1996 Pontiac Trans Sport
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Pontiac › Trans Sport › 1996
These records cover every 1996 Pontiac Trans Sport. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 1996 Pontiac Trans Sport. Newest first.
Certain delphi fuel pressure regulators, p/nos. Fp10020-11b1, fp10026-11b1, and fp10027-11b1, sold after january 9, 2007, as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles listed above. the universal pressure regulators (upr) were produced without an o'ring and retainer.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Fuel may leak, possibly resulting in a fire.
Remedy
Delphi will notify owners and replace the upr free of charge. the recall began on april 23, 2007. owners can contact delphi at 877-411-8770.
Certain passenger vehicles and MINI vans have lower pinion bearings in the power rack and pinion assembly in which the retainer tabs were not crimped properly. these and some other retainers used in vehicles assembled between january 1, 1996 and october 31, 1997, could fail and permit the ball bearings to escape.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If this occurs, the pinion shaft can be forced upward during left turns and back down as the steering wheel IS moved back and to the right. if the pinion shaft moves further, the driver will need to exert more effort to turn the steering wheel, similar to a vehicle without power assisted steering. if the pinion shaft moves even further, the driver will require much higher effort to turn left and may not be able to turn the wheel as much as intended. with the maximum pinion shaft movement, which requires internal gear component damage, the driver can encounter high resistance to turning left, followed by unintended power assist to the right. in any of these conditions, a crash could occur.
Remedy
Dealers will install a new lower pinion bearing unless inspect of the existing bearing indicates that replacement of the gear assembly IS necessary. owner notification began january 24, 2003. 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
61 complaints5 involved a crash2 involved a fire5 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
1996 pontiac trans sport, motor seized up and began to smoke, motor caught fire. *bf prior to the fire, the driver noticed the vehicle was leaving some type of fluid behind. According to the police report, the engine was leaking oil. (Ohio traffic crash report # 10-0409-90)*jb updated 08/05/10 *bf
- Engine and engine cooling
1996 pontiac transport van with leaking intake manifold gaskets. Consumer states that the internal manifold leaked filling the oil pan up with water which in turn froze the main bearings to the crankshaft, causing the vehicle to lock up at 50 mph. He sent in previous letter about the same problem…
1996 pontiac transport van with leaking intake manifold gaskets. Consumer states that the internal manifold leaked filling the oil pan up with water which in turn froze the main bearings to the crankshaft, causing the vehicle to lock up at 50 mph. He sent in previous letter about the same problem on another vehicle. *kb the consumer noticed a smell of anti-freeze, but could not locate the problem, because it was internal not external. *Jb
- Structure › Body › Door
While closing the side door my grandson's thumb was caught in it. He was screaming and there was no emergency way to stop the door from closing. The door had to complete the course of closing before it could be opened to get his thumb out. I thank god it was only his thumb!! *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
Coolant mixing into engine oil due to defective intake manifold gasket,why IS there no recall on this problem?*jb
- Unknown or other
Dt: the contact stated winter weather conditions corroded the cable that held the spare tire on the vehicle. The cable snapped and released the spare tire in the middle of the driveway. Upon inspection by the contact, the cable simply corroded then released the spare tire under pressure of the weight of the tire. *ak updated 2/13/2006 - *nm
- Steering › Column · Unknown or other · Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Complaint #1- windshield wipers wouldn't work in the rain. Defective circuit board had to be replaced. complaint # 2- tilt steering column came off. The whole column had to be replaced. complaint #3- black paint over the cab flaked off. *nm
- Vehicle speed control › Cruise control
1996 pontiac transport accelerated to 85 while set in cruise control at 65 mph.*mr when the consumer attempted to slow the vehicle down to 65 mph, it would accelerate to 85 mph on its own. *jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
Vehicle started eating coolant, within 4 days of coolant leak head gasket had complete failure dumping contents of radiator into oil pan. Upon exam found that dextrol coolant had turned corrosive and eaten threw gasket causing failure. replace all top end gaskets and rebuild top end. Pray that lower end will be ok once flushed completely. Have kept old parts for further exam. *nm
- Steering › Rack and pinion
The owner received a recall notice for the lower pinion bearing and power steering gear. The consumer took the vehicle in for servicing and the work was completed. Now the vehicle IS pulling to the right. This occurred only after having it worked on for the original recall. Now the dealership IS…
The owner received a recall notice for the lower pinion bearing and power steering gear. The consumer took the vehicle in for servicing and the work was completed. Now the vehicle IS pulling to the right. This occurred only after having it worked on for the original recall. Now the dealership IS telling the consumer that the defect that IS currently being experienced IS no fault of the work that was done for the recall. The dealership IS not willing to repair the current problem unless the owner pays out of pocket. provide further details. *jb
- Engine and engine cooling · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system · Fuel system, gasoline · Unknown or other
Intake manifold & gasket failure - oil & coolant mixing in engine compartment - imminent engine failure front wiper motor/transmission intermitent failure while driving - difficulty diagnosing problem - major safety issue when the wipers suddenly stop/start working while driving in rain & snow or sloppy highway conditions compressor clutch hub & pulley failure
- Engine and engine cooling
Failure of the intake manifold gasket.
- Engine and engine cooling
After the 2ND valve spring broke, I was told that the valves were seizing up and a new engine would be required. all of this was caused by the bad designed manifold gasket that caused coolant to go into the oil. After spending over $1,000 since 4-29-03, I finally had to trade in for another…
After the 2ND valve spring broke, I was told that the valves were seizing up and a new engine would be required. all of this was caused by the bad designed manifold gasket that caused coolant to go into the oil. After spending over $1,000 since 4-29-03, I finally had to trade in for another vehicle. I didn't have between $4,000 and $5,000 for a new engine, which on a '96 model would not have been worth it. I could have gotten a used engine, but all of them have the same manifold gasket and this would have cost aproximately $2,000. I've had nothing but problems with this van. general motors should have taken care of this as a recall, but I guess it was too expensive for them too.
