Owners have filed 287 complaints
about the 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport with NHTSA between 1998 and 2014.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 7 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 — 96
Against the median year of the Pontiac Trans Sport. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 65
12.5% 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 1998 compares with every other Pontiac Trans Sport
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.
Headlights
2322.1%
Door
1716.3%
Latch
1615.4%
Cooling System
1514.4%
Engine
1110.6%
Rack AND Pinion
87.7%
Frontal
87.7%
Gasoline
65.8%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
67.6%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
22.5%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
33.8%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
2632.9%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1519.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
2126.6%
150,000+ miles
67.6%
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
1998 Pontiac 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.
Feb 1998peak 15May 2014
NHTSA investigations into the 1998 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.
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...
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...
PE02086Opened 18 Nov 2002Closed 9 Apr 2003SUSPENSION
REAR AXLE TRAILING ARM FAILURE
ANALYSIS OF ODI AND GM DATA HAS IDENTIFIED 14 INCIDENTS OF REAR TRAILING ARM FAILURES IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1997 THROUGH 1999 GM U-VANS, INCLUDING TWO THAT ALLEGEDLY RESULTED IN CRASHES. THE TRAILING ARM DESIGN IN THESE VEHICLES IS USED IN THE U-VANS FROM MY 1997 THROUGH 2003.ACCORDING TO GM, THE SUBJECT TRAILING ARMS CAN CRACK OR BUCKLE IF THEY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING ASSEMBLY, PRE-DELIVERY HANDLING, OR CERTAIN SERVICE RELATED ABUSE CONDITIONS (E.G., IMPROPER TOWING OR JACKING).GM IDENTIFIED A PARTS HANDLING CONCERN THAT WAS CAUSING SOME TRAILING ARMS TO BE DAMAGED PRIOR TO INSTALLATION.TO ADDR...
PE02017Opened 11 Feb 2002Closed 2 Aug 2002SEAT BELTS
SHOULDER HARNESS CLIP
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
Recalls on the 1998 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.
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.
02V286000
STEERING:RACK AND PINION
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MINI VANS HAVE LOWER PINION BEARINGS IN THE POWER RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY IN WHICH THE RETAINER TABS WERE NOT CRIMPED PROPERLY. THESE AND SOME OTHER RETAINERS USED IN VEHICLES ASSEMBLED BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 1996 AND OCTOBER 31, 1997, COULD FAIL AND PERMIT THE BALL BEARINGS TO ESCAPE.
Risk: IF THIS OCCURS, THE PINION SHAFT CAN BE FORCED UPWARD DURING LEFT TURNS AND BACK DOWN AS THE STEERING WHEEL IS MOVED BACK AND TO THE RIGHT. IF THE PINION SHAFT MOVES FURTHER, THE DRIVER WILL NEED TO EXERT MORE EFFORT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL, SIMILAR TO A VEHICLE WITHOUT POWER ASSISTED STEERING. IF THE PINION SHAFT MOVES EVEN FURTHER, THE DRIVER WILL REQUIRE MUCH HIGHER EFFORT TO TURN LEFT AND MAY NOT BE ABLE TO TURN THE WHEEL AS MUCH AS INTENDED. WITH THE MAXIMUM PINION SHAFT MOVEMENT, WHICH REQUIRES INTERNAL GEAR COMPONENT DAMAGE, THE DRIVER CAN ENCOUNTER HIGH RESISTANCE TO TURNING LEFT, FOLLOWED BY UNINTENDED POWER ASSIST TO THE RIGHT. IN ANY OF THESE CONDITIONS, A CRASH COULD OCCUR.
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.
98V131000
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE (1) A BROKEN SHIFT CABLE FITTING OR (2) LOOSE SHIFT LINKAGE. CONSEQUENTLY, MOVING THE SHIFT LEVER TO A 'PARK' POSITION MAY NOT SHIFT THE TRANSMISSION TO 'PARK'.
