Owners have filed 25 complaints
about the 1997 Pontiac Montana with NHTSA between 2001 and 2010.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 8 of 10 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 9
Against the median year of the Pontiac Montana. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
20% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 19
11% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 1997 compares with every other Pontiac Montana
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 1997 Pontiac Montana
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Engine & Cooling
832.0%
Median failure at 55,000 miles
Lights
312.0%
Median failure at 80,000 miles
Seat Belts
28.0%
1 crashes, 0 fires
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
28.0%
Median failure at 80,000 miles
Suspension
28.0%
Median failure at 93,000 miles
Body & Structure
28.0%
Median failure at 67,500 miles
Other & Unspecified
14.0%
Equipment & Accessories
14.0%
Tires
14.0%
Median failure at 120,000 miles
Airbags
14.0%
1 crashes, 0 fires
Electrical System
14.0%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 100,000 mi
Transmission & Drivetrain
14.0%
Median failure at 80,000 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
10,000 – 24,999 miles
211.1%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
15.6%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
316.7%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
633.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
633.3%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
May 2001peak 8May 2010
NHTSA investigations into the 1997 Pontiac Montana
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA03005Opened 23 Apr 2003Closed 12 Jan 2004SUSPENSION
REAR AXLE TRAILING ARM FAILURE
ON NOVEMBER 18, 2002, ODI OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE02-086) TO EVALUATE ALLEGATIONS OF REAR AXLE TRAILING ARM FAILURES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES (U-VAN) WHICH INCLUDED TWO REPORTING CRASHES.ON APRIL 9, 2003, ODI UPGRADED PE02-086 TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA03-005) TO CONTINUE ITS EXAMINATION OF THE ISSUE. THE TRAILING ARM DESIGN IN THESE VEHICLES HAS BEEN USED IN THE U-VAN FROM MY 1997 THROUGH THE PRESENT.THE GM ANALYSIS CONCLUDED THAT THE SUBJECT TRAILING ARMS COULD CRACK OR BUCKLE IF THEY WERE DAMAGED DURING ASSEMBLY, PRE-DELIVERY HANDLING, OR SUBJECTED TO CERTAIN SERVICE RELATED A...
EA02032Opened 18 Nov 2002Closed 21 Nov 2003SEAT BELTS
SAFETY BELT ASSEMBLY FAILURE
ODI IDENTIFIED 59 REPORTS WITH THE ALLEGED DEFECT.ODI WAS ABLE TO CONTACT 44 OF THE 59 CONSUMERS IN ORDER TO DETERMINE THE SPECIFIC CAUSE OF THE LATCH PROBLEMS.OF THE 44 OWNERS CONTACTED, ODI DETERMINED THAT FOUR FAILURES WERE DUE TO AN OUT-OF-TOLERANCE LATCH PLATE, AND THAT 23 FAILURES WERE DUE TO A DISPLACED BUCKLE HOUSING COVER.THE REMAINING 17 FAILURES HAD INDETERMINABLE CAUSES.OF THE 59 REPORTS, THERE WERE THREE ALLEGED MINOR INJURIES.NO LEGAL CLAIMS OR LAWSUITS HAVE BEEN FILED WITH REGARD TO THIS ALLEGED DEFECT.BASED ON THE LIMITED NUMBER OF REPORTS, AND A DECLINING REPORT TREND, THIS IN...
Recalls on the 1997 Pontiac Montana
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
04V597000
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
ON CERTAIN MINIVANS EQUIPPED WITH SECOND-ROW BUCKET SEATS OR CAPTAIN'S CHAIRS AND A POWER SLIDING DOOR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE, A PASSENGER USING THE INTERIOR HANDLE TO OPEN THE POWER SLIDING DOOR COULD BE INJURED.
