. Their version of customer service is a seemingly endless maze of nitpicking tasks that take hours of company and customer time and in the end create an anti-customer: someone so disgusted with a company that they are motivated to keep others from buying GM products. Both GM and the dealers were horrible. The only satisfaction I will have is if this information is put to good use.
Michael of Jersey City, NJ, writes:
I purchased my 1995 Pontiac Grand Am SE in June of 1999 after leasing it brand new from W&S pontiac in West New York, NJ (it has since gone bankrupt and closed). For over four years, I have had little or no problems with the car, while faithfully having the car serviced regularly as the manufacturer suggested (oil, brakes, fluids, etc.) On numerous occasions, I even asked the service manager to check the car "throughout, just in case" (meaning to look at everything to be sure nothing - shocks, struts, wheels, radiator, engine - might be beginning to fail or show signs of needing to be replaced/repaired).
On January 7, 2000, with just under 34,000 original miles, upon leaving work my car failed to shift into the DRIVE gear, or the "third" gear. The Lowest gear and reverse were the only ones working. I had my vehicle towed on Saturday, January 8, 2000, to Demassi Pontiac (located in Lyndhurst, and where I have been bring my car for regular servicing for several years for repairs.
On Monday, January 10, I was told by the mechanic and the Service Manager that the clutch rotar had failed. They estimated the cost of repairs to be $2000 (to rebuild the transmission) to $3000 (for a brand new transmission).
In speaking with the mechanic, he said he never seen the rotar break on a car with so few miles on it, nor did he ever hear of the rotart breaking without warning. Usually if this part breaks, as he put it, it happens over a long period (over 100,000 at least) of excessive wear-and-tear and there would have been some sort of previous problems, or "warning", prior to it failing. However, I was experiencing no problems with the car, and it was fine when I arrived at work the previous Friday morning, prior to it not working when I left work.
I chose to have the car towed to another mechanic for a second opinion, and it concurred with what I was told at DeMassi.
Although I did not have an extended warranty on my vehicle, and based on my conversation with the mechanic, I feel this is a mechanical defect and I should be reimbursed for the repairing of the transmission and the time I had been without the services of my car.
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