1994 Pontiac Trans Sport 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 1994 Pontiac Trans Sport, 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
- Seat belts1411.9%
- Visibility1411.9%
- Body & structure1311.0%
- Interior & seats1210.2%
- Transmission1210.2%
- Electrical119.3%
- Engine119.3%
- Brakes65.1%
- Fuel system54.2%
- Other / unspecified54.2%
- Powertrain (other)43.4%
- Driver assistance32.5%
- Tires & wheels32.5%
- Steering21.7%
- Exterior lighting10.8%
- Airbags10.8%
- Suspension10.8%
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
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE FRONT DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE SEAT BELTS WILL NOT RETRACT. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 93V212000, 94V10000 AND 94V015000, REGARDING THE SECOND, THIRD AND FOURTH ROW SEAT BELT. THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL; HOWEVER THE RECALL DOES NOT INCLUDE THE FRONT SEAT BELTS. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE BEEN ALERTED.
FRONT DRIVERS SEAT BELTS ON ALL YEAR (93,94,95,96) CHEVY LUMINA,PONTIAC TRANSPORT, OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE. I HAVE OWNED THEM ALL
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
I OWN A 1994 PONTIAC TRANSPORT, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOP AND RESUME AT WILL, SOMETIMES THEY ARE INACTIVE FOR AS LONG AS HOURS. TWICE THIS ALMOST LED TO AN ACCIDENT. I UNDERSTAND THAT IN CANADA THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL AND A FIX FOR THIS PROBLEM, HOW COME NOT IN THE US? IF THE SAME COMPONENT IS BEING USED THERE WILL BE THE SAME OUTCOME!*AK
STALLS WHEN GETS WARM. ABS BRAKING LIGHT COMES ON EVERY NOW AND THEN. I WAS ROLLING UP WINDOW IT HAS ELECTRIC AND WINDOW SHATTERED IN SIDE DOOR. I HAVE PUT A NEW MODULE IN AND A NEWROTOR CAP AND THE NEW COIL. THE OLD COIL CAUGHT ON FIRE WHEN THE VAN STALLED ON ME. NOW IT HAS NO SPARK. I HAD IT IN SADLERS MOTORS AND THEY TOLD ME THE MODULE WAS BAD. I PUT IT IN. IT STUDDERS GOING DOWN THE ROAD WHEN IT GETS WARM GAS QUIT COMING OUT OF INJECTORS THEN WHEN I PUT MODULE ON INJECTORS WORK NOW I WAS WONDERING IF THERE WAS RECALLS ON ANY OF THAT STUFF I BAUGHT THE VAN USED. WARRANTY DOESN'T COVER ANY OF THIS. THEY SAID THE WARRANTY WAS IN WITH THE PRICE OF THE VAN BUT TO FIND OUT THEY CHARGED US FOR THE WARRANTY. SOMTIMES WHEN WE HIT A BUMP IT HAS A RATTLING NOISE FROM REAR; IT SOUNDS LIKE FROM FRONT SOMTIMES.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
PAINT IS PEELING ON THE TOP OF VAN. OTHER TRANSPORTS I HAVE SEEN HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. IS THERE A RECALL ON THE PAINT? THE PAINT ON THE REST OF THE VEHICLE IS GOOD WITH NO APPARENT DEFECTS. *TR
TRANSMISSION - WHEN YOU START THE VAN, AND PUT INTO GEAR, IT TAKES AT LEAST 10-20 SECONDS BEFORE IT WILL ENGAGE INTO FORWARD AND REVERSE. DRIVERS SIDE SEATBELT- WOULD NOT RETRACT, HAD TO REPLACE, IT COST $100.00 REPLACED 2 ALTINATORS, 1 STARTER AND 4 BATTERIES. HAD TO RE-SEAL INTAKE TWICE. LIFTER TICK, DONUT SEAL REPLACED. VACUMM LEAK REPAIRED. COOLANT LEAK, HAD TO REPLACE HEAD GASKET TWICE. COOLANT IS LEAKING AGAIN. DOOR HANDLE, DRIVERS SIDE BROKE TODAY.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
