2002 Pontiac Montana van review from North America

Purchased van Fall 2003; first air conditioner condenser replaced in Summer, 05 when a.c. failed (only 2nd summer in van - 52,000 miles). I live in northern Ohio and thought this was too early given the limited use the a.c. had seen, but the dealer said it was out of warranty and there was nothing they could do. This summer, 2007, the a.c. began warming up again and I assumed it merely needed to be recharged. Wrong!... needs another new condenser (86,000 miles) - estimate $838.00! Including the first condenser which came with the van brand new, this will be the van's third condenser in four years. Also, the gaskets were leaking oil. This week I had to pay $848.00 to have that repaired. I'm also looking at a new gas sending unit for at least $ 648.00. Initially, the dealer assured me it was not related to a minor rear end collision (I did not want the other driver paying for it if it wasn't). Pontiac said the GM shop told them it may be!!! Pontiac would not concede that 3 a.c. condensers in 4 years was unreasonable and kept quoting warranty limits to me. I talked to two different customer reps at Pontiac. They refused to let me talk with anyone else. It has been a nightmare, both in terms of cost and dealing with Pontiac. A local dealer has said he would discuss my condenser with their district manager, but could make no promises. I'm awaiting his answer. If they tell me they don't think this represents an unusual repair incidence, I don't know where I'll turn next.

"Money Pit" on wheels. Very low quality vehicle and Pontiac shows a shocking level of indifference to the problems.