2001 Pontiac Montana Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2001 Pontiac Montana, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Engine3818.8%
- Electrical209.9%
- Fuel system188.9%
- Interior & seats178.4%
- Transmission178.4%
- Brakes157.4%
- Body & structure136.4%
- Visibility115.4%
- Steering115.4%
- Exterior lighting94.5%
- Airbags63.0%
- Heating & air conditioning63.0%
- Suspension52.5%
- Other / unspecified52.5%
- Tires & wheels52.5%
- Powertrain (other)31.5%
- Driver assistance21.0%
- Seat belts10.5%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE VAN WHEN IN PARK WILL REVIVE THE ENGINE AND JUMP, WHEN STOPPING WITH NEW BRAKES AND ALL THAT FUN STUFF WHEN THE VAN IS DOING THIS REVIVING STATE IT TAKES LONGER TO STOP AND LIKE THE VAN IS FIGHTING IT. IT SOMETIMES OVER SHIFTS WHEN IN THIS STATE WHEN TAKING OFF FROM A LIGHT (DOES THE REVIVING THING WHEN MOVING. I AM AFRAID ONE DAY IT IS GOING TO JUMP AND HIT SOMETHING OR SOME ONE OR NOT STOP. *TR
BOUGHT THIS 2001 PONTIAC MONTANA WITH 132000 MILES A WEEK BEFORE. GOING TO PICK UP MY SON FROM WORK, EARLY EVENING, 14 DEGREES OUTSIDE. I LOOK DOWN AND MY TEMPERATURE GAUGE SHOOT UP AND THE RED TEMP GAUGE COMES ON. I PULL OVER. BUBBLING FLUIDS IS ALL I HEAR. FIRST WE STARTED OFF WITH NO HEAT A FEW DAYS BEFORE THAT. WE HAD THE HEATER CORE FLUSHED OUT AND THAT SEEMED TO WORK. CHANGED THE WATER PUMP AND THERMOSTAT. O2 SENSORS NEED TO BE REPLACED (1+3). FUEL PUMP IS RUSTED. AND THE HYDROPONIC LIFTERS ARE LOUD. LIKE THE STYLE BUT HAVING PROBLEMS. NOTICED A FEW STEERING ISSUES. *TR
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
I BACKED UP TO THE LAUNDRY TO WASH CLOTHES AND PROCEEDED TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND GET OUT TO GET CLOTHES OUT OF THE BACK. I PUSHED THE BRAKE AND THOUGHT I HAD PUT THE CAR IN PARK BECAUSE THE KEY CAME OUT. WHEN I STARTED TO STEP OUT OF THE VAN TO GET MY CLOTHES OUT OF THE BACK AND MY FOOT CAME OFF THE BRAKE, THE CAR WAS STILL RUNNING AND BACKED INTO A BLOCK WALL. THE WALL WAS DESTROYED, BUT NO ONE WAS HURT. THE BACK DOOR OF THE VAN IS CRUSHED. AFTER A CLOSE EXAMINATION OF THE IGNITION LOCK I FOUND THAT THE KEY WILL COME OUT IN ANY POSITION, INCLUDING RUNNING. I HAD THOUGHT THE KEY WAS NOT SUPPOSED TO COME OUT EXCEPT IN THE OFF POSITION. IS THIS CORRECT? I ATTEMPTED TO FIND OUT IF IT WAS IN THE GM RECALL FROM MY LOCAL GM DEALER AND THEY CLAIMED IGNORANCE OF ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING. INCLUDING EVEN WHAT CONSTITUTES A DEFECTIVE SWITCH AND WHAT IT IS SUPPOSED TO DO AND NOT DO. IT'S LIKE PULLING TEETH TRYING TO GET THEM TO SAY ANYTHING. THEY SAY THE FACTORY SENDS THEM A LIST AFFECTED CARS AND THEY WILL NOT TOUCH ANYTHING ELSE NO MATTER WHAT THE CIRCUMSTANCES. THE SMELL OF GASOLINE IS STRONG AT TIMES BUT A CURSORY EXAMINATION BY A MECHANIC DOESN'T SHOW ANYTHING. AFTER VIEWING THE RECALLS CONCERNING GAS LEAKS I AM WORRIED. CAN YOU TELL ME BY THE VIN HOW MANY OF THE RECALLS SHOWN ON YOUR PAGE THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD AND WHAT IT HAS MISSED BEFORE IT BURNS ME TO DEATH? *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC MONTANA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING FAILURES WITHIN THE ELEXTRICAL SYSTEM, WHICH WAS CAUSING THE CRUISE CONTROL, ANTI LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM, AND SPEED SENSOR TO FAIL. AS A RESULT, THE TRANSACTION AND AIR BAG LIGHTS WOULD ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE FAILURE ADDRESSED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 02V329000 (AIR BAGS FRONTAL). THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE CHECK VALVE PIN FOR THE AIR BAGS WAS IN THE WIRING HARNESS AND CAUSING ALL OF THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 180,000.