2005 Pontiac Montana

81 federal complaints (130 component records) · 5 recall campaigns on file · 3 federal investigations · 520 service bulletins · 5 Canadian recalls
See all 11 model years of the Pontiac Montana →
Engine
3.5L 6-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
4WD/AWD
EPA economy
15 city / 21 hwy
Federal complaints
81
Recall campaigns
5
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
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.

Body & structure
23
Latches & locks
20
Electrical system
18
Power train
7
Engine & cooling
7
Brakes
7
Air bags
7
Other
6
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

0 years old: 24 complaints01 years old: 13 complaints2 years old: 5 complaints3 years old: 11 complaints4 years old: 4 complaints5 years old: 5 complaints56 years old: 5 complaints7 years old: 3 complaints8 years old: 0 complaints9 years old: 2 complaints10 years old: 3 complaints1011 years old: 3 complaints12 years old: 0 complaints13 years old: 0 complaints14 years old: 0 complaints15 years old: 2 complaints1516 years old: 0 complaints17 years old: 0 complaints18 years old: 1 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 0 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 81 of 81 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 17 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 13 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 9 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 7 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 4 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 2 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 3 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 2 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 0 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 0 complaints200,000+ miles: 1 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 58 of 81 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.

Body & structure

23 complaint records
"AUTOMATIC SLIDING DOOR WAS NOT CLOSING. AUTOMATIC DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN. AUTOMATIC SLIDING DOOR CAME OPEN WHILE DRIVING WITH KIDS IN THE CAR. *TR..."- 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 body & structure parts in the directory →

Latches & locks

20 complaint records
"THE DRIVER SIDE SLIDING DOOR CONTINUES TO OPEN AND WHEN YOU LOCK IT MANUALLY IT CHIMES WHILE YOU ARE DRIVING. THE SENSORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED AND THE LOCK BUT NOTHING IS WORKING RIGHT. *TR..."- 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 latches & locks parts in the directory →

Electrical system

18 complaint records2 fire reports
"DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE HEADLIGHTS AND DASHBOARD LIGHTS PULSATE, BRIGHTER TO DARKER. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THIS WAS HOW THE VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED...."- 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 electrical system 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.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
EA07019
opened Dec 2007
closed Feb 2009StructurePOWER SLIDING DOOR
ODI EVALUATED GENERAL MOTORS' (GM) DATA, CONDUCTED CONSUMER INTERVIEWS, INSPECTED AND TESTED MY 2005-2007 GM MINIVANS WITH REGARD TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT OF A POWER SLIDING DOOR (PSD) OPENING WHILE THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF PARK.ODI IDENTIFIED A HIGH WARRANTY CLAIM...
PE07044
opened Aug 2007
closed Dec 2007StructurePOWER SLIDING DOOR OPENING
ODI HAS RECEIVED REPORTS THAT THE POWER SLIDING DOORS OPENED WITHOUT COMMAND WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON MODEL YEAR 2005 AND 2006 GENERAL MOTORS MINIVANS (CHEVROLET UPLANDER/VENTURE, PONTIAC MONTANA SV6/MONTANA, BUICK TERRAZA, AND SATURN RELAY).SOME...
PE05063
opened Nov 2005
closed Mar 2006Electrical SystemELECTRICAL HARNESS DAMAGE
THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION ON NOVEMBER 29, 2005, BASED ON ONE CONSUMER REPORT TO ODI AND A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN ISSUED BY GENERAL MOTORS.THE BULLETIN, NO.

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.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
10V110000SuspensionTHE BRAUN CORPORATION HAS NOTIFIED NHTSA ABOUT A DEFECT IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2008 GENERAL MOTORS MOBILITY CONVERSION, HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE LOW FLOOR MINIVANS.Normally free
06V417000Air BagsCERTAIN VEHICLES ORIGINALLY BUILT WITH CLOTH SEATS THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC AIR BAG PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM AND LATER REUPHOLSTERED WITH AFTERMARKET LEATHER SEAT COVER KITS ARE INVOLVED.Normally free
05V287000Parking BrakeCERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO.Normally free
05V061000SeatsON CERTAIN MINIVANS, THE OUTBOARD RELEASE HANDLE ON THE IMPACT-SIDE SECOND-ROW BUCKET SEAT MAY BE ACTUATED AND THE REAR LATCHES MAY UNLATCH EARLY IN A SIDE IMPACT CRASH.Normally free
04V597000Latches/Locks/LinkagesON 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

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.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2019420
2019-08-21
Other5,327Issue: This recall is for aftermarket replacement rear window glass produced by Vitro Automotriz. Certain rear window glass may not have been properly tempered.
2006199
2006-08-15
Suspension49,116On certain Aztek (AWD), Montana (AWD), Relay (AWD), RendezVous (AWD), RendezVous (FWD), Silhouette (AWD), Terraza (AWD), Terraza (FWD), Uplander (AWD) and Venture (AWD) vehicles equipped with independent rear suspension, when operated in...
2005184
2005-06-21
Brakes3,886Certain vehicles do not comply with the requirements of CMVSS 135. To meet the Standard, the vehicle must not move for five minutes when stopped on a steep hill with the parking brake applied and the vehicle in NEUTRAL (N).
2005040
2005-02-18
Structure5,708On certain vehicles, the outboard release handle on the impact-side second-row bucket seat may be actuated and the rear latches may unlatch early during the crash sequence of a side impact New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) test.
2004446
2004-12-22
Other105,755On 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...

