1999 Pontiac Trans Sport
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Pontiac › Trans Sport › 1999
These records cover every 1999 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 1999 Pontiac Trans Sport. 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.
On certain passenger vehicles and MINI vans, the driver's air bag inflator modules could produce excessive internal pressure. in the event of a crash that would trigger a driver's air bag deployment, the increased internal pressure can cause the inflator module to explode.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Metal and plastic debris could cause severe injury to vehicle occupants.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the driver air bag module. owner notification began february 1, 2002. 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 pontiac at 1-800-762-2737.
Owner complaints
10 complaints1 involved a crash2 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Seat belts › Front · Seat belts › Rear/other › Buckle assembly
Dt*: the contact stated while traveling 40 mph, the vehicle went off the road and struck a tree. when this occurred, the front driver side seatbelt shoulder strap did not lock. the driver hit the steering wheel causing minor chest injuries, then the airbag deployed. also, the middle row driver…
Dt*: the contact stated while traveling 40 mph, the vehicle went off the road and struck a tree. when this occurred, the front driver side seatbelt shoulder strap did not lock. the driver hit the steering wheel causing minor chest injuries, then the airbag deployed. also, the middle row driver side seatbelt came unlocked. this caused the occupants leg to be crushed, resulting in surgery. there was a police report taken at the scene. the vehicle was towed to a salvage yard and inspected by the manufacturer, but it was determined not to be a defect.
- Engine and engine cooling
Intake manifold gaskets (upper & lower) need to be replaced because it IS leaking engine coolant. also need to replace thermostat and gasket. cost $900.
- Electrical system › Wiring · Engine and engine cooling · Exterior lighting › Headlights › Concealment devices · Fuel system, gasoline · Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch · Visibility › Power window devices and controls
Problems with the sliding door, headlamp fell off, automatic locks/window and etc. *ph the consumer believed the vehicle has a coolant leak. The fuel modulator and spark plugs were replaced. *jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
With respect to my 1999 pontiac transport van, october of 2003 the engine started overheating and we discovered that the coolant was low. we added coolant and some type of seal into the coolant because we were told by several gm mechanics that it was probably the head gasket and this seal would…
With respect to my 1999 pontiac transport van, october of 2003 the engine started overheating and we discovered that the coolant was low. we added coolant and some type of seal into the coolant because we were told by several gm mechanics that it was probably the head gasket and this seal would help to get us by until we could have it fixed. I called the company where I purchased the van (2ND hand) and the van was no longer under warranty (over by 4,000 miles at the time). I did purchase the extended warranty. we priced around for the cost to have the head gasket repaired/replaced and found that we would have to spend between $800 and $1,000 to get it fixed. our van IS now sitting in a garage being torn apart and the head gasket was the problem. prior to october 2003 we had the coils changed and the #5 plug was showing a malfunctioning problem which was showing up on the computer. when we brought it to the garage they replaced the plugs. we were told by the mechanic who IS currently working on the gasket that the coolant was leaking out on the #5 gasket and this was the problem previously which was not picked up on by the past mechanic. This has been an ongoing problem for us since about june of 2003.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
Transmission failure caused by antifreeze in transmission. Corrosion of radiator causing antifreeze to mix with transmission fluid. Now IS overheating caused by intake manifold gasket leaking allowing antifreeze to get into crankcase. Potentially fatal for engine. *nlm
- Seat belts › Front › Anchorage
Retractor mount not secured to upper panel, top threads into pillar not done, installed missing bolt in seat belt mount.
- Structure › Body › Door
While exiting a parking lot, the rear sliding door opened, the dealer found that a bent bracket in the door mounting was the apparent cause of the door failing to latch properly. nlm
- Seats › Front assembly › Power adjust
While in driveway was adjusting front seat and vehicle started smelling like smoke. Consumer looked under seat, and one of the wires was completely bare. Consumer contacted dealer, and dealer did repairs. But, wires were still hanging from under seat. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
The engine has been making a clicking sound or drumming sound for quite a while now. I have taken the van into the dealer on a number of occassions. I have since learned that my van IS not the only van to make this noise, and that some vans have had the engine replaced because of it. something…
The engine has been making a clicking sound or drumming sound for quite a while now. I have taken the van into the dealer on a number of occassions. I have since learned that my van IS not the only van to make this noise, and that some vans have had the engine replaced because of it. something about the pistons and wall chamber. the van has also quite running while I was driving w/children, and when braking, an awful loud noise comes, sounds like the car IS falling apart. I refuse to take the vehicle back, and am having loads of problems dealing with this. *Ak
- Child seat
8 passenger van, tried to get 3 different types of car seats to work in the second row of seats, but seem unable to do so. the buckle part of the seat belt seems to come out to far from the seat allowing a large gap so the child seat can not fit tightly into any of the 3 seats in the second row.…
8 passenger van, tried to get 3 different types of car seats to work in the second row of seats, but seem unable to do so. the buckle part of the seat belt seems to come out to far from the seat allowing a large gap so the child seat can not fit tightly into any of the 3 seats in the second row. it IS my understanding a carseat should not move anymore then an inch after it IS buckled in. and when the carseats are in. The bottom corner where it buckles in, moves around quite vigorously. Allowing way more the an inch of slack.
