Pontiac / Trans Sport / 1998
1998 Pontiac Trans Sport problems
Owners have filed 287 complaints about the 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport with NHTSA. Engine and engine cooling accounts for 18.5% of them — the clear leader, ahead of exterior lighting at 10.8%.
Complaints287
Crashes17
Fires4
Injuries28
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Engine and engine cooling 18.5% · 53
Exterior lighting 10.8% · 31
Steering 9.8% · 28
Structure 7.3% · 21
Air bags 7.3% · 21
Service brakes, hydraulic 6.3% · 18
Power train 5.9% · 17
Latches/locks/linkages 5.6% · 16
Severity
Of those complaints, 17 describe a crash, 4 describe a fire and 28 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 4 model years of the Pontiac Trans Sport in this data, 1998 ranks 2nd by complaint volume — 1997 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 6 in the last three years against 10 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 80,000 miles.
In owners' own words
While driving 20 mph consumer heard loud noise, and then the vehicle completely stalled. Vehicle was towed to consumer's home. A mechanic came to consumer's house to inspect the vehicle, and informed the consumer that the vehicle has a blown head gasket. This problem causes the cam shaft to seize. Dealer was not notified. Engine and engine cooling · reported at 80,000 miles
Problems with engine's head gaskets and intake gaskets. *Mr while driving the vehicle began making a ticking sound. The consumer took the vehicle to the dealer where it was later determined that the head gasket and intake gasket failed and caused coolant to leak into the engine. The dealer replaced the gaskets. *Nlm Engine and engine cooling · reported at 69,000 miles
Van stopped suddenly on expressway. Dealer towed it away and diagnosed problem. He said that cam shaft was seized or broke. All fluid levels were ok. Car had no leaks . Found no evidence of sludge in the motor. Found that van was properly maintained by owner. Quoted new engine cost of $4693. Engine and engine cooling · reported at 82,152 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…