Risk: IF A PASSENGER USES THE INTERIOR HANDLE TO OPEN THE POWER SLIDING DOOR AND HOLDS ONTO THE HANDLE WHILE IT IS BEING OPENED BY THE MOTOR, THE PASSENGER'S ARM MAY BE PUSHED INTO THE SEAT BACK OR ARMREST AND A WRIST OR LOWER ARM INJURY MAY RESULT.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 200123638,064 units in Canada
Other
Certain 1997-2001 Chevrolet Venture, Pontiac Montana/ Trans Sport, and Oldsmobile Silhouette mini vans equipped with passenger side power sliding doors that were serviced in campaign 01013 (01v-067) from April to August 2001. Also 2001 Chevrolet Venture, Pontiac Montana, and Oldsmobile Silhouette mini vans equipped with passenger side power sliding doors assembled in January through April 2001. These vehicles have inadequate front welds. If a front weld fails, the actuator can jam in the unlatched position and, when the sliding door closes, it will not be latched. If this happens, the power sliding door can open while the vehicle is in motion, particularly when the vehicle ascends a hill, makes a turn, or travels over a rough road surface. An unrestrained occupant could fall out of the van and be injured. Correction: dealers will inspect the actuators for certain date codes and, if necessary, replace the actuators.
Recall 200105954,759 units in Canada
Structure
Certain vehicles may exhibit a condition in which the power sliding door closes, but is not latched, If this happens the power sliding door can open while the vehicle is in motion, particularly when the vehicle ascends a hill, makes a turn, or travels over a rough road surface. An unrestrained occupant could fall out of the vehicle and be injured. Correction: Dealers will install a new power sliding door un-latch actuator assembly.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 100,000 milesDowningtown, PAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
PONTIAC TRANSPORT MONTANA WAS PARKED IN A PARKING LOT FOR 1/2 HOUR OR SO AND BECAME INGULFED IN FLAMES. FIRE MARSHALL THINKS IT WAS FROM BATTERY/ ELECTRIC. DESTROYED OUR CAR AND 5 OTHERS. NO HUMANS HURT...THANK GOD IT WAS PARKED AND MY SON WAS NOT DRIVING IT.
NHTSA complaint #10128679 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Binghamton, NYCrash2 injured
SEAT BELTS
DRIVING DOWN A TWO LANE FREEWAY, VEARING TO THE RIGHT AND I REARENDED A CAR. THE SEATBELTS DID NOT LOCK AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT WORK..THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AND EVERYTHING WAS SAID TO BE WORKING FINE..THE VAN IS FULLY LOADED AND ALL THE ELCTRONICS ARE WORKING PERFECTLY, AS FAR AS I KNEW.
NHTSA complaint #10110502 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Binghamton, NYCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
DRIVING DOWN A TWO LANE FREEWAY, VEARING TO THE RIGHT AND I REARENDED A CAR. THE SEATBELTS DID NOT LOCK AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT WORK..THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AND EVERYTHING WAS SAID TO BE WORKING FINE..THE VAN IS FULLY LOADED AND ALL THE ELCTRONICS ARE WORKING PERFECTLY, AS FAR AS I KNEW.
NHTSA complaint #10110502 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 120,000 milesCincinnati, OH
TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE
I RECENTLY SAW THAT TOYOTA VOLUNTARILY RECALLED SOME OF THEIR VEHICLES DUE TO FAILURES OF THE CABLE THAT HOLDS THEIR SPARE TIRES IN PLACE. I HAD THIS EXACT SAME FAILURE OCCUR TO ME ON A 1997 PONTIAC MONTANA VAN. THE ACTUAL FAILURE OCCURRED ON 1/21/08. I WAS PARKED IN A PARKING LOT WHEN THE SPARE TIRE SUDDENLY SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE AND FELL ONTO THE GROUND. THE METAL CABLE ON THE SPARE TIRE WINCH HAD FAILED DUE TO CORROSION AND ALLOWED THE TIRE TO FALL. HAD THIS HAPPENED EVEN 20 MINUTES EARLIER, WHEN I WAS DRIVING ON THE EXPRESSWAY, THE TIRE WOULD HAVE BEEN BOUNCING AROUND ON THE HIGHWAY, IN MOVING TRAFFIC. I WAS CONCERNED THAT THIS WAS LIKELY A GENERIC GM PROBLEM AND THE CHANCE OF SOMEONE GETTING SERIOUSLY INJURED, OR WORSE, WAS VERY HIGH IF A SPARE TIRE WAS BOUNCING LOOSE ON THE HIGHWAY. ON 2/6/08, I PERSONALLY REPORTED THIS INFORMATION TO THE DEALER FROM WHICH I HAD PURCHASED THE VEHICLE NEW. I WAS TOLD THEY WOULD REPORT THE INFORMATION TO GENERAL MOTORS. ON 2/25/08, I EMAILED MY CONTACT AT THE DEALER TO SEE IF THEY HAD GOTTEN ANY RESPONSE FROM GM. I NEVER GOT A RESPONSE TO THAT EMAIL. ON 3/4/08, I CALLED PONTIAC CUSTOMER SERVICE AND REITERATED MY CONCERN WITH THE DEFICIENT GM DESIGN. I WAS ASSIGNED REFERENCE NUMBER 71-608132149. I SPOKE TO A COUPLE OF CUSTOMER SERVICE TYPES, THE LAST BEING A SUPERVISOR SUPPOSEDLY. HE INFORMED ME HE DID NOT INTEND TO TAKE THIS MATTER (MY CONCERN) ANY FURTHER IN THE GM ORGANIZATION, THAT HE WOULD PERSONALLY TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY INJURIES RESULTING FROM FAILED SPARE TIRE WINCHES ON PONTIACS. THE FACT OF THE MATTER IS, GM HAS THE SAME PROBLEM AS TOYOTA. TOYOTA HAS RECALLED THEIR VEHICLES TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE, GM HAS DONE NOTHING. I NEVER GOT A RECALL NOTICE. THIS ISSUE IS OUT THERE AND SOMEONE COULD VERY LIKELY BE SERIOUSLY INJURED OR WORSE IF GM DOES NOT ADDRESS IT.
NHTSA complaint #10329297 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesCincinnati, OH
STRUCTURE
I RECENTLY SAW THAT TOYOTA VOLUNTARILY RECALLED SOME OF THEIR VEHICLES DUE TO FAILURES OF THE CABLE THAT HOLDS THEIR SPARE TIRES IN PLACE. I HAD THIS EXACT SAME FAILURE OCCUR TO ME ON A 1997 PONTIAC MONTANA VAN. THE ACTUAL FAILURE OCCURRED ON 1/21/08. I WAS PARKED IN A PARKING LOT WHEN THE SPARE TIRE SUDDENLY SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE AND FELL ONTO THE GROUND. THE METAL CABLE ON THE SPARE TIRE WINCH HAD FAILED DUE TO CORROSION AND ALLOWED THE TIRE TO FALL. HAD THIS HAPPENED EVEN 20 MINUTES EARLIER, WHEN I WAS DRIVING ON THE EXPRESSWAY, THE TIRE WOULD HAVE BEEN BOUNCING AROUND ON THE HIGHWAY, IN MOVING TRAFFIC. I WAS CONCERNED THAT THIS WAS LIKELY A GENERIC GM PROBLEM AND THE CHANCE OF SOMEONE GETTING SERIOUSLY INJURED, OR WORSE, WAS VERY HIGH IF A SPARE TIRE WAS BOUNCING LOOSE ON THE HIGHWAY. ON 2/6/08, I PERSONALLY REPORTED THIS INFORMATION TO THE DEALER FROM WHICH I HAD PURCHASED THE VEHICLE NEW. I WAS TOLD THEY WOULD REPORT THE INFORMATION TO GENERAL MOTORS. ON 2/25/08, I EMAILED MY CONTACT AT THE DEALER TO SEE IF THEY HAD GOTTEN ANY RESPONSE FROM GM. I NEVER GOT A RESPONSE TO THAT EMAIL. ON 3/4/08, I CALLED PONTIAC CUSTOMER SERVICE AND REITERATED MY CONCERN WITH THE DEFICIENT GM DESIGN. I WAS ASSIGNED REFERENCE NUMBER 71-608132149. I SPOKE TO A COUPLE OF CUSTOMER SERVICE TYPES, THE LAST BEING A SUPERVISOR SUPPOSEDLY. HE INFORMED ME HE DID NOT INTEND TO TAKE THIS MATTER (MY CONCERN) ANY FURTHER IN THE GM ORGANIZATION, THAT HE WOULD PERSONALLY TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY INJURIES RESULTING FROM FAILED SPARE TIRE WINCHES ON PONTIACS. THE FACT OF THE MATTER IS, GM HAS THE SAME PROBLEM AS TOYOTA. TOYOTA HAS RECALLED THEIR VEHICLES TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE, GM HAS DONE NOTHING. I NEVER GOT A RECALL NOTICE. THIS ISSUE IS OUT THERE AND SOMEONE COULD VERY LIKELY BE SERIOUSLY INJURED OR WORSE IF GM DOES NOT ADDRESS IT.
