1999 Pontiac Montana

Defect. 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.

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.

Defect. 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.

Remedy. 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.

Defect. 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.

Remedy. 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.

Defect. 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.

Remedy. 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.

Defect. 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.

Remedy. 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.

Defect. 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.

Remedy. 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.

Defect. 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.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT LOWER CRADLE-TO-SUSPENSION INSULATORS AND THE ATTACHING BOLTS.

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.

AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER MOVES BUT DOES NOT ENGAGE TRANSMISSION. *TR

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

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

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS AND REAR LIGHT FAILURE INCLUDING BREAKS AN TURN SIGNALS.*TR

1. EVENTS UNKNOWN 2. COOLING SYSTEM FAILURE, ALL THE TIME, UNDRIVEABLE 3. UNABLE TO CORRECT FAILURE. *TR

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

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

DEALER SOLD ME A PONTIAC MONTANA MINIVAN AND I ONLY HAD IT FOR 2 WEEKS, AND IT WON'T START, IT HAD A CARFAX REPORT THAT SAID IT WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT, THIS WAS NOT TOLD OR REVEALED TO ME BY THE DEALER. NOW I AM STRANDED WITHOUT A CAR TO GET AROUND AND NO WARRANTY WAS GIVEN. I ASK FOR A WARRANTY THE SALESMAN SAID IT ONLY COMES WITH FINANCING. *TR

TWO SEPARATE GASKET PROBLEMS ON MY 1999 PONTIAC MONTANA MINI VAN. THE MOST RECENT WAS TODAY IN AUG. OF 2008 THE LOCAL GARAGE TOLD ME THAT MY VANS LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET NEEDED REPLACED FOR ABOUT $700. THE PROBLEM WAS NOTICED WHEN MY TEMPERATURE LIGHT CAME ON AND AFTER FILLING RADIATOR I SAW WATER LEAKING UNDERNEATH VEHICLE. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 PONTIAC MONTANA. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE SLIDING PASSENGER SIDE DOORS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE OCCASIONALLY OPEN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOORS WERE NOT THE ELECTRIC DOORS THAT WERE RECALLED; HOWEVER, SHE IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT HAS NOT YET RESPONDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 125,000.

I HAVE A 1999 PONTIAC MONTANA IN WHICH WE BOUGHT ALMOST 2 YEARS AGO FROM A USED CAR DEALERSHIP. AROUND MAY WE TOOK OUR 8 YR. OLD SON TO A BASEBALL GAME AND WHEN WE WENT TO TAKE OUR THEN 16 MONTH OLD SON OUT FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE AND IT CAME COMPLETELY OFF TRACK....IT'S PASSENGER SIDE SLIDING DOOR {NOT ELECTRIC} HAS CAME OFF TRACK WHILE DRIVING AROUND A CORNER AND GOING OVER BUMPS,AT LEAST 8 TIMES AND COUNTING. IT IS HAVING PROBLEMS EXACTLY LIKE THE ELECTRIC, IT COMES COMPLETELY OFF TRACK AND HAS TO BE PUT ON. MY 2 YEAR OLD SON HAD BEEN SITTING ON THAT SIDE, WHAT HAPPENS IF HE WAS TO FALL OUT? NOW THE DRIVER SIDE SLIDING DOOR IS STARTING TO HAVE PROBLEMS. PLEASE CONTACT ME ASAP TO FIX THE PROBLEM FREE OF CHARGE, OR I WILL HAVE TO GET A LAWYER. THANKS *TR

EVERY YEAR, A WEEK OR TWO AFTER TURNING ON THE HEAT IN THE VAN, THE HEATER STOPS BLOWING WARM AIR. WHILE SITTING AT IDLE THE TEMP GAUGE RISES EXTREMELY HIGH. EVERY YEAR THE DEALER HAS FIXED THE PROBLEM. THIS YEAR THEY ARE TELLING ME THAT I NEED A NEW ENGINE! AFTER RESEARCHING ONLINE, HERE AND AT RESPECTED SITES SUCH AS EDMONDS.COM IT SEEMS TO ME LIKE THESE PROBLEMS SHOULD HAVE BEEN ADDRESSED LONG BEFORE I EVEN BOUGHT MY VAN SO MANY YEARS AGO!!!! *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 PONTIAC MONTANA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO OVERHEAT. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE HEAD GASKET. THE DEALER STATED THAT COOLANT LEAKED INTO THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIRS, WHICH TOTALED $1,800. ONE WEEK AFTER A ROUTINE MAINTENANCE REPAIR, THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING NORMALLY; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MECHANIC ALSO STATED THAT THIS TYPE OF FAILURE SHOULD NOT HAVE RECURRED. THE CONTACT MAILED A COMPLAINT TO THE COMPANY AND HAS OWNED THE VEHICLE FOR TWO YEARS. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 121,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 131,000.

WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED (60MPH OR GREATER) THE WIPER WILL OVER RUN THE WINDSHIELD WHEN INITIALLY TURNED ON. THIS IS RESULTING IN DESTROYING THE BLADE AND CREATING A SAFETY PROBLEM. IT HAS HAPPENED FOR SEVERAL YEARS BUT THE GM DEALERS TELL ME THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD BY A FORMER BOSCH (CURRENT MANUFACTURER) VICE-PRESIDENT THAT WHEN BOSCH PURCHASED THIS MANUFACTURING LINE FROM UT AUTOMOTIVE, THEY NOTICED THE PROBLEM AND ADVISED G.M. OF THE ISSUE. G.M. CHOSE TO DO NOTHING. WHILE MY CAR IS OLDER, THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN PRESENT EVEN WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS NEWER. I AM REPORTING IT NOW BECAUSE IT IS GETTING WORSE. *TR *UPDATED 12/12/07 *BF UPDATED 12/12/07 *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 PONTIAC MONTANA. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE JERKED AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE MANIFOLD GASKETS SHOULD BE REPLACED. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE MANIFOLD GASKETS, WATER PUMP, THERMOSTAT, AND SEALER. TWO YEARS LATER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MECHANIC FLUSHED THE TRANSMISSION. APPROXIMATELY A YEAR AND A HALF LATER, THE FAILURE RECURRED FOR THE THIRD TIME AND THE MECHANIC FLUSHED THE TRANSMISSION ONCE MORE. TEN MONTHS LATER, THE VEHICLE BEGAN JERKING AGAIN. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE RADIATOR CAP AND FLUSHED THE TRANSMISSION, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUES TO OCCUR. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 138,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,000.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 PONTIAC MONTANA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA RECALL # 02V027000 (AIR BAGS:FRONTAL). THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY A DEALER. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 146,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET FAILURE FRIED THE 3.4L V6 ENGINE. REPLACEMENT ENGINE IS SHOWING THE SAME PROBLEMS. *JB

I WAS JACKING UP MY 1999 PONTIAC MONTANA USING THE CAR JACK, AND THE SCREW ON THE JACK STRIPPED OUT, DROPPING THE VAN. THERE WAS NO DAMAGE AS I WAS STILL LIFTING THE VEHICLE, BUT UNDER THE CORRECT CIRCUSTANCES IT COULD BE A SEVER ACCIDENT.*AK

DRIVING THE VAN I NOTICED THE VEHICLE STARTED TO OVER HEAT. I TURNED IT OFF AND WAITED 1 HOUR FOR IT TO COOL DOWN. STARTED IT UP AGAIN AFTER FILLING THE RADIATOR, WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING I MADE SURE THE COOLANT WAS AT THE CORRECT LEVEL. WITHIN 5 MIN THE CAR OVERHEATED AGAIN AND THIS TIME IT DIED BEFORE I COULD TURN IT OFF. I HAVE BEEN TOLD IT WOULD BE BEST TO REPLACE THE ENGINE AT 4100.00 FOR THAT. I SEARCHED THE INTERNET AND FOUND OUT THERE ARE MANY OTHER VAN OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. THEY USED A RUBBER SEAL WITHOUT STEEL SO THAT IT COOLANT LEAKS INTO THE ENGINE AND MIXES WITH THE OIL, AND DRIES OUT THE CAMSHAFT AND THEN IT BREAKS. IN CANADA THERE IS ALREADY A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT FOR THIS REASON. THEY (MANUFACTURE) KNOW THERE IS A PROBLEM BUT WONT SAY THAT IT IS THERE FAULT. I AM ALSO LOOKING TO FIND SOMEONE TO TAKE THE CASE AS I CURRENTLY HAVE A LSWN ORNAMENT DUE TO I DON'T HAVE THE 4100 TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. *JB

TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 PONTIAC MONTANA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE THE BRACKET , BIG STEEL BAR - UNIVERSAL JOINT, WHICH HOLDS THE AXLE IN PLACE BROKE RIGHT IN THE CENTER, AND THE WHEEL WENT RIGHT UNDER THE BUMPER AND ALMOST FLIPPED THE VEHICLE OVER. UNIVERSAL JOINT SHEARED OFF, LETTING THE AXLE RIP THROUGH HARNESS SENSOR HUB, STEEL BRAKE LINE, SHOCKS, MUFFLER, RUBBER INSULATORS, AND THE REAR COIL SPRINGS WERE FOUND ON THE GROUND. THE CONTACT WAS PULLING OUT OF A SCHOOL PARKING LOT DRIVING 2 MPH AND IN THE MIDDLE OF A TURN WHEN THIS HAPPENED. THE CONTACT HAS PICTURES OF THE INCIDENT. THE CONTACT FILED A CLAIM WITH THE MANUFACTURER ,AND THE MANUFACTURER DENIED ANY RESPONSIBILITY. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE BOTH 12700.*AK

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON ENTERING THE VEHICLE, THERE WERE NOTICEABLE WATER PUDDLES ON THE FLOOR OF BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES. THERE WAS ALSO A NOTICEABLY FOUL SMELL COMING FROM THE INTERIOR CARPETS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, WHO REFERRED THE CONTACT TO A SERVICE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONER DRAIN ELBOW WAS MISSING. THERE WERE NO REPAIRS MADE. UPDATED 10/25/06. *JB

MY VAN SHOWED NO SIGN OF HAVING ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT. THEN ON THE WAY HOME FROM WORK IT DIED AT A LIGHT. IT MADE AWFUL NOISES AND WOULD NOT START. I TOWED IT FIRST TO ONE REPAIR SHOP AND IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH NEEDING THE ENGINE REPLACED. THEN I TOWED IT TO THE DEALER FOR A SECOND OPINION AND WAS TOLD THE SAME THING. I WAS TOLD AT THE REPAIR SHOP THAT AN ENGINE WITH ONLY 79,000 MILES SHOULD NOT GO OUT LIKE THIS AND IT WAS DUE TO THE FAILURE OF GM PARTS. IT STILL HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED A YEAR LATER. *JB

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED, WHILE DRIVING IN HEAVY RAIN AT 50 MPH., THE WIPER BLADES ON THE WINDSHIELD COLLIDED WITH EACH OTHER. THE DRIVER SIDE BLADE/ASSEMBLY WAS TORN FROM THE WIPER ARM AND THE PASSENGER BLADE/ASSEMBLY WAS TWISTED OUT OF POSITION FOR PROPER OPERATION. UPDATED 07/25/06. *JB

NO INJURIES YET. WHEN I GET INTO MY MINIVAN AND START THE ENGINE, THE AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON SOMETIMES. IF I TURN OFF THE ENGINE AND MOVE THE SEAT A LITTLE THEN RESTART THE VAN IT WILL SOMETIMES GO OUT. I HAVE GONE TO SEVERAL WEB SITES AND THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE EXPERIENCING THIS AND THEY HAVE SAID THAT THE AIR BAG WIRES GOES UNDER THE SEAT THAT IS WHY WHEN YOU MOVE THE SEAT IT WILL SOME TIMES CORRECT IT. *JB

COOLANT LEAK AND GASKET FAILURE ON A 1999 PONTIAC MONTANA 3.4 L ENGINE. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE WATER INTAKE GASKETS TWICE ON THIS M.V. THEY FAIL APPROX. EVERY 80,000 MILES. *JB

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ANTIFREEZE WAS OBSERVED ON THE GROUND BELOW THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP REPLACED THE INTAKE GASKET AND HEAD GASKET ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE PROBLEM RETURNED FOLLOWING BOTH REPAIRS. UPDATED 06/07/2006. *AK *TS

FAILURE OF ENGINE IN 1999 PONTIAC MONTANA AT 101,000 MILES DUE TO LEAKY HEAD GASKET CAUSING ENGINE TO OVERHEAT. THIS WAS AFTER REPAIRS FOR GASOLINE LEAK IN ENGINE DUE TO FAILURE OF INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET. ALL MAINTENANCE WAS DONE AS PER MANUFACTURER'S RECOMMENDATIONS AT DEALERSHIP OF PURCHASE. *JB