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.
- Air bag tear during deployment
- Unexpected opening of sliding door
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.
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10232287This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10190934Underbody Component Corrosion The following information may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers. Some customers may comment that one or more of their vehicle's underbody components are showing some form of corrosion. This corrosion may be red in appearance (rust) if the component is steel, forged iron or cast iron. This corrosion may also be grey or white in color if the component is constructed of an aluminum alloy.
- 10190933Underbody Component Corrosion The following information may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers. Some customers may comment that one or more of their vehicle's underbody components are showing some form of corrosion. This corrosion may be red in appearance (rust) if the component is steel, forged iron or cast iron. This corrosion may also be grey or white in color if the component is constructed of an aluminum alloy.
- 10190932Refinishing Aluminum Wheels This bulletin updates General Motor's position on refinishing aluminum wheels. GM does not endorse any repairs that involve welding, bending, straightening o re-machining. Only cosmetic refinishing of the wheel's coatings, using recommended procedures, is allowed. Evaluating Damage In evaluating damage, it is the GM Dealer's responsibility to inspect the wheel for corrosion, scrapes, gouges, etc. The Dealer must insure that such damage is not deeper than what can be sanded or polished off. The wheel must be inspected for cracks. If cracks are found, discard the wheel. Any wheels with bent rim flanges must not be repaired or refinished. Wheels that have been refinished by an outside company must be returned to the same vehicle. The Dealer must record the wheel ID stamp or the cast date on the wheel in order to assure this requirement. Refer to Refinisher's Responsibility Outside Company later in this bulletin.
- 10190931Refinishing Aluminum Wheels This bulletin updates General Motor's position on refinishing aluminum wheels. GM does not endorse any repairs that involve welding, bending, straightening o re-machining. Only cosmetic refinishing of the wheel's coatings, using recommended procedures, is allowed. Evaluating Damage In evaluating damage, it is the GM Dealer's responsibility to inspect the wheel for corrosion, scrapes, gouges, etc. The Dealer must insure that such damage is not deeper than what can be sanded or polished off. The wheel must be inspected for cracks. If cracks are found, discard the wheel. Any wheels with bent rim flanges must not be repaired or refinished. Wheels that have been refinished by an outside company must be returned to the same vehicle. The Dealer must record the wheel ID stamp or the cast date on the wheel in order to assure this requirement. Refer to Refinisher's Responsibility Outside Company later in this bulletin.
- 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.
- 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.
- 10137901This informational bulletin provides the technician with information on what E85 fuel may due to a non E85 vehicle.
- 10135203This preliminary bulletin provides a way to aid the technician in diagnosing transmission fluid leaking from the trans breather vent.
- 10116612This informational bulletin provides information on wheel bearing P/N 13582664 being received new with visible rust and no action is needed as this does not affect the part performance.
- 10116564This informational bulletin provides information on wheel bearing P/N 13582664 being received new with visible rust and no action is needed as this does not affect the part performance.
- 10115081This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about cooler line fittings that come with the 4T65E General Motors remanufactured transmission may not be the same as Original equipment manufacturer quick connect verses inverted flare. Dealer will need to contact General Motors Technical Assistance Center for further assistance.
- 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.
- 10027804General motors corp: special coverage adjustment; analog onstar deactivation. Updated 2/17/09.
- 10026586Buick\cadillac\chevrolet\gmc\hummer\oldsmobile\pontiac\saab\saturn service campaign: see document search button for owner letter. Special coverage adjustment-analog onstar deactivation. Fcc ruled in 2002 wireless carriers would no longer re required to support analog wireless network starting in 2008. Csc letter was received. Updated 12/1/08.
- 10009664Battery drain on vehicles equipped with power sliding doors.
- 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
- 10004765Release of new outer tie rod ends for service.
- 10004751Excessive lateral movement (side to side) when using certain aftermarket child seats. This condition occurs in vehicles equipped with second and third row bucket seats. Including the 1997 - 1999 opel sintra.
- 10001282Engine oil or coolant leak.
- 10001276Roof perforation.
- 10000746Roof perforation.
- 6092333Some customers may comment that the black plastic housing around the outside rear view mirror turns chalky or IS dull in color.
- 635006Information on servicing 4t65-e transaxle spacer plate and gaskets for various models from 1997 through 2002.
- 634997Information on servicing 4t65e transaxle spacer plate and gaskets.
- 634989Subject regarding poor heat with cold outside temperatures at low engine rpm.
- 634985Concerns with slips, harsh upshift or garage shifts, launch shudders, flares, erratic shifts and intermittent concerns, diagnostic trouble code p1811 or p0748 set.
- 634973Subject regarding poor heat with cold outside temperatures at low engine rpm.
- 634674Concerns with wind noise at the base of the windshield.
Every Pontiac Trans Sport model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.