Owners have filed 329 complaints
about the 1999 Pontiac Montana with NHTSA between 1998 and 2016.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 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 — 100
Against the median year of the Pontiac Montana. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 58
11.2% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 25
15% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 1999 compares with every other Pontiac Montana
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
32.1%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
42.8%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
3020.8%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
5638.9%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
2316.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
2013.9%
150,000+ miles
85.6%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA
rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that
ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do
not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
1999 Pontiac Montana/Trans Sport w/SAB.
—
—
—
—
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.
Jul 1998peak 35Nov 2016
NHTSA investigations into the 1999 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.
PE04064Opened 17 Sep 2004Closed 22 Dec 2004STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
POWER-SLIDING DOOR
SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE AVAILABLE WITH AN OPTIONAL POWER SLIDING DOOR.THE INTERIOR HANDLE IS ORIENTED IN THE VERTICAL POSITION IN THE DOOR PANEL AND LINES UP AT THE ELBOW LEVEL WHEN THE OCCUPANT IS SEATED IN THE 2ND-ROW OUTBOARD POSITION.IF THE OCCUPANT HOLDS THE INTERIOR HANDLE IN THE THUMB UP POSITION DURING POWER-ASSISTED OPENING, THE ARM/WRIST CAN BE PUSH BACK WITH FORCE AGAINST THE 2ND-ROW BUCKET SEAT OR CAPTAIN'S CHAIR SEAT BACK CREATING A RISK OF INJURY (OTHER SEATING CONFIGURATIONS HAVE AMPLE SEAT TO DOOR CLEARANCE TO AVOID ENTRAPMENT OF THE LOWER ARM).AMONG THE 103 TOTAL REPORTS, THERE W...
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...
PE02017Opened 11 Feb 2002Closed 2 Aug 2002SEAT BELTS
SHOULDER HARNESS CLIP
EA01014Opened 11 Jun 2001Closed 26 Aug 2002AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAG INFLATOR
PE00045Opened 3 Nov 2000Closed 11 Jan 2001AIR BAGS
AIR BAG TEAR DURING DEPLOYMENT
SQ00014Opened 25 Jul 2000Closed 22 Oct 2001STRUCTURE
UNEXPECTED OPENING OF SLIDING DOOR
RQ00006Opened 16 Feb 2000Closed 20 Apr 2001SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TRACTION CONTROL
Recalls on the 1999 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
09E005000
STEERING
DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEMENT USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. A POTENTIAL MATERIAL OR DESIGN DEFECT COULD RESULT IN THE STEERING KNUCKLE BREAKING IN THE HUB AREA.
Risk: A BROKEN STEERING KNUCKLE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.
Risk: FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
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.
02V027000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MINI VANS, THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG INFLATOR MODULES COULD PRODUCE EXCESSIVE INTERNAL PRESSURE. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH THAT WOULD TRIGGER A DRIVER'S AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT, THE INCREASED INTERNAL PRESSURE CAN CAUSE THE INFLATOR MODULE TO EXPLODE.
Risk: METAL AND PLASTIC DEBRIS COULD CAUSE SEVERE INJURY TO VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.
01V264000
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 1997-2001 CHEVROLET VENTURE, PONTIAC MONTANA/TRANSPORT, 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.
Risk: 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.
01V067000
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINIVANS EQUIPPED WITH PASSENGER SIDE POWER SLIDING DOORS. THE DOOR CLOSES BUT MAY 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.
Risk: AN UNRESTRAINED OCCUPANT COULD FALL OUT OF THE VAN AND BE INJURED.
99V071000
STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT SECTOR
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER MINI VANS. THE LEFT AND/OR RIGHT FRONT LOWER INSULATOR TO CRADLE CENTER METAL SLEEVE IS COLLAPSED, WHICH CAN RESULT IN LOSS OF CLAMP LOAD IN THE JOINT. IF THE CLAMP LOAD IS REDUCED OR LOST, THE BOLT CAN BE LOST OR BROKEN AND THE JOINT CAN SEPARATE.