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE TANK LEAKS FUEL AT THE INLET ON THE TANK. CUSTOMER IS ABLE TO PUT NO MORE THAN ENOUGH GAS IN THE TANK WHERE IS BELOW THE LEVEL ON THE INLET ON THE TANK. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC MONTANA. THE CONTACT SMELLED GASOLINE FUEL OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED A LEAK NEAR THE FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 223,691.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC MONTANA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER SLIDING DOOR WOULD NOT LATCH WHEN CLOSING, CAUSING THE DOOR TO OPEN WHEN DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE LATCH FAILED. AFTER CONTACTING THE DEALER, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 01V067000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH). THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC MONTANA. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT WHEN THE AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCK WAS DEPRESSED TO OPEN THE DOORS, THEY WOULD NOT OPEN. THE CONTACT HAD TO MANUALLY PUSH THE LOCK DOWN SO THAT IT WOULD FUNCTION PROPERLY. HE CONTINUED TO NOTICE THE FAILURE INTERMITTENTLY. IN NOVEMBER 2009, THE DOORS STOPPED LOCKING ALTOGETHER WHICH PROGRESSIVELY BECAME WORSE UNTIL THE DOORS WOULD NOT CLOSE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO TOLD HIM THAT THERE WAS A RELATED RECALL FOR THE FAILURE BUT THE REPAIR HAD BEEN PERFORMED PREVIOUSLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE; THE DEALER INFORMED HIM THAT HE WOULD HAVE TO PAY A DIAGNOSTIC FEE TO HAVE THE VEHICLE INSPECTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 55,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 133,000.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
EVER SINCE MY HUSBAND AND I BOUGHT THE VAN IT WHEN YOU PUT IT IN A GEAR AND STEP ON THE GAS IT WOULD REV THE ENGINE AND HIT HARD IN GEAR AND CAUSING THE VAN TO JERK HARD WE TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC WHERE WE WERE TOLD AND HE SAID IT WAS THE DRIVE SHAFT AND REPLACED IT AND IT SHOULD NOT JERK NO MORE BUT IT SEEMS TO BE WORSE THAN IT WAS WHEN THEY FIXED IT. *TR
DT: THE CONTACT STATES THAT HER 2001 PONTIAC MONTERO WAS HAVING A PROBLEM WITH THE HEADLIGHTS FILLING WITH WATER WHEN IT RAINS. THIS HAPPENED FOR THREE YEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY A DEALERSHIP THREE YEARS AGO. NOW THERE IS THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE HEADLIGHTS GETTING WET WHEN IT RAINS. THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE IS GETTING WET ALSO. THE DASHBOARD AND INSTRUMENT PANEL IS GETTING WET. HAD TO PUT A TOWEL ON THE DASHBOARD TO KEEP IT DRY. THE TRANSMISSION IWASNOT WORKING, AND IN ORDER TO TAKE IT DOWN, THE MECHANIC WILL HAVE TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED. THE CONTACT DID NOT WANT TO PAY THAT HIGH PRICE TO HAVE THE VEHICLE FIXED.*AK
