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.
Frame AND Members
1028.6%
Gasoline
514.3%
Retractor
514.3%
Door
411.4%
Body
38.6%
Recliner
38.6%
Windshield Wiper/Washer
38.6%
AIR Conditioner
25.7%
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.
Feb 1995peak 11Oct 2005
NHTSA investigations into the 1990 Pontiac Trans Sport
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.
2
investigations are
still open.
RQ99002Opened 4 Mar 1999Still openENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
ENGINE CRADLE SEPARATION
ON APRIL 1, 1997, GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION FILED A DEFECT INFORMATION REPORT TO RECALL THE SUBJECT VEHICLES, REGISTERED IN 14 HIGH CORROSION STATES, TO REPLACE THE REAR ENGINE CRADLE BOLTS AND RETAINERS.THE REAR ENGINE CRADLE BOLTS WOULD EITHER FRACTURER OR PULL THROUGH THE RETIANERS DUE TO CORROSION.AS OF SEPTEMBER 1998, THE SIXTH QUARTER, 59.3% OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES HAD BEEN REPAIRED.IN ADDITION TO THE COMPLAINTS OF FRONT ENGINE CRADLE BOLT FAILURES IN THE ABOVE FAILURE REPORT SUMMARY, ODI HAS RECEIVED SIX REPORTS OF POSSIBLE FRONT ENGINE CRADLE BOLT FAILURES, INCLUDING TWO CRASHES.AN RQ...
RQ97017Opened 2 Oct 1997Still openSTRUCTURE
CRADLE BOLT FAILURES
EA00011Opened 10 Apr 2000Closed 12 Jan 2001ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
ENGINE CRADLE SEPARATION
THE ENGINE CRADLE FRONT BOLTS AND/OR RETAINERS MAY FAIL, ALLOWING THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE CRADLE TO FALL, POSSIBLY SEPARATING THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT FROM THE STEERING GEAR, WITH COMPLETE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL
EA97019Opened 30 Sep 1997Closed 8 Jun 1999SEATS
FRONT SEAT BACK COLLAPSE
ALLEGED FRONT SEAT BACK COLLAPSE DUE TO RECLINER BOLT
PE97016Opened 7 Apr 1997Closed 30 Sep 1997SEATS
FRONT SEAT BACK COLLAPSE
SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE ALLEGED TO EXPERIENCE INADVERTENT FRONT SEAT BACK COLLAPSE DUE TO FRACTURE OF FRONT SEAT RECLINER MOUNTING BOLTS.
PE96065Opened 15 Nov 1996Closed 8 Apr 1997ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
ALLEGED ENGINE SUBFRAME MOUNT/INSULATOR
ALLEGED FAILURES OF ENGINE FRAME INSULATORS/MOUNTS TO UNIBODY FRAME MAY ALLOW SEPARATION OF ENGINE SUBFRAME, RESULTING IN COMPROMISE OR LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL WITH THE VEHICLE IN MOTION.
EA92035Opened 30 Oct 1992Closed 30 Nov 1993VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
APV FUEL LINE FIRES
DP92012Opened 9 Jun 1992Closed 25 Jun 1992ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
APV FIRES
APV FIRES
Recalls on the 1990 Pontiac Trans Sport
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
99I003000
SEATS
THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINIVANS EQUIPPED WITH FRONT BUCKET SEATS. THE FRONT SEAT RECLINER MECHANISM LOWER BOLTS CAN LOOSEN. A LOOSE BOLT COULD FATIGUE AND BREAK, RESULTING IN THE SEAT BACK FALLING REARWARD.
Risk: THE SEAT COULD SUDDENLY FALL BACKWARD, DISTRACTING THE DRIVER, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
97V058000
STRUCTURE
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MINI VANS ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: CONNECTICUT, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MAINE, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT AND WISCONSIN. THE REAR CRADLE BOLTS PULL THROUGH THE RETAINERS DUE TO CORROSION OF THE RETAINER. IF BOTH BOLTS PULL THROUGH, THE REAR CRADLE WOULD NOT LONGER BE SUPPORTED AT THESE MOUNTING LOCATIONS AND THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT CAN SEPARATE FROM THE STEERING GEAR.
Risk: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD RESULT.
