NHTSA Complaint #10227055 — 2003 PONTIAC GRAND AM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE issue reported to NHTSA
Vehicle Towed
Complaint Details
| ODI Number | 10227055 |
| Vehicle | 2003 PONTIAC GRAND AM |
| Component | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE |
| Date of Incident | |
| Date Filed | |
| Mileage | 24,691 miles |
| Crash | No |
| Fire | No |
| Injuries | 0 |
| Deaths | 0 |
| Vehicle Towed | Yes |
| State | CA |
Consumer Description
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC GRAND AM. WHEN THE CONTACT TOOK HIS VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE ON JULY 27, 2007, A TECHNICIAN INFORMED HIM THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET FAILED. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY TWO DIFFERENT TYPES OF METAL THAT WERE USED ON THE HEAD AND INTAKE MANIFOLDS. WHEN HEATED, BOTH METALS EXPANDED AT DIFFERENT RATES AND CAUSED THE GASKET TO FAIL. THE MANUFACTURER ADMITTED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DIRECTLY RELATED TO A DESIGN DEFECT. THERE IS A REMEDY FOR THE FAILURE, BUT THE CONTACT WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR COSTS. AN AUTHORIZED DEALER REPAIRED THE VEHICLE ON MAY 5, 2008. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,691 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 30,826. UPDATED 06/17/08. *LJ