1998 Pontiac Montana
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Pontiac › Montana › 1998
These records cover every 1998 Pontiac Montana. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 1998 Pontiac Montana. Newest first.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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 use the interior door handle to open the door. the driver can open and close the door from switches at the driver's position or by using the remote key fob. the driver should tell passengers to use the switch located in front of the door to open or close it. the driver should use the override switch to prevent operation of the power door by children or by others who are not familiar with its use. the owner notification letter mailing will be conducted in phases with the first phase beginning on may 31, 2005. the second phase mailing began on july 18, 2005. the recall began on may 31, 2005. phase 2 began on july 18, 2005. phase 3 (final phase) began on august 24, 2005, to all remaining customers. owners should contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438; pontiac at 1-800-620-7668; or oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537.
Vehicle description: 1997-2001 chevrolet venture, pontiac montana/transport, and oldsmobile silhouette MINI vans equipped with passenger side power sliding doors that were serviced in campaign 01013 (01v-067) from april to august 2001. also 2001 chevrolet venture, pontiac montana, and oldsmobile silhouette MINI vans equipped with passenger side power…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If this happens, the power sliding door can open while the vehicle IS in motion, particularly when the vehicle ascends a hill, makes a turn, or travels over a rough road surface. an unrestrained occupant could fall out of the van and be injured.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and, if required, install a new power sliding door unlatch actuator assembly. owner notification began on october 22, 2001. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, pontiac at 1-800-762-2737, or oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537.
Vehicle description: minivans equipped with passenger side power sliding doors. the door closes but may not be latched. if this happens, the power sliding door can open while the vehicle IS in motion, particularly when the vehicle ascends a hill, makes a turn, or travels over a rough road surface.
Risk and remedy
Risk
An unrestrained occupant could fall out of the van and be injured.
Remedy
Dealers will install a new un-latch actuator assembly to the power sliding door. this recall has been continued under safety recall 01v-264. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, pontiac at 1-800-762-2737, or oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537.
Owner complaints
49 complaints3 involved a crash1 involved a fire2 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine · Power train
TL* the contact owns a 1998 pontiac montana. The contact stated that the vehicle would intermittently stall when making turns or when decelerating. The contact took her vehicle to the dealer for a diagnostic test where she was advised that they could not diagnosis the failure without it occurring…
TL* the contact owns a 1998 pontiac montana. The contact stated that the vehicle would intermittently stall when making turns or when decelerating. The contact took her vehicle to the dealer for a diagnostic test where she was advised that they could not diagnosis the failure without it occurring in their presence. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer five additional times but to no avail. The dealer was finally able to diagnose a transmission failure after six previous failed diagnostics. the transmission was replaced. The failure mileage was 100. the vin was not available. updated 07/03/14 ma
- Engine · Service brakes · Steering
The engine just turned off while starting to turn a corner. Lost power steering and power breaks, but the car just rolled on. Put car in neutral and turned key it started and then drove normally. This has now happened 4 times. the previous owner, when contacted, said, just restart the car! does this relate to gm ignition switch recall? *tr
- Vehicle speed control
While driving at reduced speed through urban areas, the vehicle will increase rpms as if the accelerator IS being depressed, even though the vehicle IS being driven at a constant speed with no pressure being applied to the accelerator. It IS unsettling, because you have to depress the brake pedal…
While driving at reduced speed through urban areas, the vehicle will increase rpms as if the accelerator IS being depressed, even though the vehicle IS being driven at a constant speed with no pressure being applied to the accelerator. It IS unsettling, because you have to depress the brake pedal to insure that you do not run into another vehicle in front of you. The cruise control IS turned off when this occurs. If the vehicle IS shut down and restarted, the rpms return to normal. If you continue driving when this situation occurs, the engine returns to normal once you are able to increase your speed in less congested areas. We purchased the vehicle used recently, and we have no knowledge of any maintenance issues. The recalls that we viewed on your website did not refer to this particular issue. Any insight that you can offer will be greatly appreciated. *tr
- Power train · Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 1998 pontiac montana. The contact stated that the sliding doors could not be opened electronically, only manually. In addition, the gear shifter failed and could only be shifted into drive or reverse with force. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures. The vehicle was not repaired. The vin was not available. The failure mileage was 234,000 and the current mileage was 239,000.