Risk: THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
98V072000
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEMS. THE WINDSHIELD WIPER LINKAGE ARM CAN CONTACT A BRAKE LINE WHICH IS CONNECTED TO THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM MODULATOR VALVE. THIS CONTACT CAN CHAFE THE BRAKE LINE RESULTING IN A BRAKE FLUID LEAK.
Risk: BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE CAN CAUSE REDUCED BRAKE EFFECTIVENESS AND INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 117,000 milesGarfield Heights, OH1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 PONTIAC TRANS SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A COMPLETE STOP, THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY AND WITHOUT ANY IMPACT TO THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR BRUISES AND SWELLING TO THE RIGHT ARM. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,000.
NHTSA complaint #10514028 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 149,000 milesAnaheim, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 PONTIAC TRANSPORT. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AND WHEN HE RETURNED, THE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED WITH WHITE SMOKE. THE CONTACT ROLLED DOWN THE WINDOWS TO RELEASE THE SMOKE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS THE RESULT OF FAULTY WIRING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 149,000.
NHTSA complaint #10442561 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 183,000 milesStockton, ILCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE 1998 PONTIAC TRANSPORT WITH 183,000 FAILURE MILEAGE)AT 55 MPH THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT TIRE BLEW OUT WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND THE VEHICLE HIT A CULVERT ON THE LEFT PASSENGER SIDE. UPON IMPACT, THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL SERVICE CENTER, BUT HAD NOT YET BEEN REPAIRED.
NHTSA complaint #10186264 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lilburn, GA1 injured
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
CONSUMER COMPLAINT CONCERNING PONTIAC MONTANA POWER SLIDING DOOR INTERIOR HANDLE. *TS ***NAR*** THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO INDICATED THAT THE DOOR WAS OPERATING AS DESIGNED. THE AUTOMATIC DOOR BEGAN TO OPEN AND THE CONSUMER'S ELDERLY MOTHER GRABBED THE DOOR HANDLE. THE DOOR CONTINUED TO OPEN AND PLACED AN ENORMOUS AMOUNT OF PRESSURE ON HER ARM. LUCKILY HER ARM WAS ONLY BRUISED/SORE AND NOT BROKEN. THE CONSUMER IS REQUESTING THAT THE DOORS MECHANISM BE REPLACED WITH ONE THAT AUTOMATICALLY REOPENS IF OBSTRUCTED. *NM UPDATED 12/07/06.
NHTSA complaint #10167974 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LOS Angeles, CA3 injured
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST
DT: CONSUMER OWNS A PONTIAC, 1998 MODEL TRANS SPORT MINIVAN. WHEN DRIVING AT 40 MPH THE SIDE DOORS OPENED WITHOUT NOTICE WHEN PRESSED THE BUTTON WAS LOCATED ON THE RIGHT PASSENGER'S SIDE. HAD NOT CONTACTED THE DEALER OR MANUFACTURER REGARDING THIS MATTER. CONSUMER WANTED TO KNOW IF THIS OFFICE COULD INVESTIGATE THIS PROBLEM. ALSO, THE SEATS SHAKE WHEN DRIVING.
NHTSA complaint #10134974 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LOS Angeles, CA3 injured
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
DT: CONSUMER OWNS A PONTIAC, 1998 MODEL TRANS SPORT MINIVAN. WHEN DRIVING AT 40 MPH THE SIDE DOORS OPENED WITHOUT NOTICE WHEN PRESSED THE BUTTON WAS LOCATED ON THE RIGHT PASSENGER'S SIDE. HAD NOT CONTACTED THE DEALER OR MANUFACTURER REGARDING THIS MATTER. CONSUMER WANTED TO KNOW IF THIS OFFICE COULD INVESTIGATE THIS PROBLEM. ALSO, THE SEATS SHAKE WHEN DRIVING.
NHTSA complaint #10134974 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Milwaukee, WI
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
AIR.
NHTSA complaint #10593566 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105,000 milesHazel Park, MI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 PONTIAC TRANS SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE ABS, AIR BAG AND CHECK ENGINE WARNING LAMPS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 119,317.