1994 PONTIAC TRANSPORT ELECTRIC SLIDING DOOR DOES NOT STAY SHUT. IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL AN INSERT WAS PUT IN WITH INSTRUCTIONS TO REMOVE FUSE FOR TAILLIGHT AND REPLACE. THIS WORKED INITIALLY BUT NO LONGER TAKES CARE OF THE PROBLEM.*AK
WHEN OPENING DRIVER DOOR'S NADAR PIN THAT CONNECTS DOOR TO FRAME FELL OFF. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH IN 20 DEGREE WEATHER, A TRANSMISSION LINE TO THE COOLER FAILED. LOTS OF OIL ON THE ROAD AND LOTS OF SMOKE. WE PULLED OVER AND STOPPED AVOIDING A FIRE. CAR WAS TOWED TO BE FIXED.BROKE. *AK
ALL THESE PROBLEMS OCCURED WITH LESS THAN 4 YEARS OF USE ON THIS VAN. WE HAVE REGULAR SERVICE RECORDS FOR IT AS WELL. IT WAS A VERY WELL TAKEN CARE OF VAN. WE JUST HAD TO REPLACE THE WHOLE TRANSMISSION WITH 90,000 MILES! WE'D LIKE TO BE RE-IMBURSED IF POSSIBLE BY PONTIAC.WE'VECALLED PONTIAC BUT HAVE RECEIVED NO HELP AS OF YET. WE'D LIKE TO GET SOME HELP,WE HAVE ALL THE RECEIPTS OF ALL THE EXAUSTING WORK DONE TO THIS VAN. ITS NO WONDER THEY TOOK IT OUT OF PRODUCTION 3 YEARS LATER
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
WENT TO HAVE AC CHARGED, FOUND THAT IT IS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM, WINDSHIELD WIPERS (FRONT/BACK) WORK SPORADIICALLY, CONSUMER HAS TO GET OUT OF VEHICLE TO PUSH WIPERS DOWN WHEN STUCK. WENT IN FOR TRANSMISSION WORK FOUND THAT IT WAS A WIRING ISSUE, VAN JOLTS WHEN USING CRUISE CONTROL AND WHEN GOING UP LARGE HILLS.*AKI
I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY, WHEN WITHOUT WARNING, IT STALLED. I PULLED TO THE SIDE, AND ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. IT CONTINUED TO START, BY WHEN I PUT IT IN GEAR IT WOULD STALL AGAIN. AFTER SEVERAL TIMES, WE SAW SMOKE, THEN IMMEDIATELY FIRE. THE ENTIRE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE WAS BURNED BY TIME THE FIRE DEPT. ARRIVED. THE HIGHWAY PATROL CALLED AAA WHO TOWED IT TO MY USUAL GARAGE. AFTER INSPECTION, THEY DETERMINED IT WAS TOO MUCH DAMAGE TO WARRANT FIXING. I CONTACTED THE PONTIAC CUST. ASSIST. CENTER AND WAS GIVEN A REFERENCE # AFTER FILING A REPORT. HAVE HEARD NOTHING. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED BACK TO MY RESIDENCE, WHERE IT IS NOW. I STILL OWE ON THE VEHICLE, AND HAVE NO RECOURSE. *AK
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
STALLS WHEN GETS WARM. ABS BRAKING LIGHT COMES ON EVERY NOW AND THEN. I WAS ROLLING UP WINDOW IT HAS ELECTRIC AND WINDOW SHATTERED IN SIDE DOOR. I HAVE PUT A NEW MODULE IN AND A NEWROTOR CAP AND THE NEW COIL. THE OLD COIL CAUGHT ON FIRE WHEN THE VAN STALLED ON ME. NOW IT HAS NO SPARK. I HAD IT IN SADLERS MOTORS AND THEY TOLD ME THE MODULE WAS BAD. I PUT IT IN. IT STUDDERS GOING DOWN THE ROAD WHEN IT GETS WARM GAS QUIT COMING OUT OF INJECTORS THEN WHEN I PUT MODULE ON INJECTORS WORK NOW I WAS WONDERING IF THERE WAS RECALLS ON ANY OF THAT STUFF I BAUGHT THE VAN USED. WARRANTY DOESN'T COVER ANY OF THIS. THEY SAID THE WARRANTY WAS IN WITH THE PRICE OF THE VAN BUT TO FIND OUT THEY CHARGED US FOR THE WARRANTY. SOMTIMES WHEN WE HIT A BUMP IT HAS A RATTLING NOISE FROM REAR; IT SOUNDS LIKE FROM FRONT SOMTIMES.