FIRST OF ALL THE DRIVERS DOOR PANEL INSIDE COMES OFF AND GETS STUCK MAKING IT VERY HARD TO OPEN THE DOOR. AUGUST 2005 I HAD TO REPLACE THE HEAD GASKETS DUE TO LEAKING ANTIFREEZE INTO THE ENGINE. MARCH 2006 I HAVE TO DO THE SAME THING AGAIN. THE TECHNICIAN SAID THESE VANS ARE KNOWN FOR THIS . I GUESS THAT'S WHAT I GET FOR BUYING AMERICA>>>?? *JB

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WAS PERFORMING A ROUTINE OIL CHECK, IT WAS DETERMINED THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS BAD AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONTACT THIS WAS THE FOURTH VEHICLE WITHIN ONE WEEK WITH THE SAME ENGINE SIZE THAT HAD A BAD INTAKE MANIFOLD.

MY 1999 PONTIAC MONTANA HAS HAD PERSISTENT PROBLEMS WITH A FAULTY INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET WHERE ANTIFREEZE IS REQUIRED TO BE ADDED EVERY FEW WEEKS. THE MANIFOLD GASKET WAS REPLACED BY A GM DEALERSHIP AT 65,000 MILES, BUT SHORTLY AFTER BEGAN TO LEAK AGAIN. THE VEHICLE HAS NOW AT 99,000 MILES HAS HAD A CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE, AND AN ESTIMATED $5,000 REPAIR. I BELIEVE THE ENGINE HAS CEASED AS A RESULT OF THE FAULTY INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET. *NM

DT*: THE CONSUMER STATED SHE APPLIED THE ACCELERATOR, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP. THE MECHANIC CHECKED THE VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THE ENGINE HAD FAILED. *JB

DT: CONSUMER'S WIFE FILLED GASOLINE TANK UP IN RICHMOND AND DROVE HOME 125 MILES AND THE TANK RAN ALMOST EMPTY. THIS WAS A 26 GALLON TANK. THE EMERGENCY/LOW FUEL LIGHT ILLUMINATED. WHEN SHE GOT HOME THERE WAS A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE COMING FORM THE CAR. CONSUMER TURNED ON THE IGNITION AND THERE WAS IMMEDIATE GUSHING OF GASOLINE AT THE CONJUNCTION OF WHERE THE PLASTIC AND METAL FUEL LINES MET RIGHT UNDER THE FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT. DID NOT TAKE VEHICLE TO A DEALER BECAUSE WARRANTY EXPIRED. CONSUMER JACKED CAR UP AND REMOVED THE INTERMEDIATE LINE AND THE FUEL SUPPLY LINE WAS SLIGHTLY MELTED. THE METAL LINE WAS CORRODED AND RUSTED. THE FITTINGS WERE MELTED AND DISINTEGRATED. ALL THREE LINES HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE CONNECTIONS WERE SNAPPED ON CORRECTLY. WHEN THIS WAS ALL COMPLETED CONSUMER TESTED IT BY TURNING ON THE IGNITION. WHEN IGNITION WAS TURNED ON STARTED THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP AND THE GASOLINE GUSHED OUT A FOOT TO THE RIGHT SIDE. DISCOVERED THERE WAS RUST AND A HOLE IN THE METAL SUPPLY LINE GOING TO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THIS LINE CAN NOT BE PURCHASED SEPARATELY, THE ENTIRE SYSTEM HAS TO BE PURCHASED. THIS IS A 6 YEAR OLD AND CANNOT BE DRIVEN DUE TO THIS PROBLEM. *AK

MY PONTIAC MONTANA HAD A FUEL INJECTOR GO BAD AT 76,000 MILES. THERE REPAIR SHOP WHO DID THE LABOR AND REPAIR SAID THEY HAVE HAD VENTURES AND OLDS VANS DO THE SAME THING. THIS SHOP IS A MASTER MECHANIC CERTIFIED. *NM

