HEAD GASKET WENT BAD WITH 28,000 MI.*AK
2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Limited comparison data
There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Monte Carlo years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
164 reports with mileage · 112 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Electrical System. Review the 77 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine. Review the 48 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 48 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
276 reportsTHE VOLUME ON MY RADIO DESCREASES AT WILL, AND THE SETTING FOR THE RADIO TONE ALL CHANGES.*AK
I HAVE A 01 CHVY.MONTE CARLO WHICH ONLY HAS 36550 MILES.I HAD SMELLED ANTIFREEZE ABOUT A WEEK AGO.AND THE DEALER SAID IT WAS THE INNER MANIFOLD GASKET,SAID THEY CHANGED IT.THAT NEXT DAY I STILL NOTICED THE SMELL.I TOOK IT IN ON MONDAY THEY ARE SAYING THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE THROTTLE BODY.WHICH IS NEWS TO ME,CAUSE THEY NE…
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I HAVE A 01 CHVY.MONTE CARLO WHICH ONLY HAS 36550 MILES.I HAD SMELLED ANTIFREEZE ABOUT A WEEK AGO.AND THE DEALER SAID IT WAS THE INNER MANIFOLD GASKET,SAID THEY CHANGED IT.THAT NEXT DAY I STILL NOTICED THE SMELL.I TOOK IT IN ON MONDAY THEY ARE SAYING THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE THROTTLE BODY.WHICH IS NEWS TO ME,CAUSE THEY NEVER TOLD ME THIS.WELL MY HUSBAND IS A MECHANIC ,HE SAID TEY DIDNT CHANGE WHAT THEY SAID THEY WOULD.THAT THERE IS SO MUCH DUST AROUND THE BOLTS.THESE PEOPLE HAVE LIED THE ENTIRE TIME.IM IN THE SAME BOAT AS THE OTHER PEOPLE HERE THAT HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE ENGINE COOLANT.THIS IS SO WRONG.
REAR DEFOGGER WOULD INTERFERE WITH RADIO, IT WOULD CAUSE COMPLETE STATIC, THEN THE DEFOGGER QUIT WORKING ALL TOGETHER. I'VE HAD IT AT A DEALER 3 TIMES, EACH TIME THEY SAY THEY HAVE FIXED IT. THE LAST TIME I WAITED 7 DAYS BEFORE I TURNED IT ON, AND LOW AND BEHOLD NO REAR DEFOGGER! THIS IS IMPOSSIBLE!!*AK
I PURCHASED THIS CAR IN 09/01 IT HAS BEEN A PROBLEM EVER SINCE. FRONT END NEEDED TO BE REBUILT AT 1200 MILES AND THEN AGAIN AT 2000 MILES. AIR CONDITIONER HAS BEEN A CONSTANT PROBLEM (I WAS TOLD I NEEDED TO PARK SOME PLACE ELSE) THE MANIFOLD GASKETS HAD TO BE REPLACED AT 48000 MILES AND NOW THE WIPER SWITCH HAS GONE BAD. THE FRO…
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I PURCHASED THIS CAR IN 09/01 IT HAS BEEN A PROBLEM EVER SINCE. FRONT END NEEDED TO BE REBUILT AT 1200 MILES AND THEN AGAIN AT 2000 MILES. AIR CONDITIONER HAS BEEN A CONSTANT PROBLEM (I WAS TOLD I NEEDED TO PARK SOME PLACE ELSE) THE MANIFOLD GASKETS HAD TO BE REPLACED AT 48000 MILES AND NOW THE WIPER SWITCH HAS GONE BAD. THE FRONT END FEELS REAL BAD, BUT THEY CLAIM THERE IS NOTHING WRONG. JUST WAITING FOR THE FRONT END TO FALL OUT FROM UNDERNEATH THE CAR ON A HOT, RAINY, JULY MORNING. I'M GOING BACK TO FORD. OH YEAH FORGOT, PAINT WENT BAD 1 YEAR AFTER I BOUGHT IT. GM SAYS I DROVE THROUGH SOMETHING. *JB
YOU RECALLED SOME CHEVROLETS, (IMPALA,MONTE & ECT) FOR THE SAME PROBLEM THAT I'M HAVING WITH MY CAR,WHICH IS A 2001 CHEVROLET MONTE #[XXX] YOU RECALLED 2000-2003 LAST 8 #'S [XXX] THROUGH [XXX] WHICH MY CAR IS BETWEEN THAT. THE ONLY DIFFERENCE IS THAT MY VEHICLE HAS A 3.4 & THE RECALL WAS FOR THE 3.8 ONLY. YOU REALLY MUST RECAL…