NHTSA complaint #10329297 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,000 milesROY, UT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
ANTIFREEZE LEAK; LEAD TO REPLACEMENT OF LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET (VERY COSTLY) ABOUT 4 YEARS AGO. NEEDS REPLACING AGAIN. DEALERSHIP WARNS OF EXCESSIVE ENGINE DAMAGE DUE TO ANTIFREEZE IN THE MOTOR OIL.
NHTSA complaint #10152769 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesDowningtown, PAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
PONTIAC TRANSPORT MONTANA WAS PARKED IN A PARKING LOT FOR 1/2 HOUR OR SO AND BECAME INGULFED IN FLAMES. FIRE MARSHALL THINKS IT WAS FROM BATTERY/ ELECTRIC. DESTROYED OUR CAR AND 5 OTHERS. NO HUMANS HURT...THANK GOD IT WAS PARKED AND MY SON WAS NOT DRIVING IT.
NHTSA complaint #10128679 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Federal WAY, WA
SEAT BELTS
DT CONTACT STATES HIS PASSENGER SAFETY BELT IN HIS VEHICLE IS LOCKED, ORIGINALLY DESIGNED A CHILD SAFETY FEATURE. THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE IN THE MIDDLE ROW, CENTER AND RIGHT SIDE SEAT IS COMING APART.
NHTSA complaint #10120777 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Binghamton, NYCrash2 injured
SEAT BELTS
DRIVING DOWN A TWO LANE FREEWAY, VEARING TO THE RIGHT AND I REARENDED A CAR. THE SEATBELTS DID NOT LOCK AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT WORK..THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AND EVERYTHING WAS SAID TO BE WORKING FINE..THE VAN IS FULLY LOADED AND ALL THE ELCTRONICS ARE WORKING PERFECTLY, AS FAR AS I KNEW.
NHTSA complaint #10110502 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Binghamton, NYCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
DRIVING DOWN A TWO LANE FREEWAY, VEARING TO THE RIGHT AND I REARENDED A CAR. THE SEATBELTS DID NOT LOCK AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT WORK..THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AND EVERYTHING WAS SAID TO BE WORKING FINE..THE VAN IS FULLY LOADED AND ALL THE ELCTRONICS ARE WORKING PERFECTLY, AS FAR AS I KNEW.
NHTSA complaint #10110502 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 106,000 milesAfton, NY
SUSPENSION
INTERMITTENTLY VEHICLE HAD DIFFICULTY MAKING A LEFT TURN, OR WAS UNABLE TO MAKE A LEFT TURN WHILE IN MOTION . CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE CONCERNING THIS PROBLEM BACK IN OCTOBER 23, 2003. BUT WAS NOT ABLE LOCATE THAT INFORMATION IN NHTSA DATA BASE.
NHTSA complaint #10079884 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesMount Airy, NC
POWER TRAIN
LENS COVER OVER THE HEADLIGHTS FELL OUT OF BOTH HEADLIGHTS ON SEPERATE OCCCASIONS. I HAD TO BUY THE WHOLE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY. I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND THEY JUST FELL OUT AND BROKE ON THE ROAD. WE CURRENTLY HAVE A PROBLEM WITH IT OVERHEATING HAVE REPLACE THERMOSTAT AND WATER PUMP STILL HAVING SAME PROBLEM. NOT FIXED YET. THE POWER SLIDING DOOR ALARMS THAT IT IS OPEN FOR NO APPARENT REASON. THE DOOR HAS NOT OPENED AND CLOSED BY THE POWER FOR SEVERAL MONTHS. IT HAS TO BE MANNAULLY OPENED. WE HAVE ALSO REPLACED THE BOTH AIR SHOCKS IN THE REAR OF THE VAN. CAN'T GET THE RADIATOR CAP FROM RADIATOR HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO REMOVE SINCE IT WAS BOUGHT.