DURING A REGULAR OIL CHANGE MY MECHANIC DISCOVERED OIL IN THE ANTI-FREEZE. HEAD GASKETS WENT OUT. MY MECHANIC STATES THEY HAVE SEEN IN ALMOST EVERY 3.4 PONTIAC MONTANA MINI VAN THAT AROUND 80,000 MILES THERE IS OIL IN THE ANTIFREEZE WHICH INDICATES A HEAD GASKET MALFUNCTION. TOOK MECHANIC 3 DAYS TO FIX MY VAN TO A COST OF $1212.83 PLUS I WAS WITHOUT A VEHICLE FOR 3 DAYS. AT ABOUT 79,000 MILES THE WHEEL BEARING WENT OUT. NOW THE SLIDER PASSENGER DOOR WON'T OPEN OR WON'T CLOSE AT TIMES. *JB

I HAVE A 1999 PONTIAC MONTANA WITH A 3.4LTR ENGINE. AFTER 40,000 MILES I BEGAN HAVE FUEL INJECTOR MALFUNCTIONS. ON AUGUST 4, 2004, AFTER SEVERAL INJECTOR CLEANINGS, I DECIDE TO HAVE ALL THE INJECTORS REPLACED WITH OEM GM INJECTORS. UNFORTUNATELY THIS DID NOT CURE THE PROBLEM SINCE I HAVE LATER DISCOVERED, THE OEM INJECTORS FOR GM'S 3.4LTR ENGINES HAVE AN INHERANT DEFECT - THE MAGNET THAT IS USED TO OPEN AND CLOSE THE INJECTOR IS VERY WEAK. WHEN EVER THE INJECTOR ENCOUNTERS SMALL DIRT PARTICLES THE INJECTOR REMAINS SHUT, THEREFORE CAUSING THE CYLINDER TO MISFIRE. SINCE AUGUST OF 2004, I HAVE HAD MY VAN IN THE SHOP SEVEN TIMES TO HAVE THE INJECTORS CLEANED. I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE MY INJECTORS CLEANED AGAIN NEXT WEEK. I HAVE NOTIFIED GENERAL MOTORS PONTIAC CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT, SPOKE TO 4 REPRESENATIVES AND THEY CLAIM SINCE THE VAN IS OUT OF WARRANTY THEY CAN NOT ASSIST ME IN RESOLVING THIS PROBLEM. I MIGHT ADD, THAT THEIR ATTITUDE IS VERY CAVALIER AND MATTER-OF-FACT. THE SAFETY ISSUE: THE MALFUNCTIONING OF THE INJECTORS CREATES A SEVER LOSS OF ACCELERATION POWER. ON TWO RECENT OCCASSIONS, MY WIFE WAS ATTEMPTING TO CROSS A 45MPH HWY AND WAS NEARLY HIT BROADSIDE BY AN ONCOMING AUTO. THE VAN LOST POWER HALFWAY INTO THE INTERSECTION. THIS PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT SO YOU ARE UNWARE OF WHEN IT WILL OCCUR. I SPOKE TO TWO MECHANICS WHO SAY THE INJECTOR ISSUE IS CHRONIC ON THE 3.4LTR GM ENGINES. THEY DO NOT SEE THIS SAME PROBLEM WITH OTHER MAKES OF VEHICLES. PLEASE HELP ME

THE AIR BAG LIGHT STAYED ON. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER ON FIVE OCCASIONS, WHERE THEY REPLACED THE HARNESS, AND THE PLUG. THE AIR BAG LIGHT WAS STILL ON.*AK

RIGHT SLIDING DOOR OPENED WHILE DRIVING,AND ALL MECHANISMS WERE INOPERABLE. TOOK VEHICLE TO PONTIAC DEALERSHIP, AND THEY STATED THAT IT WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO BUT PUT A NEW HARNESS ON BECAUSE IT WAS NOT A GM PROBLEM.*AK