Risk: IF NOT REPAIRED, SEPARATION OF THE OPPOSITE SIDE JOINT COULD OCCUR RESULTING IN STEERING SHAFT SEPARATION.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2004446105,755 units in Canada
Other
On certain vehicles equipped with second-row bucket seats or captain's chairs and power sliding door on the passenger side, 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. Correction: Dealers will replace the original interior power sliding door handle. The original handles are offset from the door panel and a passenger can wrap his or her fingers around them. The replacement door handles are essentially flush with the door trim, preventing a passenger from gripping them in the same fashion.
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 2001187170 units in Canada
Airbag
Certain passenger vehicles. The driver's air bag inflator modules could produce excessive internal pressure. In the event of a crash that would trigger a driver's air bag deployment, the increased internal pressure can cause the inflator module to explode. Metal and plastic debris could cause severe injury to vehicle occupants. Correction: Dealers will replace the driver side air bag module.
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 260,375 milesWhitehall, OHCrash
AIR BAGS
I HAD AN ACCIDENT WHERE A CAR FISH TAILED IN FRONT OF ME SLID DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF MINE. I HIT THE OTHER CAR WHILE GOING 40 MPH, IT WAS A T*BONE COLLISION. MY FRONT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AT THE TIME OF COLLISION. AFTER GETTING OUT OF THE VEHICLE I NOTICED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WAS LAYING IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WITH THE AIR BAG STILL INFLATED. I DO REMEMBER THAT FOR A LONG TIME BEFORE TODAY THE RED AIRBAG LIGHT WAS ON. I THOUGHT THIS WOULD CAUSE THE AIR BAGS NOT TO WORK. I DO HAVE PICTURES OF THE DAMAGE, AND THE DEFECT WITH THE AIR BAG.
NHTSA complaint #10496406 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 113,000 milesHolland, MIFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
VEHICLE SPONTANEOUSLY CAUGHT FIRE WHILE STUCK IN SNOW DRIFT. FIRE WAS ALL CONSUMING - FIRE TRUCK HAD TO COME OUT IT OUT - JUST SHELL OF VAN WAS LEFT. WE WERE ABLE TO GET OUT AS FIRE WAS SLOW TO TAKE OFF. FIRE STARTED IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT. FIRE CHIEF SAID WE WOULD NEVER KNOW CAUSE AS NO ENGINE COMPARTMENT REMAINS.
NHTSA complaint #10252473 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105,455 milesStlouis, MOCrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
DEALER SOLD ME A PONTIAC MONTANA MINIVAN AND I ONLY HAD IT FOR 2 WEEKS, AND IT WON'T START, IT HAD A CARFAX REPORT THAT SAID IT WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT, THIS WAS NOT TOLD OR REVEALED TO ME BY THE DEALER. NOW I AM STRANDED WITHOUT A CAR TO GET AROUND AND NO WARRANTY WAS GIVEN. I ASK FOR A WARRANTY THE SALESMAN SAID IT ONLY COMES WITH FINANCING.
NHTSA complaint #10237574 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35,330 milesSouth Bend, INCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
