1999 Pontiac Montana problems
Owners have filed 329 complaints about the 1999 Pontiac Montana with NHTSA. Engine and engine cooling accounts for 31.9% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of air bags at 10%.
Complaints329
Crashes18
Fires2
Injuries23
Deaths1
What owners report breaking
Engine and engine cooling 31.9% · 105
Air bags 10.0% · 33
Power train 9.7% · 32
Service brakes, hydraulic 7.9% · 26
Structure 6.7% · 22
Electrical system 4.3% · 14
Equipment 3.6% · 12
Visibility 3.6% · 12
Severity
Of those complaints, 18 describe a crash, 2 describe a fire, 23 report an injury and 1 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 6 model years of the Pontiac Montana in this data, 1999 draws the most complaints of any of them.
Filing volume has held steady, 6 in the last three years against 7 in the three before.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 59,500 miles.
In owners' own words
Our 1999 Pontiac Montana has just been worked on by the dealership for a leak in the lower intake manifold gasket. They charged me $795.00 To fix this last week and now it is back in the shop to fix the coolant sensor which will cost another $175.00. Last night I found out there is a petition online with over 2,500 signatures on it for these same problems with their gm car. Why isn't there a recall on this! *Nlm Engine and engine cooling
While driving 65 mph the intake manifold gasket failed and allowed coolant to mix with the engine oil. This caused the engine to overheat and shut down. The consumer found out that the manufacturer was aware of the problem and redesigned the gasket. Chevrolet owners with 3.8L engines were notified of the potential failure, but owner of gm vehicles with 3.1L and 3.4L engines were not contacted. *Ak *ph *nlm Engine and engine cooling · reported at 70,030 miles
1999 Pontiac Montana experienced no heating. Garage stated coolant had sludge and was flushed and recharged. After driving 10 miles to home, coolant light came on and steam rolled out under hood. Found air intake manifold gasket leaking in numerous places. Garage said they have seen many of these. Coolant cap states coolant good for 150,000 miles. Only 49,000 miles on van. Engine and engine cooling · reported at 49,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…