Model year record

2000 Pontiac Montana recalls & problems

The 2000 Pontiac Montana has 7 safety recalls and 228 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine and engine cooling (73 complaints).

Recalls7safety recalls

Complaints228filed by owners

Crashes · fires14 · 4reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths26 · 2reported 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.

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.

Seat beltsAug 7, 2000

Seat belts

Recall 00V228003156,305 vehicles

Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH TRW SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES. THE BUCKLE BASE OF THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES WERE NOT PROPERLY HEAT TREATED AND THEREFORE DO NOT PASS THE LOAD BEARING REQUIREMENT OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES."
Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE'S SAFETY BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY DATE CODES AND, IF NECESSARY, WILL REPLACE ANY SAFETY BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY.

Fuel system, gasolineSep 29, 1999

Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Recall 99V268000235 vehicles

Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS WITH EXTENDED WHEELBASE. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE INOPERATIVE FUEL TANK ROLLOVER VALVES AND FUEL LEAKAGE WOULD EXCEED THE PERMISSIBLE AMOUNT IN A ROLLOVER TEST. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY."
Risk: IN A VEHICLE ROLLOVER ACCIDENT, IF AN IGNITION SOURCE IS PRESENT, A FIRE COULD RESULT.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES TO LOCATE AND REPLACE THOSE FUEL TANKS THAT COULD HAVE INOPERATIVE ROLLOVER VALVES.

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

2000 Pontiac Montana 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.

Fuel economy

Montana FWD

19mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 24 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.4 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,550/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Engine and engine coolingCooling system; Engine	73	0	1	0	56,500 mi
StructureBody › Door; Body › Door › Hinge and attachments	32	0	0	8	50,000 mi
Electrical systemIgnition › Switch; Ignition › Module	23	0	2	0	88,852 mi
Air bagsFrontal; Side/window	22	12	1	13	96,426 mi
VisibilityPower window devices and controls; Windshield wiper/washer	21	0	0	1	65,000 mi
Seat beltsFront › Retractor; Front › Buckle assembly	16	3	0	4	59,000 mi
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Automatic transmission › Park/neutral start interlock switch	16	0	0	0	57,504 mi
Latches/locks/linkagesDoors › Latch; Hood › Latch	13	0	0	2	59,368 mi
Fuel system, gasolineDelivery › Fuel pump; Delivery	12	0	0	0	40,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings	12	0	0	0	57,982 mi
SteeringSteering wheel/handle bar; Hydraulic power assist system	11	0	0	0	114,700 mi
Exterior lightingHeadlights; Turn signal › Flasher unit	10	1	0	0	64,280 mi

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

Recent owner complaints

Air bags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 PONTIAC MONTANA. THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000.
Sep 15, 2004 · 35,000 miles
Power train
SHIFTING OUT OF PARK WHILE ENGINE NOT RUNNING WITHOUT THE BRAKE BEING ON/STEPPED ON, WHICH RESULTED IN THE VAN ROLLING IN REVERSE, THANKFULLY IT WAS IN THE DRIVEWAY WHEN THIS HAPPEN, WAS ABLE TO PUT IT BACK INTO PARK (THANK GOD).
Dec 18, 2015 · 135,769 miles
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 PONTIAC MONTANA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED INTO THE DRIVEWAY, THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE UNDER THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME LOOSE AND THE REAR AXLE SUPPORT BRACKET DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
Mar 12, 2015 · 150,000 miles
Fuel/propulsion system
THIS IS A ADDON FROM THE PREVIOUS ONE I SUBMITTED JUST NOW. I WANT TO POINT OUT. I WAS ALMOST KILLED WHEN I RAN OUT OF GAS ON THE HIGHWAY, BECAUSE THE GAS GAUGE READ INCORRECTLY. WHEN THE ENGINE BECOME HOT, IT ALMOST STARTED A FIRE. I AM A SINGLE PARENT WITH A TEN YEAR OLD. DEALERS ARE STILL SELLING THESE PONTIAC MONTANA'S. WE DO NOT KNOW HOW MANY DEATHS IT MAY HAVE ALREADY CAUSED. OR HOW MANY WOMEN AND CHILDREN WERE STRANDED, BECAUSE THE GAS GAUGE READS INCORRECTLY, IT WILL SAY ITS FULL BUT IT IS ACTUALLY EMPTY. THE CONDENSERS GO, WHICH CAUSE A BLOWN HEAD GASKET. I CANNOT AFFORD TO REPLACE THE MOTOR, AND I ALREADY PUT OUT CLOSE TO A THOUSAND DOLLARS ALREADY. THE FIRST MONTH I BOUGHT IT…
Jan 1, 2015 · 161,677 miles
Engine
I DID NOT REALIZE EVERY OWNER OF A PONTIAC MONTANA ALL HAD SAME PROBLEMS. EVERY OWNER. HERE IS ONE OF THE WEBSITES. HTTP://FORUMS.EDMUNDS.COM/DISCUSSION/COMMENT/3340529. THE DEALER SOLD ME A PONTIAC MONTANA. THE SECOND DAY I DROVE IT, I RAN OUT THE GAS BECAUSE THE GAS GAUGE READ FULL, BUT ACTUALLY IT WAS EMPTY. I DID NOT REALIZE THE GAS GAUGE STOPS WORKING UNTIL EVERY OWNER HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. EVERY OWNER HAD A CONDENSER PROBLEM. EVERY OWNER. WHICH IN TURN MAKES THE HEAD GASKET GO. I AM A SINGLE PARENT AND DID NOT UNDERSTAND THAT NUMEROUS CALLS TO GMC WERE MADE AND NO RECALLS HAS BEEN DONE. IT IS SHAMELESS, HOW PEOPLE LIKE ME ARE STRUGGLING AND THESE CAR DEALERS MADE BILLIONS WITH FAULTY…
Jan 1, 2015 · 161,677 miles
Electrical system
THE CAR WOULD START MISSING, LIKE THERE WAS A SHORT IN THE ELECTRICAL AND THEN THE CAR WOULD SHUT OFF THE AND I WOULD HAVE TO SIT THERE FOR 1 TO 2 HRS AND THEN IT WOULD START AND RUN FOR A WHILE AND SHUT OFF AGAIN, THE LAST 2 TIMES THIS HAPPEN I HAD TO HAVE A TOW TRUCK PICK IT UP AND TAKE IT TO MY HOME WHERE IT HAS SAT EVER SEANCE 2008. *TR
Jun 13, 2008 · 182,000 miles
Visibility/wiper
IT HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES IN THE PAST, BUT WHEN IT RAINS THE WIPERS DO NOT WORK OR IF THEY DO, THE STOP AND START ON THEIR OWN. NOW THEY JUST WON'T WORK IF IT EVEN SPRINKLES. *TR
May 3, 2013 · 186,000 miles
Exterior lighting
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 PONTIAC MONTANA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TAIL LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE MECHANIC STATED THE CIRCUIT BOARD WIRING WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. AFTER THE REPAIR, THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000. *TR
Jun 15, 2012 · 96,000 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
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
UNEXPECTED OPENING OF SLIDING DOORClosedLed to recall 01V067000
There is no summary currently available
SQ00014 · opened Jul 25, 2000 · closed Oct 22, 2001