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YOU RECALLED SOME CHEVROLETS, (IMPALA,MONTE & ECT) FOR THE SAME PROBLEM THAT I'M HAVING WITH MY CAR,WHICH IS A 2001 CHEVROLET MONTE #[XXX] YOU RECALLED 2000-2003 LAST 8 #'S [XXX] THROUGH [XXX] WHICH MY CAR IS BETWEEN THAT. THE ONLY DIFFERENCE IS THAT MY VEHICLE HAS A 3.4 & THE RECALL WAS FOR THE 3.8 ONLY. YOU REALLY MUST RECALL THE 3.4 ALSO. WHERE I TOOK MY CAR THEY SAID THERE HAVE BEEN A LOT OF THE CARS THAT WHERE 3.4 THAT THEY HAVE REPLACED. *AK *NM UPDATED 07/26/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT APPEARED INTERMITTENTLY. *AK
VOLTAGE DROPS OFF TO 10 VOLTS & HEADLIGHTS FLICKER. ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED BUT DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM, HAS BEEN @ 3 DIFFERENT DEALERSHIPS 6 SEPARATE TIMES. THEY CAN`T FIND THE PROBLEM. 1500 MILES TO GO BEFORE THE CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY. *JB
EVERY 15,000 TO 17,000 I HAVE TO HAVE THE ROTORS TURNED BECAUSE OF WARPING. I HAVE CONTACTED THE MANUFACTERS CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY SENT BACK A STANDARD FORM LETTER. AFTER SECOND TIME MANUFACTURER TOLD ME THEY COULD NOT HELP AND TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH MY DEALER. ALL THEY DID WAS TO TURN THE ROTORS NO CHARGE. THAT DOES NO…
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EVERY 15,000 TO 17,000 I HAVE TO HAVE THE ROTORS TURNED BECAUSE OF WARPING. I HAVE CONTACTED THE MANUFACTERS CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY SENT BACK A STANDARD FORM LETTER. AFTER SECOND TIME MANUFACTURER TOLD ME THEY COULD NOT HELP AND TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH MY DEALER. ALL THEY DID WAS TO TURN THE ROTORS NO CHARGE. THAT DOES NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. THERE HAS TO BE A DEFECT. JUST LIKE ONE OF THE OTHER COMPLAINTS, ALL MY DRIVING IS ON THE HIGHWAY.*AK
WHEN DRIVING, HEADLIGHTS AND DASHBOARD LIGHTS (SPEEDOMETER, ETC) WILL GO OUT, WARNING LIGHTS WILL LIGHT UP. AT OTHER TIMES, AFTER TURNING OFF IGNITION, THE HEADLIGHTS AND/OR DOME LIGHTS WILL STAY ON. VEHICLE WILL NOT START, UNLESS BATTERY CABLE IS REMOVED AND RECONNECTED. DEALERSHIP WAS OF NO HELP, SAID I WOULD BE CHARGED TO …
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WHEN DRIVING, HEADLIGHTS AND DASHBOARD LIGHTS (SPEEDOMETER, ETC) WILL GO OUT, WARNING LIGHTS WILL LIGHT UP. AT OTHER TIMES, AFTER TURNING OFF IGNITION, THE HEADLIGHTS AND/OR DOME LIGHTS WILL STAY ON. VEHICLE WILL NOT START, UNLESS BATTERY CABLE IS REMOVED AND RECONNECTED. DEALERSHIP WAS OF NO HELP, SAID I WOULD BE CHARGED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM, AS IT IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, BECAUSE THE HEADLIGHTS WILL GO OUT, WHILE DRIVING, CAUSING VISIBILITY TO BE NIL.*AK
Official recalls
515V701000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine; Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe
Oct 26, 2015
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 1998-1999 Chevrolet Lumina and Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1997-2004 Buick Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix, 2000-2004 Chevrolet Impala, and 1998-2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. The affected vehicles were previously repaired under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 to address the possibility that engine oil may drip onto the hot exhaust manifold.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Engine oil that drips onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold may result in a fire.