I OWNED A 1999 PONTIAC MONTANA VAN. ON THE DECEMBER 19, 2004 AROUND 2300 HOURS MY GRANDSON WAS DRIVING THE VAN ON THE US 31 BYPASS IN SOUTH BEND IN. HE WAS HEADED WESTBOUND AROUND 50 TO 55 MILES PER HOUR. IT HAD RAINED AND SNOWED SOME THEN IT FROZE. A CAR IN FRONT OF MY GRANDSON SPUN OUT OF CONTROL, AND HE PANICKED AND HIT THE BRAKES, AND SPUN OUT INTO THE CONCRETE MEDIAN DIVIDING WALL. THERE WAS CONSIDERABLE DAMAGE TO THE FRONT OF THE VAN. RADIATOR WAS SHOVED INTO THE BLOCK WITH FENDER, HOOD AND BUMPER DAMAGE. ONE THING THAT DIDN'T HAPPEN WAS THE AIR BAG DID NOT GO OFF ON THE DRIVERS SIDE OR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THERE IS A APPARENT DEFECT IN THE SYSTEM. THE VAN HAS 35,330 MILES ON IT. THE INSURANCE COMPANY DEEMED IT TOTALED, AND IT WILL BE OR WAS SALVAGED. MY GRANDSON HAD MINOR INJURIES TO HIS KNEE ,AND A SEAT BELT ABRASION TO THE LEFT SIDE OF HIS NECK.*AK THANK YOU
NHTSA complaint #10106145 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Inverness, FL1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
DURING A ROUTINE UNLOADING OF GROCERIES FROM MY REAR LIFT DOOR THE LEFT SIDE HANDLE SUPPORT SNAPPED OFF AS I WAS PULLING IT DOWN TO CLOSE IT SHUT.THIS HANDLE IS LOCATED ON THE REAR DOOR OF THE PONTIAC MONTANA. APPARENTLY THE CHEAP PLASTIC BASE COULD NOT SUPPORT MY NORMAL PULLING EFFORT TO SHUT THE REAR LIFT DOOR. MY EFFORT TO PULL DOWNWARD AND THE SUBSEQUENT BREAKAGE OF THE DOOR HANDLE PLASTIC BASE SUPPORT CAUSED A SMALL ABRASIVE CUT ON MY RIGHT HAND KNUCKLE. I DO NOT ABUSE MY VEHICLE. THIS WAS A NORMAL MOTION A VEHICLE OWNER WOULD TAKE IN ORDER TO ATTEMPT TO CLOSE THE REAR LIFTGATE ON A MINIVAN. THE PLASTIC HANDLE SUPPORT PART WAS OBVIOUSLY MADE OF POOR MATERIALS.
NHTSA complaint #10082638 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Union City, CACrash
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
CONSUMER STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH AND WITHOUT WARNING SUBFRAME FELL TO GROUND, CAUSING AND ACCIDENT. DEALER NOTIFIED.
NHTSA complaint #10033721 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 135,600 milesDetroit, MI
WHEELS
THE REAR PASSENGER SUSPENSION SYSTEM HAS FAILED AND THE TIRE IS SITTING ON THE TIRE-WELL. THE FRAME APPEARS TO BE LOOSE DUE TO RUST AND HAS CAUSED THE SPRING COIL TO POP OUT AND WOBBLE UNCONTROLLABLY. I WAS DRIVING WHEN THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED AND IT WOULD BEGIN TO "FISH TAIL" AROUND 40MPH OR WHEN I WOULD HIT BUMPS, MAKE TURNS OR SWITCH LANES.
NHTSA complaint #10926987 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,600 milesDetroit, MI
STEERING
THE REAR PASSENGER SUSPENSION SYSTEM HAS FAILED AND THE TIRE IS SITTING ON THE TIRE-WELL. THE FRAME APPEARS TO BE LOOSE DUE TO RUST AND HAS CAUSED THE SPRING COIL TO POP OUT AND WOBBLE UNCONTROLLABLY. I WAS DRIVING WHEN THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED AND IT WOULD BEGIN TO "FISH TAIL" AROUND 40MPH OR WHEN I WOULD HIT BUMPS, MAKE TURNS OR SWITCH LANES.
NHTSA complaint #10926987 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,600 milesDetroit, MI
SUSPENSION
THE REAR PASSENGER SUSPENSION SYSTEM HAS FAILED AND THE TIRE IS SITTING ON THE TIRE-WELL. THE FRAME APPEARS TO BE LOOSE DUE TO RUST AND HAS CAUSED THE SPRING COIL TO POP OUT AND WOBBLE UNCONTROLLABLY. I WAS DRIVING WHEN THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED AND IT WOULD BEGIN TO "FISH TAIL" AROUND 40MPH OR WHEN I WOULD HIT BUMPS, MAKE TURNS OR SWITCH LANES.
NHTSA complaint #10926987 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 96,700 milesGriffith, IN
POWER TRAIN
AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER MOVES BUT DOES NOT ENGAGE TRANSMISSION.
NHTSA complaint #10578368 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 96,700 milesGriffith, IN
AIR BAGS
AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER MOVES BUT DOES NOT ENGAGE TRANSMISSION.