92V012000
STRUCTURE:BODY
THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT DOOR WILL NOT REMAIN CLOSED DURING CERTAIN LOAD FORCES ASSOCIATED WITH A VEHICLE CRASH. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 201.
Risk: IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT, THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT DOORMAY OPEN AND RESULT IN OCCUPANT(S) INJURIES FROM CONTACT WITH THE GLOVECOMPARTMENT DOOR.
91V046000
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
A RIGHT HAND SEAT/SHOULDER BELT RETRACTOR MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED IN THE SECOND ROW LEFT HAND SEAT POSITION (DIRECTLY BEHIND DRIVER).
Risk: THE INCORRECT RETRACTOR MAY CAUSE THE BELTS TO LOCK UPIF THE VAN IS PARKED ON A STEEP GRADE. AS A RESULT OF THIS, THE OCCUPANT COULDNOT EXTEND THE BELT FOR USE.
89V164000
SEATS
THE REAR MODULAR SEAT FRAME HOLD-DOWN HOOKS MAY NOT MEET THE REQUIRED PULL FORCE AT THE REAR SET ANCHORAGE.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Easton, PAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
THE VAN WAS PARKED ALL DAY IN FRONT OF THE HOUSE AND FOR NO REASON THE VAN WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRE WAS COMING FROM THE DASH BOARD. TT
NHTSA complaint #978362 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 80,000 milesKnights Town, IN
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
DT: THE CONTACT WAS SLOWING DOWN TO MAKE A TURN WHEN THE ENGINE CRADLE MALFUNCTIONED DUE TO RUST. THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION NEARLY FELL OUT OF THE VEHICLE. WHEN THIS HAPPENED THE STEERING LINKAGE DISCONNECTED AND THE STEERING WHEEL KEPT TURNING AROUND. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. HE CONTACTED GM, AND THEY OFFERED NO FREE REMEDY TO THE PROBLEM. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM PREVIOUSLY. HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN.
NHTSA complaint #10141270 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesKnights Town, IN
STEERING:LINKAGES
DT: THE CONTACT WAS SLOWING DOWN TO MAKE A TURN WHEN THE ENGINE CRADLE MALFUNCTIONED DUE TO RUST. THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION NEARLY FELL OUT OF THE VEHICLE. WHEN THIS HAPPENED THE STEERING LINKAGE DISCONNECTED AND THE STEERING WHEEL KEPT TURNING AROUND. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. HE CONTACTED GM, AND THEY OFFERED NO FREE REMEDY TO THE PROBLEM. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM PREVIOUSLY. HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN.
NHTSA complaint #10141270 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bellevue, NE
STRUCTURE
IN REGARDS TO THE RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE #97016 OR ALLDATA # 97VO58000: MY REAR CRADLE BOLTS WENT OUT THE OTHER DAY. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A PRIVATE SERVICE STATION THAT INFORMED ME THE PART WAS UNDER RECALL AND I NEEDED TO CALL THE DEALERSHIP. I CALLED THEM AND RECEIVED NO HELP(THEY TOLD ME THEY HADN'T HEARD OF A RECALL FOR IT) AND GAVE ME THE NUMBER TO PONTIAC. I CALLED PONTIAC AND TOLD THEM THE SITUATION. THE LADY I SPOKE WITH INFORMED ME THAT "TECHNICALLY, MY VEHICLE WAS UNDER THE RECALL SINCE IT WAS MANUFACTURED IN NY" BUT SHE WOULD NEED TO GET THE REGIONAL GUYS APPROVAL BEFORE I COULD TAKE IT IN AND WOULD CALL ME BACK IN 2-3 DAYS. SHE CALLED BACK AND SAID THAT THEY WERE NOT TAKING RESPONSIBILTY FOR ANYTHING AND I WOULD HAVE TO HAVE IT TOWED IN ON MY OWN AT MY COST AND THEY WOULD LOOK AT IT WHEN THEY GOT AROUND TO IT. SHE CALLED ME AGAIN ON THURSDAY AND SAID THAT SHE HAD SPOKEN WITH THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THEY WOULD PROBABLY GET AROUND TO LOOKING AT IT ON MONDAY TO SEE IF IT QUALIFIED FOR THE RECALL. ..FIRST THEY TELL ME IT IS IN THE RECALL AND THEN THEY WON'T GIVE ME ANY HELP AT ALL. I HAVE BEEN WITHOUT MY CAR FOR 5 DAYS NOW AND HAVE NO IDEA WHEN I WILL GET IT BACK. I COULD HAVE HAD IT FIXED BY NOW BY THE PRIVATE SHOP. FORTUNATELY, I WAS JUST PULLING OUT OF A PARKING LOT WHEN THE MOTOR DROPPED OUT AND BROKE THE STEERING COLUMN. PLEASE HELP ME IN RESOLVING THIS MATTER AND REMINDING PONTIAC THAT IT IS THEIR RESPONSIBILTY TO REPAIR IT AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE. FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME AT EITHER NUMBER, ANYTIME. THANKS FOR YOUR HELP.