TRANSMISSION - WHEN YOU START THE VAN, AND PUT INTO GEAR, IT TAKES AT LEAST 10-20 SECONDS BEFORE IT WILL ENGAGE INTO FORWARD AND REVERSE. DRIVERS SIDE SEATBELT- WOULD NOT RETRACT, HAD TO REPLACE, IT COST $100.00 REPLACED 2 ALTINATORS, 1 STARTER AND 4 BATTERIES. HAD TO RE-SEAL INTAKE TWICE. LIFTER TICK, DONUT SEAL REPLACED. VACUMM LEAK REPAIRED. COOLANT LEAK, HAD TO REPLACE HEAD GASKET TWICE. COOLANT IS LEAKING AGAIN. DOOR HANDLE, DRIVERS SIDE BROKE TODAY.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
STALLS WHEN GETS WARM. ABS BRAKING LIGHT COMES ON EVERY NOW AND THEN. I WAS ROLLING UP WINDOW IT HAS ELECTRIC AND WINDOW SHATTERED IN SIDE DOOR. I HAVE PUT A NEW MODULE IN AND A NEWROTOR CAP AND THE NEW COIL. THE OLD COIL CAUGHT ON FIRE WHEN THE VAN STALLED ON ME. NOW IT HAS NO SPARK. I HAD IT IN SADLERS MOTORS AND THEY TOLD ME THE MODULE WAS BAD. I PUT IT IN. IT STUDDERS GOING DOWN THE ROAD WHEN IT GETS WARM GAS QUIT COMING OUT OF INJECTORS THEN WHEN I PUT MODULE ON INJECTORS WORK NOW I WAS WONDERING IF THERE WAS RECALLS ON ANY OF THAT STUFF I BAUGHT THE VAN USED. WARRANTY DOESN'T COVER ANY OF THIS. THEY SAID THE WARRANTY WAS IN WITH THE PRICE OF THE VAN BUT TO FIND OUT THEY CHARGED US FOR THE WARRANTY. SOMTIMES WHEN WE HIT A BUMP IT HAS A RATTLING NOISE FROM REAR; IT SOUNDS LIKE FROM FRONT SOMTIMES.
WHEN APPYLING THE ABS BRAKES THE LEFT REAR WHEEL LOCKS UP, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. CAUSE UNKNOWN. DEALER CANNOT IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
STALLS WHEN GETS WARM. ABS BRAKING LIGHT COMES ON EVERY NOW AND THEN. I WAS ROLLING UP WINDOW IT HAS ELECTRIC AND WINDOW SHATTERED IN SIDE DOOR. I HAVE PUT A NEW MODULE IN AND A NEWROTOR CAP AND THE NEW COIL. THE OLD COIL CAUGHT ON FIRE WHEN THE VAN STALLED ON ME. NOW IT HAS NO SPARK. I HAD IT IN SADLERS MOTORS AND THEY TOLD ME THE MODULE WAS BAD. I PUT IT IN. IT STUDDERS GOING DOWN THE ROAD WHEN IT GETS WARM GAS QUIT COMING OUT OF INJECTORS THEN WHEN I PUT MODULE ON INJECTORS WORK NOW I WAS WONDERING IF THERE WAS RECALLS ON ANY OF THAT STUFF I BAUGHT THE VAN USED. WARRANTY DOESN'T COVER ANY OF THIS. THEY SAID THE WARRANTY WAS IN WITH THE PRICE OF THE VAN BUT TO FIND OUT THEY CHARGED US FOR THE WARRANTY. SOMTIMES WHEN WE HIT A BUMP IT HAS A RATTLING NOISE FROM REAR; IT SOUNDS LIKE FROM FRONT SOMTIMES.
