NHTSA Complaint #10019144 — 1997 CHEVROLET C/K PICKUPS

THE QUICK DISCONNECT HEATER HOSE FITTING SCREWED INTO THE INTAKE MANIFOLD OF VORTEC 4.3, 5.0, 5.7 ENGINES 1996--2000. IT IS MADE OUT OF AN INEXPENSIVE POT METAL MATERIAL, IT CORRODES AND LEAKS ANTIFREEZE. IT IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM THAT OCCURRED ON MY OWN VEHICLE (1997 K1500 4X4) AND AT LEAST ON 2 OTHERS THAT BELONG TO FRIENDS OF MINE. THE PART COSTS 15.00 AT THE DEALER, BUT UPON FAILURE, IT CAN COST 600--1000 TO REPAIR AND REPLACE. FAILURE CAUSES ENGINE OVERHEATING THAT CAN BE A HAZARD WHILE VEHICLE IS IN USE. ENGINE FAILURE CAN CAUSE A CRASH. GM SHOULD INSTITUTE A RECALL TO ALL OWNERS OF VEHICLES WITH VORTEC ENGINES THAT USE THIS FITTING. *NLM