Pontiac Montana problems

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The Pontiac Montana is a minivan that was sold by General Motors under the Pontiac brand for model years 1997 to 2009. Its badge-engineered variants were the Chevrolet Venture and the Oldsmobile Silhouette in the first generation, and the Chevrolet Uplander, Saturn Relay, and Buick Terraza in the second generation. Prior to the 1997 model year, it was known as the Pontiac Trans Sport.

In 1996 for the 1997 model year, the Trans Sport added the Montana moniker as part of an available trim package. This package proved so popular the line was renamed Montana in 1998 for the 1999 model year in the United States and 1999 for the 2000 model year in Canada. When the van was redesigned in 2004 for the 2005 model year, the name was changed to Montana SV6. It was discontinued after the 2006 model year in the United States because of slow sales, but continued to be sold in Canada and Mexico until 2009. Since their introduction, the Pontiac minivans were GM's most popular minivans among consumers in Canada.

The Doraville, Georgia assembly plant which produced the Montana and its siblings closed on September 26, 2008. Sales of the Montana SV6 continued for Canada and Mexico until 2009, a year before the Pontiac brand was discontinued in 2010.

photo of Pontiac Montana car production

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Pontiac Montana model years

pontiac montana 2008 photo
Montana 2008
Pontiac

1

1

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
pontiac montana 2006 photo
Montana 2006
Pontiac

37

2

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
pontiac montana 2005 photo
Montana 2005
Pontiac

81

7

26

3.1
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
pontiac montana 2004 photo
Montana 2004
Pontiac

39

5

22

3.4
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
pontiac montana 2003 photo
Montana 2003
Pontiac

97

7

23

3.4
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
pontiac montana 2002 photo
Montana 2002
Pontiac

135

5

31

3.2
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
pontiac montana 2001 photo
Montana 2001
Pontiac

169

11

24

2.7
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
pontiac montana 2000 photo
Montana 2000
Pontiac

250

7

31

3.1
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
pontiac montana 1999 photo
Montana 1999
Pontiac

262

7

32

3.3
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
pontiac montana 1998 photo
Montana 1998
Pontiac

53

3

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
pontiac montana 1997 photo
Montana 1997
Pontiac

18

1

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

Common Pontiac Montana problems

The Pontiac Montana, a minivan produced by General Motors, has had several common problems reported by owners, particularly with engine and intake manifold gasket issues.

One of the most frequently reported problems is the intake manifold gasket failure, which is especially prevalent in the 1999 model year. This issue has been reported by many owners, with an average repair cost of $2,300 and an average mileage of 92,000 miles at the time of repair. The intake manifold gasket is responsible for sealing the intake manifold to the engine block, preventing coolant and combustion gases from mixing. When this gasket fails, it can lead to coolant leaks, overheating, and reduced engine performance.

Another problem reported by Pontiac Montana owners is related to the engine itself. The 2001 model year has been identified as the worst for engine problems. This problem can lead to engine misfires, reduced performance, and decreased fuel efficiency.

Furthermore, some owners have reported that their Montanas have experienced issues with the gas gauge, with the gauge dropping from full to empty in just a few minutes while driving at highway speeds. This issue can be dangerous, as it may lead to unexpected engine stalling. Despite multiple visits to the shop, mechanics have been unable to reproduce the problem, leaving owners without a clear solution.

Lastly, the Pontiac Montana's emissions system has been criticized for being sensitive, leading to engine code issues and increased repair costs. This can be particularly frustrating for owners, as it can lead to frequent and costly repairs.

In summary, the Pontiac Montana has had several common problems, with engine and intake manifold gasket issues being the most prevalent. These problems can lead to reduced engine performance, increased repair costs, and even safety concerns.

Pontiac Montana

Is the Pontiac Montana reliable?

These parts include the intake manifold, condenser, and tail lights. Overall, the Pontiac Montana is pretty reliable, and most owners report only a few minor bugs that they consider normal for a vehicle of its age.

How many miles per gallon does a Pontiac Montana get?

Based on data from 12 vehicles, 695 fuel-ups and 221,619 miles of driving, the 2008 Pontiac Montana gets a combined Avg MPG of 19.12 with a 0.33 MPG margin of error.

