1999 Pontiac Montana from North America - Comments

The SES light went on my 2000 Ponticrap yesterday. Who would like to guess what the problem is this time?

I have a 2003 Pontiac Montana. One morning I went out to my car to go to work, when I opened the door the interior lights started flashing, the bell started ringing (strangely), and the locks started clicking from lock to unlock constantly. I drove the car about 3 miles and it quit. The next day, the same thing happened, except this time it took it 10 miles to quit. Now... it just never stops! My car alarm goes off for no reason as well. I don't dare leave my keys in the ignition because the doors lock and unlock even when I'm not in the vehicle. People around me think my van is haunted. I have taken the van into the service department, they have fixed faulty wires under the passenger floor mat, disconnected my alarm system (which still goes off by the way). The service department says they have fixed the problem, and I drive the van away thinking all is resolved... until I get in it a few hours later and all the bells and whistles (and locks and alarms) go off once again! Any suggestions???

We have a 2000 Montana it turns over and won't start... replaced the fuel pump and it still is doing the same thing... any ideas?

Add me to the list of disgruntled 1999 Pontiac Montanna owners. I had no idea this was a auto-wide problem till today, I thought it was just my bad luck!

Coolant system problems, mechanic thinks it is a head gasket. I am thinking why repair it if only something else will go wrong after reading all this. I might try some of that sealant for a temporary fix and get another care. It only has 68,000 miles on it! What a shame I loved the interior roominess.

Oh and I have haunted windshield wipers! Just go on by themselves, not often, and will only run at high speed!

My mother has a 1999 Montana Van. When she got it it ran great, no problems and was great on trips. After about a year, we started to have problems. I took it to a transmission shop 3 times in a period of 3 months... a complete rebuild (just wouldn't move hardly), a transmission leak and a high pitch whining noise. Since then, the problems keep increasing... power sliding door works sometimes, lights on radio keep blinking, stereo control lights on steering wheel are out, brakes every 3 months, a/c doesn't work, rough idle, wore out lower motor mount, 4 power steering pumps, water pump and a clunking noise somewhere in the front. I always thought Pontiac/GM made good vehicles. I am very disappointed in the problems she has had. I think something should be done about all these problems she is having along with everybody else on here who has problems. Its getting out of hand. I am somewhat mechanically inclined and was able to fix some problems, but for the most part, these problems should not be occurring. I think maybe we should convoy to Pontiac/GM (if all the vans will make it) and just roll in with a couple hundred vans with problems. Something might be done then.

97 Transport, currently 270k miles and out of commission once again, and probably for good.

Bought at 102k miles, SES light came on at 125k (purge solenoid), transmission shutter at highway speeds at 130k.

Transmission rebuilt at 156k (remarkably it is still strong).

Recall work on steering done at about 150k, 3 water pumps, 3 or t-stats.

Motor rebuilt at 203k cuz of blown gasket.

Harmonic balancer replaced at 210k, A/C stopped working, drivers window regulator AFU, frame rotted where the jack is supposed to go so you can jack it up without a floor jack.

Interior lights are acting up, headlight lens fell off, replaced headlights.

Struts, rear shocks and springs broke.

Inside tailgate strap broke, outside tailgate opener broke, doors lock for no reason.

Horn keeps blowing fuse, cigarette lighter not working, ABS light comes on and off, had to replace radio because of display.

Steering travel is short on one side, brake lines rusted on rear axle, rear wiper motor doesn't work, gee have I forgotten anything...

YES, once again starting at about 250k, overheating, suspecting head gasket because I've tried and have done everything I could think of without dumping in more money. Therefore did I mention, it's for sale.

AND THEY NEED A BAILOUT... TO MAKE MORE CRAPPY CARS.

JUST MY 2cents.

I repair Nissan, Toyota and Honda vans, and all those vehicles completely crap out before 200k miles. I would thank God I purchased the GM and got those miles on it.