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC MONTANA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS, OR ECU, CONSTANTLY FAILED. THE BRAKE LIGHT REMAINS ILLUMINATED AND DOES NOT DIM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PADS WERE CHANGED LAST YEAR, BUT THE FAILURE HAS RECENTLY RECURRED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,756.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC MONTANA. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW. IN NOVEMBER OF 2004, THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND DISPLAYED "TRACK OFF" IN THE MESSAGE CENTER OF THE SERVICE TRACKER CONTROL SYSTEM. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, BUT IT WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE ABS SHORTED OUT. THE CONTACT HAD TO REPLACE A BRAKE MODULE AND A VALVE KIT. THE SHORTAGE FRIED THE BATTERY AND IT HAD TO BE REPLACED. AFTER THE REPLACEMENT, THE VEHICLE OPERATED NORMALLY UNTIL FEBRUARY OF 2008 WHEN THE FAILURE RECURRED. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE BRAKE MODULE AND VALVE KIT FAILED AGAIN. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 56,500. UPDATED 03-18-08 *BF
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
MID MAY 2011...I PURCHASED A 2001 PONTIAC MONTANA FROM AN OLDER WOMAN (70-80'S). SHE HAD PURCHASED THE VEHICLE NEW AND SHE LIVED NEAR TUSCON, ARIZONA. THE VEHICLE WAS/IS IN GREAT CONDITION (NO RUST, ETC.) FOR BEING 10 YEARS OLD...AND HAD ONLY 44,000 MILES ON IT. SINCE I BOUGHT THE VAN...I PUT ON MAYBE 1500 MILES. WITHIN THE FIRST MONTH...I HAD A FEW ISSUES...ONE BEING EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. ON THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2011 AS I BACKED OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY...I NOTICED A WEIRD FEELING WITH THE VAN...ALMOST A SQUISHY FEEL. I THOUGHT I MAYBE HAD A FLAT TIRE. I CHECKED AND IT LOOKED FINE. MY MOM PICKED UP MY 14 MONTH OLD DAUGHTER LATER THAT DAY WITH MY VAN...AND AS SHE WAS MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN FROM A STOP SIGN...SHE SAID THAT IT FELT AS THOUGH THE BACK END OF THE VAN SLID OUT FROM UNDER HER. SHE PULLED OVER AS SHE THOUGHT MAYBE SHE HAD A FLAT TIRE. THAT LOOKED FINE. THEN SHE GOT OUT AGAIN AND RECHECKED THE LUG NUTS ON THE TIRES. THOSE WERE TIGHT. THEN SHE THOUGHT THAT PERHAPS SHE HIT SOMETHING IN THE ROAD. AS SHE TURNED THE VAN AROUND TO CHECK THE INTERSECTION SHE JUST CAME THROUGH...THE VAN WOBBLED HORRIBLY. UPON INSPECTION...THE TRAILING ARM ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WAS BROKEN CLEAN IN HALF. YOU COULD MOVE THE TIRE COMPLETELY AROUND SO IT COULD TOUCH THE ALL PARTS OF THE WHEEL WELL. WE'VE TAKEN IT TO A FEW MECHANICS...AND ALL CANNOT FIGURE WHY OR HOW THAT HAPPENED. ALL OF THEM HAVE SAID, HOWEVER, THAT THIS TRAILING ARM SEEMS TO BE PRETTY THIN METAL WHEN YOU CONSIDER IT'S HOLDING YOUR TIRE ON! AND...THE WAY IT BROKE...IT'S ALMOST AS IF THERE WAS A FLAW FROM THE MANUFACTURER. SINCE THEN...WE HAVE HAD IT WELDED. BUT...I HAVEN'T DRIVEN THE VEHICLE MUCH. I'M EXTREMELY HESITANT WITH MY NOW 15 MONTH OLD DAUGHTER IN THE VAN. I'M SO GRATEFUL THIS INCIDENT DIDN'T HAPPEN ON THE FREEWAY! IT COULD HAVE BEEN A ROLLOVER. WE ARE TRYING TO DISCUSS THIS WITH GM TO SEE WHAT THEY CAN DO. *TT
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC MONTANA. WHENEVER THE CONTACT WOULD ACTIVATE THE AIR CONDITIONER, EITHER WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS OR AT A STOP, ONLY HOT AIR WOULD COME OUT OF THE VENTS. THE CONTACT DID NOT NOTICE ANY DIFFERENCES IN THE VEHICLE PRIOR TO THE AIR CONDITIONER FAILURE. ALSO, ON BOTH OF THE SLIDING DOORS, THE RUBBER BUMPER FALLS OFF WHENEVER THE DOORS ARE OPENED OR CLOSED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 119,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY GEARSHIFT BROKE,FUEL GAGE DON'T WORK,MY CAR BOUNCE UP AND DOWN WHEN DRIVING SLIDING DOORS WON'T CLICK OPEN.WHEN START CAR UP AND PUT IN GEAR DRIVE OR REVEARSE WON'T MOVE JUST RIVE UP.