What kind of engine does a Pontiac Montana have?

The Pontiac Montana offers a V6 engine in 3.4, 3.5 or 3.9 L displacements depending on model year and trim package, with the higher-displacement sport packages delivering the most horsepower.

What year did they stop making Pontiac Montanas?

2009

No more improvements were made to the Montana models after the 2005 model year. Pontiac stopped selling them after the 2006 model year in the United States. They continued to be sold in Canada and Mexico until the 2009 model year. GM discontinued the Pontiac division after the 2010 model year.

Percentage distribution of complaints by Pontiac Montana years

We have researched Pontiac problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Pontiac Montana cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Pontiac Montana model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Pontiac Montana model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Pontiac Montana years

We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:

Pontiac Montana car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Pontiac Montana , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

  • Engine and engine cooling problems
  • Structure problems
  • Electrical system problems
  • Power train problems
  • Air bags problems

The graph below shows statistics for all Pontiac Montana vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Montana model years

A total of 74 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Montana model years

There were a total of 21 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Montana model years

There were a total of 133 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by Montana model years

There were a total of 6 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

The NHTSA has received 1142 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Pontiac Montana . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Pontiac Montana vehicles.

Latest 25 complaints

Pontiac Montana 2005
  • Date Of Incident: 2023-04-19
  • Date Complaint: 2023-04-19
  • VIN: 1GMDV23E25D
  • Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
  • Summary: When I start the engine & try to put in another it it nearly impossible. With engine on, it smells of gasoline! I'm afraid I will die from the fumes. Transmission only goes up to 20 mph. I know there is a gas leak and I want others to be notified before my family or someone else's family catch fire and burn to death! If I have to run the heater then it takes power from the engine/transmission and I can only go 10mph. When I am in on on the highway the van will shut off. It shut off out of nowhere and I almost lost my life that day!
Pontiac Montana 2003
  • Date Of Incident: 2018-12-07
  • Date Complaint: 2022-05-20
  • Number Of Injuries: 2
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 1GMDX13E53D
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: Van crashed with damage to the front when it ran off the road and went into a culvert/ditch and air bags did not deploy resulting in paralyzation of the wife of the owner after van had been apparently donated to Charity Cars as junk vehicle or salvage vehicle. Vehicle was apparently repaired by towing company and offered for sale at at a used car dealership in Zanesville, Ohio. The passenger side lower dashboard had a white wire hanging down which may have been connected to a defective replacement airbag. I am an attorney representing the owner and the owner's wife. Black box was analyzed in 2019, but not with the latest program.
Pontiac Montana 2006
  • Date Of Incident: 2020-10-01
  • Date Complaint: 2020-10-10
  • VIN: 1GMDU03L86D
