Owners have filed 208 complaints
about the 2001 Pontiac Montana with NHTSA between 2001 and 2015.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 3 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 — 72
Against the median year of the Pontiac Montana. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 89
17.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 46
27% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2001 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
65.0%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
119.1%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
65.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
2924.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
2621.5%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1310.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
2117.4%
150,000+ miles
97.4%
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
2001 Pontiac Montana 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.
Jan 2001peak 16Dec 2015
NHTSA investigations into the 2001 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...
Recalls on the 2001 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.
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 2002234127 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, the passenger air bag was manufactured without a check pin. An air bag without the check pin could produce increased pressure at the onset of the air bag deployment and reduced pressure afterward. This could increase the severity of injury to a person who was not properly restrained and who was close to the passenger air bag at the time of deployment. It could also reduce the ability of the air bag to protect a restrained front seat passenger. Correction: Dealers are to inspect, and if necessary, replace the passenger air bag.
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.
Ocoee, TNCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
IN LEFT TURN LANE IN THE INTERSECTION..ONCOMING VEHICLE HIT HEAD ON. AIRBAG FAILED TO INFLATE ON DRIVERS SIDE. DRIVER AIRLIFTED TO TRAUMA HOSP.
NHTSA complaint #10715924 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 165,000 milesSallis, MSCrash
POWER TRAIN
I BACKED UP TO THE LAUNDRY TO WASH CLOTHES AND PROCEEDED TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND GET OUT TO GET CLOTHES OUT OF THE BACK. I PUSHED THE BRAKE AND THOUGHT I HAD PUT THE CAR IN PARK BECAUSE THE KEY CAME OUT. WHEN I STARTED TO STEP OUT OF THE VAN TO GET MY CLOTHES OUT OF THE BACK AND MY FOOT CAME OFF THE BRAKE, THE CAR WAS STILL RUNNING AND BACKED INTO A BLOCK WALL. THE WALL WAS DESTROYED, BUT NO ONE WAS HURT. THE BACK DOOR OF THE VAN IS CRUSHED. AFTER A CLOSE EXAMINATION OF THE IGNITION LOCK I FOUND THAT THE KEY WILL COME OUT IN ANY POSITION, INCLUDING RUNNING. I HAD THOUGHT THE KEY WAS NOT SUPPOSED TO COME OUT EXCEPT IN THE OFF POSITION. IS THIS CORRECT? I ATTEMPTED TO FIND OUT IF IT WAS IN THE GM RECALL FROM MY LOCAL GM DEALER AND THEY CLAIMED IGNORANCE OF ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING. INCLUDING EVEN WHAT CONSTITUTES A DEFECTIVE SWITCH AND WHAT IT IS SUPPOSED TO DO AND NOT DO. IT'S LIKE PULLING TEETH TRYING TO GET THEM TO SAY ANYTHING. THEY SAY THE FACTORY SENDS THEM A LIST AFFECTED CARS AND THEY WILL NOT TOUCH ANYTHING ELSE NO MATTER WHAT THE CIRCUMSTANCES. THE SMELL OF GASOLINE IS STRONG AT TIMES BUT A CURSORY EXAMINATION BY A MECHANIC DOESN'T SHOW ANYTHING. AFTER VIEWING THE RECALLS CONCERNING GAS LEAKS I AM WORRIED. CAN YOU TELL ME BY THE VIN HOW MANY OF THE RECALLS SHOWN ON YOUR PAGE THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD AND WHAT IT HAS MISSED BEFORE IT BURNS ME TO DEATH?
