Engine
3.4L 6-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 208 of 235 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 104 of 235 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Engine & cooling
105 complaint records1 fire report
"1999 PONTIAC MONTANA- COOLANT IN OIL- LEAKING INTAKE MAINIFOLD GASKET AND BAD WATER PUMP. 75,000 MILES AT TIME OF INCIDENT...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Air bags
33 complaint records14 crash reports
"DRIVER'S SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER FAILED CAUSING THE AIR BAG LIGHT TO STAY ON, THE DRIVERS SIDE AIR BAG ALSO CAME OUT OF THE SEAT. NLM..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse air bags parts in the directory →
Power train
32 complaint records
"VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN DEALER'S REPAIR SHOP OVER 6 TIMES FOR TRANSMISSION. DEALER REPLACED TRANSMISSION, AND VEHICLE JUMPS AND JERKS.*AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE04064 opened Sep 2004 | closed Dec 2004 | Structure | POWER-SLIDING DOOR - led 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... |
| EA03005 opened Apr 2003 | closed Jan 2004 | Suspension | REAR AXLE TRAILING ARM FAILURE 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... |
| PE02017 opened Feb 2002 | closed Aug 2002 | Seat Belts | SHOULDER HARNESS CLIP |
| EA01014 opened Jun 2001 | closed Aug 2002 | Air Bags | AIR BAG INFLATOR - led to recall 02V027002 |
| PE00045 opened Nov 2000 | closed Jan 2001 | Air Bags | AIR BAG TEAR DURING DEPLOYMENT |
Show 2 more closed investigations
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| SQ00014 opened Jul 2000 | closed Oct 2001 | Structure | UNEXPECTED OPENING OF SLIDING DOOR - led to recall 01V067000 There is no summary currently available |
| RQ00006 opened Feb 2000 | closed Apr 2001 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | TRACTION CONTROL - led to recall 98V072000 |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04V597000 | Latches/Locks/Linkages | 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... | Normally free |
| 02V027000 | Air Bags | ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MINI VANS, THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG INFLATOR MODULES COULD PRODUCE EXCESSIVE INTERNAL PRESSURE. | Normally free |
| 01V264000 | Latches/Locks/Linkages | 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... | Normally free |
| 01V067000 | Latches/Locks/Linkages | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINIVANS EQUIPPED WITH PASSENGER SIDE POWER SLIDING DOORS. THE DOOR CLOSES BUT MAY NOT BE LATCHED. | Normally free |
| 99V071000 | Steering | 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. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004446 2004-12-22 | Other | 105,755 | On certain vehicles equipped with second-row bucket seats or captain's chairs and power sliding door on the passenger side, if a passenger uses the interior handle to open the power sliding door and holds onto the handle while it is being... |
| 2001236 2001-09-24 | Other | 38,064 | Certain 1997-2001 Chevrolet Venture, Pontiac Montana/ Trans Sport, 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. |
| 2001187 2001-07-04 | Airbag | 170 | Certain passenger vehicles. 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... |
| 2001059 2001-03-09 | Structure | 54,759 | Certain vehicles may exhibit a condition in which the power sliding door closes, but is not 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... |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17-NA-073 Feb 2023 | Equipment | This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy. | |
| PIP4723F Jan 2022 | Service Brakes | This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving... | |
| PIP4723D Jan 2020 | Electrical System | This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving... | |
| PIC4696E Nov 2019 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. | |
| 17NA073 Sep 2019 | Equipment | This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| PIC4696D Sep 2019 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. | |
| 17NA073 Feb 2019 | Equipment | This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy. | |