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: WHEN HAVING MY OIL CHANGED AT A GARAGE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS ON THE LIFT BOTH FRAME RAILS HAD SEVERE RUST DAMAGE. SINCE THIS IS WHAT GIVES THE UNIBODY FRAME IT'S STRENGTH, WHY DIDN'T GM ZINC COAT THEM OR APPLY RUST PROOFING? I LIVE IN SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN WHERE THEY USE SALT ON THE ROADS IN WINTER. SEEING GM IS ALSO IN MICHIGAN YOU WOULD THINK THEY WOULD BE AWARE OF THIS AND ACT ACCORDINGLY? THE ONLY REASON I CAN THINK OF IS TO SAVE MONEY, INCREASE PROFITS, AT THE EXPENSE OF THE VEHICLE BEING SAFE FOR THE CONSUMER. I DON'T SEE DESIGNING THE FRAME RAILS TO LAST FOR 20-25 YEARS FOR SAFETY REASONS AS BEING UNREASONABLE.
Pontiac Montana 2005
  • Date Of Incident: 2020-04-08
  • Date Complaint: 2020-04-08
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: 1GMDV33E45D
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: VEHICLE HAS BEEN PROPERLY MAINTAINED UNDER HOOD COMPONENTS FOR YEARS. ONE DAY I STARTED IT UP AND WAS SMOKING HEAVILY. NO EVIDENCE HAS BEEN SHOWN TO BE A FAILURE TO MAINTAIN. NO LOOSE OR BARE WIRES, NOTHING UNORDINARY GOING ON UNDER THE HOOD THAT COULD CAUSE THIS. NO SIGNS OF OPERATOR ERROR SO FORTH. *TR
Pontiac Montana 2005
  • Date Of Incident: 2020-03-11
  • Date Complaint: 2020-03-12
  • VIN: 1GMDV33L95D
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: MY GAS GAUGE STOPPED WORKING AND IS FLUCATING AND THE DASH READING IS SAYING THINGS. ITS ALL MESSED UP
Pontiac Montana 2006
  • Date Of Incident: 2019-11-13
  • Date Complaint: 2020-02-02
  • VIN: 1GMDV33L36D
  • Components: ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
  • Summary: WHEN IT'S COLD AND YOU START THE VEHICLE I GET A MESSAGE REDUCED ENGINE POWER. YOU HAVE TO IMMEDIATELY SHUT IT OFF. SOM ETIMES WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND IT IS WARMED UP IT WILL DO THIS AND YOU HAVE TO FIND A SAFE PLACE TO PULL OVER BECAUSE IF YOU TRY TO GIVE IT GAS IT WON'T GO ANYWAYS. I THINK IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE IT CAN HAPPEN WHEN YOU ARE GOING 70 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE AND CARS ARE RIGHT ON YOUR ASS. LUCKILY I WASN'T ON THE INTERSTATE BUT I WAS ON A HIGHWAY GOING 60MPH WHEN IT HAPPENED.
Pontiac Montana 2006
  • Date Of Incident: 2019-11-26
  • Date Complaint: 2019-12-05
  • Components: SUSPENSION
  • Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 PONTIAC MONTANA. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL RUBBING SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR SUSPENSION DETACHED FROM THE SUBFRAME OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SEVERAL INDEPENDENT MECHANICS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO EXCESSIVE CORROSION OF THE SUBFRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Pontiac Montana 2006
  • Date Of Incident: 2018-11-05
  • Date Complaint: 2019-02-08
  • VIN: 1GMDV33L36D
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE, OR AFTER AWHILE WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING THE VEHICLE IT WILL COME UP AND READ REDUCED ENGINE POWER THEN YOU HAVE TO STOP BECAUSE IT WILL NOT LET YOU ACCELERATE THE GAS PEDAL. SOMETIMES WHEN YOU TURN IT OFF AND RESTART IT, IT WILL BE FINE AND SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO WAIT ABOUT 10 MINUTES THEN RESTART. IT DOESN'T MATTER IF YOU ARE ON A SIDE STREET OR ON THE HIGHWAY, IT JUST RANDOMLY DOES THIS.
Pontiac Montana 2003
  • Date Of Incident: 2018-11-09
  • Date Complaint: 2018-11-11
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 1GMDX03E23D
  • Components: AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: I WAS IN A ACCIDENT AND HIT A TRUCK BROADSIDE. I ENDED UP HITTING THE STEERING WHEEL WITH MY CHEST. NOT ONLY WAS MY SEATBELT INEFFECTIVE, BUT THE AIRBAG DID NOT OPEN. I DID SUSTAIN CHEST INJURY. IRAN A STOP SIGN IN TOWN.