- Tires
1998 pontiac montana,left front tire blew out. The consumer lost control of the vehicle and struck the median barrier *bf ohio traffic report # 10-0246-90. *Jb
- Steering · Steering › Rack and pinion
I have a 1998 pontiac transport-montana! the dealer indicates it IS not included in the recall of the 02v28600. I am having the same problems with the steering as indicated in the recall. it IS now to the point I am going to have to repair or replace the problem part and it IS obvious gm knew…
I have a 1998 pontiac transport-montana! the dealer indicates it IS not included in the recall of the 02v28600. I am having the same problems with the steering as indicated in the recall. it IS now to the point I am going to have to repair or replace the problem part and it IS obvious gm knew and should remedy the problem. according to the dealer mine IS too new for the recall even though they know the problem and have fixed in vehicles that were built only months before. ea02033 fixes the vehicles up to october 31 1997. mine IS a 1998 with identical problems seeing as it IS a transport with montana trim. I think they should fix this before it fails and something happens to my wife and kids. I spoke with pontiac after talking to the dealer and needs less to say I got no place. I know times are tough but , come on you are messing with the health of my family! *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
I noticed I have been using a lot of antifreeze in the van but no leaks under it. I took it to the garage to change the thermostat and to have it checked out. They told me my head gaskets are bad and need to be replaced, when I took it to the dealer he said I needed a new radiator too! I have been…
I noticed I have been using a lot of antifreeze in the van but no leaks under it. I took it to the garage to change the thermostat and to have it checked out. They told me my head gaskets are bad and need to be replaced, when I took it to the dealer he said I needed a new radiator too! I have been looking on the web and found many consumers with the same complaint as mine. Why haven't these 1998 pontiac montana's been recalled? *Tr
- Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
While driving on march 16,2004 I hit black ice in the road,went off the road, rolled over and both front doors came open by themselves and I suffered a head injury that I am still recovering from due to the doors opening. It could have been alot more seroius because during rollover I felt my legs go outside the vehicle.*ak
- Air bags
While parked passenger side air bag deployed inadvertently. As a result, windshield shattered without warning. *Ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
A year ago,i puchased a previously owned 1998 pontiac montana transport van with approximately 58,000 miles on it. I am a certificated aircraft mechanic with over 10 yrs of experience. So, I am aware of potentional problems with used vehicles. I did not have any problems with this vehicle until 3…
A year ago,i puchased a previously owned 1998 pontiac montana transport van with approximately 58,000 miles on it. I am a certificated aircraft mechanic with over 10 yrs of experience. So, I am aware of potentional problems with used vehicles. I did not have any problems with this vehicle until 3 months ago. When I had a low coolant light come on. I immediatley checked the fluid level and it was low. I then, began to look for a reason for low coolant. I found the coolant leaking externally out the intake manifold area. I was able to put a socket on the nearest intake bolts and found that they were loose. This temporarily stopped the leak. Serviced all the fluids. I assumed this problem was fixed. I did not notice any engine noises, no other problems, nothing else. Two weeks ago, the van and it lost power momentarily, then a service engine soon light came on. No other problems, van resumed performance. When I inspected the van and its components. It had a code of 300 which meant "random misfire" in the engine. this IS a code that could be given by numerous reasons. I allowed the van to idle to operating temperatures. When suddenly the engine shuts down. I immediately start it back up. Now it has no oil pressure and the valves are rattling. I contacted my local pontiac dealer to see if they were aware of any recalls or service bulletins relating to this model. they did not know of any. I began to research this problem. I was alarmed at what I had found. Apparently, this IS a problem that IS repeated over and over with this particular engine and coolant combination. Specifically dexcool, the orange coolant. It IS showing possible incompatibilities between the coolant and the gaskets used on the intake manifolds, heads and other vital engine components. One of the web-sites I researched was www.gm-v6lemons.com. I would like for gm to radify this into a recall( service bulletin) because so many of us has suffered from this possible defect.*ak
- Visibility › Power window devices and controls
