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. 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.

1. Step 1: File Your Complaint at CarComplaints.com

   CarComplaints.com is a free resource dedicated to uncovering car problem trends and informing the consumer. File Your Complaint

2. Step 2: Notify the Center for Auto Safety

   The Center for Auto Safety is an organization that informs consumers about auto safety issues. Notify the CAS

3. Step 3: Report a Safety Concern to the NHTSA

   The NHTSA directs highway safety and has the authority to force recalls to be issued following investigations. Report Your Concern

Have Your Say

Let us know if you've experienced this problem, know of a potential fix or just want to voice how frustrated you are:

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 Pontiac Grand Am cracked intake manifold gasket problems
• 2003 Pontiac 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)