Pontiac Montana 2006
  • Date Of Incident: 2018-08-01
  • Date Complaint: 2018-08-13
  • VIN: 1GMDV33L46D
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEAT BELTS,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
  • Summary: THE DASH KEEPS TELLING ME THAT THE TRACTION CONTROL AND STABILITY SYSTEM NEED TO BE CHECKED. I HAVE WIRING ISSUES FOR THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT LIGHTS, THEY COME ON AND OFF. FUEL GAUGE DOES NOT READ PROPERLY ALL THE TIME AND NOW MOST RECENTLY THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT ALARM DOES NOT REGISTER THAT THE SEAT BELT IS CONNECTED. THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCES THESE ISSUES MOVING AND STATIONARY.
Pontiac Montana 2004
  • Date Of Incident: 2018-04-15
  • Date Complaint: 2018-04-16
  • VIN: 1GMDX03EX4D
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: INTAKE GASKET GOES BAD. WHILE DRIVING WITH NO WARNING
Pontiac Montana 2003
  • Date Of Incident: 2018-04-10
  • Date Complaint: 2018-04-11
  • VIN: 1GMDX03E73D
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: WHILE IN A STATIONARY MODE AFTER PARKING TO GET AIR FOR MY TIRES, THE STEERING COLUMN LOCKED. TOOK ABOUT 20 MINUTES WITH ASSISTANCE TO UNLOCK, THIS I FEEL IS UNSAFE WITH THE CLIMATE OF THE WORLD TODAY, YOU NEED TO BE ABLE TO GET IN YOUR VEHICLE TURN IT ON AND BE ON YOUR WAY. NO IMAGE OR DOCUMENT TO UPLOAD JUST FRUSTRATION.
Pontiac Montana 2002
  • Date Of Incident: 2017-08-22
  • Date Complaint: 2017-08-22
  • VIN: 1GMDX03E72D
  • Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
  • Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 PONTIAC MONTANA. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN AND PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL EMERGING FROM THE REAR. THE CONTACT CHECKED UNDER THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED FUEL COMING OUT THE SIDE OF THE FUEL TANK WHERE THE SEAL WAS MAKING A PUDDLE ON THE FLOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: A-31191114851. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 192,000.
Pontiac Montana 2002
  • Date Of Incident: 2017-08-01
  • Date Complaint: 2017-08-05
  • VIN: 1GMDX03E82D
  • Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
  • Summary: THE FUEL TANK IS LEAKING AROUND THE SEAL WHERE THE ELBOW CONNECTES,. THIS SEAL HAS BEEN DISCONUTINED. THE DEALERSHIP SAID I WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THE FUEL TANK. I CANT AFFORD A NEW TANK. IF THEY CANT REPLACE THE SEAL THEY SHOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THE TANK, THERE HAS BEEN TWO RECALLS ON THE GAS TANK ON THIS VEHICLES. I AM LUCKY THAT MY VAN DIDNT CATCH ON FIRE GOING DOWN THE ROAD WITH ME AND TWO CHILDREN IN THE VAN, WE PUT SOME PUTTY ON IT FOR GAS LEAKS AND THAT HAS SLOW THE LEAK DOWN, I HAVE NOT CHOICE BUT TO DRIVE THE VAN MY ONLY WAY TO GO, I CANT AFFORD TO PUT A NEW GAS TANK FOR 725.00. I DONT THINK IT IS FAIR THAT THEY CAN DISCONTIUNED A SEAL LIKE THIS THAT AND NOT WILLING TO REPLACE A HAZARD PART LIKE THIS, I PUT MY LIFE AND THE GIRLS LIFE IN DANGER EVERYDAY WE GO OUT IN THE VAN BUT WE HAVE NOT CHOICE.
Pontiac Montana 2003
  • Date Of Incident: 2017-02-03
  • Date Complaint: 2017-08-01
  • VIN: 1GMDX13E03D
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC MONTANA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS IN WET CONDITIONS, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED INTERMITTENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION, THE POWER STEERING MADE AN ABNORMAL WINDING NOISE. THE DEALER (STOOPS BUICK GMC, 1251 QUAKER BLVD, PLAINFIELD, IN, 46168, 317-839-7771) INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 216,000.

