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.
10,000 – 24,999 miles
225.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
112.5%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
450.0%
150,000+ miles
112.5%
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 1995peak 10Mar 2008
NHTSA investigations into the 1992 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.
RQ03003Opened 8 Jan 2003Closed 10 Apr 2003STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
ENGINE CRADLE SEPARATION
IN APRIL 1997, GM NOTIFIED ODI OF A REAR ENGINE CRADLE BOLT DEFECT IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1990-91 U VANS AND MY 1988-91 W CARS THAT COULD RESULT IN SEPARATION OF THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT FROM THE STEERING GEAR.GM IDENTIFIED THE PROBLEM AS EXCESSIVE CREVICE CORROSION OF THE ENGINE CRADLE RETAINER AFTER YEARS OF EXPOSURE IN A SEVERE CORROSIVE ENVIRONMENT.THE RECALL COVERED APPROXIMATELY 680,000 VEHICLES REGISTERED IN 14 RUST BELT STATES; INCLUDING ALMOST 70,000 MY 1990-91 U VANS.THE RECALLED VEHICLES RECEIVED NEW REAR CRADLE BOLTS AND RETAINERS. GM CHANGED THE MATERIAL COMPOSITION OF...
PE96002Opened 5 Jan 1996Closed 16 Apr 1996SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
FRONT BRAKE HOSE FAILURE
PE94070Opened 15 Sep 1994Closed 18 Jan 1995POWER TRAIN
TRNSAXL OIL HOSE SEPARATES
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
PE92052Opened 4 Jun 1992Closed 30 Oct 1992VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
APV FUEL LINE FIRES
Recalls on the 1992 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
96V015000
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 1991 THROUGH JULY 1995. THE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINE CAN SEPARATE WHEN THE VEHICLE IS OPERATED IN LOW TEMPERATURES IN COMBINATION WITH HIGH TRANSMISSION LOADS.
Risk: VEHICLE FIRES CAN OCCUR DUE TO THE SPILLAGE OF TRANSMISSION FLUID.
94V027000
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER
VEHICLE FAILS TO CONFORM TO FMVSS NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES." THE SAFETY BELT OF THE LEFT THIRD ROW SEAT ON THE SIX PASSENGER VAN AND THE CENTER SECOND ROW SEAT OF THE SEVEN PASSENGER VAN MAY LOCK UP AND CANNOT BE WITHDRAWN FROM THE RETRACTOR.
Risk: CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: THE OCCUPANTS OF THESE SEATS WILL NOT BE ABLE TO USE THE AFFECTED BELT. IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, UNBELTED OCCUPANTS ARE AT INCREASED RISK OF INJURY.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 15,000 milesScottville, MICrash
STEERING
WHILE PULLING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY STEERING UNIT FAILED, CAUSING THE CONSUMER TO LOSE STEERING POWER, AND VEHICLE FELL INTO A DITCH. TWO MAJOR BOLTS HOLDING THE FRONT END OF THE CHASSIS BROKE LOOSE, CAUSING THE STEERING TO COLLAPSE. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. MANUFACTURER AND THE DEALER WERE NOTIFIED.
NHTSA complaint #10040447 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 15,000 milesScottville, MICrash
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
WHILE PULLING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY STEERING UNIT FAILED, CAUSING THE CONSUMER TO LOSE STEERING POWER, AND VEHICLE FELL INTO A DITCH. TWO MAJOR BOLTS HOLDING THE FRONT END OF THE CHASSIS BROKE LOOSE, CAUSING THE STEERING TO COLLAPSE. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. MANUFACTURER AND THE DEALER WERE NOTIFIED.
NHTSA complaint #10040447 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Buffulo, NYFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE STARTED IN THE DOOR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED.
NHTSA complaint #826664 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Taylorsville, NCFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
EXPERIENCED ELECTRICAL FIRE UNDERHOOD. PLEASE GIVE MORE DETAILS. TT
NHTSA complaint #979108 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Milwaukee, WICrash1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
DESIGN OF DRIVER'S DOOR RESULTED IN DRIVER BEING STRUCK IN HEAD WHEN OPENING DOOR, CAUSING CUT AND CONCUSSION.
