Comments: 1-15, 16-30, 31-45, 46-48
I have a 2000 Montana that has given me nothing but problems. I have gone through arbitration by the BBB and am now waiting for an answer. But also feel that the lemon laws don't truely protect the consumer, but the company. Why should we have to take a beating for mileage if the company can make a good car. I have found that they don't have to give you a full refund, that they get to take $$ out for mileage and wear!!! In my situation I would never be able to buy a new car, simple because it wouldn't be in the budget after all the money they would take out. Pontiac says there is nothing wrong with my van and that is I'm sure why it is now in the shop to rebuild the engine and repair the transmission on it now for the 2nd time and we only have 40,000 miles on it! Then of course I do have many problems with the smaller things too. My van has been in the shop for now 63 days in 1 and 1/2 years of ownership. If you have any suggestions on what to do please let me know thank you.
This is the info on what was wrong and a small note to Pontiac for them to help.
Sorry it is so long.
1. Time the van has been in for service.
A. Transmission.
B. Engine noise.
C. Air bag light.
D. Check engine light.
E. Power windows.
F. Automatic sliding door.
G. Warped plastic on door panel.
H. Left rear fender scratched from warped plastic.
I. T.V. and VCR repaired twice.
J. Premature tire wear.
K. Battery failure.
L. Gear shifter offline.
M. Rear seat stuck.
N. Rear console lid broken (integrity of plastic).
O. Cup holders front and rear broken.
P. Passenger side door panel loose at top. Door trim clips came apart.
Q. Leather seat scratched by a mechanic.
R. Cover came off rear wiper arm.
S. Trim on the center console came loose.
T. Steering pump noise.
U. Glove box lock broken.
V. Left and right (middle) seat belt malfunction.
W. Adapters for air pump hose broken.
X. Radio light burnt out.
Y. Fog lights and rear tail lights burnt out within one year.
2. Transmission problems.
A. Clunking in between gears noticed first within 17,000 miles. Not noted in service records.
B. Clunking noted by service manager on 5/2/01, mileage 26,451.
C. Clunking noted again on 6/6/01, mileage 28,063.
D. Clunking noted again on 8/6/01, mileage 31,635.
E. Clunking noted again on 9/5/01, mileage 33,978.
F. Evaluated by mechanic mid November, learned that transmission would need to be repaired/replaced. Not noted in service record.
G. Went into shop for repair of the transmission 12/10/01. Vehicle still in shop as of today.
H. On more than one occasion van has visited service station concerning this specific problem, but was not noted by service history. At these times we spoke to both the service manager and the general manager concerning the problems with our transmission.
3. Engine Noise.
A. Rough idle noticed within 20,000 miles, not noted in service record.
B. Excessive engine noise noted within 15,000 miles. Noted mostly at first start of the morning.
C. Excessive engine noise noted in service record at 26,936 miles.
D. Engine require excessive cranking before start noted 6/6/01, mileage 28,063. Van was in for the service for 15 days.
E. 12/10/01, Van being serviced for engine noise. Engine will either be repaired or replaced. Estimated cost $5,000. Van currently in shop at this time.
4. Air bag light.
A. Light came on 11/6/00, mileage 17,605.
B. Light came on 8/6/01, mileage 31,635.
C. Light came on 9/5/01, mileage 33,978.
D. Many other times the light appeared on, however service personnel would just turn it off for us. Not noted in service record. They stated the light came on because of towing a 300 pound trailer. Problem was never fixed or investigated. Van has factory towing package.
5. Check engine light.
A. Light came on 9/24/01, mileage 35,073.
B. Light came on 11/11/01, mileage 36,225.
C. Light appeared on several different times that are not noted on service record. Service manager would have a mechanic come and turn it off for us. The service department decided that a faulty gas cap was the cause of the "Check Engine" light appearing. Cap was not ordered, and has not been replaced to date.
6. Power windows.
A. 11/29/00, mileage 17,605.
B. 5/2/01, mileage 26,451.
C. 5/9/01, mileage 26,714.
D. 5/14/01, mileage 26,936.
E. 10/11/01, mileage 36,225.
F. Problem with both left and right front power window motors were bad. They had to be replaced along with the windows. They were damaged due to faulty motors causing them to go off track and get scratched. We were informed that only one motor and one window were available to be replaced, but that the other side would be replaced at a later date. Window and motor have not been replaced to date.
G. Currently having a problem a second time with the window and motor they previously replaced.
7. Automatic sliding door (passenger side).
A. 11/29/00, mileage 17,605.
B. 5/2/01, mileage 26,451.
C. 9/24/01, mileage 35,073.
D. 10/11/01, mileage 36,225.
E. Power door motor replaced by a factory recall once. The same door currently has a second recall. Has not been replaced to date.
