1990 Pontiac Trans Sport
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Pontiac › Trans Sport › 1990
These records cover every 1990 Pontiac Trans Sport. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
5 recalls name the 1990 Pontiac Trans Sport. Newest first.
This IS not a safety recall in accordance with the safety act. however, it IS deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. vehicle description: minivans equipped with front bucket seats. the front seat recliner mechanism lower bolts can loosen. a loose bolt could fatigue and break, resulting in the seat back falling rearward.
Risk and remedy
Risk
The seat could suddenly fall backward, distracting the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will tighten or replace the bolts at no charge to the owners. this policy IS in effect until june 30, 2002.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles and MINI vans originally sold or currently registered in the following states: connecticut, illinois, indiana, maine, massachusetts, michigan, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont and wisconsin. the rear cradle bolts pull through the retainers due to corrosion of the…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If this were to occur while the vehicle was in motion, a vehicle crash could result.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the rear cradle bolts and retainers.
The glove compartment door will not remain closed during certain load forces associated with a vehicle crash. This does not comply with the requirements of fmvss 201.
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the event of an accident, the glove compartment doormay open and result in occupant(s) injuries from contact with the glovecompartment door.
Remedy
Replace the current upper glove compartment door with a redesigned upper glove compartment door which incorporates a positive latch to keep the door closed should a vehicle crash occur.
A right hand seat/shoulder belt retractor may have been installed in the second row left hand seat position (directly behind driver).
Risk and remedy
Risk
The incorrect retractor may cause the belts to lock upif the van IS parked on a steep grade. As a result of this, the occupant couldnot extend the belt for use.
Remedy
Replace shoulder belt assembly.
The rear modular seat frame hold-down hooks may not meet the required pull force at the rear set anchorage.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Vehicles would not conform to fmvss 207.
Remedy
Replace rear hold down hooks and pivot rivets with heat treated hardware.
Owner complaints
45 complaints1 involved a fire
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Steering › Linkages · Structure › Frame and members
Dt: the contact was slowing down to make a turn when the engine cradle malfunctioned due to rust. The engine and transmission nearly fell out of the vehicle. when this happened the steering linkage disconnected and the steering wheel kept turning around. The vehicle has not been repaired. He…
Dt: the contact was slowing down to make a turn when the engine cradle malfunctioned due to rust. The engine and transmission nearly fell out of the vehicle. when this happened the steering linkage disconnected and the steering wheel kept turning around. The vehicle has not been repaired. He contacted gm, and they offered no free remedy to the problem. There was a recall on this problem previously. however, this vehicle was not included due to vin. *ak
- Structure
In regards to the recall on this vehicle #97016 or alldata # 97vo58000: my rear cradle bolts went out the other day. I had the car towed to a private service station that informed me the part was under recall and I needed to call the dealership. I called them and received no help(they told me they…
In regards to the recall on this vehicle #97016 or alldata # 97vo58000: my rear cradle bolts went out the other day. I had the car towed to a private service station that informed me the part was under recall and I needed to call the dealership. I called them and received no help(they told me they hadn't heard of a recall for it) and gave me the number to pontiac. I called pontiac and told them the situation. The lady I spoke with informed me that "technically, my vehicle was under the recall since it was manufactured in ny" but she would need to get the regional guys approval before I could take it in and would call me back in 2-3 days. She called back and said that they were not taking responsibilty for anything and I would have to have it towed in on my own at my cost and they would look at it when they got around to it. She called me again on thursday and said that she had spoken with the dealership and they said they would probably get around to looking at it on monday to see if it qualified for the recall. ..First they tell me it IS in the recall and then they won't give me any help at all. I have been without my car for 5 days now and have no idea when I will get it back. I could have had it fixed by now by the private shop. Fortunately, I was just pulling out of a parking lot when the motor dropped out and broke the steering column. Please help me in resolving this matter and reminding pontiac that it IS their responsibilty to repair it as quickly as possible. Feel free to contact me at either number, anytime. Thanks for your help.*ak
- Seats
Mounting bolt for driver's seatback sheared off, causing seatback to collapse. I have the damaged bolt and will provide if requested.*ak
- Structure › Frame and members
Front end was wobbling in steering. Consumer had an alignment shop to align vehicle, but as the mechanic examined vehicle, he saw subframe on right side was rusted. Before confirming work, consumer contacted pontiac to see if any recalls were on vehicle. Pontiac was polite in saying that…
Front end was wobbling in steering. Consumer had an alignment shop to align vehicle, but as the mechanic examined vehicle, he saw subframe on right side was rusted. Before confirming work, consumer contacted pontiac to see if any recalls were on vehicle. Pontiac was polite in saying that vehicle was too old, there was no warranty and no recall. Alignment shop replaced entire front subframe , left side was like new.*ak *slc
- Seat belts › Front
Seatbelts in front seats have gone loose. this IS a safety issue that ntsa should be concerned with. seatbelts are mandatory in many states including mine. pontiac refuses to repair as a recall even though it IS a hazard and not a wear and tear issue. seatbelts should not break, especially the 2 front seatbelts. *Ak
- Unknown or other
No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Windshield wipers stop when ever. Very very dangerous. 3 replacement parts to no avail.