NHTSA complaint #746583 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Omaha, NE
SEATS
MOUNTING BOLT FOR DRIVER'S SEATBACK SHEARED OFF, CAUSING SEATBACK TO COLLAPSE. I HAVE THE DAMAGED BOLT AND WILL PROVIDE IF REQUESTED.
NHTSA complaint #743860 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Seven Hills, OH
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
FRONT END WAS WOBBLING IN STEERING. CONSUMER HAD AN ALIGNMENT SHOP TO ALIGN VEHICLE, BUT AS THE MECHANIC EXAMINED VEHICLE, HE SAW SUBFRAME ON RIGHT SIDE WAS RUSTED. BEFORE CONFIRMING WORK, CONSUMER CONTACTED PONTIAC TO SEE IF ANY RECALLS WERE ON VEHICLE. PONTIAC WAS POLITE IN SAYING THAT VEHICLE WAS TOO OLD, THERE WAS NO WARRANTY AND NO RECALL. ALIGNMENT SHOP REPLACED ENTIRE FRONT SUBFRAME , LEFT SIDE WAS LIKE NEW.*AK *SLC
NHTSA complaint #885675 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bradenton, FL
SEAT BELTS:FRONT
SEATBELTS IN FRONT SEATS HAVE GONE LOOSE. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT NTSA SHOULD BE CONCERNED WITH. SEATBELTS ARE MANDATORY IN MANY STATES INCLUDING MINE. PONTIAC REFUSES TO REPAIR AS A RECALL EVEN THOUGH IT IS A HAZARD AND NOT A WEAR AND TEAR ISSUE. SEATBELTS SHOULD NOT BREAK, ESPECIALLY THE 2 FRONT SEATBELTS.
NHTSA complaint #738671 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Plainwell, MI
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #726007 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stafford, VA
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOP WHEN EVER. VERY VERY DANGEROUS. 3 REPLACEMENT PARTS TO NO AVAIL.
NHTSA complaint #714136 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Claremont, CA
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
NO ACCIDENT, I BOUGHT FROM BACH MOTORS, A USED VAN, 1990, 140,000 MILES, MANY FAULTS, DID NOT REALIZE. WINDSHIELD WITH TWO CRACKS, BROKEN LATCH ON DRIVER'S DOOR, BROKEN SEAT BELT, DRIVERS SIDE, ONE CYLINDER FAULTY, STRUTS WEAK ALL AROUND, AND BRAKES WEAK
NHTSA complaint #712810 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
University, MO
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL (97V058000), REPAIRS COULD NOT BE DONE.
NHTSA complaint #548527 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stafford, VA
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
WIPERS STOP WHILE DRIVING IN RAIN. REPLACEMENT PART DOES SAME THING. AUTO SHOP SAID DEFECT IN DASH, BAD WIRING
NHTSA complaint #710540 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Medina, NY
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
ONGOING PROBLEM WITH SPOT(CLOUDY) APPEARS TO GROW ON THE WINDSHIELD WHICH AFFECETS THE VISIBILITY. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUME RTHAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. INSURANCE COMPANY INFORMED CONSUME RTHAT IT WAS A MANUFACTURER'S DEFFECT WHICH WAS NOT COVERED BY INSURANCE. CAN NHTSA HELP IN THIS MATTER.
