1999 Pontiac Montana from North America - Comments

2003 Pontiac Montana - I thought I was alone with the mysterious electrical system until reading the posts at this site. Pontiac mechanics have been telling us that our brake light failures are bad bulbs (which they were not), bad brake light circuit boards (perhaps), or who-knows-what (which is more likely the case). This mini-van has been an on-going headache with brake lights working sometimes, not other times. The interesting thing I noticed is that the connectors to the brake light circuits and some bulb bases are actually burned. I worry!

Here is my tale of 2001 Montana woe -- but thankfully I had enough sense to get the extended warranty so most of this fell onto the dealers back.

TWO Transmissions failed, the first replacement 'exploded' within a month (the case was filled with nothing, but shrapnel -- and yes -- it was full of fluid, they didn't forget to refill the case after building it. The second time, the dealer got one pre-built and tested by GM, no problem since.

ABS issues/Right front hub replacement.

The same leaky seals everyone complains about here.

Total replacement of the cruise control/hazard light assembly.

AC compressor replacement.

O2 sensor/Camshaft Position sensors went bad.

Bizarre electrical gremlins -- lights on the dashboard/radio work "sometimes", same with power windows and locks, and sometime the horn honks for no reason -- usually scares the bejeesus out of me when it does. No one can find a solution, and Id say at the moment 30% of my dashboard/radio lights are out.

Rear wiper arm motor replaced, and front wipers have a habit of misaligning, such that they wipe clear off the edge of the window - I've broken two wipers because I left them running and managed to catch the blades with the drivers door. since the last alignment, they seem to be staying in the correct position.

There have been more things, but I can't think of them at the moment -- I will say that reading this list of trouble that others have had is almost exactly my experience with this beast.

Thankfully when the recall happens, (I'm sure it will) I <<DO>> have paperwork from GM mechanics detailing the problems so I am expecting to get paid.

Sadly my extended warranty just expired after I hit 75K miles -- I HOPE to have gotten though most of the big problems and am just left with the electrical gremlins.

Well, I thought I was in this alone. What a surprise!!!

I have a 2002 Montana, bought it brand new. At 7,000 miles they had to replaced the engine lifters. Not much later they had to replaced the passenger side sun visor, fell off.

I had a leak on the windshield supposedly from the On star module on the roof (front). Later I had my rear AC motor replaced.

I had a continuous problem with the left (driver) side electrical system (rear lights keep blowing).

Had the head gasket replaced.

Had problem with the electric sliding driver side door working whenever it wanted to, now it doesn't work at all.

Just had my radiator replaced because they said it had an internal leak, causing my transmission fluid mixing with my antifreeze. Just got that fix.

2 weeks ago yesterday I found out my front (passenger) lower motor mount is broken, oh by the way I only have 80,000 miles on this 2002 Montana. We never had an American GM car, always had Nissan, YOU GUESS RIGHT, Nissan here we come!!! Sorry we betrayed you guys. Oh count me in on the Class action suit if it happens, glad to talk about it. Never Again!!!

I just stumbled on this site to look for recalls on my 1999 Montanna. I was amazed at the same problems we are all having. Maybe a print out of all our complaints from this site and send it to the media such as 20/20 or 60min. with a letter and a list of all our names and contact info would do some good.

As a single mom I don't have the finances to handle all the repairs. As far as the gas tank, I was coming home in a winter storm an all of a sudden the pump just leaves me stranded on an icey Hwy. Thankfully some strong men appeared and pushed me off the road. I could have been killed... I wonder if they want to take on the responsibility of raising my children.

Well, I have 2005 Pontiac Montana. I agree with what you guys are saying. Anyways, I can't wait to trade the car in before any of this happens. First time I got it, I had notice an ignition switch problem when turn on it cranks really long before it start. The fuel tank goes from half-tank to empty, or full tank to half. Just before 50,000 miles I bet the dealer wanted me to take it to the dealer "Engine Maintenance" yea right would I take it so they can make it worst?, no thanks. Now my radio is half way dark and the radio don't work at all. Speaker is making a weird noise? Coolant went really low and almost overheated just a week after I replace it??? yeah I know. Any suit out there?? You can also sign me up.

