Model year record

1999 Pontiac Montana recalls & problems

The 1999 Pontiac Montana has 7 safety recalls and 235 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine and engine cooling (105 complaints).

Recalls7safety recalls

Complaints235filed by owners

Crashes · fires16 · 2reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths18 · 1reported in complaints

Safety recalls

SteeringFeb 17, 2009

Steering

Recall 09E005000979 vehicles

Problem: DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" 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.
Risk: A BROKEN STEERING KNUCKLE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Fix: 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.

Fuel system, otherMar 12, 2007

Storage › Tank assembly › Pressure relief devices

Recall 07E021000742 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Fix: DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.

Latches/locks/linkagesDec 22, 2004

Doors › Latch

Recall 04V597000717,302 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: 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.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE POWER SLIDING DOOR INTERIOR HANDLE ON THE PASSENGER-SIDE. IF THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH A POWER OR MANUAL SLIDING DOOR ON THE DRIVER-SIDE, THE INTERIOR HANDLE WILL ALSO BE REPLACED FOR APPEARANCE REASONS. NOTE: BEFORE THE VEHICLE IS SERVICED, GM ADVISES OWNERS TO NOT USE THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE TO OPEN THE DOOR. THE DRIVER CAN OPEN AND CLOSE THE DOOR FROM SWITCHES AT THE DRIVER'S POSITION OR BY USING THE REMOTE KEY FOB. THE DRIVER SHOULD TELL PASSENGERS TO USE THE SWITCH LOCATED IN FRONT OF THE DOOR TO OPEN OR CLOSE IT. THE DRIVER SHOULD USE THE OVERRIDE SWITCH TO PREVENT OPERATION OF THE POWER DOOR BY CHILDREN OR BY OTHERS WHO ARE NOT FAMILIAR WITH ITS USE. THE OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTER MAILING WILL BE CONDUCTED IN PHASES WITH THE FIRST PHASE BEGINNING ON MAY 31, 2005. THE SECOND PHASE MAILING BEGAN ON JULY 18, 2005. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 31, 2005. PHASE 2 BEGAN ON JULY 18, 2005. PHASE 3 (FINAL PHASE) BEGAN ON AUGUST 24, 2005, TO ALL REMAINING CUSTOMERS. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668; OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537.

Air bagsJan 25, 2002

Frontal

Recall 02V0270001,730 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MINI VANS, THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG INFLATOR MODULES COULD PRODUCE EXCESSIVE INTERNAL PRESSURE. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH THAT WOULD TRIGGER A DRIVER'S AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT, THE INCREASED INTERNAL PRESSURE CAN CAUSE THE INFLATOR MODULE TO EXPLODE.
Risk: METAL AND PLASTIC DEBRIS COULD CAUSE SEVERE INJURY TO VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVER AIR BAG MODULE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 1, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737.

Latches/locks/linkagesAug 21, 2001

Doors › Latch

Recall 01V264000248,737 vehicles

Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 1997-2001 CHEVROLET VENTURE, PONTIAC MONTANA/TRANSPORT, AND OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH PASSENGER SIDE POWER SLIDING DOORS THAT WERE SERVICED IN CAMPAIGN 01013 (01V-067) FROM APRIL TO AUGUST 2001. ALSO 2001 CHEVROLET VENTURE, PONTIAC MONTANA, AND OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH PASSENGER SIDE POWER SLIDING DOORS ASSEMBLED IN JANUARY THROUGH APRIL 2001. THESE VEHICLES HAVE INADEQUATE FRONT WELDS. IF A FRONT WELD FAILS, THE ACTUATOR CAN JAM IN THE UNLATCHED POSITION AND, WHEN THE SLIDING DOOR CLOSES, IT WILL NOT BE LATCHED.
Risk: 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. AN UNRESTRAINED OCCUPANT COULD FALL OUT OF THE VAN AND BE INJURED.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF REQUIRED, INSTALL A NEW POWER SLIDING DOOR UNLATCH ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON OCTOBER 22, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537.

Latches/locks/linkagesMar 8, 2001

Doors › Latch

Recall 01V067000477,011 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: 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.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW UN-LATCH ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY TO THE POWER SLIDING DOOR. THIS RECALL HAS BEEN CONTINUED UNDER SAFETY RECALL 01V-264. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537.

