2000 Pontiac Montana extended review from North America
"Comfortable and spacious, good transportation for a family of 5"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Below are numerous repairs that were fixed on the bumper to bumper warranty:
1. Rear power windows do not work occasionally, noted at 56000 km. No repair by dealer as the problem was not detected.
2. Ticking noise from motor when cold starting, 56000 km. GM service bulletin indicates to dealer that pistons need replacement. Repair was declined.
3. Rattling middle rear windows (2) when opened 45000 km. Dealer replaced latches. Two separate occasions.
4. Tail light and drivers light replaced on warranty at 45000 km.
5. Squeaking front driver side brake 45000km. Paint chips from brake assembly between pad and rotor.
6. Power sliding door has broken on numerous occasions and was fixed on warranty:
A. 55000 km, door stuck
b. 39000 km, recall repaired after door malfunctioned
c. 35000 km, loose cables repaired
d. 27000 km, recall repaired
e. 22500 km, door lock sticks, closes improperly, beeping sound when closed.
7. Replaced windshield wiper motor defective 2 times 42000 and 45000 km.
8. Serpentine belt out of line, realigned 45000 km.
9. Rear hatch inside handle broken 42000 km.
10. Air bag light stays on replaced seat belt buckle 37000 km.
12. Replaced serpentine belt, irregular wear 37000 km.
13. Plastic screw on bumper cracked and replaced 37000 km.
14. Passenger seat fabric poorly sewn. Bad repair job, initially fabric was glued together. Returned to dealer second time for proper stitching.
15. Drivers arm rest stuck. Dealer repaired 20000km.
16. Drivers sliding door inside body panel rubbed on external rear wheel well when opened. Dealer touched up paint and fixed sliding door. Touch up looks worse than rubbed off paint. Also, front top of sliding door rubbed against drivers door and removed the paint. Dealers solution was to touch up paint which was gone in a couple of weeks. Dealer blamed my kids for slamming the sliding door which we rarely use as it is not powered.
General comments?
The motor and transmission have shown no major problems so far 60000 km.
The interior finish and minor problems itemized above have became very inconvenient and have caused numerous trips to the dealer for repairs.
The power sliding door is a problem, even though dealers do not acknowledge it.
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 2000 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2002 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.4L Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7/10 |
| Reliability marks | 7/10 |
| Comfort marks | 9/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 8/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 0 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 62000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Dodge Neon |
| Date of Entry | 19th December, 2002 |