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.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
PIT3532C
Jan 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis PI directs technician to training regarding sliding door operation.
PIP5601C
Jul 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
PIT5074R
May 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
PIP5358D
Feb 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment by engineering.
PIP4723J
Oct 2024
Electrical SystemThis 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...
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
PIT5099H
Sep 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air.
02-00-89-002X
Sep 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only).
PIT3271P
Sep 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles.
General Communication
Aug 2024
SERVICE CAMPAIGNElectrical SystemVehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions).
01-06-01-011P
Aug 2024
EngineThis service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
18-NA-099
Jun 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
24-NA-098
Jun 2024
Electrical SystemThis service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
08-07-30-035H
May 2024
Power TrainThis bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
09-00-89-008G
May 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis Warranty Administration bulletin provides retail and wholesale service personnel with the policies/procedures and the warranty transaction submission procedures that support the Personal Property Damage process.
13-08-116-001J
Apr 2024
Electrical SystemThe intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other diagnostic methods to identify them.
10-08-45-001H
Mar 2024
Electrical SystemThis bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
16-NA-383
Mar 2024
Engine And Engine CoolingThis technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
22-NA-074
Feb 2024
Engine And Engine CoolingThis service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
02-08-42-001J
Jan 2024
Exterior LightingThis informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
PI1394B
Jan 2024
Power TrainThis PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
PIP5601B
Jan 2024
EquipmentThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vibration complaints that are one of the most challenging complaints to accurately diagnose and repair.
PIT5074P
Dec 2023
EquipmentThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
03-00-91-001I
Nov 2023
SuspensionThis service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing vibration concerns.
01-06-01-011O
Oct 2023
Engine And Engine CoolingThis service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
17-NA-170
Oct 2023
WheelsThis service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.
02-00-89-002W
Sep 2023
EquipmentThis service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only).
10-00-89-006J
Sep 2023
EquipmentThis service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only).
PIT5099G
Sep 2023
VisibilityThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air.
07-08-49-020R
Sep 2023
Electrical SystemThis informational bulletin provides information for the IPC odometer programming method quick reference guide.
18-NA-073
Aug 2023
Engine And Engine CoolingThis service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and prevent unnecessary engine replacement.
PIP5628G
Aug 2023
EngineThis Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D
PIP5358C
Jul 2023
EquipmentThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment by engineering.
01-06-01-011N
Jun 2023
Engine And Engine CoolingThis service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
13-08-116-001I
Jun 2023
Electrical SystemThe intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other diagnostic methods to identify them.
02-00-89-002V
Jun 2023
EquipmentThis service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. Dealers Only).
17-NA-170
Apr 2023
WheelsThis service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.
19-NA-219
Apr 2023
Engine And Engine CoolingThis diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
PIP5628F
Apr 2023
Engine And Engine CoolingThis Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D
08-07-30-035G
Apr 2023
Power TrainThis bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
19-NA-219
Mar 2023
Engine And Engine CoolingThis diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
22-NA-009
Mar 2023
Engine And Engine CoolingThis service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
17-NA-073
Feb 2023
EquipmentThis warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
01-08-42-001O
Feb 2023
Exterior LightingThis service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
PIP5628E
Feb 2023
EquipmentThis Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D
02-00-89-002U
Jan 2023
EquipmentThis service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. Dealers Only).
09-00-89-008F
Dec 2022
EquipmentThis Warranty Administration bulletin provides retail and wholesale service personnel with the policies/procedures and the warranty transaction submission procedures that support the Personal Property Damage process.
PIP5540J
Dec 2022
VisibilityThis Preliminary information communicates to the technician the need to inspect the induction system for potential icing issues in very cold ambient temperatures. To allow the ice to melt so that it can be drained from the related components.
PIT3271N
Nov 2022
WheelsThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles.
22-NA-074
Nov 2022
Engine And Engine CoolingThis service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
10-00-89-006I
Oct 2022
EquipmentThis service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only).
PIC5453D
Sep 2022
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician that General Motors and General Motors of Canada Company do not support cross border sales.
06-00-89-031H
Sep 2022
Engine And Engine CoolingThis service bulletin provides information on OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification.
13-08-116-001H
Sep 2022
Electrical SystemThe intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other diagnostic methods to identify them.
22-NA-009
Sep 2022
Engine And Engine CoolingThis service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
01-06-01-011M
Sep 2022
Engine And Engine CoolingThis service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
PIP5640A
Sep 2022
Power TrainThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician to not remove the torque converter bolts and start the engine as this may cause damage to the torque converter of the crankshaft on vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission.
PIC5260F
Jun 2022
VisibilityThis Preliminary Information communication advises the technician the steps on diagnosing the concern. Customer's sunroof operation intermittent, bind, noise, auto-reverse, and/or water leaks.
22-NA-009
Jun 2022
Engine And Engine CoolingThis service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
PIT5099F
Jun 2022
VisibilityThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air.
PIP5358B
May 2022
StructureThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment by engineering.

Showing 60 of 520 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.

  1. Walk the body slowly in daylight.Panel gaps, rust at the rockers and wheel arches, and cracked trim are this vehicle's structure complaints. Open and close the liftgate or trunk and look at the latch area.
  2. Close every door, hood, and tailgate gently, once.A door that needs a slam or springs back is the latch complaint on this vehicle. It is the kind of fault a seller has learned to hide by slamming.
  3. Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
  4. 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.
  5. 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 →