ON 3/20/01, I WAS DRIVING MY VAN EASTBOUND ON RT. 33 IN HOCKING COUNTY. MY VAN STALLED, SO I PULLED TO THE SIDE. I ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, AND WHILE IT WOULD CONTINUE TO START, AS SOON AS I PUT IT IN GEAR, IT WOULD STALL AGAIN. A PASSERBY STOPPED, AND PULLED THE HOOD LATCH, THEN TOLD ME TO TRY TO START IT AGAIN. ALMOST IMMEDIATELY, WE SAW SMOKE WHICH WE QUICKLY DETERMINED WAS COMING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE BURST INTO FLAMES FUELED BY THE GAS FROM THE FUEL PUMP. THE VAN IS A TOTAL LOSS, AND THE LOGAN FIRE DEPT. STATED IT WAS CAUSED BY THE FUEL PUMP IGNITING. I AM CONTINUING TO PAY FOR THIS VAN AS I ONLY HAVE LIABILITY INSURANCE. I FEEL IF I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE DOWN THE ROAD, NEVER CAME IN CONTACT WITH ANOTHER CAR, AND DID NOTHING WRONG, WHY SHOULD I BE OUT MY VAN? I CONTACTED PONTIAC AND WAS GIVEN A CONFIRMATION # FOR A REPORT, BUT HAVE HEARD NOTHING. PLEASE HELP ME DETERMINE IF THEY ARE LIABLE FOR FAULTY ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT. *AK
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
A CABLE AND ASSEMBLY THAT WAS USED TO HOLD THE SPARE TIRE UNDER THE VEHICLE RUSTED THROUGH. THIS CAUSED THE SPARE TIRE TO FALL ONTO THE GROUND WHILE DRIVING. *MR PH
SPARE TIRE FELL OFF IN YARD WHEN DOOR CLOSED. CABLE RUSTED OUT. THIS COULD KILL SOMEONE IF IT HAPPENS ON THE ROAD!*AK
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
STALLS WHEN GETS WARM. ABS BRAKING LIGHT COMES ON EVERY NOW AND THEN. I WAS ROLLING UP WINDOW IT HAS ELECTRIC AND WINDOW SHATTERED IN SIDE DOOR. I HAVE PUT A NEW MODULE IN AND A NEWROTOR CAP AND THE NEW COIL. THE OLD COIL CAUGHT ON FIRE WHEN THE VAN STALLED ON ME. NOW IT HAS NO SPARK. I HAD IT IN SADLERS MOTORS AND THEY TOLD ME THE MODULE WAS BAD. I PUT IT IN. IT STUDDERS GOING DOWN THE ROAD WHEN IT GETS WARM GAS QUIT COMING OUT OF INJECTORS THEN WHEN I PUT MODULE ON INJECTORS WORK NOW I WAS WONDERING IF THERE WAS RECALLS ON ANY OF THAT STUFF I BAUGHT THE VAN USED. WARRANTY DOESN'T COVER ANY OF THIS. THEY SAID THE WARRANTY WAS IN WITH THE PRICE OF THE VAN BUT TO FIND OUT THEY CHARGED US FOR THE WARRANTY. SOMTIMES WHEN WE HIT A BUMP IT HAS A RATTLING NOISE FROM REAR; IT SOUNDS LIKE FROM FRONT SOMTIMES.
TRANSMISSION - WHEN YOU START THE VAN, AND PUT INTO GEAR, IT TAKES AT LEAST 10-20 SECONDS BEFORE IT WILL ENGAGE INTO FORWARD AND REVERSE. DRIVERS SIDE SEATBELT- WOULD NOT RETRACT, HAD TO REPLACE, IT COST $100.00 REPLACED 2 ALTINATORS, 1 STARTER AND 4 BATTERIES. HAD TO RE-SEAL INTAKE TWICE. LIFTER TICK, DONUT SEAL REPLACED. VACUMM LEAK REPAIRED. COOLANT LEAK, HAD TO REPLACE HEAD GASKET TWICE. COOLANT IS LEAKING AGAIN. DOOR HANDLE, DRIVERS SIDE BROKE TODAY.