My 1999 Montana overheats, but no heat comes out the vents. the intake gasket has been replaced. the water pump, thermostat, heat sensor, now I am going to take the rad. out and have it flushed. if I get it fixed it is time for a Honda.

Just learned today, the head gaskets on my 1998 Montana need to be replaced for a mere $2500. Same symptoms as everyone on the board; overheats, minor loss of coolant, etc.. Interestingly enough the intake manifold gasket was replaced around 67k... under warranty. Waterpump has been replaced, new rotors, nothing, but problems with the power sliding door. Traction control hasn't worked properly since 85k. The list goes on... next stop for me www.gmclassaction.ca I am as much a patriot as anyone else, but to throw our money away on american cars? Enough is enough... Honda here I come!!!

Currently, my beautiful 1998 Pontiac Transport Montana is sitting in a parking lot because I got into it and it clicks once and that is it. Just got this van back because for the FIRST time we went on a little vacation 5 hours away and broke down on the way home (2 hours away). It took a week to get it towed back here... broken cam.

Helpful Hint: If you buy this vehicle, AAA comes in really handy! $100/month and we get 1200 miles in towing! I have tried to read about what my problem could be, but my true problem is this vehicle. We just bought it used in January, but I think I just might try to trade it in.

I also have the same screwy electrical problems. Thank God it's not just me! Took it to the dealer for diagnostic testing and it came back with 7 codes, none of which were with the engine or transmission. Just electrical. ABS, TC, BRAKE, AIRBAG, CHECK ENGINE lights always on... problems with the sliding door, lights don't work on the radio, CD player skips songs when it feels like it.

I do love this van... it is very roomy and comfortable, but I am starting to believe that this will make us go broke.

It's funny, I went on a job interview today and got a job that is going to pay by far the best money I've seen ever and to beat it, it's got wonderfully flexible hours (I have 3 kids) but unfortunately for me, I need to use my van to do my jobs. Isn't it ironic?

Good luck to all you out there with this problem vehicle and God only knows that I haven't experienced the worst yet. Thanks to all of you for telling your horror stories, I am going to try to trade this monstrosity in before it gets worse. It just sucks putting money into something that you have to pray to God that it starts and keeps running the whole day through.

At slightly over 100,000 miles I had to replace the intake manifold gasket. At 152,000 miles I had to replace the head gasket. Leading up to both of these occasions the engine would overheat and lose power. It would work, but it had to cool completely down before it would restart. Both times, including tune up work, and not using a dealer, I have paid about $2,000. Luckily I knew people who would do it outside of their work environment.

I am now having a problem with the battery losing all charge. I just replaced it two weeks ago. If I use my automatic sliding door, either manually or remotely, the next day my car will not start and has to be jumped again. This has happened twice since the new battery. If you look in the manual under jumping the battery, it mentions the possibility of the sliding door not completely latching and that this could drain the battery. I take the van in soon to get the handles replaced due to the GM recall on this item. I am hoping this is related, but I do not believe it to be.

Otherwise, I love the way it drives and all the room it affords me and my family. However, I feel I will need to trade it in very soon.

2001 Montana.. anyone have a problem with this vehicle stalling out and not starting for a half an hour or when it cools down?.I replaced the Plugs and wires... fuel pump seems to work fine (if I could find the tap I would check pressure however).I am leaning towards replacing the Igniter/module..as the symptoms are dictating this diagnosis. I scanned for codes to no avail.. none registered..No SES light.. any help would be greatly and I mean greatly appreciated..thanks.

YIkes I think we are in for it. We just purchased a used 99 montana with 144000 miles on it. While we were test driving the ABS light was on and the low coolant that did not deter my husband. They said the low coolant sensor was stuck and they reset the ABS light. Also we were test driving the vehicle and it was on E and the gas light was on when we purchased the vehicle is was on Full. We assumed they put gas in the vehicle. I turned my vehicle off yesterday and back on and lo and behold I'm on E. We have already bought this piece of crap..>WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT???DO lemon laws apply here???

Serea.

I bought the van 3 weeks ago; a 1999 Pontiac Montana with 92000miles on it. I have not even made the first scheduled payment. When I test drove it, the car seemed vary nice, but now I have go it home it has issues my wife nicked name it your lemon (I have to admit that I have only made one other used car buy that was as bad and it too was a GM).

