2005 Pontiac Montana sv6 from North America - Comments

Trans stalled.

For years I tried to stay away from American cars due to serious reliability issues. I fell prey this time to the Pontiac Montana due to very lucerative incentives. At km3,700 the car's transmission stalled and the vehicle would not move. My wife and kids were in the car while the outside temperatures were -5C. I wonder if I were responding to a call from the ER and this happened.

Reliability continues to be an issue with these cars. It's a "buy at your own risk".

Interestingly, when on-star was called, they located my vehicle on I-76 in PA, over km800 from where I was in Canada. The call did disconnect twice.

I started doubting the reliability of on-star too.

I've just purchased a 2006 SV6. Could you please elaborate more on the transmission problem you encountered. You stated that the transmission stalled, I'm not sure what you mean by that. I'm wondering if I should mention this to the dealer just in case GM is aware of transmission problems with this van.

I too live in Canada and I definately don't want to be stranded miles, ops sorry, kilometers, from nowhere. Also, would you please advise what size engine is in your van just in case there are different model transmissions.

Kind Regards.

I also have a 2005 Pontiac Montana and have continuous problems. With 13,000 miles I started having problems with my transmission. The dealer kept saying (for 4 months) that it was a transmission programming issue, so they set up a "case number" with GM. After I kept complaining, the dealer opened the cover of the transmission, only to find metal shavings. They told me that I would have been broken down within a couple of weeks. Now the transmission works good after being replaced, however I have issues with the radio (which was replaced), and ABS/traction control lights keep going on.

I purchased a brand new Montana SV6 in March 2005, and around 95,000 miles it started having transmission issues (slipping). The dealership had the van twice in June 2008 and was unable to "duplicate" the problem. The extended warranty was for 100,000 miles so I knew that this needed to be taken care of as soon as possible.

The dealership had the van again in July 2008 and was finally able to "duplicate" the problem, and replaced the transmission cable and adjusted it. This "fixed" the problem until it started slipping again at 107,000 miles (extended warranty over). The dealership looked at it and found that the internal 2nd gear clutches were worn and the repairs would not be covered by the company that had the extended warranty or by the dealership.

Ultimately, I am stuck with a vehicle that needs the transmission repaired or replaced, and the kicker is that I am still paying for the vehicle! I will never purchase another GM vehicle again!

I also have issues with the cost of parts for this vehicle. Price of tires is outrageous, and I have been told that this vehicle requires a specific size of tires that most tire companies do not keep in stock and must be ordered, costing even more $$.