NHTSA complaint #10071083 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesMount Airy, NC
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
LENS COVER OVER THE HEADLIGHTS FELL OUT OF BOTH HEADLIGHTS ON SEPERATE OCCCASIONS. I HAD TO BUY THE WHOLE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY. I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND THEY JUST FELL OUT AND BROKE ON THE ROAD. WE CURRENTLY HAVE A PROBLEM WITH IT OVERHEATING HAVE REPLACE THERMOSTAT AND WATER PUMP STILL HAVING SAME PROBLEM. NOT FIXED YET. THE POWER SLIDING DOOR ALARMS THAT IT IS OPEN FOR NO APPARENT REASON. THE DOOR HAS NOT OPENED AND CLOSED BY THE POWER FOR SEVERAL MONTHS. IT HAS TO BE MANNAULLY OPENED. WE HAVE ALSO REPLACED THE BOTH AIR SHOCKS IN THE REAR OF THE VAN. CAN'T GET THE RADIATOR CAP FROM RADIATOR HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO REMOVE SINCE IT WAS BOUGHT.
NHTSA complaint #10071083 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesMount Airy, NC
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
LENS COVER OVER THE HEADLIGHTS FELL OUT OF BOTH HEADLIGHTS ON SEPERATE OCCCASIONS. I HAD TO BUY THE WHOLE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY. I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND THEY JUST FELL OUT AND BROKE ON THE ROAD. WE CURRENTLY HAVE A PROBLEM WITH IT OVERHEATING HAVE REPLACE THERMOSTAT AND WATER PUMP STILL HAVING SAME PROBLEM. NOT FIXED YET. THE POWER SLIDING DOOR ALARMS THAT IT IS OPEN FOR NO APPARENT REASON. THE DOOR HAS NOT OPENED AND CLOSED BY THE POWER FOR SEVERAL MONTHS. IT HAS TO BE MANNAULLY OPENED. WE HAVE ALSO REPLACED THE BOTH AIR SHOCKS IN THE REAR OF THE VAN. CAN'T GET THE RADIATOR CAP FROM RADIATOR HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO REMOVE SINCE IT WAS BOUGHT.
NHTSA complaint #10071083 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesMount Airy, NC
SUSPENSION
LENS COVER OVER THE HEADLIGHTS FELL OUT OF BOTH HEADLIGHTS ON SEPERATE OCCCASIONS. I HAD TO BUY THE WHOLE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY. I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND THEY JUST FELL OUT AND BROKE ON THE ROAD. WE CURRENTLY HAVE A PROBLEM WITH IT OVERHEATING HAVE REPLACE THERMOSTAT AND WATER PUMP STILL HAVING SAME PROBLEM. NOT FIXED YET. THE POWER SLIDING DOOR ALARMS THAT IT IS OPEN FOR NO APPARENT REASON. THE DOOR HAS NOT OPENED AND CLOSED BY THE POWER FOR SEVERAL MONTHS. IT HAS TO BE MANNAULLY OPENED. WE HAVE ALSO REPLACED THE BOTH AIR SHOCKS IN THE REAR OF THE VAN. CAN'T GET THE RADIATOR CAP FROM RADIATOR HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO REMOVE SINCE IT WAS BOUGHT.
NHTSA complaint #10071083 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 15,000 milesCentennial, CO
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
A/C HEAT - AIR CONDITIONING / HEAT UNIT IN REAR OF VAN FAILED IN 2001. HAVE NOT ATTEMPTED TO HAVE IT REPAIRED TO DATE. A/C AND HEAT IS OK FRONT. BODY - PASSENGER AUTOMATIC SLIDING DOOR. RATTLED ALMOST FROM THE DAY WE BOUGHT THE CAR. IT ALSO AT TIMES WOULD NOT CLOSED (IN PARK). IT WOULD CLOSE AUTOMATICALLY UNTIL IT TOUCHED THE CAR BODY THEN WOULD RE-OPEN. THEY REPLACED THE POWER SLIDING DOOR UNLATCH ACTUATOR UNDER A RECALL. ENGINE - STARTING AT 48,000 MILES THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD START TO BLINK WHEN DRIVING, IMMEDIATELY THE VAN WOULD START TO RUN VERY ROUGHLY AND HAVE POOR ACCELERATION. LIGHT WOULD THEN STOP BLINKING AND STAY "ON". THEN OVER A PERIOD OF ABOUT AN HOUR RUNNING TIME WOULD TURN OFF. THIS WOULD HAPPEN EVERY OTHER MONTH OR SO FOR A DAY. EVENTUALLY -WE WERE TOLD IT WAS THE FUEL INJECTORS (AT 56,000 MILES). WE REPLACED THOSE 2000 MILES AGO AND THE SAME PROBLEM JUST APPEARED AGAIN TODAY (JULY 31, 2003) AUGUST UPDATE: HAD COOLANT LOSS - IT WAS THE GASKET WHICH HAD TO BE REPLACED AT ABOUT $750.. MOST OF IT LABOR TO GET TO THE DARNED THING.