Latest 5 recalls Pontiac Montana

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 56 recalls for different components of the Pontiac Montana.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.

  • Model: Pontiac Montana 2008
  • Report Received Date: 2010-03-19
  • Manufacturer: BRAUN CORPORATION
  • Components: SUSPENSION:REAR
  • Summary: THE BRAUN CORPORATION HAS NOTIFIED NHTSA ABOUT A DEFECT IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2008 GENERAL MOTORS MOBILITY CONVERSION, HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE LOW FLOOR MINIVANS. DURING CONVERSION, THE DRIVER OR PASSENGER SIDE TRAILING ARM MODIFICATION MAY NOT HAVE BEEN ADEQUATELY WELDED.
  • Consequence: A SQUEAKING OR CLUNKING NOISE MAY DEVELOP. THE TRAILING ARM BUSHINGS MAY PREMATURELY WEAR AND THE TRAILING ARM MAY FRACTURE OR SEPARATE, ALLOWING THE REAR AXLE TO BECOME PARTIALLY SEPARATED FROM THE CHASSIS INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
  • Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND WILL HAVE A SUPPLY OF RETROFIT PARTS AVAILABLE TO REMEDY THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 4, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BRAUN AT 1-800-488-0359.
  • Model: Pontiac Montana 2005
  • Report Received Date: 2010-03-19
  • Manufacturer: BRAUN CORPORATION
  • Components: SUSPENSION:REAR
  • Summary: THE BRAUN CORPORATION HAS NOTIFIED NHTSA ABOUT A DEFECT IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2008 GENERAL MOTORS MOBILITY CONVERSION, HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE LOW FLOOR MINIVANS. DURING CONVERSION, THE DRIVER OR PASSENGER SIDE TRAILING ARM MODIFICATION MAY NOT HAVE BEEN ADEQUATELY WELDED.
  • Consequence: A SQUEAKING OR CLUNKING NOISE MAY DEVELOP. THE TRAILING ARM BUSHINGS MAY PREMATURELY WEAR AND THE TRAILING ARM MAY FRACTURE OR SEPARATE, ALLOWING THE REAR AXLE TO BECOME PARTIALLY SEPARATED FROM THE CHASSIS INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
  • Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND WILL HAVE A SUPPLY OF RETROFIT PARTS AVAILABLE TO REMEDY THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 4, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BRAUN AT 1-800-488-0359.
  • Model: Pontiac Montana 2006
  • Report Received Date: 2010-03-19
  • Manufacturer: BRAUN CORPORATION
  • Components: SUSPENSION:REAR
  • Summary: THE BRAUN CORPORATION HAS NOTIFIED NHTSA ABOUT A DEFECT IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2008 GENERAL MOTORS MOBILITY CONVERSION, HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE LOW FLOOR MINIVANS. DURING CONVERSION, THE DRIVER OR PASSENGER SIDE TRAILING ARM MODIFICATION MAY NOT HAVE BEEN ADEQUATELY WELDED.
  • Consequence: A SQUEAKING OR CLUNKING NOISE MAY DEVELOP. THE TRAILING ARM BUSHINGS MAY PREMATURELY WEAR AND THE TRAILING ARM MAY FRACTURE OR SEPARATE, ALLOWING THE REAR AXLE TO BECOME PARTIALLY SEPARATED FROM THE CHASSIS INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
  • Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND WILL HAVE A SUPPLY OF RETROFIT PARTS AVAILABLE TO REMEDY THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 4, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BRAUN AT 1-800-488-0359.
  • Model: Pontiac Montana 2000
  • Report Received Date: 2009-02-17
  • Manufacturer: DORMAN PRODUCTS, INC.
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONSTM" 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.
  • Consequence: A BROKEN STEERING KNUCKLE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
  • Remedy: DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE STEERING KNUCKLES FREE OF CHARGE AND REIMBURSE THE REPAIR FACILITY OR OWNER FOR LABOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN'S TOLL-FREE HOTLINE AT 1-800-523-2492 AND PRESS 5.
  • Model: Pontiac Montana 2002
  • Report Received Date: 2009-02-17
  • Manufacturer: DORMAN PRODUCTS, INC.
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONSTM" 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.
  • Consequence: A BROKEN STEERING KNUCKLE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
  • Remedy: DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE STEERING KNUCKLES FREE OF CHARGE AND REIMBURSE THE REPAIR FACILITY OR OWNER FOR LABOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN'S TOLL-FREE HOTLINE AT 1-800-523-2492 AND PRESS 5.

Latest negative Pontiac Montana car reviews

  1. Sage Pouros 2025-02-05

    Vehicle year: 1999

    Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I just wanted to share that I bought my Montana brand new 12 years ago and it's been quite the journey! It currently has 172,000 miles on it and overall, I've been pretty happy with it. However, I have had a couple of moments where I've had to replace the intake gasket twice - clearly an issue with this vehicle! But, everything else was just a result of age and normal wear and tear. Thanks for listening!

  2. Gage Lakin 2025-02-02

    Vehicle year: 2002

    My Montana has 430,000 km on it and it's still driving without any problems, even though we didn't take very good care of it. The mechanic bet us that if we didn't take it for an oil change every 10,000 km it would die before 100,000 km, but suffice it to say, he owes us four dinners now. Although the interior instruments are broken and falling apart, and the screen for the radio/clock won't work, and the knobs on the rear fan speed fell off at 120,000 km, this van is fantastic for people who just need to get from point A to point B with their cargo or passengers.