NHTSA complaint #10569261 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 117,000 milesGarfield Heights, OH1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 PONTIAC TRANS SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A COMPLETE STOP, THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY AND WITHOUT ANY IMPACT TO THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR BRUISES AND SWELLING TO THE RIGHT ARM. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,000.
NHTSA complaint #10514028 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 235,000 milesManchester, MO
AIR BAGS
ABS-ANTI LOCKING BRAKES ARE FAULTY AND LIGHT COMES ON FOR NO REASON. ALSO THE AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY.
NHTSA complaint #10443983 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 235,000 milesManchester, MO
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
ABS-ANTI LOCKING BRAKES ARE FAULTY AND LIGHT COMES ON FOR NO REASON. ALSO THE AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY.
NHTSA complaint #10443983 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 149,000 milesAnaheim, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 PONTIAC TRANSPORT. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AND WHEN HE RETURNED, THE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED WITH WHITE SMOKE. THE CONTACT ROLLED DOWN THE WINDOWS TO RELEASE THE SMOKE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS THE RESULT OF FAULTY WIRING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 149,000.
NHTSA complaint #10442561 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wilmington, NC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
AFTER I HAD THE RADIATOR REPLACED $350 JOB THE INTAKE GASKET SPRUNG A LEAK. THEREFORE I HAD TO HAVE NOT ONLY THIS REPLACED BUT THE VALVE COVER GASKET AS WELL WHICH COST A TOTAL OF $867. I ALSO HAD TO RENT A CAR FOR 3 DAY WHICH COST AN ADDITIONAL $30 PER DAY. MY MECHANIC SAID THAT THE RECOMMENDED DEXCOL COOLANT USED IN THIS MODEL CAR, OVER A PERIOD OF TIME, WILL EAT THRU THE GASKET THUS THE LEAK. I NEED TO KNOW IF THERE WAS A RE-CALL REGARDING THIS PROBLEM AND IF I CAN BE COMPENSATED. I AM A HARD WORKING INDIVIDUAL WITH LIMITED RESOURCES. I HAVE ALWAYS MAINTAINED REGULAR MAINTENANCE ON MY VEHICLES NOT FORESEEING THIS ISSUE THAT AROSE. PLEASE GET BACK IN TOUCH WITH ME AS SOON AS POSSIBLE REGARDING HIS MATTER. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10434040 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesSpring Hill, FL
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 PONTIAC TRANS SPORT. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT INTO DRIVE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE GEAR SHIFTER WOULD NOT RESPOND AND HE WAS UNABLE TO REMOVE IT FROM THE PARK POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED AND THERE WERE NO REPAIRS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WAS 110,000.
NHTSA complaint #10332541 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 179,300 milesClio, MI
TIRES
