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There are two things that can go wrong with air bags -- they can deploy when they shouldn't, and they can fail to deploy when they should. Every manufacturer, including GM, has had problems with air bags, which are intrinsically complex and dangerous.
Our advice? Never rely on your air bag. Always wear your seat belt and insist that passengers do the same. Equally important -- NEVER let small children sit in the front passenger's seat in a vehicle equipped with air bags. They can be very seriously injured and even killed if the air bag deploys. Children must be belted in in the back seat, using an appropriate child booster or infant seat.
Some recent complaints ...
Rodney of Louisville KY (10/02/07)
I have had problems with oil consumption in my 2002 Buick Rendezvous with the 3400 engine. I am told now that the lower intake gasket and drive seal need to be replaced. This car has 62,000 miles on it. It will cost me about $1,000.00 to fix and they cannot guarantee that will fix the oil problem.
Patrick of Jenks OK (10/01/07)
I have a 1997 Chevrolet Venture, and had to replace the motor in April of 2006 because of a head gasket leak that warped the block. The new motor had 17000 miles on it when installed, and has been trouble free until last week, when it dumped a bunch of antifreeze on the pavement on the return trip from Dallas to Tulsa. I had it towed to the same shop that did the motor installation. The mechanic says the problem isn't the motor, but the antifreeze itself: DEXCOOL. GM has known about this problem for years and refuses to acknowledge that the DEXCOOL is the culprit.
Dorothy of Hemet CA (09/10/07)
I have a 1999 Buick Century, I have had to replace the head gasket, water pump and now the intake manifold gasket. I live on a fixed income and do not have the money for all the repairs that need to be made due to Dex cool coolant required by GMC. I have followed the maintenance schedule as required by GMC manual. I just found out yesterday(9-9-07) from a mechanic about the class action law suit. I would like to know how to join the class action law suit.
Tamara of Ypsilanti MI (07/11/07)
My husband purchased DexCool Antifreezed by GM. The container stated that it could be used in GM or newer Chrysler vehicles. He filled my vehicle with the DexCool and I have had problems ever since. I recently paid over $220 for a new water pump. I also had hoses replaced, and just 1 week later I was told that my heater core now needs replacing. My vehicle is barely 3 years old and had absolutely no problems prior to using the DexCool. I have since heard about a pending class action lawsuit against GM, consisting of other car owners experiencing the same problems after using DexCool.
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Mary of Greendale WI (04/19/07)
I have a 2001 Century Buick that I drive a lot of freeway miles - have 96,000 miles. About a month ago, my coolant was getting low.. I read the book that came with the car and it said to only use coolant with Dex-cool or damage would happen to my engine if I used anything else. So, I did what it said and added the Dex-cool. That's when I noticed my car was leaking orange liquid which turned out to be the coolant. I took my car in to a mechanic and was told I needed a new intake manifold and he told me about the problems with Dex-cool... it cost me around $900. I never had trouble with my buick (except for front struts) until now. I think GM should pay for this repair as I did exactly what they said to do -- it even says that on my radiator. I am sending the bill and letter to GM to see what they say.
Lisa of Ann Arbor MI (04/09/07)
Lower intake manifold gasket on my 2003 Cheverolet Venture (~63,400 mi) is leaking. My online investigations have shown that this is a widespread problem with GM engines and is related to products they used in their engines (e.g. DexCool, plastic parts).
Car engine began to heat irradically on a 3 mi trip. Parked the car and arranged for repairs--I was thinking thermostat. Mechanic informs me it is the lower intake manifold gasket, which is a very expensive repair. Permanent engine damage could result. I have addressed this promptly, so there is no damage to date, but no guarantees that these defective products have not caused other damaged.
Michael of Tallahassee FL (03/24/07)
I drive a 2003 Monte Carlo with a 3.1 liter engine. I've had it since brand new and it now has 129,540 miles. I Have Dex-cool antifreeze in it. I have not experienced any problems with low coolant lights or intake gasket problems.