NHTSA complaint #10583714 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 165,000 milesSallis, MSCrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I BACKED UP TO THE LAUNDRY TO WASH CLOTHES AND PROCEEDED TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND GET OUT TO GET CLOTHES OUT OF THE BACK. I PUSHED THE BRAKE AND THOUGHT I HAD PUT THE CAR IN PARK BECAUSE THE KEY CAME OUT. WHEN I STARTED TO STEP OUT OF THE VAN TO GET MY CLOTHES OUT OF THE BACK AND MY FOOT CAME OFF THE BRAKE, THE CAR WAS STILL RUNNING AND BACKED INTO A BLOCK WALL. THE WALL WAS DESTROYED, BUT NO ONE WAS HURT. THE BACK DOOR OF THE VAN IS CRUSHED. AFTER A CLOSE EXAMINATION OF THE IGNITION LOCK I FOUND THAT THE KEY WILL COME OUT IN ANY POSITION, INCLUDING RUNNING. I HAD THOUGHT THE KEY WAS NOT SUPPOSED TO COME OUT EXCEPT IN THE OFF POSITION. IS THIS CORRECT? I ATTEMPTED TO FIND OUT IF IT WAS IN THE GM RECALL FROM MY LOCAL GM DEALER AND THEY CLAIMED IGNORANCE OF ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING. INCLUDING EVEN WHAT CONSTITUTES A DEFECTIVE SWITCH AND WHAT IT IS SUPPOSED TO DO AND NOT DO. IT'S LIKE PULLING TEETH TRYING TO GET THEM TO SAY ANYTHING. THEY SAY THE FACTORY SENDS THEM A LIST AFFECTED CARS AND THEY WILL NOT TOUCH ANYTHING ELSE NO MATTER WHAT THE CIRCUMSTANCES. THE SMELL OF GASOLINE IS STRONG AT TIMES BUT A CURSORY EXAMINATION BY A MECHANIC DOESN'T SHOW ANYTHING. AFTER VIEWING THE RECALLS CONCERNING GAS LEAKS I AM WORRIED. CAN YOU TELL ME BY THE VIN HOW MANY OF THE RECALLS SHOWN ON YOUR PAGE THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD AND WHAT IT HAS MISSED BEFORE IT BURNS ME TO DEATH?
NHTSA complaint #10583714 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesStillwater, OK1 injured
SEATS
MY MOM HAS A 2001 PONTIAC MONTANA . THIS WEEKEND, SHE PUT MY 19 MONTH OLD DAUGHTER IN HER CAR SEAT IN THE 2ND ROW SEAT. AT ONE POINT DURING THE WEEKEND, MOM STOPPED HARD AND THE SEAT WITH MY DAUGHTER IN IT FLIPPED FORWARD, WITH MY DAUGHTER IN IT. MY DAUGHTER'S FACE HIT THE DRIVER SEAT BACK. SHE GOT A BLOODY NOSE AND A BLACK EYE, AND FORTUNATELY THAT WAS ALL. AFTER SOME INVESTIGATION, I FOUND THAT WHEN A CAR SEAT IS INSTALLED WITH A TETHER, AND THE TETHER IS TIGHT, IT IS VERY EASY TO ACCIDENTALLY TRIGGER THE RELEASE OF THE SEAT BASE MECHANISM, ALLOWING THE SEAT TO TILT FORWARD. THE TETHER BRACKET IS ATTACHED TO THE BAR THAT IS PART OF THE MECHANISM FOR RELEASING THE SEAT. WHEN THE TETHER IS TIGHTENED, IT BEGINS TO MOVE THE MECHANISM. IT ONLY TAKES A GOOD BUMP, SUCH AS FORM SLIDING THE SEAT BACK ON ITS RAILS, TO COMPLETELY RELEASE THE SEAT AND ALLOW IT TO TILT FORWARD UNDER HARD BRAKING OR A COLLISION.
