Complaint Review: General Motors Corporation GM

Have you experienced Dex-Cool Extended Life Engine Coolant crystallization (sludge) problems? Primarily, affected vehicles are the 1996 & newer GMC Jimmy, Chevrolet Blazer, Oldsmobile Bravada and S10's with the platform 4.3liter V6 engine. Repairs on our 1996 Blazer stemming from this problem cost us $2000.00+, yet GM refuses to offer any 'Good Will' assistance.

*May 2001 at 79,591miles, our temp gauge began spiking, coolant leaks began, no heat, then overheating. (June 2000 at 65,644miles slight coolant sludging was found under cap). After bringing the vehicle into our certified Chevrolet Dealer they found the Dex-Cool coolant, which is supposedly good for 5 yrs/100,000 miles, turned a sandy, orange-colored (rusty) mud. The engine coolant passages were acid flushed, radiator, hoses, serpentine belt, water pump, thermostat, and heater core were replaced then refilled with the traditional green coolant by the dealer. Explain this [Larry Carley - babcox.com], GM's fix for the condition is not to switch back to a conventional coolant (which some people advocate), but to flush the system repeatedly until all the brown sludge has been removed.

Initially we thought we were a single case until the service manager told us he has seen cases before and showed us the GM issued Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) #99-06-02-012 (p1 2 3 4 5) & #99-06-02-012C pertaining to this particular problem.

*August 2001, my wife and I attempted to contact GM CEO, Mr. G.Richard Wagoner Jr. in Detroit, MI by mail and phone, but were denied the opportunity to speak with him by his 'empowered assistant', Veronica Johnson. Next step was the NY Attorney General, no help, then The Better Business Bureau, also no help.
*September 2001, media attention was brought into the picture, WRGB Ch6 News here in Albany covered our story. It aired but GM service techs would not comment on the situation.

*October 2001 at 85,000 miles, we began hearing a gurgling sound in the heater core area of the dash as if air was bubbling through the system. We were told several times by the dealer that it was a typical sound, even though we had never heard it once before having the service performed.

*December 2001 at 88,179 miles, a very strong smell of coolant was present in the vehicle while a film covered the inside of the front windshield, making it difficult to drive and breathe. The dealer then agreed that the heater core had failed once again and accordingly replaced it, with no further gurgling sounds to date.
*July 28, 2002 at 97,146 miles, brown sludge reappears around neck of radiator and under cap, with the system totally filled with green coolant by dealer. Pictures taken as proof and sludge has been vacuum-sealed for testing. Hey, GM explain that one..I DARE YOU!
*August 2002, GM's Executive branch called in reference to repairs done to our truck. Ms. Hurtado (see Page 2) informed me that due to mileage and year of the vehicle, no assistance could be offered. When I questioned why the same was being told to owners with newer models, no answer could be given. But kindly offered to help me in purchasing a new GM, with which she got an earfull.
*October 2002 at 101,400 miles, we had the green coolant 30,000 mile flush. Upon leaving the lot the dreaded gurgling began once again in the heater core area of the dash.

*November 2002, Ms. Hurtado from GM's Exeutive branch called and left a message for me to call her back, stating they were reviewing repairs done to my vehicle. After three attempts, Ms. Hurtado has yet to return my call. Two voice mails were left and one manual note was left with Ms. Veronica Johnson. Why call me then never return my call? Weeks later, an Ed Bogs called inquiring as to how he could assist me. I briefly stated that I asked for assistance over a year ago and have now pursued other avenues.

*December 2002, obviously now my 4WD encoder motor has died. 4LO works, not exactly what I need traveling on the snow covered roads of NY. Say over the past 7 winters, the 4WD was used 3-5 times each. In our estimation this component should have lasted for more than 35 uses. A component used so infrequently as the 4WD should last alot longer.

*February 2003, after finishing our grocery shopping the driver door spring sprung right out. Door Bushings replaced in June 2003.