SteeringApr 12, 1999

Gear box › Shaft sector

Recall 99V07100059 vehicles

Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER MINI VANS. THE LEFT AND/OR RIGHT FRONT LOWER INSULATOR TO CRADLE CENTER METAL SLEEVE IS COLLAPSED, WHICH CAN RESULT IN LOSS OF CLAMP LOAD IN THE JOINT. IF THE CLAMP LOAD IS REDUCED OR LOST, THE BOLT CAN BE LOST OR BROKEN AND THE JOINT CAN SEPARATE.
Risk: IF NOT REPAIRED, SEPARATION OF THE OPPOSITE SIDE JOINT COULD OCCUR RESULTING IN STEERING SHAFT SEPARATION.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT LOWER CRADLE-TO-SUSPENSION INSULATORS AND THE ATTACHING BOLTS.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

1999 Pontiac Montana/Trans Sport w/SAB.

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Engine and engine coolingEngine; Cooling system	105	0	1	0	60,569 mi
Air bagsFrontal; Side/window	33	14	0	11	44,982 mi
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Manual transmission	32	0	0	0	66,500 mi
Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Foundation components › Disc	26	1	0	3	51,224 mi
StructureBody › Door; Frame and members	22	1	0	3	53,000 mi
Electrical systemIgnition › Module; Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers	14	1	1	1	92,727 mi
VisibilityPower window devices and controls; Windshield wiper/washer	12	0	0	0	72,000 mi
EquipmentAppliance › Air conditioner; Electrical › Radio/tape deck/cd etc.	12	0	0	0	53,000 mi
Latches/locks/linkagesDoors › Latch	12	0	0	1	83,356 mi
Fuel system, gasolineCarburetor system; Fuel injection system	11	0	0	1	40,000 mi
Seat beltsFront › Anchorage; Front › Retractor	8	0	0	0	54,000 mi
Exterior lightingHeadlights; Brake lights › Switch	8	0	0	0	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Steering
THE REAR PASSENGER SUSPENSION SYSTEM HAS FAILED AND THE TIRE IS SITTING ON THE TIRE-WELL. THE FRAME APPEARS TO BE LOOSE DUE TO RUST AND HAS CAUSED THE SPRING COIL TO POP OUT AND WOBBLE UNCONTROLLABLY. I WAS DRIVING WHEN THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED AND IT WOULD BEGIN TO "FISH TAIL" AROUND 40MPH OR WHEN I WOULD HIT BUMPS, MAKE TURNS OR SWITCH LANES.
Nov 18, 2016 · 135,600 miles
Air bags
AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER MOVES BUT DOES NOT ENGAGE TRANSMISSION. *TR
Apr 8, 2014 · 96,700 miles
Air bagsCrash
I HAD AN ACCIDENT WHERE A CAR FISH TAILED IN FRONT OF ME SLID DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF MINE. I HIT THE OTHER CAR WHILE GOING 40 MPH, IT WAS A T*BONE COLLISION. MY FRONT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AT THE TIME OF COLLISION. AFTER GETTING OUT OF THE VEHICLE I NOTICED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WAS LAYING IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WITH THE AIR BAG STILL INFLATED. I DO REMEMBER THAT FOR A LONG TIME BEFORE TODAY THE RED AIRBAG LIGHT WAS ON. I THOUGHT THIS WOULD CAUSE THE AIR BAGS NOT TO WORK. I DO HAVE PICTURES OF THE DAMAGE, AND THE DEFECT WITH THE AIR BAG. *TR
Feb 4, 2013 · 260,375 miles
Engine and engine cooling
IT SEEMS THAT THE THIS PARTICULAR MAKE AND MODEL HAS KNOWN PROBLEMS WITH THE COOLING SYSTEM. ON A FAMILY TRIP TO VIRGINIA THE CAR STARTED TO OVERHEAT AND I STOPPED THE VEHICLE. WHEN PARKED RED FLUID WAS VISIBLE UNDER THE CAR AND UPON TESTING WAS FOUND OUT TO BE COOLANT LEAK. CAR WAS TOWED TO PA AND MECHANIC REPORTED LOSS AND REPLACEMENT OF RADIATOR/HOSES AND LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD (GASKET) A LABOR INTENSIVE WORK COSTING ABOUT 1700 TO FIX ALL THE ISSUE WITH THIS OVER HEATING. *TR
May 27, 2012 · 168,000 miles
Electrical system
ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS AND REAR LIGHT FAILURE INCLUDING BREAKS AN TURN SIGNALS.*TR
Feb 16, 2011
Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
1. EVENTS UNKNOWN 2. COOLING SYSTEM FAILURE, ALL THE TIME, UNDRIVEABLE 3. UNABLE TO CORRECT FAILURE. *TR
Jan 1, 2011 · 160,000 miles
Electrical system
FIRST THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW STOPPED WORKING, THEN THE TAIL LIGHTS JUST WENT OUT ON THE 99 PONTIAC MONTANA. THEY WERE JUST WORKING AND THEN ON MY WAY HOME THEY JUST STOPPED WORKING. I REPLACED ALL BULBS AND THEY STILL AREN'T WORKING. WENT TO SEE A TECHNICIAN AND HE SAYS IT IS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. AFTER THAT THE RADIO DISPLAY FLICKERS IN AND OUT WHEN THE BRAKE IS PUSHED ON. I'VE SEARCHED TO SEE IF I COULD FIND AN ANSWER AS TO WHY THIS HAPPENED AND THERE ARE MANY WEBSITES WITH THE SAME COMPLAINTS AS I HAVE STATED HERE WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS. *TR
Jun 7, 2010 · 178,280 miles
Engine and engine coolingFire
VEHICLE SPONTANEOUSLY CAUGHT FIRE WHILE STUCK IN SNOW DRIFT. FIRE WAS ALL CONSUMING - FIRE TRUCK HAD TO COME OUT IT OUT - JUST SHELL OF VAN WAS LEFT. WE WERE ABLE TO GET OUT AS FIRE WAS SLOW TO TAKE OFF. FIRE STARTED IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT. FIRE CHIEF SAID WE WOULD NEVER KNOW CAUSE AS NO ENGINE COMPARTMENT REMAINS. *TR
Dec 19, 2008 · 113,000 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