NHTSA complaint #10293927 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 78,000 milesNaperville, ILFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
HELLO ON 3/31/09 MY 2001 PONTIAC MONTANA CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE DRIVING ON I-88 HIGHWAY WITH 60 MILES PER HOUR. THE SMOKE FILLED THE CAR AND FIRE WAS SHOOTING UP AT THE BACK WINDOW WHILE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE. APPARENTLY AN ELECTRICAL SHORTAGE AT THE WINDSHIELD VIPER HAS STARTED THE FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #10264109 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 78,000 milesNaperville, ILFire
VISIBILITY:REAR WINDOW WIPER/WASHER
HELLO ON 3/31/09 MY 2001 PONTIAC MONTANA CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE DRIVING ON I-88 HIGHWAY WITH 60 MILES PER HOUR. THE SMOKE FILLED THE CAR AND FIRE WAS SHOOTING UP AT THE BACK WINDOW WHILE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE. APPARENTLY AN ELECTRICAL SHORTAGE AT THE WINDSHIELD VIPER HAS STARTED THE FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #10264109 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Decatur, GA
STEERING
MY GEARSHIFT BROKE,FUEL GAGE DON'T WORK,MY CAR BOUNCE UP AND DOWN WHEN DRIVING SLIDING DOORS WON'T CLICK OPEN.WHEN START CAR UP AND PUT IN GEAR DRIVE OR REVEARSE WON'T MOVE JUST RIVE UP.
NHTSA complaint #10809377 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Decatur, GA
SUSPENSION
MY GEARSHIFT BROKE,FUEL GAGE DON'T WORK,MY CAR BOUNCE UP AND DOWN WHEN DRIVING SLIDING DOORS WON'T CLICK OPEN.WHEN START CAR UP AND PUT IN GEAR DRIVE OR REVEARSE WON'T MOVE JUST RIVE UP.
NHTSA complaint #10809377 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Decatur, GA
VISIBILITY/WIPER
MY GEARSHIFT BROKE,FUEL GAGE DON'T WORK,MY CAR BOUNCE UP AND DOWN WHEN DRIVING SLIDING DOORS WON'T CLICK OPEN.WHEN START CAR UP AND PUT IN GEAR DRIVE OR REVEARSE WON'T MOVE JUST RIVE UP.
NHTSA complaint #10809377 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bennington, VT
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC MONTANA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER SLIDING DOOR WOULD NOT LATCH WHEN CLOSING, CAUSING THE DOOR TO OPEN WHEN DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE LATCH FAILED. AFTER CONTACTING THE DEALER, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 01V067000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH). THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
NHTSA complaint #10734029 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ocoee, TNCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
IN LEFT TURN LANE IN THE INTERSECTION..ONCOMING VEHICLE HIT HEAD ON. AIRBAG FAILED TO INFLATE ON DRIVERS SIDE. DRIVER AIRLIFTED TO TRAUMA HOSP.
NHTSA complaint #10715924 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,100 milesHudson, FL
ENGINE
THE VAN WHEN IN PARK WILL REVIVE THE ENGINE AND JUMP, WHEN STOPPING WITH NEW BRAKES AND ALL THAT FUN STUFF WHEN THE VAN IS DOING THIS REVIVING STATE IT TAKES LONGER TO STOP AND LIKE THE VAN IS FIGHTING IT. IT SOMETIMES OVER SHIFTS WHEN IN THIS STATE WHEN TAKING OFF FROM A LIGHT (DOES THE REVIVING THING WHEN MOVING. I AM AFRAID ONE DAY IT IS GOING TO JUMP AND HIT SOMETHING OR SOME ONE OR NOT STOP.
NHTSA complaint #10705974 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesClarksville, TN
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THE TANK LEAKS FUEL AT THE INLET ON THE TANK. CUSTOMER IS ABLE TO PUT NO MORE THAN ENOUGH GAS IN THE TANK WHERE IS BELOW THE LEVEL ON THE INLET ON THE TANK.
NHTSA complaint #10629560 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 223,691 milesParagon, IN
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC MONTANA. THE CONTACT SMELLED GASOLINE FUEL OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED A LEAK NEAR THE FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 223,691.