We have had problems with both the left and right power windows. The right power window started sticking half way up. It was repaired at 36,000 52,000 and 80,000 miles. The symptoms were always the same except at 80,000 the window stuck down (during a very rainy weekend). It was no longer under…
We have had problems with both the left and right power windows. The right power window started sticking half way up. It was repaired at 36,000 52,000 and 80,000 miles. The symptoms were always the same except at 80,000 the window stuck down (during a very rainy weekend). It was no longer under warrenty and we had to pay for the repair. Now at 90,000 miles the driver window IS sticking half way up again. It will totally freeze soon. The passanger window, which was aligned and lubed at 80,000 miles IS stuck in the up position. We can't make it go down at all. Help
- Engine and engine cooling · Unknown or other · Visibility › Power window devices and controls
We purchased the 1998 pontiac montana in march 1998. since we purchased the car, we have had the right turn signal socket replaced three times due to malfunction. in october 2002, we took the automobile in for problems noted. it was discovered that we needed to replace the turn signal socket…
We purchased the 1998 pontiac montana in march 1998. since we purchased the car, we have had the right turn signal socket replaced three times due to malfunction. in october 2002, we took the automobile in for problems noted. it was discovered that we needed to replace the turn signal socket again, replace the windshield wiper motor, replace the driver and passenger sides door power window motors, replace the intake manifold gasket, and they worked on the sliding door for the fifth time due to a recall. the total estimate for the pending works came to $3500.00 plus. I contacted the manufacturer with me concerns, but my concerns fell on deaf ears. all the agreed to help me with was the price on the parts of the windshield wiper motor and that we will be responsible for the labor and all of the major repairs/replacements because they felt that we did not have anymore warranty on the automobile. the service manager advise me to trade in the vehicle since it would be expensive to do the jobs required, but we thought it not to at this time. we even suggested that there might not be a national recall on the items, but we strongly feel that this particular van has a defect. we are asking you to please help us to resolve our concerns.
- Engine and engine cooling
Intake gasket failed allowing coolant to leak into oil.68638 miles valve lifter knocking.74809 miles stalling of engine complete loss of braking and steering. Destruction of engine.75110 miles failure of camshaft. Engine thrown into garbage
- Engine and engine cooling
Currently running, but not for long. low coolant light on lifters clanging. 75,000 mile now..... running like crap. I see that there have been several complaints on this matter with major engine repairs. $$$$$$ when IS gm going to recall???????
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
On july 18, 2003 we took our 1998 pontiac montana (58,000 miles) to domaille buick-mazda-mitsubishi in rochester, minnesota for a 3,000-mile oil change prior to leaving for our summer vacation. on that day the mechanic informed us about evidence of a lower intake manifold gasket leak and the need…
On july 18, 2003 we took our 1998 pontiac montana (58,000 miles) to domaille buick-mazda-mitsubishi in rochester, minnesota for a 3,000-mile oil change prior to leaving for our summer vacation. on that day the mechanic informed us about evidence of a lower intake manifold gasket leak and the need for immediate repair. he advised us not to drive the vehicle for fear that the engine could seize up in the middle of major traffic. this costly problem, of which we are now acutely aware, IS fairly common amongst this line of vehicle (chevy venture and olds silhouette). we have learned via a plethora of internet sources that the incidence of this problem occurs regardless of mileage, as some consumers endured this problem while still under warranty. the manufacturer response to this serious and costly mechanical problem has been to redesign the gasket for newer model vehicles. in the mean time, customer after customer has forked out the cost of these repairs. while we sadly refer to ourselves as one of the lucky ones in that our repair bill totaled a mere $850.00 (see attached) and we caught the problem prior to our vacation, and that we were not injured as a result of this problem, others have had to replace their engine at the cost of $4000.00 or more. this IS a major consumer concern due to safety. for example, any gm owner could experience sudden and unexplained stalling of their vehicle in the midst of traffic, as a result of a leaky intake manifold gasket. the traffic experience could be on a country road or on a major interstate going 70+ mph ... Engine seizing up and tractor trailers behind you?!?!? the disastrous possibilities are endless.