POWER-SLIDING DOORClosedLed to recall 04V597000
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 WERE 102 ALLEGED INJURIES INCLUDING ARM/WRIST, THUMB AND SHOULDER INJURIES.A COUNT OF INJURIES REVEALS THAT 76 INJURIES WERE A FRACTURED OR A BROKEN ARM/WRIST REQUIRING AN IMMOBILIZING CAST FOR FOUR-TO-SIX WEEKS.ALL INJURIES INVOLVE THE RIGHT SIDE POWER SLIDING DOOR.THE LEFT SIDE POWER SLIDING DOOR…
PE04064 · opened Sep 17, 2004 · closed Dec 22, 2004
REAR AXLE TRAILING ARM FAILUREClosed
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 ABUSE CONDITIONS SUCH AS IMPROPER TOWING OR JACKING.ANALYSIS OF ODI AND GM DATA HAS IDENTIFIED 19 INCIDENTS OF REAR AXLE TRAILING ARM FAILURES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THERE HAVE BEEN NO NEW REPORTS TO ODI OR GM IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS AND ONLY ONE NEW COMPLAINT IN THE LAST 21 MONTHS. DUE TO THE LOW…
EA03005 · opened Apr 23, 2003 · closed Jan 12, 2004
SHOULDER HARNESS CLIPClosed
PE02017 · opened Feb 11, 2002 · closed Aug 2, 2002
AIR BAG INFLATORClosedLed to recall 02V027001
EA01014 · opened Jun 11, 2001 · closed Aug 26, 2002
AIR BAG TEAR DURING DEPLOYMENTClosed
PE00045 · opened Nov 3, 2000 · closed Jan 11, 2001
UNEXPECTED OPENING OF SLIDING DOORClosedLed to recall 01V067000
There is no summary currently available
SQ00014 · opened Jul 25, 2000 · closed Oct 22, 2001
TRACTION CONTROLClosedLed to recall 98V072000
RQ00006 · opened Feb 16, 2000 · closed Apr 20, 2001