I HAVE GOODYEAR ASSURANCE CMFTRD 97T 80,000 MILE TIRES ON MY 98 PONTIAC MONTANA VAN. THEY HAVE LESS THAN 30,000 MILES ON THEM AND TWO OF THEM STARTED LEAKING AIR OUT OF THE SIDEWALLS WHICH ARE FULL OF DRYROT TYPE CRACKS. TWO TIRE STORES TOLD ME THEY LOOK LIKE DEFECTS. I TOOK THEM BACK TO THE STORE WHERE I BOUGHT THEM AND THE DEPTH WAS GREATER THAN 3/32 OF AN INCH. I AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE, BOUGHT A FREE REPLACEMENT/ROAD HAZARD CERTIFICATE THAT IS GOOD FOR ONLY THREE YEARS AND THE TIRES ARE NOW FOUR YEARS OLD. BECAUSE OF THE TIRE AGE THEY WANT TO PRORATE THESE UNSAFE TIRES AND CHARGE ME $65.00 @ FOR NEW ONES. WHY IS IT THAT THESE 80,000 MILE TIRES ARE NOT ANY GOOD AFTER 30,000 MILES AND MUST BE REPLACED. THIS VAN IS OUR SECOND CAR AND DOES NOT GET DRIVEN ENOUGH TO GET 80,000 MILES IN THE THREE YEARS THAT THE REPLACEMENT CERTIFICATE IS GOOD FOR.WHEN I BOUGHT THEM I WAS TOLD THESE WERE ONE OF THE BEST AT THAT TIME AND I WAS SURE TO GET A LOT OF MILES ON THEM. I AM VERY VERY UPSET THAT THESE TIRES HAVE PROVEN TO ME THAT THEY ARE VERY UNSAFE BECAUSE SIDEWALL LEAKS CANNOT BE REPAIRED AND I AM NOT NOW DRIVING THIS VAN BECAUSE I CANNOT TRUST THESE TIRES OR THEIR SAFETY. YEARS AGO, WHILE TRAVELING 700 MILES FROM HOME I HAD A BLOWOUT WITH, A TIRE THAT WAS ONE OF THEM FIRESTONE 500 TIRES. AT 70 MPH MY WHOLE FAMILY COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED AS A RESULT OF THIS AND TO THIS DAY I TAKE TIRE SAFETY VERY SERIOUSLY. WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT THIS POTENTIALLY LIFE THREATENING SITUATION? I CANNOT JUST GO OUT AND BUY NEW TIRES BECAUSE THESE ARE JUNK. AN 80,000 MILE TIRE SHOT AT 30,000 MILES DOES NOT COMPUTE. THEY REPLACED ONE TIRE AND CHARGED ME ONLY FOR A NEW REPLACEMENT/ROAD HAZARD CERTIFICATE.THEN I TOOK ANOTHER TIRE BACK TO THEM AND THEY CHARGED ME $93.00 FOR THE TIRE. MOUNTING ,BALANCE AND REPLACE CERTIFICATE. ONE FREE ONE AND ONE FOR A FEE AND I STILL HAVE TWO MORE OF THESE BAD TIRES. I COULD PARTIALLY UNDERSTAND THE PRO RATION IF THEY WERE NOT DEFECTIVE TIRES BUT THEY ARE. WHAT NEXT?
NHTSA complaint #10324613 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 118,059 milesNEW Orleans, LA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
PONTIAC TRANS SPORT 1998 --EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS VISIBILITY EXTREMELY POOR. OWN VEHICLE SINCE 2005.
NHTSA complaint #10249154 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 118,059 milesNEW Orleans, LA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
PONTIAC TRANS SPORT 1998 --EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS VISIBILITY EXTREMELY POOR. OWN VEHICLE SINCE 2005.
NHTSA complaint #10249154 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Unity, OH
STRUCTURE:BODY
PAINT ON HOOD OF VAN IS PEELING AND COMING OFF RIGHT DOWN TO THE METAL. I'VE SEEN THE VERY SAME ISSUE ON MANY OTHER VANS LIKE MINE THE SAME YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL. THIS IS A FACTORY PAINT PROBLEM AND PONTIAC SHOULD FIX THIS.
NHTSA complaint #10247892 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 136,000 milesWoodbridge, VA
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 PONTIAC TRANSPORT. WHENEVER THE CONTACT SHIFTS FROM SECOND TO FOURTH GEAR, REGARDLESS IF SHE IS UPSHIFTING OR DOWNSHIFTING, THE VEHICLE BEGINS TO JERK DURING ACCELERATION. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, SHE NOTICED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS FIRST STARTED, IT BEGAN TO VIBRATE. THE FAILURE OCCURS VERY INCONSISTENTLY AND THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE SPEED WAS NOT A FACTOR. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 139,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 136,000.
NHTSA complaint #10235545 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fresno, CA
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
I HAVE A 98 PONTIAC TRANSPORT. THE PASSENGER SIDE SLIDE DOOR OPENS ON ITS OWN, AND IT WILL ONLY OPEN MANUALLY. THE SLIDING DOOR STOPPED OPENING WITH THE CONTROL ABOUT THREE MONTHS AGO.
