Intake manifold gasket cracked at 99,000 miles.
Engine locked up - had to get new long block at 108,000 miles.
Interior lights flash now and then.
Sometimes passenger window will work, sometimes it won't.
Radio display never works right.
Squeak/rattle/whine noise on drivers side somewhere - people can hear it, but no one can figure out where it's coming from.
Passenger sliding door won't automatically work - have had to work it manually for over 9 months.
TCS button pops on for no reason and airbag light comes on intermittently - mechanic says no problem with either.
At first I loved this car - it drives like a dream - relatively quiet interior - great gas mileage - very great turning radius - and awesome power whether leaving a stop sign or driving 12 hours on the interstate.
But the electrical problems and the engine "locking up tight" with no warning at 108,000 miles is very disturbing - I'm a divorced mom of three kids and can't afford to be stranded like this.
It sounds to me like a classic lack of simple preventative maintenance. Cars will not last forever if you do not maintain them with genuine GM parts.
Sounds like the 1996 Grand AM I had. I bought the car right off the showroom floor and it was my baby. I took very good care of that car however from the get go it had a few minor problems like the vinal pealing away from the doors along all 4 windows, but in the end major electral problems the windows would and wouldn't work depending on when it wanted to, the radio the heater all worked when it wanted not when I needed it to. oh and that last commet is a joke,
Electrical problems started to show up in my new 1990 Transport after 80,000 miles. This car was maintained per the book. Regular oil changes were at 3k miles. Overall it was a great vehicle.
I purchased it because of the long nose, the different look, who wants the same old box everyone else is driving? not me! The blower motor was replaced. Then two motors in the drivers side window. The radio went out around 100K, but the cassette tape still works.
This was kept as a third emergency vehicle. Only drive it in a pinch now no A/C no drivers window motor no radio, but 175 K miles and the motor and transmission are still great.
My point is Pontiac has known about the less than average performance of its electrical systems in these vehicles.
9/5/06 and I am working a deal for a 1998 Montana... yes it had new manifold gasket put in last year at 100k miles and some minor electrical problems. it was my Mother In Laws van so I know its history. It has 120 K on it so I will sell old van or give it away and use this 1998 for a back up vehicle. END.
"It sounds to me like a classic lack of simple preventative maintenance. Cars will not last forever if you do not maintain them with genuine GM parts." This sound allot like dealer propaganda!
I own a used 1999 Montana that I purchased in March 2006 and I have had a problem for almost every month of ownership!
March: 98k miles
Off the lot, the airbag light came on. Took it back to dealer, said it wasn't a problem. Took it in to a Pontiac dealer, and they confirmed what the dealer said. (?) Since I had their word on it, I let that same dealer service center perform my Maryland State inspection. The van passed of course.
April-May: 99k miles
Major coolant leak (rear hoses passing from heater unit to crank case. The engine had to be overhauled. (Had it done at another Pontiac service center)? The work was discounted ($1200) only to have it taken back a week later because the service tech overlooked that the coolant had contaminated the transmission fluid! Another $140.
June: Noted no problems because after all the mess above, I was afraid to drive it! I took it for short trips and burned less than a tank of gas the entire month.
July: vehicle is shimmies at stops. The hose on the PCV valve it problem here (thanks to Jiffy Lube) so I use a tie wrap to keep the hose connected. Drove it for 100+ miles and Check Engine light turns off. TCS/Brake and Check Engine lights are now on.
My emissions test is now (past due) do any of you think this vehicle will pass? lol
I read on this blog about grabbing a computer from the junk yard, I will do that before I cough up $350 for a new one that’s for sure. Wish me luck.
This is only my 2nd domestic vehicle I have owned and I am truly disappointed in what I have gotten in return, new used or otherwise.
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