NHTSA complaint #10619231 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 165,000 milesSallis, MSCrash
POWER TRAIN
I BACKED UP TO THE LAUNDRY TO WASH CLOTHES AND PROCEEDED TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND GET OUT TO GET CLOTHES OUT OF THE BACK. I PUSHED THE BRAKE AND THOUGHT I HAD PUT THE CAR IN PARK BECAUSE THE KEY CAME OUT. WHEN I STARTED TO STEP OUT OF THE VAN TO GET MY CLOTHES OUT OF THE BACK AND MY FOOT CAME OFF THE BRAKE, THE CAR WAS STILL RUNNING AND BACKED INTO A BLOCK WALL. THE WALL WAS DESTROYED, BUT NO ONE WAS HURT. THE BACK DOOR OF THE VAN IS CRUSHED. AFTER A CLOSE EXAMINATION OF THE IGNITION LOCK I FOUND THAT THE KEY WILL COME OUT IN ANY POSITION, INCLUDING RUNNING. I HAD THOUGHT THE KEY WAS NOT SUPPOSED TO COME OUT EXCEPT IN THE OFF POSITION. IS THIS CORRECT? I ATTEMPTED TO FIND OUT IF IT WAS IN THE GM RECALL FROM MY LOCAL GM DEALER AND THEY CLAIMED IGNORANCE OF ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING. INCLUDING EVEN WHAT CONSTITUTES A DEFECTIVE SWITCH AND WHAT IT IS SUPPOSED TO DO AND NOT DO. IT'S LIKE PULLING TEETH TRYING TO GET THEM TO SAY ANYTHING. THEY SAY THE FACTORY SENDS THEM A LIST AFFECTED CARS AND THEY WILL NOT TOUCH ANYTHING ELSE NO MATTER WHAT THE CIRCUMSTANCES. THE SMELL OF GASOLINE IS STRONG AT TIMES BUT A CURSORY EXAMINATION BY A MECHANIC DOESN'T SHOW ANYTHING. AFTER VIEWING THE RECALLS CONCERNING GAS LEAKS I AM WORRIED. CAN YOU TELL ME BY THE VIN HOW MANY OF THE RECALLS SHOWN ON YOUR PAGE THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD AND WHAT IT HAS MISSED BEFORE IT BURNS ME TO DEATH?
NHTSA complaint #10583714 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 165,000 milesSallis, MSCrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I BACKED UP TO THE LAUNDRY TO WASH CLOTHES AND PROCEEDED TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND GET OUT TO GET CLOTHES OUT OF THE BACK. I PUSHED THE BRAKE AND THOUGHT I HAD PUT THE CAR IN PARK BECAUSE THE KEY CAME OUT. WHEN I STARTED TO STEP OUT OF THE VAN TO GET MY CLOTHES OUT OF THE BACK AND MY FOOT CAME OFF THE BRAKE, THE CAR WAS STILL RUNNING AND BACKED INTO A BLOCK WALL. THE WALL WAS DESTROYED, BUT NO ONE WAS HURT. THE BACK DOOR OF THE VAN IS CRUSHED. AFTER A CLOSE EXAMINATION OF THE IGNITION LOCK I FOUND THAT THE KEY WILL COME OUT IN ANY POSITION, INCLUDING RUNNING. I HAD THOUGHT THE KEY WAS NOT SUPPOSED TO COME OUT EXCEPT IN THE OFF POSITION. IS THIS CORRECT? I ATTEMPTED TO FIND OUT IF IT WAS IN THE GM RECALL FROM MY LOCAL GM DEALER AND THEY CLAIMED IGNORANCE OF ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING. INCLUDING EVEN WHAT CONSTITUTES A DEFECTIVE SWITCH AND WHAT IT IS SUPPOSED TO DO AND NOT DO. IT'S LIKE PULLING TEETH TRYING TO GET THEM TO SAY ANYTHING. THEY SAY THE FACTORY SENDS THEM A LIST AFFECTED CARS AND THEY WILL NOT TOUCH ANYTHING ELSE NO MATTER WHAT THE CIRCUMSTANCES. THE SMELL OF GASOLINE IS STRONG AT TIMES BUT A CURSORY EXAMINATION BY A MECHANIC DOESN'T SHOW ANYTHING. AFTER VIEWING THE RECALLS CONCERNING GAS LEAKS I AM WORRIED. CAN YOU TELL ME BY THE VIN HOW MANY OF THE RECALLS SHOWN ON YOUR PAGE THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD AND WHAT IT HAS MISSED BEFORE IT BURNS ME TO DEATH?