I just keep up with routine services at every 30,000 mile interval, which my cooling system got flushed every time. I get it serviced at GM and there haven't been any problems. My advisors told me that ALL antifreezes break down into an acid over time, thats why the cooling system needs flushing every 30K miles. I've been doing it everytime....NO PROBLEMS!!! Thank you GM!
George of Newport News, Va. VA (03/14/07)
in 2001,I purchased a 1998 pontiac montana,had problems with head gasket leaking. had to have it repaired three times. And are still having problems. Then in 2006,I purchased a 2002 montana. only had car little over s year,and already have to have gasket replaced. I like the car but can't afford to keep spending money on costly repairs. I am very disappointed in GMC because they are supposed to be one of the top American cars. Now they have gone downhill by producing inferior products. I think I will probably buy a Ford or foreign product.
Angelique of Shawnee OK (03/13/07)
I have all the same problems as the other people on your website, $1300.00 bills 2 times the intake manifold has been repaired and my fan still runs now the air conditioning compressor is going, it is overheating, and they would rather not hear from me after they butchered my dash board and half ***** put my car back together, wires hanging out everywhere, I too am a single mom with two children, I have had 18 surguries and rely on my newly bought car in 2000 to get me to doctor's appointments, I thought I made a good choice for my settlement money, ha ha , still fighting in Oklahoma!!!
William of Newtown Square PA (03/11/07)
have had to replace manifold gaskets on 1997 tahoe twice, mechanic told me that the coolant eats the gaskets away, but gm doesn't make another gsaket that holds up. not sure of total cost. have receipts, but have to find in files. we also had to relace windsheild wiper motors, transmission at 62,000 miles they would not cover. extended warranty ended at 60,000. have to intall brakes once a year 10,000 miles a year put on only, barn doors in back of tahoe also have leaked we have replaced seal twice cannot seem to fix problem with leak
Vincent of Toms River NJ (03/10/07)
I have a 2002 Chevy Venture. In September of 2006 I had to take my van in because the ac wasn;t working. The dealership said I had a leak in my intake manifold and something with the condesor. Also my gas gauge was not working. I only had 51,000 miles on my van. They wanted 3000.00 to fix it. I could not afford this so I took it to a local service station it was 1/2 the price.
Now in March of 2007 my car overheated after only being on for 10 minutes. The red warning light came on the temp needle was on red. I checked the anti freeze it was fine. I had it towed to the same local service station and they said I have 2 cracked head gaskets. They could not believe it since I only have 55,000 miles on my van. I only do local driving with my kids and do all of the required oil changes and check ups.
This is a terrible misjutice GM and Dex-cool are doing to the public. Please let me know if there is anything I can do. Thank you
Dan of Fort Wayne IN (02/28/07)
I have a 1996 Chevy Blazer. The Dex-cool coolant has caused me to incur numerous repairs including a new radiator and multiple heater core replacements. I am due for a coolant flush but I won't be going to the dealer and the mechanics I've talked to won't use this product.
K of Belle Mead NJ (02/24/07)
we own a 2000 buick le sabre - it has 140,000 miles - yesterday it started to overheat and the heater did not work - we were told we need a new engine at a cost of $4000. we did nothing wrong - we took excellent care of our vehicle - the cause of the malfunction was due to dex-cool - gm refuses to accept any responsibility for this - I also have another gm vehicle 2003 century which I have been told by mechanics is in danger of doing the same thing. It may happen sooner than 140000 miles - if there is a class action suit against gm I would like to know about it
Rada of Lansdowne MD (02/23/07)
my coolant in my malibu is got sludge in it and i just took it to the repair shop to find out i need a intake gasket and all done to my car. all in all its over 1,000.00 in damage to my car that is only a year a way from being payed off so now im dealing with gm to find out what can be done about tis now . i am just so mad right now that all that has been posted about this is true and who ever has a gm better watch out because its happen to everyone
your money is wasted and they dont care
Lanny of Lee's Summit MO (01/22/07)
My wife and I have had problems with our 1997 Chevrolet Venture Van. We purchased it from the dealership where my father had worked for 30 years as the Service Manager. We had problems associated with a bad head gasket which caused us to have to buy a new vehicle or get a new motor. We opted for the new motor. I contacted GM and they stated that there was nothing they could do for us because it was out of warantee.