NHTSA complaint #10578368 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 260,375 milesWhitehall, OHCrash
AIR BAGS
I HAD AN ACCIDENT WHERE A CAR FISH TAILED IN FRONT OF ME SLID DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF MINE. I HIT THE OTHER CAR WHILE GOING 40 MPH, IT WAS A T*BONE COLLISION. MY FRONT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AT THE TIME OF COLLISION. AFTER GETTING OUT OF THE VEHICLE I NOTICED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WAS LAYING IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WITH THE AIR BAG STILL INFLATED. I DO REMEMBER THAT FOR A LONG TIME BEFORE TODAY THE RED AIRBAG LIGHT WAS ON. I THOUGHT THIS WOULD CAUSE THE AIR BAGS NOT TO WORK. I DO HAVE PICTURES OF THE DAMAGE, AND THE DEFECT WITH THE AIR BAG.
NHTSA complaint #10496406 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 168,000 milesHershey, PA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
IT SEEMS THAT THE THIS PARTICULAR MAKE AND MODEL HAS KNOWN PROBLEMS WITH THE COOLING SYSTEM. ON A FAMILY TRIP TO VIRGINIA THE CAR STARTED TO OVERHEAT AND I STOPPED THE VEHICLE. WHEN PARKED RED FLUID WAS VISIBLE UNDER THE CAR AND UPON TESTING WAS FOUND OUT TO BE COOLANT LEAK. CAR WAS TOWED TO PA AND MECHANIC REPORTED LOSS AND REPLACEMENT OF RADIATOR/HOSES AND LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD (GASKET) A LABOR INTENSIVE WORK COSTING ABOUT 1700 TO FIX ALL THE ISSUE WITH THIS OVER HEATING.
NHTSA complaint #10460448 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Radcliff, KY
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS AND REAR LIGHT FAILURE INCLUDING BREAKS AN TURN SIGNALS.
NHTSA complaint #10383023 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Radcliff, KY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS AND REAR LIGHT FAILURE INCLUDING BREAKS AN TURN SIGNALS.
NHTSA complaint #10383023 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesHastings, MI
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
1. EVENTS UNKNOWN 2. COOLING SYSTEM FAILURE, ALL THE TIME, UNDRIVEABLE 3. UNABLE TO CORRECT FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #10378277 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 178,280 milesStockton, CA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
FIRST THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW STOPPED WORKING, THEN THE TAIL LIGHTS JUST WENT OUT ON THE 99 PONTIAC MONTANA. THEY WERE JUST WORKING AND THEN ON MY WAY HOME THEY JUST STOPPED WORKING. I REPLACED ALL BULBS AND THEY STILL AREN'T WORKING. WENT TO SEE A TECHNICIAN AND HE SAYS IT IS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. AFTER THAT THE RADIO DISPLAY FLICKERS IN AND OUT WHEN THE BRAKE IS PUSHED ON. I'VE SEARCHED TO SEE IF I COULD FIND AN ANSWER AS TO WHY THIS HAPPENED AND THERE ARE MANY WEBSITES WITH THE SAME COMPLAINTS AS I HAVE STATED HERE WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS.
NHTSA complaint #10345982 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 178,280 milesStockton, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
FIRST THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW STOPPED WORKING, THEN THE TAIL LIGHTS JUST WENT OUT ON THE 99 PONTIAC MONTANA. THEY WERE JUST WORKING AND THEN ON MY WAY HOME THEY JUST STOPPED WORKING. I REPLACED ALL BULBS AND THEY STILL AREN'T WORKING. WENT TO SEE A TECHNICIAN AND HE SAYS IT IS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. AFTER THAT THE RADIO DISPLAY FLICKERS IN AND OUT WHEN THE BRAKE IS PUSHED ON. I'VE SEARCHED TO SEE IF I COULD FIND AN ANSWER AS TO WHY THIS HAPPENED AND THERE ARE MANY WEBSITES WITH THE SAME COMPLAINTS AS I HAVE STATED HERE WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS.
NHTSA complaint #10345982 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 178,280 milesStockton, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
FIRST THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW STOPPED WORKING, THEN THE TAIL LIGHTS JUST WENT OUT ON THE 99 PONTIAC MONTANA. THEY WERE JUST WORKING AND THEN ON MY WAY HOME THEY JUST STOPPED WORKING. I REPLACED ALL BULBS AND THEY STILL AREN'T WORKING. WENT TO SEE A TECHNICIAN AND HE SAYS IT IS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. AFTER THAT THE RADIO DISPLAY FLICKERS IN AND OUT WHEN THE BRAKE IS PUSHED ON. I'VE SEARCHED TO SEE IF I COULD FIND AN ANSWER AS TO WHY THIS HAPPENED AND THERE ARE MANY WEBSITES WITH THE SAME COMPLAINTS AS I HAVE STATED HERE WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS.