| PIC4696C May 2018 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. | |
| PIP4723C Sep 2017 | Fuel System | This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving... | |
| 17-NA-073 Mar 2017 | Equipment | This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy transportation policy. | |
| PIP4723B Feb 2017 | Electrical System | This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving... | |
| 17-NA-016 Feb 2017 | Wheels | This informational bulletin provides information on wheel bearing P/N 13582664 being received new with visible rust and no action is needed as this does not affect the part performance. | |
| 17-NA-016 Jan 2017 | Wheels | This informational bulletin provides information on wheel bearing P/N 13582664 being received new with visible rust and no action is needed as this does not affect the part performance. | |
| 16NA260 Aug 2016 | Equipment | THIS TECHNICAL BULLETIN PROVIDES A PROCEDURE TO REPROGRAM THE MEDIA DISC PLAYER WITH THE LATEST CALIBRATIONS TO CORRECT A CONDITION OF THE REAR ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM NOT OPERATING AS INTENDED IN COLDER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE AREAS DUE TO CALIBRATION CONCERNS. | |
| PIC4696B Dec 2015 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. | |
| PIP5346 Nov 2015 | Power Train | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about cooler line fittings that come with the 4T65E General Motors remanufactured transmission may not be the same as Original equipment manufacturer quick connect verses inverted flare. | |
| PIC4696A Oct 2015 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. | |
| Recalls Jun 2014 | Equipment | Vehicle Recalls | |
| 05-06-04-035D May 2014 | Fuel System | This informational bulletin provides the technician with information on what E85 fuel may due to a non E85 vehicle. | |
| 99-08-51-007F Feb 2014 | Equipment | Refinishing Aluminum Wheels This bulletin updates General Motor's position on refinishing aluminum wheels. GM does not endorse any repairs that involve welding, bending, straightening o re-machining. | |
| PI0281D Jan 2014 | Structure | Underbody Component Corrosion The following information may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers. Some customers may comment that one or more of their vehicle's underbody components are showing some form of corrosion. | |
| PIC5913 Sep 2013 | Electrical System | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Supplemental Inflatable Restraint lamp, Service Vehicle Soon lamp on and/or radio locked, possibly after module replacement. | |
| 130089009 Sep 2013 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules | |
| 00-00-89-027G Nov 2012 | Equipment | This informational bulletin provides a step by step procedure on how to properly use the GM chemicals to eliminate unwanted odors in vehicles and which products to use for each application. | |
| 03-06-01-010 Apr 2008 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE OIL OR COOLANT LEAK. *TT GM REMINDER. *TT INSTALL NEW LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET. UPDATED 7/18/08 *PE | |
| 000940001B Feb 2005 | Child Seat | EXCESSIVE LATERAL MOVEMENT (SIDE TO SIDE) WHEN USING CERTAIN AFTERMARKET CHILD SEATS. THIS CONDITION OCCURS IN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SECOND AND THIRD ROW BUCKET SEATS. INCLUDING THE 1997 - 1999 OPEL SINTRA. *TT | |
| 010730032B Nov 2004 | Power Train | SOME OWNERS MAY COMMENT ON A TRANSMISSION OIL LEAK. *TT UPDATED *EH | |
| 010844005A Oct 2004 | Equipment | INFORMATION ON ERROR CODES ON RADIO DISPLAY THEIR CAUSE AND CORRECTIVE ACTION. *EH | |
| 01507 Jan 2004 | Seat Belts | SECOND ROW SEAT BELT WILL NOT RETRACT PASSENGERS SIDE. SIT BULLETIN 1403282. *TT | |
| 01521 Jan 2004 | Parking Brake | REAR PARKING BRAKE CABLE RATTLE NOISE LEFT REAR SUSPENSION. *TT *MJ | |
| 01854 Jan 2004 | Latches/Locks/Linkages | POWER DOOR LOCKS INOPERATIVE. *MR | |
| 01933 Jan 2004 | Structure | WATER LEAKS AT OVERHEAD CONSOLE MAP. *TT | |
| 3136 Jan 2004 | Exterior Lighting | DAYTIME RUNNING LAMPS (DRL) DISABLE OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT VEHICLES ONLY. *TC | |