HELLO ON 3/31/09 MY 2001 PONTIAC MONTANA CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE DRIVING ON I-88 HIGHWAY WITH 60 MILES PER HOUR. THE SMOKE FILLED THE CAR AND FIRE WAS SHOOTING UP AT THE BACK WINDOW WHILE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE. APPARENTLY AN ELECTRICAL SHORTAGE AT THE WINDSHIELD VIPER HAS STARTED THE FIRE. *TR
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY GEARSHIFT BROKE,FUEL GAGE DON'T WORK,MY CAR BOUNCE UP AND DOWN WHEN DRIVING SLIDING DOORS WON'T CLICK OPEN.WHEN START CAR UP AND PUT IN GEAR DRIVE OR REVEARSE WON'T MOVE JUST RIVE UP.
BOUGHT THIS 2001 PONTIAC MONTANA WITH 132000 MILES A WEEK BEFORE. GOING TO PICK UP MY SON FROM WORK, EARLY EVENING, 14 DEGREES OUTSIDE. I LOOK DOWN AND MY TEMPERATURE GAUGE SHOOT UP AND THE RED TEMP GAUGE COMES ON. I PULL OVER. BUBBLING FLUIDS IS ALL I HEAR. FIRST WE STARTED OFF WITH NO HEAT A FEW DAYS BEFORE THAT. WE HAD THE HEATER CORE FLUSHED OUT AND THAT SEEMED TO WORK. CHANGED THE WATER PUMP AND THERMOSTAT. O2 SENSORS NEED TO BE REPLACED (1+3). FUEL PUMP IS RUSTED. AND THE HYDROPONIC LIFTERS ARE LOUD. LIKE THE STYLE BUT HAVING PROBLEMS. NOTICED A FEW STEERING ISSUES. *TR
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
I JUST RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2001 PONTIAC MONTANA AND STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE WIRE MOUNTING IN THE TAIL LIGHTS. WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS ARE ON AND I PUSH ON THE BREAK THE TURN SIGNAL LIGHT DIMLY LIGHT ON THE DASH, THEN WHEN I HAVE MY RIGHT TURN SIGNAL ON AND PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE IT BLINKS FAST, ALSO WHEN THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL IS ON THE RIGHT ONE LIGHTS UP ON THE DASH. I FEEL THAT THIS IS HAZARDOUS AND SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BY YOUR COMPANY. WHEN YOU BUILT THE VEHICLE YOU USED PLASTIC WIRE MOUNTINGS AND THEY CAN'T WITHSTAND THE HEAT, THIS ALSO SHORTS OUT MY TRACTION CONTROL IN WHICH IT THEN SHUTS OFF. THIS IS A MANUFACTURING ERROR AND SHOULD BE FIXED BY THE COMPANY TO KEEP YOUR CUSTOMERS HAPPY. THE PART TO FIX THIS PROBLEM IS $55.00. *TR
SERVICE TRACTION LIGHT STAYS ON. TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS BLINKED REALLY FAST AND THEY LIGHT UP EVERYTIME I PUSH ON THE BREAK. REPLACED BRAKES. PROBLEM CAUSED TAIL LAMP CIRCUIT BOARD AND LIGHT BULBS TO BURN OUT AND MELT CONNECTORS. WAS UNABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE BECAUSE PEOPLE ON THE ROAD WOULD NOT KNOW WHEN I WAS BREAKING AND COULD POSSIBLY RUN INTO ME. KNOCKING SOUND ON RIGHT WHEEL AND STEERING WHEEL IS LOOSE. REPLACED STABILIZERS AND SENSORS, ROTATED AND BALANCED WHEELS. SCARED THAT I MAY LOOSE CONTROL OF THE CAR BECAUSE IT CAUSES THE TRACTION TO TURN OFF AND THE VEHICLE SLIDES WHICH COULD LEAD TO A MULTI-CAR ACCIDENT. IT ALSO NEEDS NEW SHOCKS; THEY ARE LEAKING. VEHICLE IS RUNNING HOT AND IS EATING UP THE COOLANT. HAVE ALREADY PUT 2 GALLONS IN THE VEHICLE SINCE SEPT. WATER PUMP IS LEAKING. PASSENGER WINDOW KEEPS GETTING STUCK. DEALERSHIP SAYS THAT THE DOOR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE IT IS AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE. THE MAJORITY OF THE PROBLEMS