NHTSA complaint #10070634 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesMount Airy, NC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
LENS COVER OVER THE HEADLIGHTS FELL OUT OF BOTH HEADLIGHTS ON SEPERATE OCCCASIONS. I HAD TO BUY THE WHOLE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY. I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND THEY JUST FELL OUT AND BROKE ON THE ROAD. WE CURRENTLY HAVE A PROBLEM WITH IT OVERHEATING HAVE REPLACE THERMOSTAT AND WATER PUMP STILL HAVING SAME PROBLEM. NOT FIXED YET. THE POWER SLIDING DOOR ALARMS THAT IT IS OPEN FOR NO APPARENT REASON. THE DOOR HAS NOT OPENED AND CLOSED BY THE POWER FOR SEVERAL MONTHS. IT HAS TO BE MANNAULLY OPENED. WE HAVE ALSO REPLACED THE BOTH AIR SHOCKS IN THE REAR OF THE VAN. CAN'T GET THE RADIATOR CAP FROM RADIATOR HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO REMOVE SINCE IT WAS BOUGHT.
NHTSA complaint #10071083 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 15,000 milesCentennial, CO
STRUCTURE
A/C HEAT - AIR CONDITIONING / HEAT UNIT IN REAR OF VAN FAILED IN 2001. HAVE NOT ATTEMPTED TO HAVE IT REPAIRED TO DATE. A/C AND HEAT IS OK FRONT. BODY - PASSENGER AUTOMATIC SLIDING DOOR. RATTLED ALMOST FROM THE DAY WE BOUGHT THE CAR. IT ALSO AT TIMES WOULD NOT CLOSED (IN PARK). IT WOULD CLOSE AUTOMATICALLY UNTIL IT TOUCHED THE CAR BODY THEN WOULD RE-OPEN. THEY REPLACED THE POWER SLIDING DOOR UNLATCH ACTUATOR UNDER A RECALL. ENGINE - STARTING AT 48,000 MILES THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD START TO BLINK WHEN DRIVING, IMMEDIATELY THE VAN WOULD START TO RUN VERY ROUGHLY AND HAVE POOR ACCELERATION. LIGHT WOULD THEN STOP BLINKING AND STAY "ON". THEN OVER A PERIOD OF ABOUT AN HOUR RUNNING TIME WOULD TURN OFF. THIS WOULD HAPPEN EVERY OTHER MONTH OR SO FOR A DAY. EVENTUALLY -WE WERE TOLD IT WAS THE FUEL INJECTORS (AT 56,000 MILES). WE REPLACED THOSE 2000 MILES AGO AND THE SAME PROBLEM JUST APPEARED AGAIN TODAY (JULY 31, 2003) AUGUST UPDATE: HAD COOLANT LOSS - IT WAS THE GASKET WHICH HAD TO BE REPLACED AT ABOUT $750.. MOST OF IT LABOR TO GET TO THE DARNED THING.
NHTSA complaint #10070634 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 109,000 milesDixfield, ME
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
THE HEADLIGHT ON DRIVERS SIDE FELL OUT WHILE DRIVING. THE PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT FELL OUT AFTER THE TRUNK WAS CLOSED.