NHTSA complaint #10583714 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 3 milesGrand Rapids, MI
STEERING
BOUGHT THIS 2001 PONTIAC MONTANA WITH 132000 MILES A WEEK BEFORE. GOING TO PICK UP MY SON FROM WORK, EARLY EVENING, 14 DEGREES OUTSIDE. I LOOK DOWN AND MY TEMPERATURE GAUGE SHOOT UP AND THE RED TEMP GAUGE COMES ON. I PULL OVER. BUBBLING FLUIDS IS ALL I HEAR. FIRST WE STARTED OFF WITH NO HEAT A FEW DAYS BEFORE THAT. WE HAD THE HEATER CORE FLUSHED OUT AND THAT SEEMED TO WORK. CHANGED THE WATER PUMP AND THERMOSTAT. O2 SENSORS NEED TO BE REPLACED (1+3). FUEL PUMP IS RUSTED. AND THE HYDROPONIC LIFTERS ARE LOUD. LIKE THE STYLE BUT HAVING PROBLEMS. NOTICED A FEW STEERING ISSUES.
NHTSA complaint #10566652 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 3 milesGrand Rapids, MI
ENGINE
BOUGHT THIS 2001 PONTIAC MONTANA WITH 132000 MILES A WEEK BEFORE. GOING TO PICK UP MY SON FROM WORK, EARLY EVENING, 14 DEGREES OUTSIDE. I LOOK DOWN AND MY TEMPERATURE GAUGE SHOOT UP AND THE RED TEMP GAUGE COMES ON. I PULL OVER. BUBBLING FLUIDS IS ALL I HEAR. FIRST WE STARTED OFF WITH NO HEAT A FEW DAYS BEFORE THAT. WE HAD THE HEATER CORE FLUSHED OUT AND THAT SEEMED TO WORK. CHANGED THE WATER PUMP AND THERMOSTAT. O2 SENSORS NEED TO BE REPLACED (1+3). FUEL PUMP IS RUSTED. AND THE HYDROPONIC LIFTERS ARE LOUD. LIKE THE STYLE BUT HAVING PROBLEMS. NOTICED A FEW STEERING ISSUES.
NHTSA complaint #10566652 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 3 milesGrand Rapids, MI
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
BOUGHT THIS 2001 PONTIAC MONTANA WITH 132000 MILES A WEEK BEFORE. GOING TO PICK UP MY SON FROM WORK, EARLY EVENING, 14 DEGREES OUTSIDE. I LOOK DOWN AND MY TEMPERATURE GAUGE SHOOT UP AND THE RED TEMP GAUGE COMES ON. I PULL OVER. BUBBLING FLUIDS IS ALL I HEAR. FIRST WE STARTED OFF WITH NO HEAT A FEW DAYS BEFORE THAT. WE HAD THE HEATER CORE FLUSHED OUT AND THAT SEEMED TO WORK. CHANGED THE WATER PUMP AND THERMOSTAT. O2 SENSORS NEED TO BE REPLACED (1+3). FUEL PUMP IS RUSTED. AND THE HYDROPONIC LIFTERS ARE LOUD. LIKE THE STYLE BUT HAVING PROBLEMS. NOTICED A FEW STEERING ISSUES.