NHTSA complaint #10345982 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 113,000 milesHolland, MIFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
VEHICLE SPONTANEOUSLY CAUGHT FIRE WHILE STUCK IN SNOW DRIFT. FIRE WAS ALL CONSUMING - FIRE TRUCK HAD TO COME OUT IT OUT - JUST SHELL OF VAN WAS LEFT. WE WERE ABLE TO GET OUT AS FIRE WAS SLOW TO TAKE OFF. FIRE STARTED IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT. FIRE CHIEF SAID WE WOULD NEVER KNOW CAUSE AS NO ENGINE COMPARTMENT REMAINS.
NHTSA complaint #10252473 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105,455 milesStlouis, MOCrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
DEALER SOLD ME A PONTIAC MONTANA MINIVAN AND I ONLY HAD IT FOR 2 WEEKS, AND IT WON'T START, IT HAD A CARFAX REPORT THAT SAID IT WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT, THIS WAS NOT TOLD OR REVEALED TO ME BY THE DEALER. NOW I AM STRANDED WITHOUT A CAR TO GET AROUND AND NO WARRANTY WAS GIVEN. I ASK FOR A WARRANTY THE SALESMAN SAID IT ONLY COMES WITH FINANCING.
NHTSA complaint #10237574 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 81,718 milesLehigh Acres, FL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
TWO SEPARATE GASKET PROBLEMS ON MY 1999 PONTIAC MONTANA MINI VAN. THE MOST RECENT WAS TODAY IN AUG. OF 2008 THE LOCAL GARAGE TOLD ME THAT MY VANS LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET NEEDED REPLACED FOR ABOUT $700. THE PROBLEM WAS NOTICED WHEN MY TEMPERATURE LIGHT CAME ON AND AFTER FILLING RADIATOR I SAW WATER LEAKING UNDERNEATH VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10237492 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesMountain Home, AR
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 PONTIAC MONTANA. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE SLIDING PASSENGER SIDE DOORS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE OCCASIONALLY OPEN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOORS WERE NOT THE ELECTRIC DOORS THAT WERE RECALLED; HOWEVER, SHE IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT HAS NOT YET RESPONDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 125,000.
NHTSA complaint #10214208 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,000 milesMountain Home, AR
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
I HAVE A 1999 PONTIAC MONTANA IN WHICH WE BOUGHT ALMOST 2 YEARS AGO FROM A USED CAR DEALERSHIP. AROUND MAY WE TOOK OUR 8 YR. OLD SON TO A BASEBALL GAME AND WHEN WE WENT TO TAKE OUR THEN 16 MONTH OLD SON OUT FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE AND IT CAME COMPLETELY OFF TRACK....IT'S PASSENGER SIDE SLIDING DOOR {NOT ELECTRIC} HAS CAME OFF TRACK WHILE DRIVING AROUND A CORNER AND GOING OVER BUMPS,AT LEAST 8 TIMES AND COUNTING. IT IS HAVING PROBLEMS EXACTLY LIKE THE ELECTRIC, IT COMES COMPLETELY OFF TRACK AND HAS TO BE PUT ON. MY 2 YEAR OLD SON HAD BEEN SITTING ON THAT SIDE, WHAT HAPPENS IF HE WAS TO FALL OUT? NOW THE DRIVER SIDE SLIDING DOOR IS STARTING TO HAVE PROBLEMS. PLEASE CONTACT ME ASAP TO FIX THE PROBLEM FREE OF CHARGE, OR I WILL HAVE TO GET A LAWYER. THANKS
NHTSA complaint #10213992 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Richmond, VA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
EVERY YEAR, A WEEK OR TWO AFTER TURNING ON THE HEAT IN THE VAN, THE HEATER STOPS BLOWING WARM AIR. WHILE SITTING AT IDLE THE TEMP GAUGE RISES EXTREMELY HIGH. EVERY YEAR THE DEALER HAS FIXED THE PROBLEM. THIS YEAR THEY ARE TELLING ME THAT I NEED A NEW ENGINE! AFTER RESEARCHING ONLINE, HERE AND AT RESPECTED SITES SUCH AS EDMONDS.COM IT SEEMS TO ME LIKE THESE PROBLEMS SHOULD HAVE BEEN ADDRESSED LONG BEFORE I EVEN BOUGHT MY VAN SO MANY YEARS AGO!!!!