THAT I AM HAVING ARE DUE TO ELECTRICAL ISSUES. IF YOU GOOGLE PROBLEMS WITH THIS PARTICULAR MODEL, YOU WILL FIND THAT THE COMPLAINTS ARE REGARDING THE SAME ISSUES THAT I HAVE STATED. I AM LOW INCOME AND CANNOT AFFORD TO KEEP SPENDING MONEY TO HYPOTHESIZE WHAT IS THE CAUSE. I NEED GM TO FIND OUT WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS VEHICLE. I CAN'T GET OUT OF MY CONTRACT AND THIS VEHICLE IS A ROAD HAZARD. I NOTICED THE ISSUE WITH THE DOOR THE SAME THAT I TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE. THE DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO REPAIR IT EVEN THOUGH IT WAS ON THE INSPECTION REPORT. STILL DISPUTING ISSUE WITH THEM. I NOTICED THE PROBLEM WITH THE WHEEL IN APRIL AND HAVE BEEN CONSTANTLY TAKING IT BACK EVERY SINCE THE FIRST REPAIR WAS DONE. *TR
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
IN LEFT TURN LANE IN THE INTERSECTION..ONCOMING VEHICLE HIT HEAD ON. AIRBAG FAILED TO INFLATE ON DRIVERS SIDE. DRIVER AIRLIFTED TO TRAUMA HOSP.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC MONTANA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING FAILURES WITHIN THE ELEXTRICAL SYSTEM, WHICH WAS CAUSING THE CRUISE CONTROL, ANTI LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM, AND SPEED SENSOR TO FAIL. AS A RESULT, THE TRANSACTION AND AIR BAG LIGHTS WOULD ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE FAILURE ADDRESSED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 02V329000 (AIR BAGS FRONTAL). THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE CHECK VALVE PIN FOR THE AIR BAGS WAS IN THE WIRING HARNESS AND CAUSING ALL OF THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 180,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC MONTANA. WHENEVER THE CONTACT WOULD ACTIVATE THE AIR CONDITIONER, EITHER WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS OR AT A STOP, ONLY HOT AIR WOULD COME OUT OF THE VENTS. THE CONTACT DID NOT NOTICE ANY DIFFERENCES IN THE VEHICLE PRIOR TO THE AIR CONDITIONER FAILURE. ALSO, ON BOTH OF THE SLIDING DOORS, THE RUBBER BUMPER FALLS OFF WHENEVER THE DOORS ARE OPENED OR CLOSED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 119,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
THE AIR CONDITIONING IN THE VAN DOESN'T WORK. STOPPED OVER A YEAR AGO. TOOK IT IN FOR SERVICE AND AFTER 360.00 AIR STILL DOESN'T WORK. TOOK IT TO ANOTHER SHOP THIS YEAR AND THEY TOLD US THE CONDENSER NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AND THERE IS A LEAK IN THE LINE. WERE TOLD THE ESTIMATE TO REPAIR WOULD BE APPROXIMATELY $1100.00. WHEN THE SHOP CALLED FOR THE PARTS, THEY WERE TOLD THEY WERE THE 14TH PERSON ORDERING A CONDENSER THAT DAY. WHY ISN'T THIS A RECALL ISSUE? IN THE HEAT OF THE SUMMER DRIVING WITH WINDOWS OPEN CAUSES DRAG ON THE VEHICLE AND DIMINISHES THE FUEL CONSUMPTION, NEVER MIND THE DISCOMFORT OF SMALL CHILDREN IN THE BACK WHO CAN OPEN WINDOWS FOR RELIEF. ALMOST 1500.00 SPENT ON A 6 YEAR OLD CAR FOR AIR CONDITIONING IS OBSCENE! *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY GEARSHIFT BROKE,FUEL GAGE DON'T WORK,MY CAR BOUNCE UP AND DOWN WHEN DRIVING SLIDING DOORS WON'T CLICK OPEN.WHEN START CAR UP AND PUT IN GEAR DRIVE OR REVEARSE WON'T MOVE JUST RIVE UP.