- Visibility › Windshield
No accident, I bought from bach motors, a used van, 1990, 140,000 miles, many faults, did not realize. windshield with two cracks, broken latch on driver's door, broken seat belt, drivers side, one cylinder faulty, struts weak all around, and brakes weak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Vehicle was not included in recall (97v058000), repairs could not be done. *yc
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Wipers stop while driving in rain. Replacement part does same thing. Auto shop said defect in dash, bad wiring
- Visibility › Windshield
Ongoing problem with spot(cloudy) appears to grow on the windshield which affecets the visibility. Dealer notified, and informed consume rthat the vehicle was out of warranty. insurance company informed consume rthat it was a manufacturer's deffect which was not covered by insurance. can nhtsa help in this matter.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
No summary. *Mjs
- Seat belts › Front › Retractor
The plastic cover holding the retracting spring has become deformed on more than one seat belt retractor. Allowing the spring to disconnect and the belt to pull free. More then one belt retractor shows signs of deforming and possible failure. I believe all six seat belt restraints shouldbe replaced as a safty equipment defect. *ak
- Structure › Frame and members
Recall work completed on the cradle bolts, however failed (bolts broke off) resulting in extensive damage to vehicle when engine dropped to the ground.
- Engine and engine cooling · Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline · Unknown or other
Temperature gauge failed, resulting in overheating and damage to engine , gauges and dashboard.
- Engine and engine cooling · Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline · Structure › Body
Temperature gauge failed to indicate engine overheating, resulting in engine failure. (Consumer IS attorney).
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline · Steering
While mechanic was test driving vehicle he stepped on the brakes and heard a big noise before the cradle bolt came apart and engine collapsed. dealer was contacted. *ak
- Structure › Frame and members
Engine/suspension sub-frame assembly failure at front attachment of right front lower control arm. This failure IS due to corrosion of the sub frame assembly. This caused separation of the right front lower control arm and loss of vehicle control. The failure occured at a low speed while backing…
Engine/suspension sub-frame assembly failure at front attachment of right front lower control arm. This failure IS due to corrosion of the sub frame assembly. This caused separation of the right front lower control arm and loss of vehicle control. The failure occured at a low speed while backing vehicle up. The metal in the area IS rusted and weakened. Inspection of a similar vehicle showed the same type of frame corrosion and liklihood of future frame failure. This may be a rust belt situation due to the high amounts of corrosive salt used on michigan roads. I must say that as a mechanic, this IS certainly a problem that IS a safety concern.
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
The consumer IS experiencing problems with the fuel tank release handle. the handle does not operater at all. the consumer has to use something to pry the handle open in order to input gas into the vehicle. the manufacturer IS unaware of the situation. *Ak
- Seat belts › Front › Anchorage
Investigation number IS ea97019. the consumer IS experiencing problems with the seat belt recliner. the consumer has to use a stick to hold the seat up. the manufacturer IS unaware of the problem. *Ak
- Seats › Front assembly › Recliner
Driving at approximately 57 mph bolt that holds driver's seatback sheared off, causing the seatback to collapse, almost resulting in loss of control/accident. *ak *tt
- Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
The door latches do not lock properly. usually canot get in or out of the vehicle. the driver's child fell out of the vehicle while the door was shut or appeared to be shut. *ak
- Structure › Frame and members
Subframe that holds the drivetrain and all steering components disengaged.
- Structure › Body · Structure › Body › Door · Unknown or other · Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Wipers failed during a storm.
- Structure › Frame and members
Whenever brakes are applied & turning steering wheel, would hear a popping sound. Happens quite frequently. Cradle that holds supension & engine had cracked in half behind sway bar mount. Hanging on right side. Pictures are included. Notified dealer & manufacturer who said that they are unable to repair problem. *ak
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Engine cradle separation
The engine cradle front bolts and/or retainers may fail, allowing the front of the engine cradle to fall, possibly separating the steering intermediate shaft from the steering gear, with complete loss of steering control
- Engine cradle separation
On april 1, 1997, general motors corporation filed a defect information report to recall the subject vehicles, registered in 14 high corrosion states, to replace the rear engine cradle bolts and retainers.the rear engine cradle bolts would either fracturer or pull through the retianers due to corrosion.as of september…
On april 1, 1997, general motors corporation filed a defect information report to recall the subject vehicles, registered in 14 high corrosion states, to replace the rear engine cradle bolts and retainers.the rear engine cradle bolts would either fracturer or pull through the retianers due to corrosion.as of september 1998, the sixth quarter, 59.3% of the subject vehicles had been repaired.in addition to the complaints of front engine cradle bolt failures in the above failure report summary, odi has received six reports of possible front engine cradle bolt failures, including two crashes.an rq IS warranted to determine the extent of failures of the front engine cradle bolts and retainers on the subject vehicles.
- Cradle bolt failures
There is no summary currently available
- Front seat back collapse
Alleged front seat back collapse due to recliner bolt
- Front seat back collapse
Subject vehicles are alleged to experience inadvertent front seat back collapse due to fracture of front seat recliner mounting bolts.
- Alleged engine subframe mount/insulator
Alleged failures of engine frame insulators/mounts to unibody frame may allow separation of engine subframe, resulting in compromise or loss of steering control with the vehicle in motion.
- Apv fuel line fires
There is no summary currently available
- Apv fires
Apv fires
- Apv fuel line fires
There is no summary currently available
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.
- 10007559No tcc apply, malfunction indicator lamp (mil) on, tcc surge, possible p0740, p1870, or 39 after installation of a reman (srta) 4t60/4t60e.
- 615073Some V6 engines may, on a very infrequent basis, have an oil odor condition that IS generally encountered after the engine's oil has been changed.typically the odor lasts approximately 1000 miles after the change of oil and then does not reappear until the next change of oil.
- 39075Fuel tank thud/clunk.
- 37936Sliding door rattles.
Every Pontiac Trans Sport model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.