1997 PONTIAC MONTANA

1 recalls — 25 complaints — 27 TSBs

04V597000 Dec 22, 2004
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
Defect Description
ON CERTAIN MINIVANS EQUIPPED WITH SECOND-ROW BUCKET SEATS OR CAPTAIN'S CHAIRS AND A POWER SLIDING DOOR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE, A PASSENGER USING THE INTERIOR HANDLE TO OPEN THE POWER SLIDING DOOR COULD BE INJURED.
Consequence
IF A PASSENGER USES THE INTERIOR HANDLE TO OPEN THE POWER SLIDING DOOR AND HOLDS ONTO THE HANDLE WHILE IT IS BEING OPENED BY THE MOTOR, THE PASSENGER'S ARM MAY BE PUSHED INTO THE SEAT BACK OR ARMREST AND A WRIST OR LOWER ARM INJURY MAY RESULT.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE POWER SLIDING DOOR INTERIOR HANDLE ON THE PASSENGER-SIDE. IF THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH A POWER OR MANUAL SLIDING DOOR ON THE DRIVER-SIDE, THE INTERIOR HANDLE WILL ALSO BE REPLACED FOR APPEARANCE REASONS. NOTE: BEFORE THE VEHICLE IS SERVICED, GM ADVISES OWNERS TO NOT ... Read more
717,302 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Complaint Statistics

