NHTSA Complaint #10442255 — 2002 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN

LEFT-SIDE ENGINE MANIFOLD BOLTS BROKE OFF, CAUSING EXHAUST GAS TO ESCAPE INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE FIREWALL FROM THE DRIVER. THE ESCAPING EXHAUST CAUSES A 'TICKING' NOISE, WHICH IS WHAT BROUGHT THIS TO THE ATTENTION OF THE OWNER (ME). THE VEHICLE IS WELL-MAINTAINED AND IS NEVER USED IN HARSH OR DEMANDING CONDITIONS. PRIMARY USE IS TRANSPORTING FAMILY IN URBAN AREA. THERE HAS BEEN NO PRIOR SERVICE WORK THAT REQUIRED MANIFOLD TO BE REMOVED. THE MANIFOLD BOLTS ARE DEFECTIVE. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY AND EPA ISSUE DUE TO EXHAUST GASES BEING RELEASED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, AND THE POSSIBILITY OF THE HEAT FROM THE EXHAUST NEGATIVELY AFFECTING SENSORS AND OTHER VITAL ENGINE COMPONENTS. *TR