NHTSA complaint #480268 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 120,000 milesBuchanan, MI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
I AM ASE CERTIFIED IN BRAKES STEERING AND SUSPENSION. MY 1992 PONTIAC TRANSPORT HAS DEVELOPED NUMEROUS PROBLEMS. ONE ( BRAKES WILL FAIL TO ENGAGE FOR NO APPARENT REASON WITH VIBRATION IN THE PEDAL. DOES NOT DO THIS ALL THE TIME ONLY FREQUENTLY. AND TWO. IT ALSO WILL VIOLENTLY START SHUTTERING AT SPEEDS OF 40 TO 60 MPH. I HAVE REPLACED BOTH BALL JOINTS, BOTH TIE RODS(INNER AND OUTER), BOTH WHEEL BEARINGS, ALL 4 STRUTS AND MOUNTS, BOTH ROTORS, TRANS VACUUM SHIFT MODULE, TRANS COOLER LINES, ENTIRE REAR BRAKE SYSTEM, ALL LINES (STEEL AND RUBBER) RADIATOR AND BOTH CV SHAFTS. I AM TIRE OF PUTTING MONEY INTO THIS PIT AND IT DIDN'T EVEN HAVE 100,000 MILES ON IT WHEN IT STARTED AND I HAVE INVESTED OVER $3,000.00 IN REPAIRS. THIS IS RIDICULOUS WHEN THIS VERY SAME REPORT HAS BEEN MADE IN NUMEROUS OCCASIONS AND PONTIAC WILL NOT FIX THE PROBLEM THAT IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE AND SHOULD BE A RECALL OF WHAT EVER IS CAUSING THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10221360 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesBuchanan, MI
SUSPENSION
I AM ASE CERTIFIED IN BRAKES STEERING AND SUSPENSION. MY 1992 PONTIAC TRANSPORT HAS DEVELOPED NUMEROUS PROBLEMS. ONE ( BRAKES WILL FAIL TO ENGAGE FOR NO APPARENT REASON WITH VIBRATION IN THE PEDAL. DOES NOT DO THIS ALL THE TIME ONLY FREQUENTLY. AND TWO. IT ALSO WILL VIOLENTLY START SHUTTERING AT SPEEDS OF 40 TO 60 MPH. I HAVE REPLACED BOTH BALL JOINTS, BOTH TIE RODS(INNER AND OUTER), BOTH WHEEL BEARINGS, ALL 4 STRUTS AND MOUNTS, BOTH ROTORS, TRANS VACUUM SHIFT MODULE, TRANS COOLER LINES, ENTIRE REAR BRAKE SYSTEM, ALL LINES (STEEL AND RUBBER) RADIATOR AND BOTH CV SHAFTS. I AM TIRE OF PUTTING MONEY INTO THIS PIT AND IT DIDN'T EVEN HAVE 100,000 MILES ON IT WHEN IT STARTED AND I HAVE INVESTED OVER $3,000.00 IN REPAIRS. THIS IS RIDICULOUS WHEN THIS VERY SAME REPORT HAS BEEN MADE IN NUMEROUS OCCASIONS AND PONTIAC WILL NOT FIX THE PROBLEM THAT IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE AND SHOULD BE A RECALL OF WHAT EVER IS CAUSING THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10221360 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesBuchanan, MI
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER
I AM ASE CERTIFIED IN BRAKES STEERING AND SUSPENSION. MY 1992 PONTIAC TRANSPORT HAS DEVELOPED NUMEROUS PROBLEMS. ONE ( BRAKES WILL FAIL TO ENGAGE FOR NO APPARENT REASON WITH VIBRATION IN THE PEDAL. DOES NOT DO THIS ALL THE TIME ONLY FREQUENTLY. AND TWO. IT ALSO WILL VIOLENTLY START SHUTTERING AT SPEEDS OF 40 TO 60 MPH. I HAVE REPLACED BOTH BALL JOINTS, BOTH TIE RODS(INNER AND OUTER), BOTH WHEEL BEARINGS, ALL 4 STRUTS AND MOUNTS, BOTH ROTORS, TRANS VACUUM SHIFT MODULE, TRANS COOLER LINES, ENTIRE REAR BRAKE SYSTEM, ALL LINES (STEEL AND RUBBER) RADIATOR AND BOTH CV SHAFTS. I AM TIRE OF PUTTING MONEY INTO THIS PIT AND IT DIDN'T EVEN HAVE 100,000 MILES ON IT WHEN IT STARTED AND I HAVE INVESTED OVER $3,000.00 IN REPAIRS. THIS IS RIDICULOUS WHEN THIS VERY SAME REPORT HAS BEEN MADE IN NUMEROUS OCCASIONS AND PONTIAC WILL NOT FIX THE PROBLEM THAT IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE AND SHOULD BE A RECALL OF WHAT EVER IS CAUSING THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10221360 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesBuchanan, MI
EQUIPMENT