MID MAY 2011...I PURCHASED A 2001 PONTIAC MONTANA FROM AN OLDER WOMAN (70-80'S). SHE HAD PURCHASED THE VEHICLE NEW AND SHE LIVED NEAR TUSCON, ARIZONA. THE VEHICLE WAS/IS IN GREAT CONDITION (NO RUST, ETC.) FOR BEING 10 YEARS OLD...AND HAD ONLY 44,000 MILES ON IT. SINCE I BOUGHT THE VAN...I PUT ON MAYBE 1500 MILES. WITHIN THE FIRST MONTH...I HAD A FEW ISSUES...ONE BEING EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. ON THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2011 AS I BACKED OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY...I NOTICED A WEIRD FEELING WITH THE VAN...ALMOST A SQUISHY FEEL. I THOUGHT I MAYBE HAD A FLAT TIRE. I CHECKED AND IT LOOKED FINE. MY MOM PICKED UP MY 14 MONTH OLD DAUGHTER LATER THAT DAY WITH MY VAN...AND AS SHE WAS MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN FROM A STOP SIGN...SHE SAID THAT IT FELT AS THOUGH THE BACK END OF THE VAN SLID OUT FROM UNDER HER. SHE PULLED OVER AS SHE THOUGHT MAYBE SHE HAD A FLAT TIRE. THAT LOOKED FINE. THEN SHE GOT OUT AGAIN AND RECHECKED THE LUG NUTS ON THE TIRES. THOSE WERE TIGHT. THEN SHE THOUGHT THAT PERHAPS SHE HIT SOMETHING IN THE ROAD. AS SHE TURNED THE VAN AROUND TO CHECK THE INTERSECTION SHE JUST CAME THROUGH...THE VAN WOBBLED HORRIBLY. UPON INSPECTION...THE TRAILING ARM ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WAS BROKEN CLEAN IN HALF. YOU COULD MOVE THE TIRE COMPLETELY AROUND SO IT COULD TOUCH THE ALL PARTS OF THE WHEEL WELL. WE'VE TAKEN IT TO A FEW MECHANICS...AND ALL CANNOT FIGURE WHY OR HOW THAT HAPPENED. ALL OF THEM HAVE SAID, HOWEVER, THAT THIS TRAILING ARM SEEMS TO BE PRETTY THIN METAL WHEN YOU CONSIDER IT'S HOLDING YOUR TIRE ON! AND...THE WAY IT BROKE...IT'S ALMOST AS IF THERE WAS A FLAW FROM THE MANUFACTURER. SINCE THEN...WE HAVE HAD IT WELDED. BUT...I HAVEN'T DRIVEN THE VEHICLE MUCH. I'M EXTREMELY HESITANT WITH MY NOW 15 MONTH OLD DAUGHTER IN THE VAN. I'M SO GRATEFUL THIS INCIDENT DIDN'T HAPPEN ON THE FREEWAY! IT COULD HAVE BEEN A ROLLOVER. WE ARE TRYING TO DISCUSS THIS WITH GM TO SEE WHAT THEY CAN DO. *TT
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
SERVICE TRACTION LIGHT STAYS ON. TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS BLINKED REALLY FAST AND THEY LIGHT UP EVERYTIME I PUSH ON THE BREAK. REPLACED BRAKES. PROBLEM CAUSED TAIL LAMP CIRCUIT BOARD AND LIGHT BULBS TO BURN OUT AND MELT CONNECTORS. WAS UNABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE BECAUSE PEOPLE ON THE ROAD WOULD NOT KNOW WHEN I WAS BREAKING AND COULD POSSIBLY RUN INTO ME. KNOCKING SOUND ON RIGHT WHEEL AND STEERING WHEEL IS LOOSE. REPLACED STABILIZERS AND SENSORS, ROTATED AND BALANCED WHEELS. SCARED THAT I MAY LOOSE CONTROL OF THE CAR BECAUSE IT CAUSES THE TRACTION TO TURN OFF AND THE VEHICLE SLIDES WHICH COULD LEAD TO A MULTI-CAR ACCIDENT. IT ALSO NEEDS NEW SHOCKS; THEY ARE LEAKING. VEHICLE IS RUNNING HOT AND IS EATING UP THE COOLANT. HAVE ALREADY PUT 2 GALLONS IN THE VEHICLE SINCE SEPT. WATER PUMP IS LEAKING. PASSENGER WINDOW KEEPS GETTING STUCK. DEALERSHIP SAYS THAT THE DOOR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE IT IS AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE. THE MAJORITY OF THE PROBLEMS THAT I AM HAVING ARE DUE TO ELECTRICAL ISSUES. IF YOU GOOGLE PROBLEMS WITH THIS PARTICULAR MODEL, YOU WILL FIND THAT THE COMPLAINTS ARE REGARDING THE SAME ISSUES THAT I HAVE STATED. I AM LOW