My uncle, who works at the same dealership told me that they have a lot of problems similar to ours. I am an administrator at a school in the KC area. I noticed one of my parents driving a Venture. I told her of our experience and to watch the fluid levels - radiator and oil. Within 6 months she had the same problem and chose to buy a new vehicle. Too many problems exist for there not to be a problem. Who is out there to help?
Elizabeth of Oakwood, GA (01/15/07)
Dex antifreeze damage to my 2000 Pontiac Montana
Many costly repairs having to be done; Automobile is now almost un-usable
Linda of Woonsocket RI (01/11/07)
I purchased my 2001 Malibu from a private party in November 2006. Today, January 11, 2007, I took the car in for a coolant check, since the low-coolant had been coming on for the past 2 days.
The mechanic informed me that I needed to replace the intact manifold gasket. I had been doing a little research online, concerning Dex-Cool, the manufacturer recommended coolant stated in the car's owner manual. Much to my horror, I began reading complaint after complaint from consumers who had to spend hundreds to thousands of dollars repairing and maintaining their GM cars, after leaks, heater core, radiator, hose... almost system-wide problems began emerging, due to the corrosive effects of Dex-Cool.
I practically begged my mechanic to NOT use Dex-Cool, but he insisted it was required by the manufacturer, and that I would cause other problems if I switched (HOW MANY OTHER PROBLEMS COULD THERE HAVE BEEN?)
Wesley of Glen Rose TX (01/10/07)
Using Dexcool which is required by the manufacturer. My wife and I purchased a 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix in March 2005. We were excited to find such a good deal not to mention the economical gain of better gas mileage during the high price of gasoline. It would be a great family car in which, taken care of properly, could be passed down to our children (to drive)when the time came. However, our dreams have been crushed not to mention our bank account...
Two months after purchasing the car, the airconditioner wouldn't cool. We had to have it repaired due to a leak. Since then, we have replaced the radiator, thermostat and compressor. Now, the heater core has to be replaced. The car is overheating again and the 'low coolant' light stays on most of the time ( only stayed off for about a week after replacing the radiator and thermostat and having the system flushed.
The coolant in the radiator has sludge floating in it (less than 5,000 miles on the new radiator and newly flushed system). Did I mention the transmission has been slipping since about three months ago? It seems like the car is just falling apart...apparently due to using the required coolant, Dexcool. Anyone have any information on the class-action lawsuit? My wife and I would LOVE to add our names to the list! GM owes us bigtime!
Martin of Patterson CA (01/07/07)
My problems are only just beginning. I'm researching the erratic behavior of my temperature gauge and was perplexed by the Dexcool requirement on the reservoir to my Chevy Blazer. Naturally, I started on the internet and am stunned to see readily available comlaints and widespread dissatifaction with the mandated use of this coolant. I'm begginning to try and solve my overheating problem. It better not follow the Dexcool pattern of damage.
Not disclosing known problems to vehicle purchasers is beyond malicious. I will save and track receipts and cost of repairs along with quotes and diagnosis that I get from mechanics. I don't have money to sink into a vehicle that is falling apart, so my story may be a short one. Please keep me advised if I can be part of any solution.
Katherine of North Liberty IA (12/31/06)
I bought a 1996 Chevy Lumina with 93,000 miles. The coolant was brown, so I took it to Tuffy's Automotive in Iowa City to have the coolant flushed and found out there was oil mixed in with it. There was a leak at the intake manifold gasket, and it had to be replaced at a cost of $844. Tuffy's said they come across this problem about 5 times a week. The coolant was flushed and replaced with green coolant, because Dex-Cool was deteriorating the gasket and causing oil to leak into the anti-freeze, and anti-freeze to leak into the oil.
The engine was flushed and a newer more durable gasket with metal was used instead of the factory plastic one. It is all over the internet about what a bad product Dex-Cool is, and how GM is not standing behind all the damage it causes to the motor, tranmission, radiator, and water pump. I checked my 2004 Monte Carlo, and fortunately when I had it flushed at All Seasons Automotive in North Liberty, they had replaced the Dex-Cool with green coolant. What a relief it was to know that they knew of the problem and that they were saving me much cost and headache in the future.
Lisa of Milford IA (12/29/06)
Dex-Cool Coolant 1997 Monte Carlo. At 82,000 miles Antifreeze was leaking into oil. Replaced Water Pump & Intake Gasket, Flushed Dex-Cool twice
$940.00 the problem continues
Caroline of Tulsa OK (12/28/06)
Extended Warranty 2004-2005 multiple over heating problems that were improperly diagnosed and I spent over $1000.00 out of my pocket for 3 times in a 2 month period of the same complaint. Engine over heating, and literally shaking the car. Finally, the 3rd time I politely stated, This is my attorneys name and card, so if you hear from him you will know who it is.
I expect this vehicle to be fixed this time. My extended warranty covered the head gasket of which antifreeze was leaking into my oil. Then I got the car back and within a week, the coolant gauge was riding high. I brought the vehicle back and another gasket was leaking. My warranty was questioning the shop at this time. Over $6000.00 in repairs in a 12 month period. the service sucks, but I have all my documnetation and receipts. After seeing these testimonials on-line it is clear that there is a problem with this DEX-COOL product and GM doesn't want to afford the law suit or the publicity. Too bad. I am pissed. How many other vehicles are they still selling without the public knowing about DEX-COOL?
Next, I just had a #5 fuel injector replaced April 2005. My car has been in the shop for over 2 weeks now, and them charging me a $701 bill for the same injector being replaced again because it is clogged. At this time, $300 on a rental they finally gave me one of their rentals free. I am going to contact my attorney and go from there. My 12 month or 12,000 mile warranty is up for the injector 8 months too late. But, that is bullshit and bad service if you ask me. I should not be having to replace the same part that early.
The reason I brought the car in was because of the hesitation when pushing on the gas. I don't have the power per say. Something is clogging these injectors and I believe they know what it is. I talked to a friends mechanic about this problem and he looked puzzled regarding GM's behavior with this situation. He explained that carbon build up in the front of the engine can cause this. When flushing the injectors it only hits from behind the engine and not the front end, but there is a product to clean this and it should be done every year.
So, we will see. Fair is fair. I want honesty from whom ever I do business with. If you are not going to check the vehicle appropriately and test drive it and own up to your mistakes, then don't be upset when the judge rules in the consumers favor for GM not telling the customer the truth and selling a product that is not safe.
Deborah of Forked River NJ (12/11/06)
I have one of those vans that had to have extensive repairs done due to the dex-cool that was coolant system. Upon checking my oil, which I had been loosing for some time and never able to see where it was going, I discovered it was in my coolant system. My overflow had a coating of oil on the bottom of the container and no coolant overflow in said container. I checked the internet and found this was a problem with GM vehicles, I have a 1999 Oldsmobile Silhouet van, and when I took my vehicle to my local mechanic, who I have known for many years, I was informed that he has seen this problem many times. The dex cool had eaten the manifold gasket allowing the oil to enter the coolant system. He fixed the VERY COSTLY problem. After some research I found out about class action law suits in place for this problem. I contacted GM and was told that because I did not have the work done by a GM garage, they would not allow me to recoupe some of the $1300 I spent to get my van fixed. That they do not work with independent mechanics. So because I did not know this and was afraid to drive my vehicle the 25 miles to the dealership where I purchased it, I am being penalized. Had I known this was the issue, I would have chanced the trip to my dealer. Now GM does not want to hear anything and Merry Christmas to ME---That was my Christmas Money. They will not tell me if a recall is being implemented, but if it does come about, I COULD recoupe some of my money. So what do I do in the mean time???
John of Bremerton WA (12/11/06)
The first thing that happened to the 2003 Alero was that the brakes got bad, soft pedal, and they wanted 600 dollars to fix that. They said it needed a new set of brake pads and roughening up the rear shoes. It sounded like the mechanic was putting me on. I fixed them myself for about a tenth of that, just the new pads and turning the rotors. I found out that the soft pedal was NORMAL from another GM dealer down the road, due to the tandem brake booster it has. It had good brakes at that time. They were not as good as when it was new, but get the job done. Now, also, the goop from the dexcool has started forming in the coolant expansion tank, so I am now faced with replacing the coolant, doing a flush, and replacing the thermostat at the least, from what the complaints indicate. I will do it myself, as I don't want to spend what they are sure to want for doing all of that, from past experience, and I will use the green coolant this time, from what the other complaints say, and just change it every year.
None, unless you count the false estimate on the brakes, and now whatever is the hidden damage due to the goop.
John of Port St Lucie FL (11/26/06)
I purchased a used 1998 chevy k2500 regular cab pick up truck from the man named above. Recently i was involved in a serious accident hitting a tree head on. No airbag was ever deployed and later I leaned that the airbag was removed.
The injuries I recieved from the accident more than likely would have been greatly reduced. I was unable to work and need to have surgery to repair my knee.
Kirk of St. Charles MI (09/30/06)
I own a 2004 Chevrolet Colorado Pickup with less than 50, 000 miles. There are several manufacturing defects in my pickup that I believe calls for a recall. 1.) The airbag system light is on at all times. Mechanic states airbag will not work until fixed. 2.) Both tail lights literally fell out. Broken assembly bewteen tail light, and attaching nut. Plastic cracked on all securing points that hold light to frame. 3.)Acuator froze up on passenger side door. Cannot use lock manually or by power. All three of these problems occured over the course of two months.
I have already had repaired the power lock system at $140 for parts, and labor. Tail lights have been temporarily fixed with epoxy more than one time. The airbag system will require a dealership for repairs. My own mechanic will not touch it. This cost will be significant. I do not believe I should be burdened with this costs with a vehicle having less than 50, 000 miles.
Virginia of Fayetteville NC (08/01/06)
My son Jonathan was killed in a one-car accident. He hit the median on his way home from work. there was no drugs or alcohol involved. He lost control and the chevy Cavalier he was driving hit the median and the air bags never deployed. The car flipped 8 times, he hit the steering wheel which crushed his forehead. He was only 22. It happened on I-95 south just below exit 55 near Fayetteville NC.
Car belonged to his roommate, it was a 2003 Chevy Cavalier. His insurance paid for the car but not my son's funeral. I think my son may still be alive if the air bags would have deployed.
My son lost his life. His funeral was July 27, 2006
Sandra Lynn of Gaithersburg MD (06/01/06)
The airbag exploded without an impact or collision on February 24, 2003. My full coverage insurance would not cover the repairs or the injuries; I was driving at a speed of 5 miles per hour. I was entering into a parking lot. Without a collision, the Airbag exploded in my face causing Head and Chest contusions. I weigh only 110 pounds.
This made me semi-conscious. I did not have a collision because Thanks to God I impulsively turned off the key in the ignition without even being able to see. This severe explosion took the paint off my steering wheel. The fire department was called as well as an ambulance by a pedestrian. The car was smoking from the steering wheel for a long time.
I have a 1994 Buick Regal.
Scott Lange of Franklinville NJ (02/23/06)
Was involved in an accident in my 1999 Chevy Silverado pick-up truck. I approached an intersection and I attempted to apply the brakes but nothing happened. I was hit in the side by an 18 wheeler and then T-boned another 18-wheeler. To top all of this off.......the airbags didn't deploy!!!!
Sheila of Kaufman TX writes (6/4/03):
My husband and I were traveling on a 4-lane freeway. We rear-ended another pick-up that had suddenly stopped. We were going 55-60 mph at the time of impact. Neither airbag went off. Thank God the seat belts worked and we were un-injured. One of the firemen at the scene said he would be scared to death to get in a truck like ours knowing the airbags didn't go off at that rate of speed.
The whole front of the truck has to be replaced. Being a brand new 2003 4-door diesel truck we are a little skeptical of the safety of it since we assumed the airbags are there for safety reasons. If they didn't work this time will we be able to speak of a next?