NHTSA complaint #842866 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Micanopy, FL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
NO SUMMARY. *MJS
NHTSA complaint #705609 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Harrison Twp., MI
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
THE PLASTIC COVER HOLDING THE RETRACTING SPRING HAS BECOME DEFORMED ON MORE THAN ONE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR. ALLOWING THE SPRING TO DISCONNECT AND THE BELT TO PULL FREE. MORE THEN ONE BELT RETRACTOR SHOWS SIGNS OF DEFORMING AND POSSIBLE FAILURE. I BELIEVE ALL SIX SEAT BELT RESTRAINTS SHOULDBE REPLACED AS A SAFTY EQUIPMENT DEFECT.
NHTSA complaint #705405 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Warren, MI
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
RECALL WORK COMPLETED ON THE CRADLE BOLTS, HOWEVER FAILED (BOLTS BROKE OFF) RESULTING IN EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO VEHICLE WHEN ENGINE DROPPED TO THE GROUND.
NHTSA complaint #543390 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
OAK Forest, IL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
TEMPERATURE GAUGE FAILED, RESULTING IN OVERHEATING AND DAMAGE TO ENGINE , GAUGES AND DASHBOARD.
NHTSA complaint #507264 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
OAK Forest, IL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
DASH BOARD DESIGN IS DIFFICULT TO REPLACE AND FIT PROPERLY.
NHTSA complaint #507264 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
OAK Forest, IL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
TEMPERATURE GAUGE FAILED, RESULTING IN OVERHEATING AND DAMAGE TO ENGINE , GAUGES AND DASHBOARD.
NHTSA complaint #507264 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
OAK Forest, IL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TEMPERATURE GAUGE FAILED, RESULTING IN OVERHEATING AND DAMAGE TO ENGINE , GAUGES AND DASHBOARD.
NHTSA complaint #507264 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
OAK Forest, IL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
ENGINE OVERHEATED AND FAILED.(CONSUMER IS ATTORNEY).
NHTSA complaint #507239 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
OAK Forest, IL
STRUCTURE:BODY
AFTER REPLACEMENT OF DASHBOARD, THE UNIT DOES NOT FIT PROPERLY INTO SLOTS DUE TO DESIGN FLAW.(CONSUMER IS ATTORNEY).
NHTSA complaint #507239 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
OAK Forest, IL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TEMPERATURE GAUGE FAILED TO INDICATE ENGINE OVERHEATING, RESULTING IN ENGINE FAILURE. (CONSUMER IS ATTORNEY).
NHTSA complaint #507239 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Warren, MI
STEERING
WHILE MECHANIC WAS TEST DRIVING VEHICLE HE STEPPED ON THE BRAKES AND HEARD A BIG NOISE BEFORE THE CRADLE BOLT CAME APART AND ENGINE COLLAPSED. DEALER WAS CONTACTED.
NHTSA complaint #832492 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Warren, MI
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
WHILE MECHANIC WAS TEST DRIVING VEHICLE HE STEPPED ON THE BRAKES AND HEARD A BIG NOISE BEFORE THE CRADLE BOLT CAME APART AND ENGINE COLLAPSED. DEALER WAS CONTACTED.
NHTSA complaint #832492 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pinckney, MI
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
ENGINE/SUSPENSION SUB-FRAME ASSEMBLY FAILURE AT FRONT ATTACHMENT OF RIGHT FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM. THIS FAILURE IS DUE TO CORROSION OF THE SUB FRAME ASSEMBLY. THIS CAUSED SEPARATION OF THE RIGHT FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM AND LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. THE FAILURE OCCURED AT A LOW SPEED WHILE BACKING VEHICLE UP. THE METAL IN THE AREA IS RUSTED AND WEAKENED. INSPECTION OF A SIMILAR VEHICLE SHOWED THE SAME TYPE OF FRAME CORROSION AND LIKLIHOOD OF FUTURE FRAME FAILURE. THIS MAY BE A RUST BELT SITUATION DUE TO THE HIGH AMOUNTS OF CORROSIVE SALT USED ON MICHIGAN ROADS. I MUST SAY THAT AS A MECHANIC, THIS IS CERTAINLY A PROBLEM THAT IS A SAFETY CONCERN.
NHTSA complaint #700597 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.