One more thing, all vehicles need their transmissions filters and fluids changed well before 100k miles or damage will occur.

About your GM vehicle. Was all the maintenance performed according to the owners manual? I am guessing all your problems were caused by not following the recommendation maintenance schedule in the owners manual.

Every Montana transmission problem, for example, I see in my shop is caused by not changing the transmission fluid and filter. I would guess the previous owner never had any maintenance performed on your vehicle, and you are stuck with all the problems he/she caused.

Well, I found and read this page 3 nights ago, right after I bought my used 2002 Pontiac Montana from a dealership. It was under warranty for 3 months or 3,000 miles and I was told that a certified inspection was done on the vehicle. It has 93,000 miles on it. When I went to test drive it we had just had a major snowstorm so it was covered in snow and ice, but it started up right away. It rode well and the features, specs and Carfax were all clean. I LOVED the interior, with the dvd player (no sound) and all. I paid cash and drove it off the lot (Friday January 30, 09). Then I came home and found this page. The next morning I woke a 4am in a cold sweat, and I couldn't help having daymares about all of the things that might go wrong with this Montana.

Despite that at 7am my husband and I went out to begin purchasing our super bowl supplies. I get in the van and turn the key...*click* no turnover. The lights come on, the sound system starts up and the heat comes on, but it won't turn over. We try again and nothing. We used one of our other two cars (luxury) to try and jump the Montana. Still nothing. So we go back to the dealership and they send a tech out with a portable battery jumper and a temporary new vehicle for me to try, but by then I'm livid. I stand there and watch the futile attempts by the tech to jump start this van. Nothing. I call the salesguy and tell him to send a truck to pick this piece of crap up from my driveway, and I would be by to pick up my check. We voided the deal a couple of hours later. And I purchased another van from a private seller with only 57k miles and in excellent condition (he's elderly). I'm glad that you guys were here to tell your stories so that I didn't allow the slick salesman to "fix" this problem only to incur another in a couple of months. So from my family to yours... thank you and good luck!

Original Owner of a 1999 Extended Length Pontiac Montana.

I have just read this entire site and am a bit surprised!

I have owned three Pontiac Transport Vans, a '92, '96 and the '99.

The '99 has all the bells and whistles, and was purchased new ten years ago this week. It currently has 135,000 gently used miles. I like to hyper-mile and get 28 miles to the gallon on the freeway and 20 miles in around town.

I love this vehicle. It has been a stalwart, hauling stuff for two daughters to college and setting up two new homes after graduation. Could not live without it, or my neighbors on occasion.

I have had all the problems I have read on this site, plus one or two others. Surprised there has not been a class-action suite like there is on the 1999-2001 VOLVO S80 Sedan.

I am the son of a mechanic and an engineer. I maintain all my cars, and check fluids weekly and change fluids on schedule, along with filters, etc. I attempt to fix most problems myself.

I now find that all these cataloged problems are not what I thought were just usual wear and tear. I do like the fact that the brakes did not need replacing until 100,000 miles, and the stainless steel exhaust system is still original.

The original 80,000 warrantied tires lasted 55,000 miles when the walls started giving out. The original manufacturer would not honor their warranty. Replaced them with SEARS Michelins; and they still have lots of tread after 80,000 miles.

I did not like the fact that I paid the dealer $4,300 for replacing the manifold head gaskets at 73,000 miles, plus other work to insure the engine would last another 100,000 miles.

The transmission started to intermittently shift heavily during downshifting, and clunking into second on the upshift after about 90,000 miles. Cost a couple hundred to replace the torque converter sensor. It also was the source of the speedometer reading zero. It still shifts heavily on occasion. No predictable schedule for it to act up.

Just paid $1,300 at 130,000 miles to have the radiator replaced because the serpentine belt was squealing and loud noise coming from the attached accessories. Seems coolant was spraying onto the belt. Last week they replaced the water pump for $450 because it was "bad" and leaking, and causing the "LOW COOLANT" light to come on. (Sound Familiar). Appears to be holding for now.

