1990 Pontiac Trans sport problems
The Pontiac Trans Sport is a minivan marketed by the Pontiac division of General Motors over two generations for model years 1990-1999 along with GM badge engineered variants, the Chevrolet Lumina APV and Oldsmobile Silhouette.
Introduced a year before the second-generation Chrysler minivans, the Pontiac Trans Sport and its counterparts marked an industry shift in the minivan segment towards adopting the form factor used by Chrysler. The APV vans shared mechanical commonality with the W platform sedans, along with a unique front-wheel drive, transverse-engine chassis.
The Trans Sport was assembled at North Tarrytown Assembly (Tarrytown/Sleepy Hollow, New York), shifting production to Doraville Assembly (Doraville, Georgia) for its second generation. For the 1998 model year, Pontiac renamed the Trans Sport the Pontiac Montana, after an exterior trim package introduced in 1997.
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Common 1990 Pontiac Trans sport problems
The 1990 Pontiac Trans Sport is known to have several common problems, most of which are related to the engine and transmission.
One of the most common issues with the 1990 Pontiac Trans Sport is related to the transmission. Many owners reported problems with the transmission slipping or failing altogether, which could cause the vehicle to stall or lose power unexpectedly. This issue was often attributed to a faulty torque converter or worn clutch plates, and could be costly to repair.
Another common issue with the 1990 Pontiac Trans Sport is related to the engine. Some owners reported problems with the engine misfiring or running rough, which could cause a loss of power and reduced fuel efficiency. This issue was often caused by a faulty distributor cap or spark plugs, and could be resolved through routine maintenance and replacement of these parts.
In addition to these mechanical issues, some owners also reported problems with the vehicle's electrical system. This could manifest as issues with the power windows, locks, or other electrical components, which could be caused by a faulty fuse or wiring issue.
The 1990 Pontiac Trans Sport also had issues with the fuel system. Some owners reported problems with the fuel pump, which could cause the vehicle to stall or have trouble starting.
The Trans Sport also had issues with the cooling system, including leaking coolant and cracked intake manifold gaskets.
Finally, some owners reported problems with the vehicle's suspension and drivetrain, including issues with the power steering system and transmission failure.
It's important to note that these common issues are based on complaints from owners of the 1990 Pontiac Trans Sport, and not all vehicles of this model will necessarily experience these problems. However, if you own a 1990 Pontiac Trans Sport, it's important to be aware of these potential issues and to address them as soon as they arise to prevent further damage and potential safety hazards. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can help ensure that your vehicle remains reliable and safe for years to come.
1990 Pontiac Trans sport car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Pontiac Trans sport problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Structure problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Seat belts problems
- Visibility problems
- Unknown or other problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1990 Pontiac Trans sport vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1990 Pontiac Trans sport
The NHTSA has received 70 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1990 Pontiac Trans sport. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1990 Pontiac Trans sport vehicles.
STEERING,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-10-28
- VIN: 1GMCU06D8LT
- Components: STEERING,STRUCTURE
- Summary: 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. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-06-10
- VIN: 1GMCU06D9LT
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: DT: THE CRADLE DROPPED, LOST STEERING, LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, WAS UNINJURED, THE VEHICLE IS IN THE SHOP. MECHANIC DETERMINED THE SUB FRAME CORRODED ON ONE OR BOTH ENDS, AND CAUSED IT TO BREAK THE STEERING COLUMN. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-05-09
- VIN: 1GMCU06D6LT
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: REAR CRADLE BOLTS BROKE OFF OF VEHICLE.*MR THE VEHICLE WAS RECALLED MARCH 1999 FOR THE CRADLE BOLTS AND REPAIRED BY THE DEALER. ON MAY 9, 2004 THE REAR CRADLE BOLTS BROKE WHILE DRIVING WHICH CAUSED THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE FRAME AND TRANSMISSION DROPPED AND THE STEERING SHAFT BROKE. *NM
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-05-09
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH FRAME BOLTS BROKE. AS A RESULT, THE MIDDLE CRACKED IN HALF. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-10-11
- VIN: 1GMCU06D9LT
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THE REAR CRADLE BOLT SNAPPED. AS A RESULT STEERING BECAME DIFFICULT. RECALL 97V058000, BUT THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. *AK *JB
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1901-01-01
- VIN: 1GMDX03E0XD
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: PROBLEMS WITH WINDOW MOTOR ON 1990 PONTIAC TRANSPORT.*MR (NAR)
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-12-27
- VIN: 1GMCU06D0LT
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT WILL NOT RETRACT BACK INTO POSITION AND IT COULD CAUSE THE SEAT BELT TO BE DEFECTIVE IN THE EVENT OS AN ACCIDENT. DEALER NOTIFIED. TS
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-08-11
- VIN: 1GMCU06D8LT
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND NO WARNING THE STEERING BOLT ARE LOSE AND IT IS CAUSING THE STEERING WHEEL TO JUMP AROUND CAUSING IT TO BE HARD FOR CONSUMER TO STEER THE VEHICLE. DEALER NOTIFIED. NLM
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-04-28
- VIN: PLEASE FILL
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: REAR CRADLE DETACHED WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH AND CAUSED LOSS OF STEERING, DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED.*AK
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-12-10
- VIN: 1GMCU06D72T
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TWO TIRE FAILURE (GOODYEAR INVICTA), AT HIGHWAY SPEED THE MINIVAN BEGAN TO SHAKE AND THEN THE RIGHT TIRE THREAD SEPERATED AND BLOW OFF.