25 total complaints 2 crashes 1 fires 4 injuries

Top Reported Components

ComponentComplaints
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING3
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM2
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS2
STRUCTURE2
SUSPENSION2
SEAT BELTS2
UNKNOWN OR OTHER1
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE1
TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE May 7, 2010
Incident date: Jan 21, 2008
I RECENTLY SAW THAT TOYOTA VOLUNTARILY RECALLED SOME OF THEIR VEHICLES DUE TO FAILURES OF THE CABLE THAT HOLDS THEIR SPARE TIRES IN PLACE. I HAD THIS EXACT SAME FAILURE OCCUR TO ME ON A 1997 PONTIAC MONTANA VAN. THE ACTUAL FAILURE OCCURRED ON 1/21/08. I WAS PARKED IN A PARKING LOT WHEN THE SPARE ... Read more
STRUCTURE May 7, 2010
Incident date: Jan 21, 2008
I RECENTLY SAW THAT TOYOTA VOLUNTARILY RECALLED SOME OF THEIR VEHICLES DUE TO FAILURES OF THE CABLE THAT HOLDS THEIR SPARE TIRES IN PLACE. I HAD THIS EXACT SAME FAILURE OCCUR TO ME ON A 1997 PONTIAC MONTANA VAN. THE ACTUAL FAILURE OCCURRED ON 1/21/08. I WAS PARKED IN A PARKING LOT WHEN THE SPARE ... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM Mar 15, 2006
Incident date: Mar 15, 2006
ANTIFREEZE LEAK; LEAD TO REPLACEMENT OF LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET (VERY COSTLY) ABOUT 4 YEARS AGO. NEEDS REPLACING AGAIN. DEALERSHIP WARNS OF EXCESSIVE ENGINE DAMAGE DUE TO ANTIFREEZE IN THE MOTOR OIL. *NM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD Jul 13, 2005
Incident date: Jul 11, 2005
PONTIAC TRANSPORT MONTANA WAS PARKED IN A PARKING LOT FOR 1/2 HOUR OR SO AND BECAME INGULFED IN FLAMES. FIRE MARSHALL THINKS IT WAS FROM BATTERY/ ELECTRIC. DESTROYED OUR CAR AND 5 OTHERS. NO HUMANS HURT...THANK GOD IT WAS PARKED AND MY SON WAS NOT DRIVING IT.
Fire
SEAT BELTS May 12, 2005
Incident date: May 12, 2005
DT CONTACT STATES HIS PASSENGER SAFETY BELT IN HIS VEHICLE IS LOCKED, ORIGINALLY DESIGNED A CHILD SAFETY FEATURE. THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE IN THE MIDDLE ROW, CENTER AND RIGHT SIDE SEAT IS COMING APART. *NM
SEAT BELTS Feb 14, 2005
Incident date: Feb 13, 2005
DRIVING DOWN A TWO LANE FREEWAY, VEARING TO THE RIGHT AND I REARENDED A CAR. THE SEATBELTS DID NOT LOCK AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT WORK..THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AND EVERYTHING WAS SAID TO BE WORKING FINE..THE VAN IS FULLY LOADED AND ALL THE ELCTRONICS ARE WORKING PERFECTLY, AS FAR AS I KNEW.*AK
Crash 2 injured
AIR BAGS Feb 14, 2005
Incident date: Feb 13, 2005
DRIVING DOWN A TWO LANE FREEWAY, VEARING TO THE RIGHT AND I REARENDED A CAR. THE SEATBELTS DID NOT LOCK AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT WORK..THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AND EVERYTHING WAS SAID TO BE WORKING FINE..THE VAN IS FULLY LOADED AND ALL THE ELCTRONICS ARE WORKING PERFECTLY, AS FAR AS I KNEW.*AK
Crash 2 injured
SUSPENSION Jun 25, 2004
Incident date: Jun 15, 2004
INTERMITTENTLY VEHICLE HAD DIFFICULTY MAKING A LEFT TURN, OR WAS UNABLE TO MAKE A LEFT TURN WHILE IN MOTION . CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE CONCERNING THIS PROBLEM BACK IN OCTOBER 23, 2003. BUT WAS NOT ABLE LOCATE THAT INFORMATION IN NHTSA DATA BASE. *AK
SUSPENSION Apr 22, 2004
Incident date: May 15, 2003
LENS COVER OVER THE HEADLIGHTS FELL OUT OF BOTH HEADLIGHTS ON SEPERATE OCCCASIONS. I HAD TO BUY THE WHOLE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY. I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND THEY JUST FELL OUT AND BROKE ON THE ROAD. WE CURRENTLY HAVE A PROBLEM WITH IT OVERHEATING HAVE REPLACE THERMOSTAT AND WATER PUMP STILL HAVIN... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Apr 22, 2004
Incident date: May 15, 2003
LENS COVER OVER THE HEADLIGHTS FELL OUT OF BOTH HEADLIGHTS ON SEPERATE OCCCASIONS. I HAD TO BUY THE WHOLE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY. I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND THEY JUST FELL OUT AND BROKE ON THE ROAD. WE CURRENTLY HAVE A PROBLEM WITH IT OVERHEATING HAVE REPLACE THERMOSTAT AND WATER PUMP STILL HAVIN... Read more
POWER TRAIN Apr 22, 2004
Incident date: May 15, 2003
LENS COVER OVER THE HEADLIGHTS FELL OUT OF BOTH HEADLIGHTS ON SEPERATE OCCCASIONS. I HAD TO BUY THE WHOLE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY. I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND THEY JUST FELL OUT AND BROKE ON THE ROAD. WE CURRENTLY HAVE A PROBLEM WITH IT OVERHEATING HAVE REPLACE THERMOSTAT AND WATER PUMP STILL HAVIN... Read more