NHTSA complaint #10209950 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Richmond, VA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
EVERY YEAR, A WEEK OR TWO AFTER TURNING ON THE HEAT IN THE VAN, THE HEATER STOPS BLOWING WARM AIR. WHILE SITTING AT IDLE THE TEMP GAUGE RISES EXTREMELY HIGH. EVERY YEAR THE DEALER HAS FIXED THE PROBLEM. THIS YEAR THEY ARE TELLING ME THAT I NEED A NEW ENGINE! AFTER RESEARCHING ONLINE, HERE AND AT RESPECTED SITES SUCH AS EDMONDS.COM IT SEEMS TO ME LIKE THESE PROBLEMS SHOULD HAVE BEEN ADDRESSED LONG BEFORE I EVEN BOUGHT MY VAN SO MANY YEARS AGO!!!!
NHTSA complaint #10209950 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 121,000 milesRichmond, VA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 PONTIAC MONTANA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO OVERHEAT. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE HEAD GASKET. THE DEALER STATED THAT COOLANT LEAKED INTO THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIRS, WHICH TOTALED $1,800. ONE WEEK AFTER A ROUTINE MAINTENANCE REPAIR, THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING NORMALLY; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MECHANIC ALSO STATED THAT THIS TYPE OF FAILURE SHOULD NOT HAVE RECURRED. THE CONTACT MAILED A COMPLAINT TO THE COMPANY AND HAS OWNED THE VEHICLE FOR TWO YEARS. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 121,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 131,000.
NHTSA complaint #10207026 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesChesterfield, MO
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED (60MPH OR GREATER) THE WIPER WILL OVER RUN THE WINDSHIELD WHEN INITIALLY TURNED ON. THIS IS RESULTING IN DESTROYING THE BLADE AND CREATING A SAFETY PROBLEM. IT HAS HAPPENED FOR SEVERAL YEARS BUT THE GM DEALERS TELL ME THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD BY A FORMER BOSCH (CURRENT MANUFACTURER) VICE-PRESIDENT THAT WHEN BOSCH PURCHASED THIS MANUFACTURING LINE FROM UT AUTOMOTIVE, THEY NOTICED THE PROBLEM AND ADVISED G.M. OF THE ISSUE. G.M. CHOSE TO DO NOTHING. WHILE MY CAR IS OLDER, THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN PRESENT EVEN WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS NEWER. I AM REPORTING IT NOW BECAUSE IT IS GETTING WORSE. *TR *UPDATED 12/12/07 *BF UPDATED 12/12/07
NHTSA complaint #10202424 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesMilton, FL
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 PONTIAC MONTANA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA RECALL # 02V027000 (AIR BAGS:FRONTAL). THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY A DEALER. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 146,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
NHTSA complaint #10193332 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 63,000 milesIrvington, NY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 PONTIAC MONTANA. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE JERKED AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE MANIFOLD GASKETS SHOULD BE REPLACED. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE MANIFOLD GASKETS, WATER PUMP, THERMOSTAT, AND SEALER. TWO YEARS LATER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MECHANIC FLUSHED THE TRANSMISSION. APPROXIMATELY A YEAR AND A HALF LATER, THE FAILURE RECURRED FOR THE THIRD TIME AND THE MECHANIC FLUSHED THE TRANSMISSION ONCE MORE. TEN MONTHS LATER, THE VEHICLE BEGAN JERKING AGAIN. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE RADIATOR CAP AND FLUSHED THE TRANSMISSION, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUES TO OCCUR. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 138,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,000.
NHTSA complaint #10193323 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesBloomington, MN
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET FAILURE FRIED THE 3.4L V6 ENGINE. REPLACEMENT ENGINE IS SHOWING THE SAME PROBLEMS.
NHTSA complaint #10186712 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.