Remedy: The remedy applied under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 did not adequately remove the safety risk. Under the improved remedy, dealers will replace the engines front valve cover and gasket. Vehicles that are covered by recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, or 15V-201 that have not yet received the original remedy will instead receive the improved remedy under the original recall number. The recall began on February 19, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Oldsmobile customer service at 1-800-442-6537 and Pontiac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 15757. Note: Until the improved remedy has been applied, owners are advised to park their vehicle outside since the fire risk exists even when the vehicle is unattended.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 1998-1999 Chevrolet Lumina and Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1997-2004 Buick Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix, 2000-2004 Chevrolet Impala, and 1998-2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. The affected vehicles were previously repaired under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 to address the possibility that engine oil may drip onto the hot exhaust manifold.
Consequence: Engine oil that drips onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold may result in a fire.
Remedy: The remedy applied under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 did not adequately remove the safety risk. Under the improved remedy, dealers will replace the engines front valve cover and gasket. Vehicles that are covered by recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, or 15V-201 that have not yet received the original remedy will instead receive the improved remedy under the original recall number. The recall began on February 19, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Oldsmobile customer service at 1-800-442-6537 and Pontiac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 15757. Note: Until the improved remedy has been applied, owners are advised to park their vehicle outside since the fire risk exists even when the vehicle is unattended.
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 1998-1999 Chevrolet Lumina and Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1997-2004 Buick Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix, 2000-2004 Chevrolet Impala, and 1998-2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. The affected vehicles were previously repaired under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 to address the possibility that engine oil may drip onto the hot exhaust manifold.
Consequence: Engine oil that drips onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold may result in a fire.
Remedy: The remedy applied under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 did not adequately remove the safety risk. Under the improved remedy, dealers will replace the engines front valve cover and gasket. Vehicles that are covered by recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, or 15V-201 that have not yet received the original remedy will instead receive the improved remedy under the original recall number. The recall began on February 19, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Oldsmobile customer service at 1-800-442-6537 and Pontiac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 15757. Note: Until the improved remedy has been applied, owners are advised to park their vehicle outside since the fire risk exists even when the vehicle is unattended.
14V400000 · Electrical System:ignition
Jul 3, 2014
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 3, 2014, that they are recalling 5,877,718 model year 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo, 1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2005 Malibu Classic, 1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero, 1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am and 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014. GM's number for this recall is 14350.
09V116000 · Engine And Engine Cooling
Apr 8, 2009
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING 1,497,516 MY 1997-2003 BUICK REGAL, MY 1998-2003 CHEVROLET LUMINA, MONTE CARLO AND IMPALA, MY 1998-1999 OLDSMOBILE INTRIGUE, MY 1997-2003 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 3.8L V6 NATURALLY ASPIRATED ENGINE. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH DROPS OF ENGINE OIL MAY BE DEPOSITED ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD THROUGH HARD BRAKING.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE MANIFOLD IS HOT ENOUGH AND THE OIL RUNS BELOW THE HEAT SHIELD, IT MAY IGNITE INTO A SMALL FLAME AND MAY SPREAD TO THE PLASTIC SPARK PLUG WIRE CHANNEL AND BEYOND INCREASING THE RISK OF AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENGINES FRONT VALVE COVER AND FRONT-VALVE-COVER GASKET WITH NEW PARTS OF AN IMPROVED DESIGN AND REMOVE THE ENGINES PLASTIC COVER AND PLASTIC OIL-FILL-TUBE EXTENSION, FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2016. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537, AND PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668 OR HTTP://WWW.PONTIAC.COM OR HTTP:WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
00V244000 · Air Bags
Aug 29, 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE AIR BAG SENSING AND DIAGNOSTIC MODULES (SDM) COULD EXPERIENCE A MEMORY ERROR RESULTING IN THE AIR BAGS NOT DEPLOYING IN A CRASH SITUATION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IN A CRASH, A FRONT SEAT OCCUPANT MAY RECEIVE MORE SERIOUS INJURIES.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SENSING AND DIAGNOSTIC MODULE.