STEERING,POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-11-07
- VIN: 1GMCU06D9LT
- Components: STEERING,POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE
- Summary: CONSUMER STATED THE ENGINE CRADLE BOLTS HAVE BECOME RUSTED, AND VEHICLE IS DEFECTIVE.*AK. CONSUMER STATED AS SHE PROCEEDED TO THE STOP SIGN, AND THEN STEPPED ON THE GAS, THERE WAS NO STEERING IN THE VEHICLE, THE DEALER REPLACED THE STEERING SHAFT, ALSO BOTH AXLE BOOTS WERE WORN.*SLC
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-06-03
- VIN: 1GMCU06D0LT
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 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.*AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-04-06
- VIN: 1GMCU06D1LP
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 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
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-04-10
- VIN: 1GMCU06DXLT
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: MOUNTING BOLT FOR DRIVER'S SEATBACK SHEARED OFF, CAUSING SEATBACK TO COLLAPSE. I HAVE THE DAMAGED BOLT AND WILL PROVIDE IF REQUESTED.*AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1GMCU06D7LT
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: 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. *AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1GMCU06D8LT
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-03-09
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOP WHEN EVER. VERY VERY DANGEROUS. 3 REPLACEMENT PARTS TO NO AVAIL.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-10-04
- VIN: 1GMCU06D8LT
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: 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
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-08-04
- VIN: 1GMCV06D3LT
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL (97V058000), REPAIRS COULD NOT BE DONE. *YC
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1GMCU06D5LT
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: WIPERS STOP WHILE DRIVING IN RAIN. REPLACEMENT PART DOES SAME THING. AUTO SHOP SAID DEFECT IN DASH, BAD WIRING
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-07-21
- VIN: 1GMCU06D7LT
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: 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.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-04-09
- VIN: 1GMCU06D1T2
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: NO SUMMARY. *MJS
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-04-04
- VIN: 1GMCU06D8LT
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: 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. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-12-11
- VIN: 1GMCU06D5LT
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: RECALL WORK COMPLETED ON THE CRADLE BOLTS, HOWEVER FAILED (BOLTS BROKE OFF) RESULTING IN EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO VEHICLE WHEN ENGINE DROPPED TO THE GROUND.
STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-12-11
- VIN: 1GMCU06D5LT
- Components: STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 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. *AK
1990 Pontiac Trans sport recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 5 recalls for different components of the 1990 Pontiac Trans sport.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: THE SEAT COULD SUDDENLY FALL BACKWARD, DISTRACTING THE DRIVER, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN OR REPLACE THE BOLTS AT NO CHARGE TO THE OWNERS. THIS POLICY IS IN EFFECT UNTIL JUNE 30, 2002.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD RESULT.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR CRADLE BOLTS AND RETAINERS.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: STRUCTURE:BODY
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT, THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT DOORMAY OPEN AND RESULT IN OCCUPANT(S) INJURIES FROM CONTACT WITH THE GLOVECOMPARTMENT DOOR.
- Remedy: REPLACE THE CURRENT UPPER GLOVE COMPARTMENT DOOR WITH A REDESIGNED UPPER GLOVE COMPARTMENT DOOR WHICH INCORPORATES A POSITIVE LATCH TO KEEP THE DOOR CLOSED SHOULD A VEHICLE CRASH OCCUR.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
- Summary: A RIGHT HAND SEAT/SHOULDER BELT RETRACTOR MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED IN THE SECOND ROW LEFT HAND SEAT POSITION (DIRECTLY BEHIND DRIVER).
- Consequence: 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.
- Remedy: REPLACE SHOULDER BELT ASSEMBLY.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: THE REAR MODULAR SEAT FRAME HOLD-DOWN HOOKS MAY NOT MEET THE REQUIRED PULL FORCE AT THE REAR SET ANCHORAGE.
- Consequence: VEHICLES WOULD NOT CONFORM TO FMVSS 207.
- Remedy: REPLACE REAR HOLD DOWN HOOKS AND PIVOT RIVETS WITH HEAT TREATED HARDWARE.
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