I AM ASE CERTIFIED IN BRAKES STEERING AND SUSPENSION. MY 1992 PONTIAC TRANSPORT HAS DEVELOPED NUMEROUS PROBLEMS. ONE ( BRAKES WILL FAIL TO ENGAGE FOR NO APPARENT REASON WITH VIBRATION IN THE PEDAL. DOES NOT DO THIS ALL THE TIME ONLY FREQUENTLY. AND TWO. IT ALSO WILL VIOLENTLY START SHUTTERING AT SPEEDS OF 40 TO 60 MPH. I HAVE REPLACED BOTH BALL JOINTS, BOTH TIE RODS(INNER AND OUTER), BOTH WHEEL BEARINGS, ALL 4 STRUTS AND MOUNTS, BOTH ROTORS, TRANS VACUUM SHIFT MODULE, TRANS COOLER LINES, ENTIRE REAR BRAKE SYSTEM, ALL LINES (STEEL AND RUBBER) RADIATOR AND BOTH CV SHAFTS. I AM TIRE OF PUTTING MONEY INTO THIS PIT AND IT DIDN'T EVEN HAVE 100,000 MILES ON IT WHEN IT STARTED AND I HAVE INVESTED OVER $3,000.00 IN REPAIRS. THIS IS RIDICULOUS WHEN THIS VERY SAME REPORT HAS BEEN MADE IN NUMEROUS OCCASIONS AND PONTIAC WILL NOT FIX THE PROBLEM THAT IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE AND SHOULD BE A RECALL OF WHAT EVER IS CAUSING THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10221360 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesByron, IL
SEAT BELTS
I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE 4 OF THE 6 SEAT BELT RETRACTORS SINCE JULY OF 2000. THE FAILURE MODE IS THE RETRACTOR SPRING BREAKING OR PULLING OUT OF SEATBELT MOUNTING SHAFT. EACH REPLACEMENT RETRACTOR COSTS $130. REPLACEMENT PARTS LOOK LIKE THEY WILL FAIL IN THE SAME MANNER, VERY POOR DESIGN.
NHTSA complaint #10069296 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lynchburg, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
THE WIRING HARNESS THAT FEEDS THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS, HVAC BLOWER MOTOR AND OTHER THINGS IS MELTING & SHORTING OUT. I FIND WHEN I LOOK IN SALVAGE YARDS FOR THIS ITEM, ALL THE ONES THAT WOULD FIT THIS VEHICLE ARE MELTED IN THE SAME WAY. THEREFORE, THIS MUST BE A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT AND SHOULD BE REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #10054944 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Smyrna, TN
STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH STEERING BROKE. THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD MOVE FREELY BUT WOULD NOT CONTROL THE MOVEMENT OR DIRECTION OF THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10044635 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 15,000 milesScottville, MICrash
STEERING
WHILE PULLING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY STEERING UNIT FAILED, CAUSING THE CONSUMER TO LOSE STEERING POWER, AND VEHICLE FELL INTO A DITCH. TWO MAJOR BOLTS HOLDING THE FRONT END OF THE CHASSIS BROKE LOOSE, CAUSING THE STEERING TO COLLAPSE. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. MANUFACTURER AND THE DEALER WERE NOTIFIED.
NHTSA complaint #10040447 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 15,000 milesScottville, MICrash
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
WHILE PULLING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY STEERING UNIT FAILED, CAUSING THE CONSUMER TO LOSE STEERING POWER, AND VEHICLE FELL INTO A DITCH. TWO MAJOR BOLTS HOLDING THE FRONT END OF THE CHASSIS BROKE LOOSE, CAUSING THE STEERING TO COLLAPSE. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. MANUFACTURER AND THE DEALER WERE NOTIFIED.
NHTSA complaint #10040447 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesGranite Falls, NC
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORK INTERMITTENTLY. WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORK MOSTLY WHEN WEATHER IS WARM, PER CONSUMER.
NHTSA complaint #10039700 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Detroit, MI
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
WHILE DRIVING, THE STUDS ON THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE BROKE, CAUSING THE TIRE AND RIM TO COME OFF.(OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT)
NHTSA complaint #567271 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Buffallo, NY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
ENGINE MOUNT BOLTS RUSTED, AND BROKE CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING WHILE DRIVING.*AK
NHTSA complaint #8011965 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Luckey, OH
TIRES
WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE, THE LEFT FRONT TIRE BLEW OUT, CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE UNDERCARRIAGE OF VEHICLE.*JB(OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT #10-91-392) NO TIRE INFO GIVEN.