8. Warped plastic on a door panel.
A. 11/29/00, mileage 17,605.
B. 9/24/01, mileage 35,073.
C. 10/11/01, mileage 36,225.
D. Problem was addressed on other occasions not noted by the service record. We were informed by the service personnel that "We couldn't find anything wrong with it".
E. Currently paint on the left rear fender is worn off due to warped plastic on the door. Has not been replaced to date.
9. Left rear fender scratched from warped plastic.
A. Fender touched up on 9/24/01, mileage 35,073. Before accepting we told the service department that we were not satisfied with the touch-up and that we wished it to be re-done. Scratch was more noticeable after touch-up. Has not been fixed to date.
10. TV and VCR.
A. 5/2/01, mileage 26,451.
B. 9/24/01, mileage 35,073.
C. TV and VCR replaced on both dates.
11. Premature tire wear.
A. We had to replace tires at 15,000 due to belt separation and uneven tire wear. Pontiac was not willing to replace the tires. Even though the tires were rated at 60,000 miles.
12. Battery failure.
A. 10/11/01, mileage 36,225. Van was picked off from being serviced for an unrelated problem, battery exploded and leaked out acid causing battery failure. Battery had to be replaced by us. Was told by the service manager that we could not be towed by Pontiac when the van was stranded unless we were willing to pay for tow truck costs.
13. Gear shifter offline.
A. 8/22/01, mileage 32,721.
B. Shifter would not allow placement of appropriate gear as indicated on the shifter column.
C. Was fixed by Pontiac. No further problems at this time.
14. Rear seat stuck.
A. 11/29/00, mileage 17,605.
B. Was instructed by service department that the seat hardware needed to be lubricated. Since lubrication, the seats are still very difficult to remove and replace. Seems to be a problem with the hardware itself rather than with lubrication.
15. Rear console lid broken.
A. 11/29/00, mileage 17,605.
B. Lid was replaced. The complaint is due to us noticing the overall lack of integrity of almost all the plastic used in the interior. Have had other problems not listed in service record oncerning plastic breakage and warping from the outside temperature in heat.
16. Cup holders.
A. 5/2/01, mileage 26,451.
B. 5/9/01, mileage 26,714.
C. Both front and rear seat mounted cup holder have been replaced twice due to breakage from normal use.
17. Passenger side door panel loose at the top. Door trim clips came apart.
A. 5/2/01, mileage 26,451.
B. Loose/ broken door trim clips replaced.
18. Leather seat scratched by a mechanic.
A. 5/9/01, mileage 26,714.
B. Driver's side seat was scratched by a mechanic during repairs.
C. Pontiac repaired seat with a "Liquid Leather" type product.
Although we were not happy with the damage to the seat, they did a satisfactory job repairing the seat.
19. Cover came off the rear wiper arm.
A. 5/9/01, mileage 26,714.
B. Cover was replaced by Pontiac during other repairs.
20. Trim on the center console came loose.
A. 9/5/01, mileage 33,978.
B. During replacement of a gear shifter earlier mentioned, plastic on the dash in several places was broken. We were not informed of the breakage, we notified the service department and they agreed to replace the broken parts at a later time.
21. Steering pump noise.
A. Noise in the steering pump when turning was brought to the attention of the service department on every occasion that the engine noise was addressed. This is not reflected in the service record. Problem has not been fixed to date.
22. Glove box broken.
A. 8/22/01, mileage 32,721.
B. Metal used for the locking mechanism bends during normal use.
Service department simply bent the metal back into place instead of replacing it. Problem still exists currently.
23. Left and right (middle) seat belt malfunction.
A. 9/5/01, mileage 33,978.
B. Both the left and right middle seat belts and seat belt mechanisms had to be replaced due to internal malfunction.
24. Adapters for air pump hose broken.
A. 8/22/01, mileage 32,721.
B. We don't know exactly what caused the air pump hose to break, however it was repaired.
25. Radio light burnt out.
A. This problem was never noted on service record. We were informed orally by the service manager that our warranty did not cover interior lights.
26. Fog lights and tail light burnt out within one year.
A. We have noticed that the lighting seems to go out prematurely.
27. Cost to Us.
A. 8/22/01, mileage 32,721. Had to pay $10 extra per day to receive a vehicle large enough to fit the entire family.
B. $400 spent on new tires at approx. 15,000 miles.
C. 10/11/01, mileage 36,225. $65 spent on battery.
28. Days in Service station.
A. 11/29/00, mileage 17,605. One day.
B. 5/2/01, mileage 26,451. Two days.
C. 5/9/01, mileage 26,714. Two days.
D. 5/14/01, mileage 26,932. Two days.
E. 6/6/01, mileage 28,063. 15 days.
F. 8/6/01, mileage 31,635. One day.
G. 8/22/01, mileage 32,721. Five days.
H. 9/5/01, mileage 33,978. Nine days.
I. 9/24/01, mileage 35,073. Five days.
J. 10/11/01, mileage 36,225. 12 days.
K. 12/10/01 - currently in for a service. Currently nine days.
L. Currently our van has been in the service department a total of 63 day on file. However we have various other days that are not accounted for in the service record. We estimate thata nother 12 days should be accounted for in the service record.
We feel that Pontiac has a distinct opportunity to better us and them by using our situation as an example of how they support Military families. We are currently at the E-4 pay grade in the United States Navy. We do not have the money in our budget to deal with a vehicle that has consistent problems. We have basically lost faith in our vehicle because we are worried what future problems may be in store for us. We are also concerned about the resale value of our van because of all the problems it has had. We paid $34,500 for our van not including tax, tag and title.
The only way we were able to purchase this vehicle is from money left to us by the death of a family member. What that means to us is that we could not replace the vehicle if we needed to. We purchased this van because it scored well on Consumer Reports and received a good rating from Consumer Digest. We also spoke to several people who own a van similar to ours and we received good reviews. Our plan was to get the best van available and be able to drive it for 10-15 years.
Currently we have owned the van for less than two years and already we are afraid of how long it will last. We do not believe that our van is representative of all Pontiac Montana vans. However we do feel that the van we purchased has significant problems from the factory.
Please understand that we are not completely dissatisfied with Kelly (now Coggin) Pontiac nor with the performance of the Service Manager and the other service personnel at the dealership. We do however feel that we have been mislead and misguided on what our rights as a consumer are. We inquired on several different occasions what the criteria on the state lemon law. We were told that we did not qualify because we needed to have one particular problem fixed more than three different times. In fact that is not true. Under Florida lemon law a vehicle can be claimed for total of 15 day in the shop in two years. As you can see we more than qualified for that. We also qualify for other laws that protect consumers but we would prefer to settle this with Pontiac rather that dragging this out in court.
We purchased the van in Jacksonville North Carolina. We did not receive an owner's manual at the time of purchase nor were we given any information about lemon laws.
Considering that we are in the military and do not have much of a choice of when and where we get stationed, we fall into a predicament that makes it very difficult to get help with lemon laws and other various laws. These laws could have helped us if we would have been informed properly or if we were still in N.C.
Think twice before getting this van!
I sympathize with you, I also am looking for a minivan and have been scanning reviews and such. Like you said, the montana looks to be a good van. It seems that you may have bought a 'Monday' or 'friday' van. This means it was built on either of those days and sometimes the quality is lower. Sounds crazy, but it does happen. Check your VIN number, it will tell you where and when it was built. As for your service dept problems... those guys are idiots, they are taking advantage of the fact that you are not a mechanic, and I would take the van elsewhere. They are obviously incompetent in their jobs. My advice.. get her fixed and sell it or trade it in ASAP.
My husband and I are currently looking at a 2000 Montana, but are very hesitant about buying another Pontiac. We currently have a 2000 Grand Am GT1 that we bought 8 months ago with 40000 miles. It is an absolutely beautiful car. Platinum, 4d, loaded except leather, power moonroof. Come to find out the lady who had the car prior to us have it in the shop something like 40+ days for multiple problems. Two head gaskets before 30000 miles, 3 sets of brake pads, security light issues, flooded (car was wet on interior one am when she went out to get into it). The dealer that sold it to her--sold it again to us. We reported it to the Maine Bureau of Motor vehicle investigation and they told us that there was nothing that they could do. The dealership did not have to disclose any of the problems because they were not "significant mechanical defects". I would consider a head gasket a fairly significant mechanical defect. So anyway we are now 8 months and $5000 upside-down. We are currently looking at a Montana, but are nervous. I know that there are horror stories about almost every type/make of car. I just don't want to purchase another one of those horrors. Thanks for your info!!
I sympathize with you, because I myself have had a similar history - If more of us would stick together maybe we could start a class action suit against Pontiac. I have had the transmission overhauled 2 times and it still doesn't work no one can seem to fix it. Pontiac service people have been less than helpful - even nasty when we tell them our problems - I have had electrical problems with the lights - lousy tires - brakes that went in a short period of time and only Pontiac could replace them- they cost $500.00 - head gasket had to be replaced - 6 months after the 2nd transmission problem I was driving along and the engine light went on and the car started to buckle like I was in a rodeo. I pulled over to make sure that I had fluid and then took the car to a garage immediately for a scan - I didn't think I would even make it. They hooked it up to the scan (for $60.00) and told me that I have a transmission problem. This is the THIRD transmission problem. I have cried about this for months, but what can I do - we have called Pontiac and complained about it, but all they do is tell us that since it was out of warranty when these problems occurred they can offer us $1,500.00 on our next Pontiac. LIKE THERE WILL BE A NEXT TIME! If anyone reads this and hasn't made the mistake I made yet save yourself time and money and buy a Toyota - My mom has 300,000 miles on hers and she has never had to replace a head gasket or a transmission! Good Luck!!
Linnea Gambino - I am collecting emails in reference to similar problems - If anyone would like to contact me my email address is linnea41@aol.com - Thanks.
I bought a 2000 Pontiac Montana used from Ford. Fortunately I bought an extended warranty, and at 50,500 miles I am having to replace the transmission. I started having problems 4 months ago, it was acting if it wasn't fulling into gear when cold. I took it to Ford, but by the time I get there, the van is warmed up enough so... They took it over to Pontiac and they
ran a diagnostic and said nothing was wrong. Needless to say, I paid for a transmission service that basically gave me 4 more months. The electric window lever for the passenger window does not work.
We purchased a new 2000 Montana that had every option except leather and video over 3 years ago. We have over 50,000 miles on it and it has been excellent. The only problem was one tire that started making noise at about 15,000 miles, and upon taking it to our Pontiac Dealer, they ordered a new one and replaced it at no cost. The only other service we have needed was oil changes. The front brakes are now starting to surge, so I suspect we have to get the rotors ground flat. The plastic that you had so much trouble with still looks new on our unit, and all the electrical and mechanical work well. I suspect you really got a lemon, and your dealer is definitely leading you astray with his comments.
I too have had problems with the transmission, and replace it at around 60,000 miles. I replaced the transmission for $1100. FYI, there is a service bulletin on the transmission, so for all those that need to have the transmission fixed fight hard! GM knows about the problem!
I bought my 2000 Montana (not the extended version) brand new and have had it for 3 years and have NEVER had it in the shop for any reason other than the recall of the sliding power door. We never had any problem with the door until we took it to the dealer for the recall. Then, for several months the door would not open on occasion. Now it works perfectly again. I have 54,924 miles on my Montana and my husband changes the oil every 3000 miles religiously. All my inside parts are in excellent working order with no breakage.
My car is used extensively for hauling around computer equipment and kids from age 4-24 and it has been used to haul my kids furniture when they have moved. We also have used it to haul loads of stuff from Home Depot such as our Jacuzzi and loads of wall board. Guess we got an excellent one! My husband has offered to have me switch up to a newer, smaller car and I am adamant that I won't sell this one.
I have never had it in for any of the "routine" stuff as my hubby feels only the oil changes are important. We are looking to have the timing belt replaced as soon as I find out when it is needed as it should be any time :)
Miki in Maryland.
We've had a 1993 Bonneville for 5 years now. It has 227,000 miles on it and I've touched the Alternator and one wheel bearing. That is it. ROCK solid vehicle.
We got a 2000 Montana Ext van with 63K on it. I must say this van is very nice. I've found nothing wrong with it in the last 25K. No noise of any kind. Everything works. Had mechanic check it from head to toe and found NOTHING.
Highly recommend a pontiac to anyone.
Lannie.
I also have a 2000 Montana that has many of the same problems. I currently have the "AIRBAG" light on after having the problem serviced in December 2003. I have had many transmission problems, 2 head gaskets leaking, radio light problems. I luckily purchased an extended warranty through an independent company and they have covered most of the problems. This does not excuse the number of mechanical problems. I have never had any other car that I have owned have this many problems.
I like our 2000 Montana overall. Roomy, peppy and sporty. Was NOT pleased about the intake manifold gasket problem. FORTUNATELY, a mechanic fixed it VERY reasonably. We also had the starter, battery and tires replaced, but, other than the starter, not unusual at 65,000 miles. We'd love to find out more about a weird water leak in the back. You can see the water coming in at a car wash. Unsure where it's coming from... seems to be from roof somewhere. Anyone with any ideas would be really appreciated. Contact us at madjac@athenet.net.