- Visibility › Rear window wiper/washer
Windshield wipers either quit or do not work at times, if you turn them to high speed then use washer fluid they may continue to work. The problem can not be duplicated by dealer. Only known repair IS replacement of wiper motor by dealer, "that should fix it". driver never knows if wipers will work when needed. many simular complaints have been made to your agency! *Ak
- Air bags › Frontal
Inadvertent drivers air bag deployment causing injuries. *mr while driving the air bag suddenly deployed and knocked the consumer unconscious. the consumer had run off the road and entered a wooded area and struck a tree head-on. the driver could not remember anything about the accident.…
Inadvertent drivers air bag deployment causing injuries. *mr while driving the air bag suddenly deployed and knocked the consumer unconscious. the consumer had run off the road and entered a wooded area and struck a tree head-on. the driver could not remember anything about the accident. (Lawyer michael shepherd on behalf of client karen wilson (per a. Jimenez, this document IS to be treated as a mailed in voq) *scc *jb
- Air bags · Steering
While turning right, the steering wheel failed with no control. the consumer was able to stop vehicle. the dealer was notified. *ak the consumer stopped a stop sign at an intersection when the steering wheel started to spin around. It was discovered the intermediate shaft at the base of the steering column had come loose. the air bag light was on and the clock spring had broken. *scc *jb
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Consumer noticed while using the windshield wipers and without any indication, the wipers intermittently stopped working. *Ak *ts *jb
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Front windshield wipers stopped working or failed to work . *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Excessive consumption of coolant. repair shop told us coolant was being sucked into intake manifold. replaced gasket and converted from orange to green coolant. *nlm
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
Coolant in oil due to manifold intake gasket..had gasket replaced and IS back in the shop again for same problem. In between these two towings, I had to have the valve spring replaced because it broke. *nlm
- Electrical system › 12v/24v/48v battery · Visibility › Power window devices and controls · Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
The windshield wipers failed to work, the consumer had to hit the control several times to get them to work. *Jb. The coolant light illuminated, the dealer replaced the upper and lower intake, the front passenger window went up and down slow, the power sliding door was inoperative, the dealer replaced the battery *ph *jb
- Steering › Rack and pinion
The rack and pinion failed, prior to the recall being performed. Recall # 02 v 286 000. *jb
- Steering · Steering › Rack and pinion
The consumer was charged for the replacement of the steering rack and pinion, even though a recalled was issued. the lower pinion bearing, tie rod ends and pressure hoses were replaced. mr *ts *jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Faulty intake manifold gasket on 1996 pontiac transport. *jb
- Structure › Body › Door
The vehicles sliding door didn't close properly which caused the indicator light on the instrument panel to illuminate intermittently. the dealer was notified. *nlm
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Rotor · Steering › Rack and pinion
The vehicle continued to experience problems with the steering after the recall was performed on the rack and pinion, however prior to the recall the outer tie rods were replaced, but that did not resolve the steering problems, also the front rotors were resurfaced. *ts *jb
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.
- 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.
- 10171318This 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.
- 10170494This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.
- 10168979This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code. The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable. E version update is to add administrative details.
- 10166638This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10165876This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code. The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable.
- 10157018This 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.
- 10154641This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10141381This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10138060This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10114947This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10114924This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10113443This 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.
- 10012745Information on error codes on radio display their cause and corrective action.
- 10007559No tcc apply, malfunction indicator lamp (mil) on, tcc surge, possible p0740, p1870, or 39 after installation of a reman (srta) 4t60/4t60e.
- 10004768Engine oil or coolant leak. Gm reminder. Install new lower intake manifold gasket. Updated 7/18/08
- 10001282Engine oil or coolant leak.
- 6089996Some vehicles equipped with hydra-matic 3T40, 4T60 or 4t60-e transxales may comment on a grinding and / or growling noise that IS noticeable when in park on incline.
- 634708Subject regarding revised lower intake manifold installation.
- 619370Owners of some vehicles equipped with hydra-matic 3T40, 4T60, 4t60-e or 4t65-e transaxles may comment on a grinding and / or growling noise that IS noticeable when standing in park on a hill or slope with the engine running and the parking brake not applied.
- 619360Some owners may comment on driveability symptons of long or hard starts, chuggle, rough idle and light or intermittent misfire due to clogged fuel injectors.
- 604343Some owners may experience a driveability symptom of long or hard starts, chuggle, rough idle and light or intermittent misfire.
- 601915Comments on a ticking type noise that begins shortly after cold engine start-up and gradually diminishes as the engine warms up.
- 600282Some vehicles may experience a driveability symptom of long or hard starts, chuggle, rough idle and light or intermittent misfire.
- 54419Comment that the ABS light IS on with diagnostic trouble codes (dtc's) 46 and 86 set as current or history.
- 54328Experiencing intermittent steering column snap or click noise when turning.
- 52600Cln indicator appears on radio display and does not turn off (reset cln indicator with the eject button on tape).
- 51497Cold start rattle noise (diagnosis/service procedure).
- 51296Intermittent neutral or loss of drive at highway speeds or from fourth gear (replace control valve body assembly).
- 50571Cold start rattle noise.
Every Pontiac Trans Sport model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.