Pontiac Leaking Coolant, Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
A federal judge denied national class action status to the U.S. lawsuit, saying the process would be too complicated. Although the ruling can be appealed, it's a huge setback.
DexCool Coolant and the Intake Manifold Gasket ∞
Leaking coolant from a cracked intake manifold gasket is an extremely common problem on most GM vehicles made from the late 90s to the mid-2000s. Most experts agree that the problem stems from GM's "DexCool" coolant, which reacts with the intake manifold gasket, causing it to leak coolant.
Replacing the intake manifold gasket usually costs between $700 - $1,000, mostly labor. GM has updated the material used in the intake manifold gasket so that it doesn't react with the Dexcool coolant as fast as the original gasket material.
Currently there is no recall for the intake gasket, because it is not a safety issue (according to the NHTSA).
Several class action lawsuits have been filed, both in the U.S. & Canada. However even statewide class action lawsuits have been running into trouble. State courts in Michigan and California already have rejected class action status for Dex-Cool lawsuits. See the links below for more information.
GM Vehicles Most Affected ∞
| Make | Model | Generation | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet | Malibu | 5th generation | 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 |
| Pontiac | Grand Am | 5th generation | 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 |
Dex-Cool Class Action Law Firms ∞
- Girard Gibbs LLP (California)
- Cohen, Milstein, Hausfeld & Toll, PLLC (New York, Washington D.C., Illinois & Pennsylvania)
- Cory Watson Crowder & DeGaris (Alabama)
Generations Where This Problem Has Been Reported
This problem has popped up in the following Pontiac generations.
Most years within a generation share the same parts and manufacturing process. You can also expect them to share the same problems. So while it may not be a problem in every year yet, it's worth looking out for.