INCOME AND CANNOT AFFORD TO KEEP SPENDING MONEY TO HYPOTHESIZE WHAT IS THE CAUSE. I NEED GM TO FIND OUT WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS VEHICLE. I CAN'T GET OUT OF MY CONTRACT AND THIS VEHICLE IS A ROAD HAZARD. I NOTICED THE ISSUE WITH THE DOOR THE SAME THAT I TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE. THE DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO REPAIR IT EVEN THOUGH IT WAS ON THE INSPECTION REPORT. STILL DISPUTING ISSUE WITH THEM. I NOTICED THE PROBLEM WITH THE WHEEL IN APRIL AND HAVE BEEN CONSTANTLY TAKING IT BACK EVERY SINCE THE FIRST REPAIR WAS DONE. *TR
THE COMPRESSOR FOR MY 2001 MONTANA, HAVING ONLY 68K MILES WAS DIAGNOSED AS DEFECTIVE BY JONES PONTIAC SERVICE IN LANCASTER. THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE COMPRESSOR, WHICH WASN'T CAUSED BY WEAR & TEAR. THE MANUFACTURER, PONTIAC REFUSED TO REPLACE THIS AT A DISCOUNTED COST. THE REPLACEMENT COST WAS $1,200. THE COMPRESSOR DOESN'T WORK, AND WOULD LEAK FREON INTO THE ATMOSPHERE IF USED. I HAVEN'T HAD THIS FIXED OR PERMITTED FREON TO BE FILLED INTO THE COMPRESSOR, SO I HAVEN'T USED THE COMPRESSOR. THE COMPRESSOR IS NEEDED TO DEFROST THE WINDOWS IN THE WINTER, WHICH COULD CAUSE A HAZARDOUS SITUATION. I BELIEVE PONTIAC SHOULD HOLD THE MANUFACTURER ACCOUNTABLE FOR THIS ABNORMAL DEFECT, AND OFFER A 75% DISCOUNT ON THE PART. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
ALL FOUR BIG O EURO TOUR TIRES PURCHASED AND A YEAR LATER, THE TREAD BELT SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE. NARROWLY AVOIDING A COLLISION I MANAGED TO GET THE VEHICLE INTO THE BIG O RETAIL CENTER, WHERE MY WARRANTY WAS NOT HONORED. NOT IN A POSITION TO DRIVE ELSEWHERE, I PURCHASED TWO NEW BIG O ASPEN TIRES. A YEAR LATER, THE TREAD BELT SEPARATING FROM THE TIRES ON THE OTHER TWO BIG O EURO TOUR TIRES. THESE TIRES WERE LISTED IN A RECALL JUST MONTHS AFTER MY PURCHASE, YET I EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR
IN THE PAST FEW MONTHS, I HAVE HAD 2 BULGES ON THE SIDEWALLS OF MY TIRES AS WELL AS A FLAT (AGAIN ON THE SIDEWALL PORTION OF THE TIRE), WHICH APPEAR TO BE A RESULT OF PRODUCT FAILURE. THE MASTERCRAFT SENSYS 01 215/70R15 WERE INSTALLED AT A DEALERSHIP ON THE FRONT OF MY 2001 PONTIAC MONTANA. UPON RETURN TO THE DEALER, HE REPLACED THE FAULTY TIRES AND RETURNED THEM TO THE DISTRIBUTOR. THE DISTRIBUTOR REPLACED ONE AT NO CHARGE TO THE DEALER AND CHARGED HIM FOR THE ONE WITH THE BULGE. THE OTHER TIRE WITH THE BULGE IS CURRENTLY SITTING AT THE DEALERSHIP, WAITING FOR A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE DISTRIBUTOR TO VIEW IT, PRIOR TO REPLACEMENT. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
I BACKED UP TO THE LAUNDRY TO WASH CLOTHES AND PROCEEDED TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND GET OUT TO GET CLOTHES OUT OF THE BACK. I PUSHED THE BRAKE AND THOUGHT I HAD PUT THE CAR IN PARK BECAUSE THE KEY CAME OUT. WHEN I STARTED TO STEP OUT OF THE VAN TO GET MY CLOTHES OUT OF THE BACK AND MY FOOT CAME OFF THE BRAKE, THE CAR WAS STILL RUNNING AND BACKED INTO A BLOCK WALL. THE WALL WAS DESTROYED, BUT NO ONE WAS HURT. THE BACK DOOR OF THE VAN IS CRUSHED. AFTER A CLOSE EXAMINATION OF THE IGNITION LOCK I FOUND THAT THE KEY WILL COME OUT IN ANY POSITION, INCLUDING RUNNING. I HAD THOUGHT THE KEY WAS NOT SUPPOSED TO COME OUT EXCEPT IN THE OFF POSITION. IS THIS