Chevrolet Leaking Coolant, Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
UPDATE, FEB 24, 2007: unfortunately 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. See the link below for more information.
Important: Judge denies national class action status for Dex-Cool lawsuit
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.
Actions You Can Take & Possible Recourse
This step is crucial. Don't just complain on forums; The sites below actually manage your complaint in ways that allow useful statistics and they report dangerous trends to the authorities. Law firms often contact these sites for help with Class Action lawsuits. Make sure to file your complaint on all three sites, we can't stress that enough.
- File your complaint at CarComplaints.com
- Submit your complaint to the Center for Auto Safety
- Report a safety concern with the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
Cracked Intake Car Problem Information
- 2002 Chevy Malibu cracked intake manifold gasket problems
- 2000 Chevy Malibu cracked intake manifold gasket problems
- 2002 Chevy Impala cracked intake manifold gasket problems
- 2001 Chevrolet Grand Am cracked intake manifold gasket problems
- 2003 Chevrolet Grand Am cracked intake manifold gasket problems
- Intake Manifold Gasket Problems (complete list)
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)