ON FEB. 3 OF 2004 WE PURCHASED A USED 1999 MONTANA. THE LOW COOLANT LIGHT WAS COMING ON SO WE TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER. THEY "COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG" BUT IT WAS LOW ON COOLANT. I CHECKED THIS WEB SITE AND FOUND MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT MANIFOLD GASKET FAILURE AROUND 60,000 MILES. OUR VAN HAD LESS THAN THIS SO WE KEPT OUR EYES OPEN TO WHY THIS LIGHT KEPT COMING ON AND EVEN ASKED THE DEALER TO MAKE SURE IT WASN'T LEAKING ANTIFREEZE INTO THE ENGINE. THEY SAID IT WAS LOW BUT THERE WAS NO LEAK. THEN IN FEB OF 05 WE HAD TO REPLACE THE WATER PUMP AND ONE WEEK LATER A NEW NOISE STARTED, SO WE TOOK IT BACK TO A MECHANIC WHO FOUND ANTIFREEZE LEAKING INTO THE ENGINE, $800 LATER IT SEEMS TO BE WORKING FINE. WHY CAN'T PONTIAC BE MADE TO FIX THIS OBVIOUS PROBLEM. WE NO LONGER HAVE DEX-COOL FOR ANTIFREEZE!! THE LOW COOLANT LIGHT HAD COME ON INTERMITTENTLY FOR THE WHOLE YEAR WE OWNED IT AND FINALLY WE FOUND A GOOD MECHANIC WHO KNEW EXACTLY WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS, THE DEALERSHIP--LITHIA FORD OF BOISE--HAD "NO IDEA". IT WOULD HAVE BEEN UNDER WARRANTY IF THEY HAD FIXED IT LAST YEAR. LEAKING INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET CAUSED ENGINE PROBLEMS. *NM

HEAD GASKET LEAKING ON 1999 PONTIAC MONTANA, 80,000 MILES, $700 TO REPAIR. *JB

POWER SLIDING DOOR WONT SHUT. WHEN THE BUTTON IS PUSHED IT OPENS BACK UP, ESPECIALY IN COLD WEATHER, BUT IT ALSO OCCURS IN THE WARMER WEATHER.*AK NUMBER OF FAILURES IS AT LEAST 20 BUT MORE THAN LIKELY MORE.

THE INTAKE MANIFOLD CRACKED CAUSING THE ENGINE NOT TO FUNCTION. *JB

CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. WHEN CHANGING GEARS TRANSMISSION HAD A HARD SHIFT. WHEN STARTING FROM ONE GEAR TO ANOTHER THERE WAS A WINDING NOISE THAT COULD BE HEARD WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. *AK CONSUMER FELT THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON VEHICLE. *AK

WE HAVE 1999 MONTANA WITH APPOX. 57,000 MILES AND THE INTAKE GASKET HAS FAILED. I HAVE BEEN A DI-HARD PONTIAC/GMC BUYER ALL MY LIFE, BUT AFTER MY LAST TWO VANS WE DECIDED TO PURCHASE A FORD. I HAD NOTHING BUT TROUBLE WITH MY 1996 TRANSPORT AND TRADED IT FOR OUR 1999 MONTANA. I LOVE MY MONTANA, BUT THE CARBON KNOCKING IN EMBARRASSING AND NOW WE ARE BEING CHARGED OVER $600.00 FOR A PROBLEM THAT GM KNOWS EXISTS. I WAS ABOUT TO PURCHASE ANOTHER VEHICLE IN THE GM FAMILY UNTIL THIS WEEK. THEY ARE OFFERING $1500 IN "LOYALTY CASH" WE HAVE BEEN LOYAL! WHERE IS GM'S LOYALTY!!! MY NEXT CAR WILL MOST LIKE BE A NON-GM MODEL THANKS TO GM'S LOYALTY!!!!!*AK

WE HAVE ONLY HAD OUR VAN A YEAR. WE HAVE HAD PROBLEMS SINCE WE GOT IT. ONE THING AFTER ANOTHER. FIRST COOLANT LEAKING, ELECTRIAL PROBLEMS, INTAKE GASKET LEAKING. REPLACED 11/05. MOTOR FAILED 1/05. DOOR MAILFUNCTION.*AK

VEHICLE I EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH THE AUTOMATIC SLIDING DOOR. OWNER WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN AND SUDDENLY THE AUTOMATIC SLIDING DOOR OPENED . OWNER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, WHO SAID THAT RECALL REPAIRS WERE ALREADY DONE ON THE VEHICLE. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK

THE CONSUMER STATES THE INTAKE MANIFOLD HAS MALFUNCTIONED. AS A RESULT THE COOLANT LEAKS INTO THE OIL AND THE CONSUMER IS NOW CONCERNED THAT THE ENGINE COULD FAIL. THE CAUSE HAS YET TO BE DETERMINED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NM

