1999 Pontiac Montana review from North America
"This is the worst engineered automobile I have ever driven"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
June 2001 - The power sliding door unlatch actuator was replaced as part of a recall.
June 2001 - The right front daylight running light worked only intermittently. The dealer could not duplicate the problem.
June 2001 - The left rear brake light was burned out. The dealer replaced the bulb, lamp assembly, and the left turn signal.
July 2001 - The right front daylight running light stopped working. The dealer replaced the lamp assembly.
February 2002 - The right brake light stopped working. The dealer replaced the bulb.
February 2002 - The Low Coolant light stayed on all the time. The dealer performed a dye test and replaced the radiator cap.
February 2002 - The driver side seat warmer stopped working. The dealer replaced the seat cushion.
February 2002 - There was a loud squeal when the steering wheel was turned. This was caused by a fluid leak.
April 2002 - The airbag light stayed on for one week then it went out. The dealer replaced the right front seat belt buckle.
April 2002 - The right turn signal was flashing very quickly. The right front turn bulb was replaced.
September 2002 - Once again, the right turn signal was flashing very quickly. Once again, the right front turn bulb was replaced.
April 2, 2003 - There was an oil leak caused by a bad intake manifold gasket.
April 2, 2003 - Once again, the right turn signal was flashing very quickly. Once again, the right front turn bulb was replaced.
April 23, 2003 - A piece of door trim fell off. The dealer glued it back on.
April 23, 2003 - Yet again, the right turn signal was flashing very quickly. Yet again, the right front turn bulb was replaced.
April 23, 2003 - The airbag light came on intermittently while driving. The dealer replaced the drivers seat belt buckle.
April 2004 - For the fifth time, the right turn signal was flashing very quickly. For the fifth time, the right front turn bulb was replaced.
April 2004 - The air conditioner stopped working. The dealer replaced the compressor clutch and recharged the system.
May 2004 - The glove box door fell off. The dealer wanted $200 to repair it. ($100 for the parts and paint, $100 for the labor). Needless to say, the door is still off.
November 2004 - For the sixth time, the right turn signal was flashing very quickly. For the sixth time, the right front turn bulb was replaced.
November 2004 - Some suspension part was leaking which was causing poor handling. The repair was $350.
In addition to these problems, there have been numerous intermittent electronic gremlins. The radio lights fade out sometimes, the compass says we are headed "C", the check engine light stays on for a week after an oil change, and the hits keep coming.
General comments?
This van has been riddled with electrical problems since day one. Two of my neighbors have the same year/make/model and they too have similar problems.
Having said all that, the problems have been more of a nuisance than anything else. The van has always started and gotten us where we needed to go. Despite the problems, it has never stranded us.
Whatever you do, don't buy one.
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| Not worth a tank of gas |
All 1999 Pontiac Montana reviews
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Model Year | 2000 |
| First year of ownership | 1999 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | Automatic |
| Performance marks | 3/10 |
| Reliability marks | 5/10 |
| Comfort marks | 7/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 2/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 1/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 0 miles |
| Most recent distance | 55000 miles |
| Previous car | Dodge Caravan |
| Date of Entry | 7th November, 2004 |