*July 25, 2003 at 111,707 miles, coolant smell present, reservoir tank nearly empty though totally full 2 weeks back, sludge visible under radiator cap and coolant found to be sprayed all over engine compartment. Repair consisted of a pressure/dye test which found leak in hose to heater core. Service Representative at local auto parts chain commented on how many cases he has seen related to this Dex-Cool issue. We do not believe condition will ever clear up, no matter how many flushings!

*November 2003, she was a nice looking truck and will be missed but following several PCV valve replacements within a two month period, third brakelight & signal issues, we have rid ourselves of the problematic GM Blazer and opted for a 2004 Jeep Liberty, scroll mouse over above picture. GM has lost us as customers, hope many follow!

Early 2002, this is where it all began. I created a web page in hopes of reaching out to more owners and further my investigation, which has had a great response from irate owners to lawyers and interested media. Some owners claim to have their vehicle routinely serviced at certified GM dealers and still have the condition. Owners also state that overhauling the cooling system and refilling it with the traditional green anti-freeze will not correct the problem, as I can attest too, it will just need to be flushed again. One owner had their system flushed 8+ times but still have the contamination and others state that their intake manifold gaskets, which are plastic, are warping and deteriorating.

General Motors is BIG, but someone has to take the initiative to go up against them. GM is blaming us owners for low coolant levels, improper maintanence and inferior radiator caps. I know where fluids are supposed to be and check it frequently. They recommend we change to Stant cap #10230 or 11230, should that be our responsibility? Contact Texaco/Havoline and inquire as to what they found out, on the GM assembly line, as to why this is happening. Don't think for a minute you are alone. Dex-Cool problems are Nationwide. Many repair shops and instant oil change facilities are familiar with the issues surrounding Dex-Cool (DEATH-COOL).

We must band together on this mission! One owner residing in California and myself have collected information from Dex-Cool victims in AL,AZ,CA,CO,CT,DE,FL,GA,CAN,IL,IN,IA,KS,KY,LA,ME,MD,MA, MI,MN,MS,MO,MT,ND,NE,NH,NM,NV,NJ,NY,NC,OH,
OK, OR,PA,SC,TN,TX,UT,VA,WA,WV & WI. Complaints have been filed with the NHTSA and other complaint agencies. State Attorney Generals, Senators and Representatives have been notified, but they need to hear from you too! Discourage those who are looking to buy one of these vehicles, I have. GM is working against us, the US citizens. Times are tough enough now with a weakening job market and GM's lack of proper research on this issue isn't making things any better. Your vehicle breaks down because of a manufacturing defect, loose a day of work and possibly pay, then have to pay GM for repairs they should be responsible for.

Some transmission specialists have stated that an overheating engine could result in transmission failure eventually. Intake manifold gaskets are thought to be effected also. If you are dealing with this issue now, please retain any parts removed from your vehicle or if you have retained these items, let us know, investigating Attorneys are looking for additional evidence! Also, if anyone has actual digital picture evidence, please send in for possible posting on this site. I refuse to let GM get away with this. Do your part in turning the tables on GM, notify the media (local / national) and reference this web page. Together we can move towards getting GM to agree upon a settlement and correct the problem or file a Class Action Suit against them (punitive damages? - lies, cover-ups, etc,). One owner stated he recieved a 50% (see Page 2) refund on his damages. We should not settle for half. GM knows full well of the problem but for some unknown reason will not offer assistance to 'at one time' loyal customers.

The more complaints against General Motors for the same problem the better. Complain and reference this web page wherever you can...PLEASE! General Motors is not ripping off one or two of us, they are ripping us ALL off. Only with the cooperation of victimized owners can we expect any kind of recovery. If you have dealt with this problem, please submit your information to the investigating attorneys .

Please routinely keep an eye on your radiator and reservoir!! This does not look like a problem that is easily fixed or even can be .

Keep your receipts! We will be heard and General Motors will listen!

Brian
Troy, New York
U.S.A.

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