Constance of Grand Junction, CO, writes (9/4/02):
On August 8th 2002 my children and I were coming back from a day at the Glenwood Hot Springs in Glenwood CO. Traffic on I-70 was at a complete stop. While at a complete stop, I was rear-ended by a pick-up truck which was traveling at approx. 60 mph. (I was driving a 2002 Chevy Tahoe). The impact sent us under a semi which we pushed a few feet on impact.
To make a very traumatic story short our air bags did not deploy. I happened to have a digital camera with me at the time of the accident and took pictures of the vehicle. I have had numerous engineers that I know personally look at these photos and they concur that the air bags should have deployed. Fortunately no one was seriously injured but my son had to be cut out of the vehicle because his knees were pushed into the glove compartment.
I have tried to call on your 1-800 number but do not seem to be getting anywhere, at the very least I would think you would want to inspect this vehicle as you had this very same issue with the 2000 Tahoe. I plan on buying another Tahoe as the mass of the vehicle saved our lives; we were lucky, perhaps the next person that this happens to will not be. I am forwarding a copy of this letter to my attorney.
I am still undergoing PT for low back strain. My children and I are all being treated for Post tramatic stress. My children are ages 15, 9, and 3.
Jimmy of New Iberia LA (8/19/02):
My wife was involved in a auto accident in my 2000 Chevy S-10 truck on Aug. 6th. She hit a car that had just stalled in the road at about 40-45 m.p.h. on inpact she tried to use the brakes but they locked up and she had to glide to a stop but more importantly is that the air bags never deployed. The passanger side airbag was turned on but it also never deployed. This caused her to hit her chin on the steering wheel and her teeth push completely through her lip causing her to go to the ER for stitches. She also had brusing from the steering wheel.
The consequences is that my wife now has a scar on her face, brusing and a lot of soreness that followed the accident caused by the steering wheel and the medical bill for us to have to pay because I just switch jobs and my health insurance has not kicked in yet. She also had to get a tetanus shot from all the bleeding before she was able to get medical care.
Corby of Rushville NE (7/30/02):
My son was involved in a motor vehicle accident on July 19, 2002. The vehicle he was driving, a 1999 Chevy S10 pickup, struck a vehicle that turned in front of him. He was wearing his seat belt, and his chest struck the steering wheel. The air bag did not deploy.
My son, although not seriously injured, did miss a day of work, is without a vehicle, and was left feeling that he was not respectfully dealt with. The insurance company (the driver of the other vehicle was at fault) is making deductions for high mileage and it being a 4 cylinder vehicle. My son's pickup is totaled and he has to drive 100 miles round trip each day to work. He does not make very much money at his place of employment, and he has two infants to care for. They are 13 months and three months. He is still suffering chest pains.
Virginia of Brush, CO (8/19/02):
I own a 1996 Chevy Lumina. I was leaving work one day and the passenager airbag deployed by itself and blew out my windshield. The inpact shut off my car engine and blew glass all over my face. If I had been driving any faster I probably would have had major cuts. Luckly for me I only got some small pieces in my right eye.
I am very afraid of airbags and the so-called safety of them. I have been having headaches and had to miss a couple of days work. Not only did this leave me without a car but I have had to borrow, pay, and find rides to work. Since I live 10 miles away from where I work is has been very troubling. I have contacted GMC and they have taken my car to fix it and given me a rental till it is fixed but this does NOT totally answer all my questions on how safe are the airbags. Had my 10-year-old grandaughter (who lives with me) been in the passenager seat I hate to think what would have happened to her.
Children are safest in the back seat. A 10-year-old of normal size could be very seriously injured or even killed by an exploding airbag.
Cynthia of Brookfield NH writes (3/30/01):
I was the passenger, my 17-year-old daughter was driving our Camaro after dark. She entered a parking lot and hit a curb with the front right tire at aprox. 5 miles per hour. The airbags deployed and we were totally stunned. The only damage to the car was caused by the airbags -- shattered windshield and badly cracked dashboard along with the airbags themselves being opened.
My daughter was extremely upset to the point that she doesn't want to drive. She was cut and chemically burned on her jaw and neck. We were both very sore and bruised.
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