NHTSA complaint #10229685 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hilliard, OH
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
PROBLEM: LAST FALL I NOTICED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD TURN OFF WHEN I USED THE TURN SIGNAL? SLOWLY I LOST THE 'TRIP COMPUTER' THEN THE TURN SIGNALS WOULD FLASH QUICKLY WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. I ASSUMED THAT THERE WAS A BAD BULB SOMEWHERE WITH THE BRAKES AND TURN SIGNALS. I WOULD ALSO NOTICE THAT THE CLOCK ON THE RADIO WOULD DIM WHEN THE TURN SIGNALS AND BRAKES WERE USED. LONG STORY- SHORT, MORE AND MORE THINGS SEEMED TO BE FAILING OVER TIME. I WAS STARTING TO THINK IT WAS RELATED TO THE ALTERNATOR. SOLUTION: I PULLED THE TAILLIGHTS AND TOOK A CLOSER LOOK. I PULLED THE PLUGS ON THE TOP OF THE LIGHTS AND I FOUND MELTED CONTACTS ON ONE OF THE SIX CONTACT POINTS. I WAS GOING TO TIN THE CONTACT POINTS PUT THAT DIDN'T WORK VERY WELL. I TOOK A SCREW DRIVER AND REALIGNED THE SOCKETS AND SCRAPPED OFF THE MELTED PLASTIC ON THE PINS. TESTED THE LIGHTS AND THEY WORKED PERFECTLY! ALL THE OTHER PROBLEMS WENT AWAY! :) WHAT I FIND STRANGE IS THIS IS THE SECOND GM VAN THAT I HAVE SEEN MELTED CONTACT POINTS EITHER ON THE PLUGS OR ON THE SOCKETS OF THE BULBS. SEEING THERE IS N O RECALL ON THIS I HOPE THIS INFO HELPS SOMEONE ELSE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM!
NHTSA complaint #10229497 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hilliard, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
PROBLEM: LAST FALL I NOTICED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD TURN OFF WHEN I USED THE TURN SIGNAL? SLOWLY I LOST THE 'TRIP COMPUTER' THEN THE TURN SIGNALS WOULD FLASH QUICKLY WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. I ASSUMED THAT THERE WAS A BAD BULB SOMEWHERE WITH THE BRAKES AND TURN SIGNALS. I WOULD ALSO NOTICE THAT THE CLOCK ON THE RADIO WOULD DIM WHEN THE TURN SIGNALS AND BRAKES WERE USED. LONG STORY- SHORT, MORE AND MORE THINGS SEEMED TO BE FAILING OVER TIME. I WAS STARTING TO THINK IT WAS RELATED TO THE ALTERNATOR. SOLUTION: I PULLED THE TAILLIGHTS AND TOOK A CLOSER LOOK. I PULLED THE PLUGS ON THE TOP OF THE LIGHTS AND I FOUND MELTED CONTACTS ON ONE OF THE SIX CONTACT POINTS. I WAS GOING TO TIN THE CONTACT POINTS PUT THAT DIDN'T WORK VERY WELL. I TOOK A SCREW DRIVER AND REALIGNED THE SOCKETS AND SCRAPPED OFF THE MELTED PLASTIC ON THE PINS. TESTED THE LIGHTS AND THEY WORKED PERFECTLY! ALL THE OTHER PROBLEMS WENT AWAY! :) WHAT I FIND STRANGE IS THIS IS THE SECOND GM VAN THAT I HAVE SEEN MELTED CONTACT POINTS EITHER ON THE PLUGS OR ON THE SOCKETS OF THE BULBS. SEEING THERE IS N O RECALL ON THIS I HOPE THIS INFO HELPS SOMEONE ELSE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM!