The "LOW TRACTION" light is just now flashing. Actually thought it was working sense we have had ice and snow the last couple weeks...BUT. No, it just flashing and then the TSC and ABS warning lights would come on and the TCS switch embedded light goes off; meaning no TCS. The sensor will reset if the engine is turned off, then restarted! Was diagnosed by the local mechanic reading out the code, that the right front wheel was having a variable reading different from the other three wheel sensors. He recommended NOT replacing the sensor switch since it was intermitent! Not sure I can stand those warning lights. That was how I found this web site, trying to find out where and how to replace the $30 switch.

Last year went through 3 new truck batteries. SEARS (3 years-old) and PEP BOYS (2 month-old) lived up to their warranties, and SEARS even fixed the problem; an improperly seated battery grounding cable on the battery holder. The local GM Dealer took their 2 month-old battery, said everything was working properly and that there was no warranty for the dead battery! Out $102.

Drove though 18" of water two years ago in a Hurricane and lost the FUEL/AIR MIXTURE sensor with water in the sensor. The car would start and then die when it was slowed for a stop sign. Luckily, made it to the local GM dealer, two miles away. My bad.

Pontiac did fix the right-hand auto-door when the car was purchased. Then attempted to fix it again a year later when it was brought in for routine maintenance and the official recall came out. Only they broke it. But the Service Manager and the tech did come to the house and repair it in the driveway. (My wife got involved!)

The LCD read-out on the radio/clock has never worked properly.

The Outside Temperature gauge only works in the Winter! It loves temperatures below 60 degrees, above that, its anybodies guess on what it reads out.

The rear air-shocks work great and give a great ride, even with 2,000 pounds of load. Have never used used the trailer hitch, though the vehicle has the optional towing package, which means it has a larger radiator, additional transmission cooling, and wiring harness for rear lights for trailer.

The front and rear wiper arm attachments appear to be made of pot metal. When placed on the steel-toothed rotary for the wiper, it shreds the pot metal. I have had to routinely repair the expensive arms on a yearly basis.

I was just informed yesterday that I could not pass the 2009 yearly safety inspection because the headlight lenses were fogged over. I spent several hours with a rubbing compound polishing the glazed plastic prior to taking it in. Does not help when the plastic is glazed though-and-through.

I attempt to keep my cars ten years. I have reached that anniversary! I have owned Pontiacs since my first '69 LeMans muscle car. I cannot say that I will shed a tear if GM sheds the Pontiac line. I also now understand why the TRANSPORT VAN line was discontinued. That said I will most likely not purchase another GM vehicle.

I feel sorry for all of you who purchased the MONTANA as a reliable family car.

The 1996 TRANSPORT saved my life when struck head-on by another driver crossing the median. I have gotten my money's worth out of this '99 van. It will probably stay in the garage as a "beater" and a "hauler" after acquiring a new replacement. But I will not invest in anymore "unnecessary repairs.

Will wait to add my name to the class-action suit.

I purchased my 1999 Extended Pontiac Montana new in February of 2000. Thank god I had an extended warranty. But, I have now put well over $6000 into this vehicle, and it only has 86,000 miles on it.

Constant problems with lights flashing and dashboard lights on.

Had to do the head gaskets like everybody else with only 62000 miles, and have had two fuel pumps.

Sliding door still does not work after at least 6 repairs under warranty.

Airbag light on constantly now after at least 5 repairs, some under warranty and several paid for.

Numerous repairs for tail lights going out, including a ticket for that, and had only repaired it about 2 weeks before.

Now it won't pass inspection due to the check engine light being on, but the mechanic said good luck knowing for sure what to replace because of the bad wiring on this vehicle.

It is now stuck in the driveway and not driveable, and I am stranded now. This van is a piece of junk.

I too have sliding door issues, the windows are hard to get back up once down, especially in the winter.

Stranded several times.