First the sliding door did not work the dealer said that he disconnected them, but was easy to put back, after the van was at home a couple of days it tried to work (surprised he lied).

The I started seeing some strange electrical problems radio lights etc. Then the service Engine soon (SES) light came on. So to the Internet, when I was looking for answer and on a web site I found that if you take it to Auto Zone they will read the code and tell you what it is (but not reset it). Mine this time was a p0305 a misfire on number 5.

Looking for more information I ran across many sites like this one. AFTER READING THE ALL POST I SAID TO MYSELF WHAT THE H@!! I GET MY SELF INTO. I am afraid to drive or even touch this van.

I bought this van because I am unemployed and it got better gas mileage then my truck.

I am concerned about future cost.

I saw class act law suit in Canada, but what about the USA. Something needs to protect against that kind of damage for those who have not failed yet, but mostly will I am really sorry I bought a GM.

DJ.

Based on all the problems and comments of Montana owners for the model between 1999 to 2002, I feel that a class action suit should be justified. Unfortunately, I also have a 1999 Extended Montana and just had the intake manifold and radiator replaced (oil/water mixing) for a little over $2K. Just got it out of the dealer shop a day ago, June 9, 2007. It was brand new when I bought it with extended warranty and the current mileage is 39,450. The problem was detected in August 2005 with a repair estimate of $2200. (I must be thankful it didn't go up) and the mileage was 33,984 then. I was not told of any urgency to have it repaired. Besides, it kinda too stressful for me, as I just had a major heart surgery two months earlier. To make a long story short, my appeal to the GM was to no avail. Just like those who appealed before me. They were ignored. We can air to GM our dissatisfaction, but who are we to be listened to? We're just a small, but we can be a whale, if we all go to Federal Trade Commission (www.ftc.gov) to submit an individual complaint, they may look into it and launch an investigation for the benefits of the consumers. Hopefully, it can lead to a recall. A complaint form is accessible and can be submitted on line. I know I will, so please join me.

RE:1998 Pontiac Transport (88,800 miles.) bought in 2005 from a dealer, who agreed to pay for $3300 repairs at the time. Radio light was not working. Dealer sent it out for 1 mo. to replace intake manifold gasket, brakes, tire, bumper, defective key, shocks, headlights, power window motors, etc. At 90,000 miles. we replaced P/S pump, but it still whines. At 91,000 miles it needed $1100 front brake job. A/C went out at @92,000 miles. Initial costs went from $171. to $959. A/C went out within minutes after repairs and next day repairs $1100 more. Finally they did my requested free AAA inspection and told me intake manifold gasket leaking, need new radiator hoses, coolant leak, P/S, brake, and transmission fluids dirty. Also mentioned rack and pinion problem (not under recall). Now service engine soon light is on. I keep checking gas cap. Radio light goes on and off. We can't see any coolant leak or hose problem. The van runs great, but I am afraid to go any further than I can walk home with kids. I keep double stroller in it at all times. We will not buy another Pontiac, but I need an 8 passenger van. Dealer told us it was one owner van, but Car-Fax said it was a prior rental before that. The intake manifold gasket problem is the lemon for this vehicle.

We purchase a 1999 Montana in 2001. We have paid double of what it was worth in repairs in the six years we have owned it. It has had to have all electrical parts in the rear end replaced twice. The first time was right after the warranty had gone out, second time was about a year later. The backup lights have not worked since and no one can figure out what the problem is. We have had to replace all of the fuel injectors 3 times in 4 years. The air bag light has been stuck on for years. When it is cleared, it just comes back on, although there is no problem with the air bags, according to our mechanic. The gas gauge quit working at around 70000 miles and bounces all around. We also, just go by mileage to tell us when to fill up. The ABS light is stuck on and they cannot find anything wrong there. The service light comes off and on, Although there is nothing wrong. We too, have had gasket problems, wheal bearing trouble, etc. We have kept it well maintained, but it has been a lot of extra expense. It's time to trade and we are not one bit sad to see it go. I will never buy another Pontiac again. This was the second one we have owned and both had severe electrical problems. I am surprised that we managed to get 140,000 miles out of it. Most of the trouble came in the lower to middle miles. We are buying a Jeep this time and hopefully, we will have better luck with it.