EXTERIOR LIGHTING Apr 22, 2004
Incident date: May 15, 2003
LENS COVER OVER THE HEADLIGHTS FELL OUT OF BOTH HEADLIGHTS ON SEPERATE OCCCASIONS. I HAD TO BUY THE WHOLE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY. I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND THEY JUST FELL OUT AND BROKE ON THE ROAD. WE CURRENTLY HAVE A PROBLEM WITH IT OVERHEATING HAVE REPLACE THERMOSTAT AND WATER PUMP STILL HAVIN... Read more
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS Apr 22, 2004
Incident date: May 15, 2003
LENS COVER OVER THE HEADLIGHTS FELL OUT OF BOTH HEADLIGHTS ON SEPERATE OCCCASIONS. I HAD TO BUY THE WHOLE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY. I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND THEY JUST FELL OUT AND BROKE ON THE ROAD. WE CURRENTLY HAVE A PROBLEM WITH IT OVERHEATING HAVE REPLACE THERMOSTAT AND WATER PUMP STILL HAVIN... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Apr 22, 2004
Incident date: Jul 15, 2003
A/C HEAT - AIR CONDITIONING / HEAT UNIT IN REAR OF VAN FAILED IN 2001. HAVE NOT ATTEMPTED TO HAVE IT REPAIRED TO DATE. A/C AND HEAT IS OK FRONT. BODY - PASSENGER AUTOMATIC SLIDING DOOR. RATTLED ALMOST FROM THE DAY WE BOUGHT THE CAR. IT ALSO AT TIMES WOULD NOT CLOSED (IN PARK). IT WOULD CLOSE AUTOMA... Read more
STRUCTURE Apr 22, 2004
Incident date: Jul 15, 2003
A/C HEAT - AIR CONDITIONING / HEAT UNIT IN REAR OF VAN FAILED IN 2001. HAVE NOT ATTEMPTED TO HAVE IT REPAIRED TO DATE. A/C AND HEAT IS OK FRONT. BODY - PASSENGER AUTOMATIC SLIDING DOOR. RATTLED ALMOST FROM THE DAY WE BOUGHT THE CAR. IT ALSO AT TIMES WOULD NOT CLOSED (IN PARK). IT WOULD CLOSE AUTOMA... Read more
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS Apr 9, 2004
Incident date: Feb 1, 2003
THE HEADLIGHT ON DRIVERS SIDE FELL OUT WHILE DRIVING. THE PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT FELL OUT AFTER THE TRUNK WAS CLOSED. *AK
EQUIPMENT Jan 2, 2004
Incident date: Jan 2, 2004
THE MOST IMPORTANT PROBLEM THAT I HAVE HAD WITH THIS CAR IS THAT WHEN MAKING RIGHT HAND TURNS, GOING APPROX 5-10 MILES AN HOUR, THE CAR WILL SHUT ITSELF OFF COMPLETELY. IN ORDER TO RETURN DRIVING, THE CAR MUST BE PUT INTO PARK AND THEN RESTARTED. THIS HAS OCCURRED MANY TIMES. THE CAR HAS BEEN TAK... Read more
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS Jul 17, 2003
Incident date: Jul 14, 2003
WE HAVE HAD LENS COVERS FALL OFF BOTH FRONT HEADLIGHTS. WHAT SHOULD NORMALLY BE A VERY LOW COST FIX HAS RESULTED IN REPAIR/LABOR COSTS OF OVER $300 FOR US AS YOU CANNOT REPLACE JUST THE LENS COVER. AS I WAS TOLD, THE "GLUE" WHOCH HOLDS THE LENS COVER ON BREAKS DOWN AND RESULTS IN THE LENS COVER FA... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM Jun 17, 2003
Incident date: Jun 17, 2003
I HAVE A 1997 PONTIAC MONTANA MINIVAN. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT I HAVE THE DREADED INTAKE MANIFOLD LEAK. IT APPEARS THAT THIS IS A HUGE PROBLEM WITH THE 3.4 LITER ENGINE. *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE Apr 3, 2003
INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET LEAK. MR. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE Mar 31, 2003
Incident date: Sep 8, 2002
BLOWN HEAD GASKET AFTER ONLY 50,000 MILES. NOT TO MENTION I HAD A BLOWN MANIFOLD GASKET 6 MONTHS BEFORE THIS!. *NLM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Jan 7, 2003
Incident date: Apr 15, 2002
CONSUMER STATES THE VEHICLE LEAKS FUEL FROM THE ENGINE. *TS
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR Oct 29, 2002
Incident date: Oct 28, 2002
CONSUMER STATES, THE DRIVER SIDE SLIDING DOOR HANDLE WHEN IS CLOSE MANUAL MAY CATCH YOUR FINGER AND HAVE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. TS
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE May 8, 2002
Incident date: Apr 1, 2002
INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET IS DAMAGED YET NO PARTS AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT US. IS THIS A KNOWN FACT TO GM? IS THIS A RECALL ITEM. MY VAN NOW OVERHEATS AND CANNOT BE REPAIRED DUE TO LACK OF PARTS.*AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER May 25, 2001
Incident date: Jan 25, 2001
A REMOTE CONTROL WAS USED TO OPEN AND CLOSE SLIDING DOOR, REMOTE CONTROL JUST STOPPED WORKING. CONSUMER HAS TO MANUALLY OPEN AND CLOSE DOOR. *AK

Technical Service Bulletins — 1997 PONTIAC MONTANA

27 manufacturer communications from 26 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

ComponentBulletins
121000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS3
162000 STRUCTURE:BODY3
160000 STRUCTURE2
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL2
162300 STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR2
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2
162900 STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS2
151100 SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE1
PIP4723F Jan 14, 2022
070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and
PIP4723F Jan 14, 2022
030000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and
16NA260 Aug 26, 2016
353400 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.
THIS TECHNICAL BULLETIN PROVIDES A PROCEDURE TO REPROGRAM THE MEDIA DISC PLAYER WITH THE LATEST CALIBRATIONS TO CORRECT A CONDITION OF THE REAR ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM NOT OPERATING AS INTENDED IN COLDER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE AREAS DUE TO CALIBR
Recalls Jun 30, 2014
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
Vehicle Recalls
130089009 Sep 1, 2013
061600 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)
Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
010844005A Oct 1, 2004
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
INFORMATION ON ERROR CODES ON RADIO DISPLAY THEIR CAUSE AND CORRECTIVE ACTION. *EH
3136 Jan 1, 2004
121000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
DAYTIME RUNNING LAMPS (DRL) DISABLE OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT VEHICLES ONLY. *TC
01933 Jan 1, 2004
162000 STRUCTURE:BODY
WATER LEAKS AT OVERHEAD CONSOLE MAP. *TT
01854 Jan 1, 2004
170000 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
POWER DOOR LOCKS INOPERATIVE. *MR
01507 Jan 1, 2004
150000 SEAT BELTS
SECOND ROW SEAT BELT WILL NOT RETRACT PASSENGERS SIDE. SIT BULLETIN 1403282. *TT
030232049 Nov 1, 2003
017500 STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
RELEASE OF NEW OUTER TIE ROD ENDS FOR SERVICE. *TT
020867006B Mar 1, 2003
162900 STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
ROOF PERFORATION. *TT
020864006A Dec 1, 2002
162900 STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
ROOF PERFORATION. *TT
020858005 Jun 1, 2002
131000 VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
CONCERNS WITH WIND NOISE AT THE BASE OF THE WINDSHIELD. *TT
020867006 Jun 1, 2002
162000 STRUCTURE:BODY
SOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT THAT THERE IS RUST FORMING AROUND THE FRONT OR REAR PORTION OF THE ROOF. *TT
020858003 Jun 1, 2002
162000 STRUCTURE:BODY
SOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT THAT ROAD NOISE CAN BE HEARD COMING FROM THE AREA BEHIND THE FRONT SEATS. *TT
050402 Apr 5, 2002
162300 STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
ISSUE REGARDING EXCESSIVE ROAD NOISE MOST PREVALENT IN THE SLIDING DOOR AREAS, LEFT, RIGHT OR BOTH. *TT
040402 Apr 4, 2002
160000 STRUCTURE
SUBJECT REGARDING WIND NOISE WHILE DRIVING. *TT
200202 Feb 20, 2002
121000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
CUSTOMERS MAY EXPERIENCE PROBLEMS WITH LEAKING HEADLAMPS OR LENSES FALLING OFF. *TT
070102 Jan 7, 2002
162300 STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
SUBJECT REGARDING RECALL 01013 AND 01059 POWER SLIDING DOORS. *TT
141101 Nov 14, 2001
135200 VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR
INFORMATION ON WIND NOISE FROM OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRRORS. *TT
190901 Sep 19, 2001
160000 STRUCTURE
CUSTOMERS MAY COMPLAIN OF A WATER LEAK AT THE CENTER OF THE WINDSHIELD OR FROM THE OVERHEAD CONSOLE. *SLC
072301 Jul 23, 2001
151100 SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
ON SOME VEHICLES THE SECOND ROW PASSENGER SEAT BELTS MAY EXPERIENCE A CONDITION WHERE THE SECOND ROW PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT WILL NOT RELEASE. *TT
130701 Jul 13, 2001
153000 SEAT BELTS:INTEGRATED CHILD SEAT
SUBJECT REGARDING PROPER FUNCTIONING OF THE CHEST STRAP AND THE INTEGRAL CHILD SEATS. *TT
181000 Oct 18, 2000
121000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
BRIEF INFORMATION ON VEHICLES EXHIBITING LEAKY HEADLIGHTS. *TT
3042 Oct 14, 2004
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
BATTERY DRAIN ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH POWER SLIDING DOORS. *TT
3571 Oct 25, 2005
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
POWER DOOR LOCK INOPERATIVE. *SC

PONTIAC MONTANA — All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the PONTIAC MONTANA across all model years (1997–2008).

57 Total Recalls
1,455 Total Complaints
0 Investigations
98 Reported Crashes
18 Reported Fires
10 Reported Deaths

PONTIAC MONTANA — Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year Recalls Complaints
2008 1 2 View
2007 1 0 View
2006 2 61 View
2005 7 130 View
2004 5 46 View
2003 7 117 View
2002 5 161 View
2001 11 208 View
2000 7 310 View
1999 7 329 View
1998 3 62 View
1997 (current) 1 25

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