NHTSA complaint #10066908 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Narvon, PA
EQUIPMENT
THE MOST IMPORTANT PROBLEM THAT I HAVE HAD WITH THIS CAR IS THAT WHEN MAKING RIGHT HAND TURNS, GOING APPROX 5-10 MILES AN HOUR, THE CAR WILL SHUT ITSELF OFF COMPLETELY. IN ORDER TO RETURN DRIVING, THE CAR MUST BE PUT INTO PARK AND THEN RESTARTED. THIS HAS OCCURRED MANY TIMES. THE CAR HAS BEEN TAKEN TO SEVERAL DIFFERENT PROFESSIONALS AND NO ONE HAS AN EXPLANATION. THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL SMALLER PROBLEMS AS WELL, MANY OF WHICH I HAVE SEEN REPORTED IN THIS WEB PAGE. THUD IN GAS TANK, LEAKING COOLANT, DRIVER AUTO WINDOW MALFUNCTION, AS WELL AS THE POWER STEERING. I HAVE A TWO YEAR OLD LITTLE GIRL AND BOUGHT THIS CAR HEARING THAT IT WAS A SAFE VEHICLE, FORTUNEATELY FOR US WE HAVE NOT HAD ANY ACCIDENTS, HOWEVER, I WOULD NOT CALL THIS CAR SAFE AT ALL.
NHTSA complaint #10051512 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 59,000 milesWaynesboro, VA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
WE HAVE HAD LENS COVERS FALL OFF BOTH FRONT HEADLIGHTS. WHAT SHOULD NORMALLY BE A VERY LOW COST FIX HAS RESULTED IN REPAIR/LABOR COSTS OF OVER $300 FOR US AS YOU CANNOT REPLACE JUST THE LENS COVER. AS I WAS TOLD, THE "GLUE" WHOCH HOLDS THE LENS COVER ON BREAKS DOWN AND RESULTS IN THE LENS COVER FALLING OFF. THE ENTIRE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY HAS TO BE REPLACED (LAST YEAR PARTS ALONE WERE $130...THIS YEAR AROUND 90 FOR THE OTHER HEADLIGHT). THIS IS AN AWFUL DESIGN! IF I WERE ABLE TO REPLACE JUST THE LENS COVER (ONLY NEEDS TO BE GLUED BACK IN PLACE!), I WOULDN'T COMPLAIN, BUT WE ARE NOT LOOKING AT HAVING TO REPLACE THESE "GLUED TOGETHER" ITEMS AT A COST OF ANOTHER $300+ WITHIN THE NEXT 5 YEARS WHEN THIS GLUE FAILS.
NHTSA complaint #10028509 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesAkron, OH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
I HAVE A 1997 PONTIAC MONTANA MINIVAN. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT I HAVE THE DREADED INTAKE MANIFOLD LEAK. IT APPEARS THAT THIS IS A HUGE PROBLEM WITH THE 3.4 LITER ENGINE.
NHTSA complaint #10023220 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,000 milesNorthville, MI
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET LEAK. MR.
NHTSA complaint #10012394 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesPGH, PA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
BLOWN HEAD GASKET AFTER ONLY 50,000 MILES. NOT TO MENTION I HAD A BLOWN MANIFOLD GASKET 6 MONTHS BEFORE THIS!. *NLM
NHTSA complaint #10013709 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 49,000 milesWilloughby, OH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
CONSUMER STATES THE VEHICLE LEAKS FUEL FROM THE ENGINE.
NHTSA complaint #10002242 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hoffmam State, IL
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
CONSUMER STATES, THE DRIVER SIDE SLIDING DOOR HANDLE WHEN IS CLOSE MANUAL MAY CATCH YOUR FINGER AND HAVE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. TS
NHTSA complaint #8021863 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Valencia, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET IS DAMAGED YET NO PARTS AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT US. IS THIS A KNOWN FACT TO GM? IS THIS A RECALL ITEM. MY VAN NOW OVERHEATS AND CANNOT BE REPAIRED DUE TO LACK OF PARTS.
NHTSA complaint #761640 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Coleton, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
A REMOTE CONTROL WAS USED TO OPEN AND CLOSE SLIDING DOOR, REMOTE CONTROL JUST STOPPED WORKING. CONSUMER HAS TO MANUALLY OPEN AND CLOSE DOOR.
NHTSA complaint #889164 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.