- Electrical system
While driving along hwy 101 the overheat light turned on and the temperature gage jumped to over the limit. we pulled over and checked the vehicle, it was not hot. however, the gage would not return to normal, causing the vehicle the chug and have very little drive until 15 minutes down the road…
While driving along hwy 101 the overheat light turned on and the temperature gage jumped to over the limit. we pulled over and checked the vehicle, it was not hot. however, the gage would not return to normal, causing the vehicle the chug and have very little drive until 15 minutes down the road it kicked back into normal like a bat outta hell. this, along a mountainous fast moving highway with logging trucks on my tail; not a very safe situation. on this same trip, the passenger window would not go back up, @ 55mph and 40 degrees, it was not pleasant.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Blown head gasket at 98001 miles. leaking engine coolant.*ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission
The automatic transmission on our montana failed without warning and now needs to be replaced to the tune of $2500. I was directed to this site and see numerous transmission failures on various model year montana/transsports. why IS there no recall on these? this vehicle was never used for towing, on hilly areas, etc. essentially a typical usage of some city, some highway. only 68,000 miles and now this?*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
On july 18, 2003 we took our 1998 pontiac montana (58,000 miles) to domaille buick-mazda-mitsubishi in rochester, minnesota for a 3,000-mile oil change prior to leaving for our summer vacation. on that day the mechanic informed us about evidence of a lower intake manifold gasket leak and the need…
On july 18, 2003 we took our 1998 pontiac montana (58,000 miles) to domaille buick-mazda-mitsubishi in rochester, minnesota for a 3,000-mile oil change prior to leaving for our summer vacation. on that day the mechanic informed us about evidence of a lower intake manifold gasket leak and the need for immediate repair. gm has a vehicle owner satisfaction program initiated in response to the problems noted with their intake manifold gasket. gm redesigned the intake manifold gasket and replaced the gasket at no cost to the owners of 1999-2003 model cars. This repair was neither covered under the original warranty or the service bulletin issued to the dealer identifying the problem. gm has been unresponsive to my complaint. I believe that I should be reimbursed for the cost of this repair, which exceeded $800.00. *la
- Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
The automatic sliding door continues to open and close. When starting up the vehicle and putting it into gear, the doors stop opening and closing. *Ak the consumer stated a recall repair was performed on the vehicle for the same problem. In for the doors to operate properly, the override button had to be engaged. *jb *nm
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
Car stalling at any speed. car stalled,engine destroyed.*ak
- Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood
1998 montana van wouldn't crank at work, then waited and it cranked. second time it stopped in road, then cranked up. later tried to crank and it wouldn't. had to tow vehicle to dealership, who stated that wires were corroded that affected sensors. *jb
- Engine and engine cooling
The engine locked up. Dealer notified. ph
- Exterior lighting › Headlights
Both headlamp lens fell off the reflectors, then bulbs burnt out due to snow contacting bulbs.dealer says its a comon proplem but pontiac will not address the issue.
- Service brakes, air › Disc › Rotor
Consumer states that the brake rotors are wearing and when applying the brakes the vehicle will have a heavy vibration and extended stopping distance. Dealer notified. mr
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Power-sliding door
Subject vehicles are available with an optional power sliding door.the interior handle IS oriented in the vertical position in the door panel and lines up at the elbow level when the occupant IS seated in the 2nd-row outboard position.if the occupant holds the interior handle in the thumb up position during…
Subject vehicles are available with an optional power sliding door.the interior handle IS oriented in the vertical position in the door panel and lines up at the elbow level when the occupant IS seated in the 2nd-row outboard position.if the occupant holds the interior handle in the thumb up position during power-assisted opening, the arm/wrist can be push back with force against the 2nd-row bucket seat or captain's chair seat back creating a risk of injury (other seating configurations have ample seat to door clearance to avoid entrapment of the lower arm).among the 103 total reports, there were 102 alleged injuries including arm/wrist, thumb and shoulder injuries.a count of injuries reveals that 76 injuries were a fractured or a broken arm/wrist requiring an immobilizing cast for four-to-six weeks.all injuries involve the right side power sliding door.the left side power sliding door IS on far fewer vehicles, but more importantly, it produces less force.gm notified the agency by letter dated december 21, 2004, that it will recall model year 1997 though early 2005 gm u-van vehicles equipped with a right side power sliding door and with 2nd-row bucket seats or captain chairs (nhtsa recall #04v597).as part of the recall remedy, gm will replace the door handle with a flush mounted handle that will prevent an occupant from grasping the handle with the palm between the handle and door panel (thumb up orientation) and thus eliminate the potential for arm/wrist entrapment.this investigation IS closed.