CORRECT? I ATTEMPTED TO FIND OUT IF IT WAS IN THE GM RECALL FROM MY LOCAL GM DEALER AND THEY CLAIMED IGNORANCE OF ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING. INCLUDING EVEN WHAT CONSTITUTES A DEFECTIVE SWITCH AND WHAT IT IS SUPPOSED TO DO AND NOT DO. IT'S LIKE PULLING TEETH TRYING TO GET THEM TO SAY ANYTHING. THEY SAY THE FACTORY SENDS THEM A LIST AFFECTED CARS AND THEY WILL NOT TOUCH ANYTHING ELSE NO MATTER WHAT THE CIRCUMSTANCES. THE SMELL OF GASOLINE IS STRONG AT TIMES BUT A CURSORY EXAMINATION BY A MECHANIC DOESN'T SHOW ANYTHING. AFTER VIEWING THE RECALLS CONCERNING GAS LEAKS I AM WORRIED. CAN YOU TELL ME BY THE VIN HOW MANY OF THE RECALLS SHOWN ON YOUR PAGE THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD AND WHAT IT HAS MISSED BEFORE IT BURNS ME TO DEATH? *TR
GAS LEAKING UNDER THE DRIVER SEAT AND UNDER THE HOOD. ALSO, GAS WAS POURING OUT FROM THE MOTOR. *LA THE WINDOW FAILED TO OPEN, THE CONSUMER IS CURRENTLY WAITING ON A NEW MOTOR. THE REAR BRAKES WERE LEAKING, THE TIE RODS HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE THEY WERE LOOSE, THE LEFT REAR STUCK BECAME STUCK, WHEN THE GEAR WAS TAKEN OUT OF PARK AND PLACED INTO DRIVE AND THE CONSUMER PROCEEDED TO ACCELERATE THE VEHICLE JERKED, THE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED, THE DEALER DETERMINED THE EMISSION SYSTEM WAS DRAGGING, THE DRIVER SIDE MIRROR VIBRATED, THE BUMPER COVER WAS LOOSE. WHEN THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO TURN THE KEY IN THE IGNITION, THE VEHICLE DID NOT START, THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE CONSUMER'S CONCERN. THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR WAS LEAKING AND THE FUEL FILTER WAS REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT GO OVER 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHIFTED AND THEN RETURNED TO NORMAL SPEED. THE PLASTIC ON THE DRIVERS SEAT WAS LOOSE. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
FOR SOME TIME NOW I HAVE BEEN HAVING INCIDENTS WHERE MY GAS PEDAL IS HUNG UP OR STUCK. I AM TO THE POINT NOW I AM SCARED TO DRIVE IT. I HAVE SMALL CHILDREN AND EVERYTIME WE GET IN THE VAN ITS A DANGER. *TR
VEHICLE WAS RENTED FROM A NATIONAL CAR RENTAL AGENCY. ENGINE STALLED WHILE ACCELERATING JUST AFTER DECELERATING AT RED LIGHT CHANGING TO GREEN. "BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM" LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. RESULTED IN ACCELERATOR AND BRAKE FAILURE. VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT TO A STOP USING EMERGENCY FOOT BRAKE. NO ACCIDENT OR INJURY. CAR RESTARTED AND FUNCTIONED NORMALLY SEVERAL MINUTES LATER. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
I TOOK MY VAN FOR A FREE SAFETY CHECK AND THE MECHANIC SAID I HAD AN INTAKE LEAK WHICH COULD DO SOME MAJOR DAMAGE IF IT WASN'T REPAIRED. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND THEY AGREED IT WAS LEAKING, AND FOUND A TIE ROD PROBLEM. ALONG WITH THOSE PROBLEMS THEY SAID MY TENSIONER ON MY FRONT SEAT BELT BROKE. THESE REPAIRS ARE OVER $1,000. IF ALL THESE OTHER PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM I WOULD SURE LIKE AN EXPLANATION. MY DEALERSHIP SAID IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE VANS. THAT SURE SOUNDS LIKE THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE RECALLED!*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .