1999 Pontiac Montana from North America - Comments

Intake Manifold Gasket replaced at 80,000 km. We went through Arbitration to get GM to repair. Two weeks later the coolant light is back on.

Inside handle on back hatch broke.

Water leaks into back hatch.

We have always had difficulty starting the vehicle.

Stereo volume control inconsistent.

There is a strange vibrating noise when travelling on the highway. We have been unable to diagnose.

We highly recommend keeping this vehicle under warranty.

Disappointed that every issue requires serious nagging at service department to have a repair made. Some of our problems have been minor, but are a real frustration to have fixed due to lack of General Motors service and responsibility.

On the inconsistent stereo volume issue: does your stereo have the feature that automatically increases the stereo volume as speed increases? This could be what is happening. This feature can be disabled. Check the manual for directions.

My 2000 Montana (42000 miles, 2 1/2 yrs old) is currently in the shop with the very same problem. Seems to be a common trend with these vehicles. How did you go about taking GM through arbitration? I'd like to do the same. Thanks.

You See the the Premium Stereo and some Non-Premium stero installed in all pontiac vehicle between 2000 to today has a function that will adjust the stero according to how fast you are going and will turn up the volume automatically its called SVC (Speed Volume Control) and easily disabled or adjusted (you can adjust how much of a difference in volume that you hear) if you take it to a regualr dealership they might go hmmm... and NOT Fix it and JAck you up with labor costs.

To Disable or Adjust the SVC push the buton labled SVC and you will see the adjustments shown on the screen...

That's it there is no problem at all the only problem we had with our Montana was a Backlight in the stereo GM/Pontiac Happily replaced the stereo.

Thanks!

Regarding the volume control, our '99 Montana Radio/CD volume nob does not respond well either. As the Knob is turned CCW the volume will increase for a half rotation or so before coming down. The volume control on the wheel works fine. However, this is the least of my problems because the cam shaft just broke (77,500 miles) so we are installing a rebuilt engine next week. My independent shop said this is a common occurrence with Montanas. Other problems: Air bag light is on, alternator replaced around 60,000, transmission abrupt up-shift, Rear AC failed about 15,000, broken cup holders. Otherwise we are satisfied.

The solution for those who love GM mini-vans years prior

to 2005, is to buy an extended warranty going out to the

maximum 100K miles. Make sure that you find a mechanic

that has done a lot of work on these vans, as they are

such a pain to do engine work on, and that this mechanic

will agree to honor the extended warranty. I had good luck

with Warranty By Net, & they paid the $700+ bill on the

intake manifold problem (done at 56K miles on 98 Chevy

Venture), but still the mechanic hated having to deal

with them. Unfort., most mechanics just seem to resent

having to work with the demands of the warranty companies.

I Love it!

Mind you I just bought it. Used, 160Km. Just changed the plugs. It is ultra luxurious, quiet, amazingly super fast, and feels solid. I keep thinking it is huge, it feels huge, but the modern technology makes it seem like a modular marvel.

The previous owner changed the intake gasket I hear is common to these. My rad coolant level sensor light is on when warm, I'll change it with the death-cool dextron as it is getting old and I do not want it to eat at any gaskets (I will be sure to use mineral free distilled water too). The aluminum hood had corrossion/bubbles. The radio LED is out. But other than this it is great and I just oil sprayed it.

I got it used, well taken care of, and dirt cheap or perhaps I would not be as impressed if I paid 40 grand for it 6 years ago.

I recommend this van to anyone.

Some vibration noises are attributed to the rear air conditioning cooling lines. slipping on some foam water pipe insulation or wedging some plumbers putty between the lines will correct this.

Some vibration noises are attributed to the rear air conditioning cooling lines. slipping on some foam water pipe insulation or wedging some plumbers putty between the lines will correct this.