NHTSA complaint #10566652 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 147,583 milesTampa, FL
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
IN 2010 I LEARNED MY VEHICLE HAD AN OUTSTANDING RECALL NOTICE (07V349000) FOR A DEFECTIVE GAS TANK. I HAD THE TANK REPLACED BY THE DEALER. YESTERDAY EVENING I NOTICED A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE WHEN I STEPPED NEAR MY VEHICLE. I WENT TO MY LOCAL ASE CERTIFIED MECHANIC AND HAD HIM INSPECT THE GAS TANK. HE FOUND IT WAS LEAKING SIGNIFICANTLY AT THE FILLER NECK. I THEN TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER THAT HAD DONE THE REPLACEMENT. I REQUESTED THEY REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE TANK. THE TOLD ME THE WARRANTY WAS GOOD FOR ONLY ONE YEAR OR 12,000 MILES. I TOLD THEM THAT DID NOT MAKE SENSE. THEY REPLACED A SUPPOSEDLY DEFECTIVE UNIT WITH A DEFECTIVE UNIT. THERE IS NO VISIBLE DAMAGE TO THE GAS TANK. I GOT IN TOUCH WITH GM CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPT. AND THEY ADVISED ME TO HAVE THE CAR INSPECTED BY THE DEALER AND WE WOULD PROCEED FROM THERE. THEY WILL CHARGE ME $58 ( I DON'T KNOW IF IT IS TAXABLE OR NOT) TO GET THE BALL ROLLING. THE MILEAGE AT THE TIME OF THE ORIGINAL REPLACEMENT WAS 122,727. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 147,583. THAT EQUATES TO A LITTLE OVER 8,000 MILES PER YEAR, IN FLORIDA.
NHTSA complaint #10536802 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marion, NC
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
FOR SOME TIME NOW I HAVE BEEN HAVING INCIDENTS WHERE MY GAS PEDAL IS HUNG UP OR STUCK. I AM TO THE POINT NOW I AM SCARED TO DRIVE IT. I HAVE SMALL CHILDREN AND EVERYTIME WE GET IN THE VAN ITS A DANGER.
NHTSA complaint #10478632 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marion, NC
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
FOR SOME TIME NOW I HAVE BEEN HAVING INCIDENTS WHERE MY GAS PEDAL IS HUNG UP OR STUCK. I AM TO THE POINT NOW I AM SCARED TO DRIVE IT. I HAVE SMALL CHILDREN AND EVERYTIME WE GET IN THE VAN ITS A DANGER.
NHTSA complaint #10478632 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 59,000 milesMiamisburg, OH
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC MONTANA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A GARAGE WHEN HE SMELLED A VERY STRONG ODOR OF FUEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS CRACKED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 59,000. ..UPDATED 01/04/12 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE ISSUE HAS BEEN RESOLVED. UPDATED 01/09/12
NHTSA complaint #10440425 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 153,379 milesSalem, NJ
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC MONTANA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN OVERPOWERING ODOR OF FUEL OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DEALER CONFIRMED THERE WAS A LEAK AT THE FILLER NECK. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY CONFIRMED THAT THE RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 07V349000(FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE) APPLIED TO THE CONTACT'S VIN BUT THE RECALL HAD EXPIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 153,379 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 153,626.
NHTSA complaint #10436358 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesFort Wayne, IN
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC MONTANA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE WAS READING INACCURATELY AND SHE WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE HOW MUCH FUEL WAS ACTUALLY IN THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT OF A REMEDY FOR THE FAILURE HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO IDENTIFY WHAT THE REMEDY CONSISTED OF. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 160,000 AND THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000.
NHTSA complaint #10428671 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LOS Angeles, CA
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC MONTANA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING FAILURES WITHIN THE ELEXTRICAL SYSTEM, WHICH WAS CAUSING THE CRUISE CONTROL, ANTI LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM, AND SPEED SENSOR TO FAIL. AS A RESULT, THE TRANSACTION AND AIR BAG LIGHTS WOULD ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE FAILURE ADDRESSED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 02V329000 (AIR BAGS FRONTAL). THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE CHECK VALVE PIN FOR THE AIR BAGS WAS IN THE WIRING HARNESS AND CAUSING ALL OF THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 180,000.
