![]() ![]() My complaint is the commonality lack of support for this problem, given the fact that GM is clearly aware that it exists (both by technical bulletin and the fact that all four of the local GM service departments I called recently referred to the problem immediately). I am currently looking for information regarding accidents caused by this defect. This is obviously a widespread defect, and engine failure in any type of traffic is obviously a safety concern, especially in a family vehicle such as a minivan. The damage ranges from a six hundred dollar repair bill to ejected rods/cracked heads/complete engine failure. I've found thousands of testimonials from GM owners, especially of the 3.1 and 3.4 liter V-6, who have suffered from a leaking intake manifold gasket. This, coupled with abnormal temperature fluctuations and an odd tinge on my oil dipstick caused me enough concern to do a little research. Upon checking the fluid levels yesterday, I noted that the coolant level was low, and the coolant appeared to be contaminated (probably by oil). I recently purchased a used 1998 Chevrolet Venture. I will never buy another GM product as long as I live and I will let as many people I know how GM stands by their product. Normal wear and tear I expect, but to have a vehicle worth about $7,000 one day and $300 the next is not fair. GM should have reimbursed me the cost for the gasket replacement and the engine. GM needs to recognize that the faulty gasket on the lower intake manifold caused this problem by allowing antifreeze to enter the engine. They said I got almost 75% of the engines expected life and they offered me 25% of the cost incurred by me to install a new engine. GM customer service agreed that this was premature engine failure but that the engine had 72,000 miles and according to GM the life expectancy of that engine is only 100,000 miles. It needed a new engine at a total cost of $6150. Bottom line the cam bearings spun in the engine and the dealer said the car was worth $300 as is. The car had to be towed to the nearest Chevrolet dealer. On labor day 2003, a little more than 5 years after I purchased the vehicle, I broke down returning from a family vacation with the car packed and my three kids. I maintained the vehicle to the manufacturers specifications even changing the oil every 3 to 4000. After 4 1/2 years I had to replace the lower intake manifold gasket at a cost of about $500. I purchased a 1998 Chevrolet Venture new for approximately $27,000. I have not contacted the dealership at this point as I do not want to pay to have this 12 year old van repaired at my cost nor do I ever want to drive this van again. Luckily there were no cars or people in my way and I was able to get control of the van without hurting myself or others, the van was brought back to my driveway where it remains. This all happened on the side street of my subdivision before I could get onto the main road. I turned off the ignition and finally braked the van to a stop. At the beginning of the sudden acceleration, I tried to apply the brakes but could not stop the van or stop the acceleration. At that same moment, the engine raced to full throttle and raced forward with the van continually going faster and faster racing instantly to 50 miles an hour and still accelerating. ![]() And immediately I felt the pedal unstick. I pushed the gas pedal harder to get to car to move forward. ![]() As I started to move forward, the gas pedal felt harder than normal but I attributed that to being left outside all winter. I backed the van out of my driveway at home and placed the car into drive. ![]()
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