NHTSA complaint #10229497 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesColumbus, IN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 PONTIAC TRANSPORT. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE PASSENGER SIDE AUTOMATIC DOOR WOULD OPEN AND CLOSE INTERMITTENTLY. THE DOOR WOULD APPEAR TO BE CLOSED, BUT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED INTO GEAR, THE ALARM WOULD SOUND TO INDICATE THAT THE DOOR WAS NOT LATCHED PROPERLY. THE DEALER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE BULLETIN NUMBER IS 020864011. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,245 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #10209044 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesSanta ANA, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 PONTIAC TRANSPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S INTAKE MANIFOLD IS LEAKING INTERNALLY AND EXTERNALLY IN BETWEEN THE INTAKE AND THE BLOCK. HE HAS NOT CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER DUE TO PRIOR ISSUES WITH THE TRANSMISSION. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CONSUMES A LARGE AMOUNT OF COOLANT WHICH CONTAMINATES THE OIL. THE ENGINE SIZE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 65,150 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000. UPDATED 06/08/07
NHTSA complaint #10190639 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 183,000 milesStockton, ILCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE 1998 PONTIAC TRANSPORT WITH 183,000 FAILURE MILEAGE)AT 55 MPH THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT TIRE BLEW OUT WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND THE VEHICLE HIT A CULVERT ON THE LEFT PASSENGER SIDE. UPON IMPACT, THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL SERVICE CENTER, BUT HAD NOT YET BEEN REPAIRED.
NHTSA complaint #10186264 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 17,700 milesManchester, MO
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
FAILED HEAD GASKET.
NHTSA complaint #10175639 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 118,000 milesSaint Joseph, MO
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO UNLOCK THE RIGHT SLIDING DOOR WITH THE MANUAL CONTROL OR THE KEYLESS ENTRY THE DOOR WOULD NOT UNLOCK. THE DEALER WAS ALERTED.
NHTSA complaint #10174544 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesCovington, LA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
1998 PONTIAC TRANSPORT SPIKED THE TEMPERATURE LIGHT AND WAS SHUT DOWN. PROBLEM CAUSED BY CRACKED HEAD. REPLACED ENGINE AT 70,000+ - WITH USED ENGINE WITH 30,000 MI. NOW AT 80,000 MI. ENGINE HAS BLOWN HEAD GASKET. VAN NOT WORTH ANOTHER ENGINE REPAIR BILL.
NHTSA complaint #10174603 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesBerkeley Springs, WV
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND WOULD NOT RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP, WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THE PLASTIC HEAD CRACKED AND THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #10173852 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lilburn, GA1 injured
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
CONSUMER COMPLAINT CONCERNING PONTIAC MONTANA POWER SLIDING DOOR INTERIOR HANDLE. *TS ***NAR*** THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO INDICATED THAT THE DOOR WAS OPERATING AS DESIGNED. THE AUTOMATIC DOOR BEGAN TO OPEN AND THE CONSUMER'S ELDERLY MOTHER GRABBED THE DOOR HANDLE. THE DOOR CONTINUED TO OPEN AND PLACED AN ENORMOUS AMOUNT OF PRESSURE ON HER ARM. LUCKILY HER ARM WAS ONLY BRUISED/SORE AND NOT BROKEN. THE CONSUMER IS REQUESTING THAT THE DOORS MECHANISM BE REPLACED WITH ONE THAT AUTOMATICALLY REOPENS IF OBSTRUCTED. *NM UPDATED 12/07/06.
NHTSA complaint #10167974 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesCharleston, SC
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:ABS WARNING LIGHT
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED CONSTANTLY. THERE WAS ALSO A DELAY IN THE ACTIVATION OF THE ABS WHEN THE BRAKE WAS DEPRESSED IN A NORMAL BRAKING SITUATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE REPAIR SHOP, WHERE THE SHOP DETERMINED THAT THE ABS MODULE WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WERE NO REPAIRS TO THE ABS SYSTEM. THE CONTACT ALSO EXPRESSED THAT THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DID NOT SHIFT GEARS AT THE CORRECT RPM LEVEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SEPARATE PRIVATE REPAIR SHOP, WHERE THE TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS CHANGED, AND THE HEAD GASKET REPLACED. THE REPAIR DID NOT COMPLETELY FIX THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10162985 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.