| 00704A Nov 2003 | Power Train | THE 4T65E AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION MAY EXHIBIT A CONDITION OF A HARSH GARAGE SHIFT INTO REVERSE OR DRIVE ON A COLD START. *TT | |
| 030232049 Nov 2003 | Steering | RELEASE OF NEW OUTER TIE ROD ENDS FOR SERVICE. *TT | |
| 57 Jul 2003 | Electrical System | WIRE HARNESS MAY BE STRETCHED, OR THE PCS MAY NOT BE ORIENTED IN THE SAME POSITION, AFTER INSTALLING A SERVICE REPLACEMENT VALVE BODY ASSEMBLY. GM TECH LINK. *TT | |
| 030730017 May 2003 | Power Train | GRIND NOISE OR NO VEHICLE MOVEMENT WHEN SHIFTING INTO DRIVE OR REVERSE. *TT | |
| 020867006B Mar 2003 | Structure | ROOF PERFORATION. *TT | |
| 010851004A Jan 2003 | Structure | PREMATURE ALUMINUM HOOD CORROSION / BLISTERING. *TT | |
| 020864006A Dec 2002 | Structure | ROOF PERFORATION. *TT | |
| 000730002B Jul 2002 | Power Train | CONCERNS WITH SLIPS, HARSH UPSHIFT OR GARAGE SHIFTS, LAUNCH SHUDDERS, FLARES, ERRATIC SHIFTS AND INTERMITTENT CONCERNS, DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P1811 OR P0748 SET. *TT | |
| 020730014A Jul 2002 | Unknown Or Other | INFORMATION ON SERVICING 4T65-E TRANSAXLE SPACER PLATE AND GASKETS FOR VARIOUS MODELS FROM 1997 THROUGH 2002. *TT | |
| 020858003 Jun 2002 | Structure | SOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT THAT ROAD NOISE CAN BE HEARD COMING FROM THE AREA BEHIND THE FRONT SEATS. *TT | |
| 020867006 Jun 2002 | Structure | SOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT THAT THERE IS RUST FORMING AROUND THE FRONT OR REAR PORTION OF THE ROOF. *TT | |
| 020858005 Jun 2002 | Visibility | CONCERNS WITH WIND NOISE AT THE BASE OF THE WINDSHIELD. *TT | |
| 020864011 May 2002 | Structure | SOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT THAT THE POWER SLIDING DOOR WILL REVERSE ON CLOSING OR THE DOOR WILL APPEAR CLOSED, BUT THE ALARM WILL COME ON WHEN THE TRANSMISSION IS MOVED OUT OF PARK. *TT | |
| 050402 Apr 2002 | Structure | ISSUE REGARDING EXCESSIVE ROAD NOISE MOST PREVALENT IN THE SLIDING DOOR AREAS, LEFT, RIGHT OR BOTH. *TT | |
| 040402 Apr 2002 | Structure | SUBJECT REGARDING WIND NOISE WHILE DRIVING. *TT | |
| 020601014 Apr 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT REGARDING REVISED LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD INSTALLATION. *TT | |
| 000138011B Apr 2002 | Visibility | SUBJECT REGARDING POOR HEAT WITH COLD OUTSIDE TEMPERATURES AT LOW ENGINE RPM. *TT | |
| 000138011A Apr 2002 | Visibility | SUBJECT REGARDING POOR HEAT WITH COLD OUTSIDE TEMPERATURES AT LOW ENGINE RPM. *TT | |
| 020730014 Apr 2002 | Unknown Or Other | INFORMATION ON SERVICING 4T65E TRANSAXLE SPACER PLATE AND GASKETS. *TT | |
| 000730007A Feb 2002 | Power Train | SUBJECT REGARDING WHINE NOISE IN PARK OR NEUTRAL, SERVICE ENGINE SOON OR SERVICE VEHICLE SOON LAMP ILLUMINATION. *TT | |
| 070102 Jan 2002 | Structure | SUBJECT REGARDING RECALL 01013 AND 01059 POWER SLIDING DOORS. *TT | |
| 141101 Nov 2001 | Visibility | INFORMATION ON WIND NOISE FROM OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRRORS. *TT | |
| 010851004 Oct 2001 | Structure | INFORMATION REGARDING PREMATURE ALUMINUM HOOD CORROSION. *YH | |
| 190901 Sep 2001 | Structure | CUSTOMERS MAY COMPLAIN OF A WATER LEAK AT THE CENTER OF THE WINDSHIELD OR FROM THE OVERHEAD CONSOLE. *SLC | |
| 010525006 Aug 2001 | Service Brakes | THIS BULLETIN IS BEING ISSUED TO REVISE STEPS 13 AND 15 OF THE EXCESSIVE WHEEL SPEED VARIATION DIAGNOSTIC TABLES (C1225, C1226, C1227, C1228) IN THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM SUBSECTION OF THE SERVICE MANUAL. *TT | |
| 072301 Jul 2001 | Seat Belts | ON SOME VEHICLES THE SECOND ROW PASSENGER SEAT BELTS MAY EXPERIENCE A CONDITION WHERE THE SECOND ROW PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT WILL NOT RELEASE. *TT | |
| 130701 Jul 2001 | Seat Belts | SUBJECT REGARDING PROPER FUNCTIONING OF THE CHEST STRAP AND THE INTEGRAL CHILD SEATS. *TT |
Showing 60 of 75 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Watch the airbag warning light through a full key cycle.It should light on start and go out within seconds. A light that stays on, or never lights at all, means the system needs attention. Run the VIN for inflator recalls specifically.
- Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 5 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Pontiac Montana →