NHTSA complaint #562939 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newton, MA
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
SAME SYMPTOMS & CAUSE AS 98V150001. INTERMITTENT, RANDOM FAILURES EXTREMELY DANGEROUS - ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. SOLDER JOINTS AT CONNECTOR CRACKED. RETENTION TABS ON CONNECTOR ARE SMOOTH TAPER & DO NOT CLIP TO THE PCB. LEADS ARE INSERTED STRAIT - SHOULD BE CRIMPED OVER. NO MECHANICAL SUPPORT PROVIDED AGAINST UP & DOWN FORCES ON SOLDER JOINTS. 1994 CHEVROLET LUMINA APV ALSO SHOWING SYMPTOMS. WIPER CIRCUIT BOARD: ASM 22101626 PCB 22122142 REV.A MFG=DELCO PRODUCTS.
NHTSA complaint #762020 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN City, CA
STRUCTURE
REAR CRADLE BOLTS THAT HOLD UP ENGINE HAVE BEEN CORREDED. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #892384 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Webster, IN
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH
THERE ARE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION. TRANSMISSION WILL START "BUCKING" WHEN TRAVELING BETWEEN 40 TO 60 MPH. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS.
NHTSA complaint #885324 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Calvert City, KY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
DRIVER'S OUTSIDE DOOR LATCH WON'T WORK. BLACK PAINT IS PEELING OFF ROOF AND I'VE SEEN SEVERAL SAME WAY. WIRING SHORTED UNDER HOOD AND DAMAGED RADIATOR. TREAD CAME OFF TIRE CAUSING $2500 DAMAGE. GENERAL PAID DAMAGE CLAIM AND REPLACED TIRES WITH ME PAYING FOR 1. ( APPROX 20K AND 7-8 YEARS AGO.)( DOT NUMBER: )
NHTSA complaint #739734 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Calvert City, KY
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
DRIVER'S OUTSIDE DOOR LATCH WON'T WORK. BLACK PAINT IS PEELING OFF ROOF AND I'VE SEEN SEVERAL SAME WAY. WIRING SHORTED UNDER HOOD AND DAMAGED RADIATOR. TREAD CAME OFF TIRE CAUSING $2500 DAMAGE. GENERAL PAID DAMAGE CLAIM AND REPLACED TIRES WITH ME PAYING FOR 1. ( APPROX 20K AND 7-8 YEARS AGO.)( DOT NUMBER: )
NHTSA complaint #739734 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Calvert City, KY
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
DRIVER'S OUTSIDE DOOR LATCH WON'T WORK. BLACK PAINT IS PEELING OFF ROOF AND I'VE SEEN SEVERAL SAME WAY. WIRING SHORTED UNDER HOOD AND DAMAGED RADIATOR. TREAD CAME OFF TIRE CAUSING $2500 DAMAGE. GENERAL PAID DAMAGE CLAIM AND REPLACED TIRES WITH ME PAYING FOR 1. ( APPROX 20K AND 7-8 YEARS AGO.)( DOT NUMBER: )
NHTSA complaint #739734 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cornell, MI
SEATS
METAL PART UNDER DRIVER'S SEAT THAT HOLDS THE SEAT UP AND MOVES THE SEAT FORWARD/BACKWARD, BROKE WHILE DRIVING WHICH CAUSED DRIVER'S SEAT TO MOVE UNEXPECTEDLY, AND COULD CAUSE A CRASH. HAD TO REPLACE SEAT TWICE. *AK *SLC
NHTSA complaint #874971 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Kingstown, RI
SEAT BELTS
THE MIDDLE ROW PASSENGER'S SIDE SEAT BELTS DO NOT RETRACT AND ARE LOOSE. DEALER HAS REPAIRED THEM BEFORE, AND PROBLEM HAS REOCCURRED.
NHTSA complaint #851349 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lusby, MD
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
WHEN APPLYING THE ABS BRAKES ON DRY PAVEMENT THE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOOR, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. ALSO, DEALAER REPLACED BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #843109 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lusby, MD
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
WHEN APPLYING THE ABS BRAKES ON DRY PAVEMENT THE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOOR, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. ALSO, DEALAER REPLACED BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #843109 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glennallen, VA
SEAT BELTS
SHOULDER BELT IS BROKEN ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. PLASTIC PART FROM WHERE SEAT BELT IS PULLED, ISN'T SUPPORTING THE CONSUMER.
NHTSA complaint #835829 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Suitland, MD
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKE PEDAL IT HAS A RESISTANCE, THEN GOES ALMOST TO THE FLOOR AND VEHICLE DOESN'T STOP. DEALER CAN'T FIND WHAT'S WRONG WITH THE ABS.
NHTSA complaint #835143 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.