Back wiper repaired 3 times, and now not working again. It just gets worse and worse.

I too had the bubbling paint on the hood, which I had repainted and I paid $450 and GM paid some supposedly. Now I can't pass inspection because of the check engine light and the mechanic truly believes there is nothing wrong with it but bad/faulty wiring, but there is nothing he can do?

There is so much more like stabilizer bar broke twice, bad rear shocks, wiring issues CONSTANTLY and the list goes on and on, and I have receipts from every single issue. The folder is over 2 inches thick!!!

I would love to be included in the Class action suit!! Please, could somebody tell me what I have to do to get in on that suit? Thank you.

Man I am dumb, got all these things wrong too. One after the other. I am thinking oh it's OK, I will just fix this, and then that happens so I fixed it. I too was working on the drivers door window and found this site. I am not the only one.

Man, I was just trying to get help with replacing a stabilizer bar and found this website.

I have had a my 99 Montana for 2 years, and it has done alright. Except when we first got it, it had a battery cable connecting problem from some one hooking up a stereo system. Got that fixed.

Have always had problems with the gas gauge, automatic door locks, driver side turn signal, front speakers, auto side door, and I think that is it.

Every six months I've had to add a little antifreeze, but no leak under the van. Then six months ago it was leaking antifreeze from where the water pump is, so I figured that was problem, so took it in to get it fixed. I thought I got a deal for 200. I was at work so the wife went and pick it up. There was no leak, but when I looked under the hood, it looked like the same water pump was still in there. I was going to bring it back in there, but there has been no leak so I figured they put a rebuilt one in.

Now I smell antifreeze now and again, and the low coolant light has been coming on. It is starting to run a little hot if I leave it running in park or neutral for a while. Hopefully all that doesn't happen to me. It is not sounding good. Good thing we paid cash for it and don't have to make a monthly payment. Maybe it is just low on coolant. I'm scared to go look tonight. I will pray to god tonight for that is all it is, or keep it running until I can trade it in for something better.

I must be amongst every other 1999 Pontiac Montana owner. I just bought it last month, right off of a local car dealership, so of course no warranty. Well then when I am trying to figure out why my heater quit working, I stumble across everyone else's comments. Same problems so far:

1. The airbag light stays on all the time when driving, except for it might won't to be off for a ride to the grocery store or something.

2. Gas gauge is always full, and even though I wish that was the case it really isn't... I just fill it up every couple hundred miles or so because I don't want to run out and not know it.

3. A/C - I figured out when it got warm it didn't work, but then when I tried to use it and then last night tried to use the heat, now the heat doesn't work, which did previously before turning to A/C.

4. Driver side window goes real slow about a fourth down, and then drops a few inches, then goes real fast, but after reading these posts, at least it still works.

5. Passenger sliding door works when it wants to, and sometimes goes on a fritz and pops open and closed, even when I am no where around it. What the heck could all of this be?

Well we know we won't get anything from Pontiac; they are done...that's wonderful.

Uggg... we too have issues with our 2001 Pontiac Montana!! Heated seats... great when they work!!! One after the other they quit working.

One of our automatic doors will not work properly even after visiting the shop a few times on the issue!

Rear windows... not working... back window wiper... not working... front windshield wipers stuck in an upward position.

Can't lock the doors, oh wait you can, you just can' unlock them.

What else, the air leveler not working. Uggg Trying to fix the driverside window at the moment. Will go down but not up. Frustrated and will gladly add my name to the class action suit... Someone fill me in on how to do that please!!! One ticked off owner!

I am so happy to see I'm not the only one with all kinds of problems. I have a 1999 Pontiac Montana and have had several of the issues listed above. I have had to rebuild the transmission, the radiator and the sensors, the a/c compressor, my driver side slider door does not open unless the front driver door is open, service engine light is on (and mechanics all say "Good Luck" with figuring this one out), radio lights work when they want to and these are just a few problems I've had.

I would love to be included in a class action law suit for all the flaws.