NHTSA complaint #10427935 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LOS Angeles, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC MONTANA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING FAILURES WITHIN THE ELEXTRICAL SYSTEM, WHICH WAS CAUSING THE CRUISE CONTROL, ANTI LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM, AND SPEED SENSOR TO FAIL. AS A RESULT, THE TRANSACTION AND AIR BAG LIGHTS WOULD ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE FAILURE ADDRESSED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 02V329000 (AIR BAGS FRONTAL). THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE CHECK VALVE PIN FOR THE AIR BAGS WAS IN THE WIRING HARNESS AND CAUSING ALL OF THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 180,000.
NHTSA complaint #10427935 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 124,500 milesMaryville, TN
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC MONTANA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN HE NOTICED FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM THE FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V349000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 124,500.
NHTSA complaint #10416638 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,000 milesWaukesha, WI
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
MID MAY 2011...I PURCHASED A 2001 PONTIAC MONTANA FROM AN OLDER WOMAN (70-80'S). SHE HAD PURCHASED THE VEHICLE NEW AND SHE LIVED NEAR TUSCON, ARIZONA. THE VEHICLE WAS/IS IN GREAT CONDITION (NO RUST, ETC.) FOR BEING 10 YEARS OLD...AND HAD ONLY 44,000 MILES ON IT. SINCE I BOUGHT THE VAN...I PUT ON MAYBE 1500 MILES. WITHIN THE FIRST MONTH...I HAD A FEW ISSUES...ONE BEING EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. ON THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2011 AS I BACKED OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY...I NOTICED A WEIRD FEELING WITH THE VAN...ALMOST A SQUISHY FEEL. I THOUGHT I MAYBE HAD A FLAT TIRE. I CHECKED AND IT LOOKED FINE. MY MOM PICKED UP MY 14 MONTH OLD DAUGHTER LATER THAT DAY WITH MY VAN...AND AS SHE WAS MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN FROM A STOP SIGN...SHE SAID THAT IT FELT AS THOUGH THE BACK END OF THE VAN SLID OUT FROM UNDER HER. SHE PULLED OVER AS SHE THOUGHT MAYBE SHE HAD A FLAT TIRE. THAT LOOKED FINE. THEN SHE GOT OUT AGAIN AND RECHECKED THE LUG NUTS ON THE TIRES. THOSE WERE TIGHT. THEN SHE THOUGHT THAT PERHAPS SHE HIT SOMETHING IN THE ROAD. AS SHE TURNED THE VAN AROUND TO CHECK THE INTERSECTION SHE JUST CAME THROUGH...THE VAN WOBBLED HORRIBLY. UPON INSPECTION...THE TRAILING ARM ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WAS BROKEN CLEAN IN HALF. YOU COULD MOVE THE TIRE COMPLETELY AROUND SO IT COULD TOUCH THE ALL PARTS OF THE WHEEL WELL. WE'VE TAKEN IT TO A FEW MECHANICS...AND ALL CANNOT FIGURE WHY OR HOW THAT HAPPENED. ALL OF THEM HAVE SAID, HOWEVER, THAT THIS TRAILING ARM SEEMS TO BE PRETTY THIN METAL WHEN YOU CONSIDER IT'S HOLDING YOUR TIRE ON! AND...THE WAY IT BROKE...IT'S ALMOST AS IF THERE WAS A FLAW FROM THE MANUFACTURER. SINCE THEN...WE HAVE HAD IT WELDED. BUT...I HAVEN'T DRIVEN THE VEHICLE MUCH. I'M EXTREMELY HESITANT WITH MY NOW 15 MONTH OLD DAUGHTER IN THE VAN. I'M SO GRATEFUL THIS INCIDENT DIDN'T HAPPEN ON THE FREEWAY! IT COULD HAVE BEEN A ROLLOVER. WE ARE TRYING TO DISCUSS THIS WITH GM TO SEE WHAT THEY CAN DO.