I OWNED A 1999 PONTIAC MONTANA VAN. ON THE DECEMBER 19, 2004 AROUND 2300 HOURS MY GRANDSON WAS DRIVING THE VAN ON THE US 31 BYPASS IN SOUTH BEND IN. HE WAS HEADED WESTBOUND AROUND 50 TO 55 MILES PER HOUR. IT HAD RAINED AND SNOWED SOME THEN IT FROZE. A CAR IN FRONT OF MY GRANDSON SPUN OUT OF CONTROL, AND HE PANICKED AND HIT THE BRAKES, AND SPUN OUT INTO THE CONCRETE MEDIAN DIVIDING WALL. THERE WAS CONSIDERABLE DAMAGE TO THE FRONT OF THE VAN. RADIATOR WAS SHOVED INTO THE BLOCK WITH FENDER, HOOD AND BUMPER DAMAGE. ONE THING THAT DIDN'T HAPPEN WAS THE AIR BAG DID NOT GO OFF ON THE DRIVERS SIDE OR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THERE IS A APPARENT DEFECT IN THE SYSTEM. THE VAN HAS 35,330 MILES ON IT. THE INSURANCE COMPANY DEEMED IT TOTALED, AND IT WILL BE OR WAS SALVAGED. MY GRANDSON HAD MINOR INJURIES TO HIS KNEE ,AND A SEAT BELT ABRASION TO THE LEFT SIDE OF HIS NECK.*AK THANK YOU

WE HAVE A 1999 PONTIAC MONTANA THAT WE PURCHASED NEW FROM A LOCAL DEALER IN SOUTH BEND IN. I NOTICED OIL AND ANTIFREEZE GOING DOWN AND TOOK THE VAN TO A GARAGE. HE SAID THAT PONTIAC SHOULD MAKE THE REPAIRS BECAUSE THE LEAK WAS CAUSED BY A MANIFOLD GASKET PROBLEM I TOOK IT TO THE LOCAL DEALER AND TALK TO HIM ABOUT REPAIRS. AT FIRST HE SAID THE REPAIRS WOULD BE AROUND $1500.00. I TOLD HIM THAT IT WOULD BE CHEAPER TO BUY ANOTHER VEHICLE. HE SAID PROBABLY. A REAL SMART ALECK. I TOLD HIM THAT THERE WAS, AT THAT TIME, 30,0000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. HE TALKED TO THE MANAGER AND THEY CAME UP WITH A PRICE AROUND $600.00. I TOLD THEM TO DO IT. THE FINAL PRICE WAS JUST UNDER $400.00. NOW I FIND THAT IT IS LEAKING A LITTLE AGAIN AND THE WATER PUMP IS LEAKING, TOO. I HAD A PRIVATE GARAGE CHANGE THE WATER PUMP AND PROBABLY WON'T GET THE MANIFOLD GASKET REPLACED AT THIS TIME. I ALSO HAD THE BRAKES CHECKED AND FOUND THAT THE REAR WHEEL CYLINDERS WERE LEAKING. THAT IS ANOTHER COST ON THIS 1999 PONTIAC MONTANA VAN. THE DRIVERS DOOR NEEDS A REPAIR TO SOME OF THE MECHANISM IN THE WINDOW AND IT WILL COST AROUND $500. I HAVE HEARD THAT THIS WINDOW PROBLEM IS COMMON WITH THESE VEHICLES. I HAVE REACHED THE POINT OF GETTING RID OF THE VAN AND GOING TO SOMETHING BESIDES A GM PRODUCT. THE VAN HAS 32,000 MILES ON IT NOW AND I SHOULDN'T BE SEEING ALL OF THIS HIGH DOLLAR REPAIRS ON IT. *AK

1999 PONTIAC MONTANNA MINIVAN. THE TRANSMISSION REPEATEDLY SLAMS / HAMMERS INTO GEAR. RESOLUTION IS TO STOP VAN AND RESTART VEHICLE, MOST TIMES THIS STOPS IT UNTILL IT STARTS ACTING UP AGAIN. THIS CAN HAPPEN 7 TIMES IN A 50 MILE TRIP OR ONLY ONCE. THIS IS DANGEROUS TO HAVE TO STOP IN HEAVY TRAFFIC TO DO THIS. THE POWER DOOR IS ALSO A PROBLEM. WILL NOT SHUT PROPERLY, HAVE TO CLOSE 3 TIMES BEFORE IT WILL FINALLY CLOSE.*AK