  3. Jeramie Watsica 2025-02-01

    Vehicle year: 2004

    I've owned two Montana's, both ext4dr. The first one, a '98 with 180,000 miles on it, was the best. I bought it with 60,000 miles and only had to replace the map sensor. After that, I had no problems. My '04, which I have now, has just under 120,000 miles and has had some issues with the transmission, fuel rail, injectors, coil, trans-axle, and interior flaws. I also don't like the headlight seals or the wiring for the taillights, which I have to replace almost on a monthly basis.

  4. Xavier Armstrong 2025-01-21

    Vehicle year: 2001

    This vehicle has had some issues after reaching 60k miles, including problems with the cooling system and fuel gauge. However, we have taken action by replacing the water pump, thermostat, and intake valve. We are currently addressing the remaining issue and are confident in finding a solution. While we understand the frustration, we stand behind our product and believe in its quality. We appreciate all feedback and will continue to strive for excellence in our vehicles.

  5. Vincenzo Sanford 2025-01-09

    Vehicle year: 2001

    This van was decent until it hit 30,000 miles, but unfortunately the general self-sealing tires were bald. Despite rotating them every 6,000 miles, the intake gasket had to be replaced at 31,000 and the brakes were sticking on one side at 37,000. The airbag light came on at 40,000 and I had to take it back twice for that. The battery also had to be replaced at 47,000. Currently, the ABS and traction control lights are coming on. I believe GM should recall the intake gaskets, as everyone I know who owns a Montana has had to replace it. Although I love GM trucks, this will be the last van they sell me.

Latest positive Pontiac Montana car reviews

  1. Jamir Streich 2025-02-18

    Vehicle year: 2001

    We really enjoyed the gas mileage and spacious comfort of this van, as well as its interior configuration. Although we purchased it used and it did not come with a manufacturer or dealer warranty, we still appreciated its features. Unfortunately, we encountered some issues with the air conditioning during the summer of 2004. We spent $700 trying to fix it, but it broke down again the next day. We also had to replace the bearings, brakes, shocks, and struts. Despite only driving 25,000 miles, we spent $1000 on repairs and it still required an additional $1800 worth of work. Even after taking it to two different car shops, the air conditioning problem could not be resolved. Ultimately, we decided to trade it in for an SUV. Although we were sad to see it go, we felt it was the best decision for us.

  2. Rowan O'Kon 2025-02-11

    Vehicle year: 2002

    I've had this vehicle for just over 2 years and it has 40,000 miles. The one irritating flaw is the front wipers. Everything gets caught under the wipers and down into the hood. In the winter, I've had to get out of the car and clear under the wipers in order for them to work right. However, I love my van. I wish rear A/C and heat were standard on extended versions because the passengers in the way back don't get as cool. Knock on wood, I have had no mechanical problems except that my A/C went and I need to bring the van in. It's a great van and I would buy it again.

  3. Karley Abbott 2025-02-10

    Vehicle year: 1999

    This is the first review of our (new to us) 1999 Pontiac Montana. We have a huge extended family and a total of 5 so far in ours. We are a softball/baseball family as well and travel to tournaments. I will report our findings both good and bad as this seems to be a very solid van. By the way, I am 6'2

  4. Antone Kunde 2025-02-08

    Vehicle year: 2003

    Our Montana was adapted for a wheelchair with an automatic side ramp, and we were very satisfied with all the modifications. My husband, who uses a power chair, has plenty of head space. The size of the van was a key factor in our decision to purchase it, as well as the fact that it is a domestic product. Despite being a 2003 model with 78,000 miles, it is still going strong. We decided against buying a new van because our current one is low cost to maintain.

  5. Fredrick Hegmann 2025-01-25

    Vehicle year: 2005

    I purchased this minivan in Feb of 2005. I already owned a Montana minivan, but when I saw this one, I just fell in love with it. It's everything I had been looking for - the SUV look with the room of a van. If I had to describe how I feel about my Montana in one word, it would be WOW!

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