NHTSA complaint #10411978 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 46,000 milesWaukesha, WI
SUSPENSION:REAR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC MONTANA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, SHE NOTICED THAT THERE WAS AN UNUSUAL SHAKE IN THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE. WHILE ATTEMPTING A LEFT TURN, THE TRAILING ARM ON THE REAR END FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED THAT THE REAR TRAILING ARMS WERE FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 46,000.
NHTSA complaint #10411953 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,000 milesWaukesha, WI
SUSPENSION:REAR
MID MAY 2011...I PURCHASED A 2001 PONTIAC MONTANA FROM AN OLDER WOMAN (70-80'S). SHE HAD PURCHASED THE VEHICLE NEW AND SHE LIVED NEAR TUSCON, ARIZONA. THE VEHICLE WAS/IS IN GREAT CONDITION (NO RUST, ETC.) FOR BEING 10 YEARS OLD...AND HAD ONLY 44,000 MILES ON IT. SINCE I BOUGHT THE VAN...I PUT ON MAYBE 1500 MILES. WITHIN THE FIRST MONTH...I HAD A FEW ISSUES...ONE BEING EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. ON THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2011 AS I BACKED OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY...I NOTICED A WEIRD FEELING WITH THE VAN...ALMOST A SQUISHY FEEL. I THOUGHT I MAYBE HAD A FLAT TIRE. I CHECKED AND IT LOOKED FINE. MY MOM PICKED UP MY 14 MONTH OLD DAUGHTER LATER THAT DAY WITH MY VAN...AND AS SHE WAS MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN FROM A STOP SIGN...SHE SAID THAT IT FELT AS THOUGH THE BACK END OF THE VAN SLID OUT FROM UNDER HER. SHE PULLED OVER AS SHE THOUGHT MAYBE SHE HAD A FLAT TIRE. THAT LOOKED FINE. THEN SHE GOT OUT AGAIN AND RECHECKED THE LUG NUTS ON THE TIRES. THOSE WERE TIGHT. THEN SHE THOUGHT THAT PERHAPS SHE HIT SOMETHING IN THE ROAD. AS SHE TURNED THE VAN AROUND TO CHECK THE INTERSECTION SHE JUST CAME THROUGH...THE VAN WOBBLED HORRIBLY. UPON INSPECTION...THE TRAILING ARM ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WAS BROKEN CLEAN IN HALF. YOU COULD MOVE THE TIRE COMPLETELY AROUND SO IT COULD TOUCH THE ALL PARTS OF THE WHEEL WELL. WE'VE TAKEN IT TO A FEW MECHANICS...AND ALL CANNOT FIGURE WHY OR HOW THAT HAPPENED. ALL OF THEM HAVE SAID, HOWEVER, THAT THIS TRAILING ARM SEEMS TO BE PRETTY THIN METAL WHEN YOU CONSIDER IT'S HOLDING YOUR TIRE ON! AND...THE WAY IT BROKE...IT'S ALMOST AS IF THERE WAS A FLAW FROM THE MANUFACTURER. SINCE THEN...WE HAVE HAD IT WELDED. BUT...I HAVEN'T DRIVEN THE VEHICLE MUCH. I'M EXTREMELY HESITANT WITH MY NOW 15 MONTH OLD DAUGHTER IN THE VAN. I'M SO GRATEFUL THIS INCIDENT DIDN'T HAPPEN ON THE FREEWAY! IT COULD HAVE BEEN A ROLLOVER. WE ARE TRYING TO DISCUSS THIS WITH GM TO SEE WHAT THEY CAN DO.
NHTSA complaint #10411978 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.