I, ve got a 1999 montana, I like it, but ---- The electrical system has a lot to be desired. The following lights don't work. CLOCK And INTERIOR. Lights that always come on are-- AIR BAG--LOW COOLANT--Have you noticed, that very annoying buzzer just never wears out!!! My next car will not be a PONTIAC. Too many others to choose from.
We purchased a 2000 Montana (extended) earlier this year to replace our 1992 Transport. We are sneaking up to 80,000 miles on the Montana, and it's a dream! We were very happy with the Transport, and so we wanted to stay in the same vehicle family. We couldn't be happier with the Montana! It's perfect for us in terms of mechanics, visual appeal, comfort, and space.
I purchased a Brand New (loaded with every option including captains chairs) Pontiac Montana in 2000. I now have 61,000 miles on it! I have used it to tow a one thousand pound trailer (it has the towing package of course). I did notice the transmission making some strange noise. So, I changed the transmission fluid (with a new gasket of course) and I have not heard any kind of noise since. Is this why the radio goes up as the speed increases... so that you don't hear any possible problems? I have not (knocking on wood as I type) had any major problems with the engine or transmission. Changing the transmission fluid should be a part of the vehicles routine maintenance and unfortunately it is often overlooked. Perhaps that is why I have not had any problems with the transmission. My tires also showed premature wear (Only lasted 25,000 miles). I spoke to the dealer about it, and they said that the tires are not covered under the bumper-to-bumper warranty (Are the tires some place after the bumpers or am I missing something here?) I ended up purchasing four brand new tires.
I also had a problem with the driver side window motor. The motor was replaced, but the scratch in the window still remains.
Of course I have had problems with the power door as well!
The door almost broke my sons arm as it shoved his elbow into the seat (he grabbed the handle to open it), but I was able to reach the switch in time to reverse the door movement just in time. Thank god it was just a sprain (he was feeling a lot better in three days).
I had to replace the blower motor and resistor for the front air blower as well (of course this happened just 1000 miles over the warranty... not covered). I was able to purchase the blower motor and resistor from van Chevrolet at www.parts.com for a reasonable price. The installation was not difficult to do myself. I am glad that I chose to install the parts on my own; because my friend has had two blower motors installed in his Montana at a grand total of $397.98 each! After he had told me, I mentioned that there might be something causing the blower motor to go bad like maybe the $17.00 blower motor resistor!
I have not visited any dealership since the vehicle has been out of warranty, therefore I have not had any other dealer associated problems (I had a mechanic put a hole in the leather with a screwdriver or other sharp object... the hole is still there because it was in the report as a note that the mechanic made before any repairs were started... duh how did he drive it into the garage?). I thought I was doing myself a favor by purchasing a brand new vehicle thereby avoiding someone else's problems. I guess sometimes you just can't win. I had planned on driving this van for at least 10 years. Given the amount of problems I am having and most likely will continue to have, I don't think I can keep up with the extra bills that are coming my way! In hindsight, I should have bought someone else's problems. At least then you almost expect to have some kind of problem and you can budget for it. Not to mention the fact that someone else has paid for the major depreciation of the vehicle. My next vehicle may just be an American made TOYOTA Truck!!! I hear a lot of good things about the TOYOTA Trucks... for instance: The best time to buy a Toyota Truck is when they reach 100,000 miles. This way you can be sure that the power train is going to last another couple hundred thousand miles!
Jeff G. - New York.
Hello.
I had 3 Gm cars this is probably my last one concerning my Montana minivan. I had nothing but problem with my 2002 AWD Montana. I paid like 10 000 more for that option and it never worked right, it was at many difrents dealers and none of them could fix it. As soon it's snowing or raining, codes are comming on for the traction control and the ABS brake. The dealers have changed about 12 wheel hub rear diff. and many wiring harnesses.
The AWD is still not working to this date and warranty is over now.
The service manager told me they all have that problem. If GM can't build a AWD van they shouldn`t sell them.
I just traded my Pontiac Montana 2000 for a Honda Odyssey. I can't believe I used my pension money to buy the new van. I had a Montana for 6 years and it had 80,000 miles when it was traded. I guess I was lukcky that I didn't have any major problems during 6 years. Problems like noisy engine, transmission skipped occasionally, and several small problems. I planned to keep my Montana for 10 years, but I had to trade it immediately after my friend told me that his 2000 montana's engine just ceized up on him. It costs him few thousand dollars to replace it. He also told me that the dealer said this problem is common with 2000 Montana when they reached bewteen 80 and 90 thousand miles. As soon as I heard that plus I have been nervous about the transmission I quickly decided to get rid of it. I guess I'm done with domestic cars.