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
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT ANY SPEED THE ACCELERATOR CABLE SNAPPED, CAUSING THE GAS PEDAL TO GO STRAIGHT TO THE FLOOR. VEHICLE IS NOT RECEIVING ANY GAS AT ALL. ALSO, THE COMPUTER CHIP SHUT THE VEHICLE DOWN. CONTACT THE DEALER, AND THEY DON'T KNOW THE CAUSE. *AK
AUTO-TRAN: ACCELERATOR CABLE SNAPPED WHILE DRIVING, GAS PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR, VEHICLE RECEIVED NO GAS, HAVE TO MOVE OVER TO SIDE OF ROAD, COULD CAUSE ACCIDENT.*AK
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
THE TIRE TREAD (ON A TIRE WITH 50% USABLE TREAD REMAINING) SEPARATED CAUSING APPROXIMATELY $1,500 DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE. BFNT RESPONDED TO MY CLAIM BY CLAIMING THE SEPARATION WAS DUE TO LOW TIRE PRESSURE. THEY HAVE NOT PROVIDED EVIDENCE TO BACK THIS ASSERTION.
PE00 02O; CONSUMER SAID THAT HE HAD A PROBLEM WITH A SHAKING AND VIBRATION THROUGHOUT VEHICLE. MECHANIC NOTICED THREE OF TIRE FOUR TIRES WHERE THE TREAD SEPARATED. RECOMMEND TO GO TO THE DISTRIBUTOR FOR REPLACEMENT. THE BRIDGESTONE TURANZA TIRES. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
DEALER INVESTIGATING CAUSE OF BOUNCEY RIDE, DISCOVERED INNER TIE ROD ENDS WORN AND LOOSE. ADVISED THAT FURTHER WEAR WOULD RESULT IN SAFETY PROBLEM AND RECOMMENDED REPLACEMENT OF STEERING GEAR NFOR APPROX. $1000. I DECLINED REPAIR DUE TO COST AND CONCERNS ABOUT NATURE OF DEFECT. RECENTLY HAD STEERING GEAR REPLACED ON MY 1998 GRAND PRIX WITH APPRX. SAME MILEAGE. STEERING GEAR WAS LEAKING. DEALER REPLACED AT NO COST-ADVISED THAT THIS IS VERY RARE. SEEMS TO BE A TREND DEVELOPING HERE, SINCE THE ASSEMBLIES IN QUESTION ON THE TWO VEHICLES ARE NEARLY IDENTICAL. I'VE ALREADY POURED ENOUGH $ INTO THIS VEHICLE FOR FAILED ALTERNATOR, A/C COMPRESSOR, WARPED FRONT ROTORS, ETC. IF THE STEERING GEAR/TIE ROD FAILURE IS A DESIGN PROBLEM, GM SHOULD FIX IT AT NO COST. PLEASE INVESTIGATE. I DO NOT HAVE THE VIN AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME--CAN PROVIDE UPON FOLLOW-UP.*AK
STEERING COLUMN GIVING PROBLEMS. TT
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE TRAVELING AND WITHOUT ANY INDICATION HEADLIGHT COVER BLEW OFF, CAUSING BLUBS TO EXPOSE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INOFRMATION.*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
UPON IMPACT FROM THE REAR, BOTH FRONT BUCKET SEAT BACKS BROKE AND COLLAPSED, ALSO DRIVER AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY AFTER HITTING THE VEHICLE IN FRONT. TT *SLC
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
STRUT TOWER WELDS ARE COMING APART ON FRONT/DRIVER'S SIDE. MECHANIC FOUND THIS DURING INSPECTION.*AK *SLC
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 .