- Rear axle trailing arm failure
On november 18, 2002, odi opened a preliminary evaluation (pe02-086) to evaluate allegations of rear axle trailing arm failures in the subject vehicles (u-van) which included two reporting crashes.on april 9, 2003, odi upgraded pe02-086 to an engineering analysis (ea03-005) to continue its examination of the issue.…
On november 18, 2002, odi opened a preliminary evaluation (pe02-086) to evaluate allegations of rear axle trailing arm failures in the subject vehicles (u-van) which included two reporting crashes.on april 9, 2003, odi upgraded pe02-086 to an engineering analysis (ea03-005) to continue its examination of the issue. The trailing arm design in these vehicles has been used in the u-van from my 1997 through the present.the gm analysis concluded that the subject trailing arms could crack or buckle if they were damaged during assembly, pre-delivery handling, or subjected to certain service related abuse conditions such as improper towing or jacking.analysis of odi and gm data has identified 19 incidents of rear axle trailing arm failures in the subject vehicles.there have been no new reports to odi or gm in the last 12 months and only one new complaint in the last 21 months. Due to the low complaint rate and the absence of a continuing trend in reported failures, a safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.accordingly, this investigation IS closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that a safety-related defect does not exist. The agency will take further action if warranted by the circumstances. For additional information, see the attached closing report.
- Safety belt assembly failure
Odi identified 59 reports with the alleged defect.odi was able to contact 44 of the 59 consumers in order to determine the specific cause of the latch problems.of the 44 owners contacted, odi determined that four failures were due to an out-of-tolerance latch plate, and that 23 failures were due to a displaced buckle…
Odi identified 59 reports with the alleged defect.odi was able to contact 44 of the 59 consumers in order to determine the specific cause of the latch problems.of the 44 owners contacted, odi determined that four failures were due to an out-of-tolerance latch plate, and that 23 failures were due to a displaced buckle housing cover.the remaining 17 failures had indeterminable causes.of the 59 reports, there were three alleged minor injuries.no legal claims or lawsuits have been filed with regard to this alleged defect.based on the limited number of reports, and a declining report trend, this investigation IS closed.a safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appeared to be warranted.accordingly, this investigation IS closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that a safety-related defect does not exist.the agency will take further action if warranted by the circumstances. See additional summary report.
- Shoulder harness clip
- Air bag inflator
- Air bag tear during deployment
- Unexpected opening of sliding door
There is no summary currently available
- Traction control
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10208027This 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 Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10082506This 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 calibration concerns.
- 10017152Power door lock inoperative.
- 10016464Wire harness may be stretched, or the pcs may not be oriented in the same position, after installing a service replacement valve body assembly. Gm tech link.
- 10012745Information on error codes on radio display their cause and corrective action.
- 10010026Daytime running lamps (drl) disable official government vehicles only.
- 10009664Battery drain on vehicles equipped with power sliding doors.
- 10007833Water leaks at overhead console map.
- 10006594Power door locks inoperative.
- 10005444Second row seat belt will not retract passengers side. Sit bulletin 1403282.
- 10004765Release of new outer tie rod ends for service.
- 10001276Roof perforation.
- 10000746Roof perforation.
- 636509Issue regarding excessive road noise most prevalent in the sliding door areas, left, right or both.
- 636485Subject regarding wind noise while driving.
- 634674Concerns with wind noise at the base of the windshield.
- 634513Some customers may comment that there IS rust forming around the front or rear portion of the roof.
- 634510Some customers may comment that road noise can be heard coming from the area behind the front seats.
- 629818Customers may experience problems with leaking headlamps or lenses falling off.
- 629666Subject regarding recall 01013 and 01059 power sliding doors.
- 628126Information on wind noise from outside rearview mirrors.
- 626222Customers may complain of a water leak at the center of the windshield or from the overhead console. *Slc
- 623799Subject regarding proper functioning of the chest strap and the integral child seats.
- 621224On some vehicles the second row passenger seat belts may experience a condition where the second row passenger side seat belt will not release.
- 617646Brief information on vehicles exhibiting leaky headlights.
- 607612Some vehicles may exhibit a malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illuminating intermittently with no driveability concerns.
Every Pontiac Montana model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.