00V228003 · Seat Belts
Aug 7, 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH TRW SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES. THE BUCKLE BASE OF THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES WERE NOT PROPERLY HEAT TREATED AND THEREFORE DO NOT PASS THE LOAD BEARING REQUIREMENT OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE'S SAFETY BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY DATE CODES AND, IF NECESSARY, WILL REPLACE ANY SAFETY BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1EA02030 · Engine Compartment Fires
Opened Oct 22, 2002 · Closed Mar 9, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
EA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GMEA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GM?S ACTIONS IN 03V-473 AND 04V-090 RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 529,000 MY 1998-99 C- AND H-BODY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS.THESE VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLDS THAT ARE UNABLE TO CONTAIN PRESSURES THAT OCCUR IN SOME BACKFIRE EVENTS AND DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS WITH LEAKING DIAPHRAGMS THAT CAN PROVIDE A SOURCE OF FUEL TO PRODUCE A COMBUSTIBLE AIR-FUEL MIXTURE IN THE MANIFOLD.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY ODI THAT NO SAFETY DEFECT EXISTS IN THE VEHICLES THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN GM?S RECALLS.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE INCIDENCE OF MANIFOLD RUPTURES AND RELATED FIRES IN OTHER MY 1995-2002 GM PASSENGER CARS EQUIPPED WITH THE SUBJECT INTAKE MANIFOLD.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery
EA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GMEA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GM?S ACTIONS IN 03V-473 AND 04V-090 RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 529,000 MY 1998-99 C- AND H-BODY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS.THESE VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLDS THAT ARE UNABLE TO CONTAIN PRESSURES THAT OCCUR IN SOME BACKFIRE EVENTS AND DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS WITH LEAKING DIAPHRAGMS THAT CAN PROVIDE A SOURCE OF FUEL TO PRODUCE A COMBUSTIBLE AIR-FUEL MIXTURE IN THE MANIFOLD.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY ODI THAT NO SAFETY DEFECT EXISTS IN THE VEHICLES THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN GM?S RECALLS.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE INCIDENCE OF MANIFOLD RUPTURES AND RELATED FIRES IN OTHER MY 1995-2002 GM PASSENGER CARS EQUIPPED WITH THE SUBJECT INTAKE MANIFOLD.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
EA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GMEA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GM?S ACTIONS IN 03V-473 AND 04V-090 RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 529,000 MY 1998-99 C- AND H-BODY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS.THESE VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLDS THAT ARE UNABLE TO CONTAIN PRESSURES THAT OCCUR IN SOME BACKFIRE EVENTS AND DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS WITH LEAKING DIAPHRAGMS THAT CAN PROVIDE A SOURCE OF FUEL TO PRODUCE A COMBUSTIBLE AIR-FUEL MIXTURE IN THE MANIFOLD.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY ODI THAT NO SAFETY DEFECT EXISTS IN THE VEHICLES THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN GM?S RECALLS.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE INCIDENCE OF MANIFOLD RUPTURES AND RELATED FIRES IN OTHER MY 1995-2002 GM PASSENGER CARS EQUIPPED WITH THE SUBJECT INTAKE MANIFOLD.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
Fuel System, Gasoline
EA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GMEA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GM?S ACTIONS IN 03V-473 AND 04V-090 RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 529,000 MY 1998-99 C- AND H-BODY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS.THESE VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLDS THAT ARE UNABLE TO CONTAIN PRESSURES THAT OCCUR IN SOME BACKFIRE EVENTS AND DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS WITH LEAKING DIAPHRAGMS THAT CAN PROVIDE A SOURCE OF FUEL TO PRODUCE A COMBUSTIBLE AIR-FUEL MIXTURE IN THE MANIFOLD.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY ODI THAT NO SAFETY DEFECT EXISTS IN THE VEHICLES THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN GM?S RECALLS.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE INCIDENCE OF MANIFOLD RUPTURES AND RELATED FIRES IN OTHER MY 1995-2002 GM PASSENGER CARS EQUIPPED WITH THE SUBJECT INTAKE MANIFOLD.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
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