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U.S. public vehicle records

1990 Pontiac TRANS SPORT problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

45 owner complaints analyzed

4 distinct recall campaigns

80,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1990 model year. Data updated: . 1 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Structure:Frame And Members is the most frequently named component, appearing in 8 of 45 complaints (17.8%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Steering behavior613.3%
Braking behavior48.9%
Transmission and shifting24.4%
Engine operation12.2%
Electrical and battery issues12.2%
Fuel system concerns12.2%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Structure:Frame And Members
8
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline
5
Seat Belts:Front:Retractor
5
Structure:Body:Door
4
Seats:Front Assembly:Recliner
3
Structure:Body
3
Unknown Or Other
3
Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer
3
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Structure:Frame And Members8
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline5
Seat Belts:Front:Retractor5
Structure:Body:Door4
Seats:Front Assembly:Recliner3
Structure:Body3
Unknown Or Other3
Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer3

Structure:Frame And Members: 8; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline: 5; Seat Belts:Front:Retractor: 5; Structure:Body:Door: 4; Seats:Front Assembly:Recliner: 3; Structure:Body: 3; Unknown Or Other: 3; Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer: 3

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
0
25,000 to 49,999
0
50,000 to 74,999
0
75,000 to 99,999
1
100,000 to 149,999
0
150,000 and above
0
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0000
25,000 to 49,9990
50,000 to 74,9990
75,000 to 99,9991
100,000 to 149,9990
150,000 and above0

Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 1; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0

75,000 to 99,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (1). 44 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

1995
6
1996
10
1997
6
1998
9
1999
8
2000
1
2001
4
2005
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
19956
199610
19976
19989
19998
20001
20014
20051

1995: 6; 1996: 10; 1997: 6; 1998: 9; 1999: 8; 2000: 1; 2001: 4; 2005: 1

Pattern summary

Structure:Frame And Members leads the component reports. Steering behavior appears in 6 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 4 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 2 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Complaint evidence

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10141270 · 2005-10-31 (October 31, 2005)

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

Owner-reported narrative. 80,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10141270 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 543917 · 1998-04-28 (April 28, 1998)

SUBFRAME THAT HOLDS THE DRIVETRAIN AND ALL STEERING COMPONENTS DISENGAGED.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 543917 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 503076 · 1996-04-01 (April 1, 1996)

BRAKE LINE RUPTURED AS BRAKES WERE APPLIED. *SD

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 503076 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 712810 · 1999-10-05 (October 5, 1999)

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

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 712810 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 510674 · 1996-10-29 (October 29, 1996)

TRANSMISSION REVERSE GEAR FAILED. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 510674 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 504589 · 1996-05-22 (May 22, 1996)

FUSEABLE LINK SHORTED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL. *DH

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 504589 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 710540 · 1999-08-26 (August 26, 1999)

WIPERS STOP WHILE DRIVING IN RAIN. REPLACEMENT PART DOES SAME THING. AUTO SHOP SAID DEFECT IN DASH, BAD WIRING

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 710540 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 829167 · 1998-10-19 (October 19, 1998)

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

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 829167 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

45 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

2.2%Usable mileage1 / 45 records
73.3%Valid incident date33 / 45 records
100.0%Valid filing date45 / 45 records
73.3%Ordered incident and filing dates33 / 45 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

Component complaint heatmap
Component1990199119921993199419951996199719981999200020012003
Structure:Body:Door
48.9%
ODI 479627

SLIDING DOOR HANDLE BROKE. (OTHER VEHICLE ON 482552) *SKD

Look up ODI 479627 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

33.9%
ODI 480268

DESIGN OF DRIVER'S DOOR RESULTED IN DRIVER BEING STRUCK IN HEAD WHEN OPENING DOOR, CAUSING CUT AND CONCUSSION. *TW

Look up ODI 480268 at NHTSA ↗

23.3%
ODI 546489

VEHICLE SLIDING DOOR FELL OFF ALMOST CAUSING INJURY, HANDLE FAILED AND REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. *YC

Look up ODI 546489 at NHTSA ↗

88.2%
ODI 485466

REAR DOOR LATCH FAILED, CAUSING REAR DOOR TO POP OPEN. *AK

Look up ODI 485466 at NHTSA ↗

1311.5%
ODI 10008203 · 100,000 mi

THE MOTOR ON THE AUTOMATIC SIDE, SLIDING DOOR HAS BURNED UP AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THIS IS A $1200 PART! THE DOOR IS TOO HEAVY TO USE MANUALLY BY A CHILD, MAKING THE ON,OFF SWITCH RATHER USELESS.*JB

Look up ODI 10008203 at NHTSA ↗

58.2%
ODI 10015364

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

Look up ODI 10015364 at NHTSA ↗

3314.0%
ODI 10029467

IN OCTOBER 2002 VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR RECALL 01V264000 REPAIRS CONCERNING POWER SLIDING DOOR. AFTER THE REPAIR WAS DONE CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE PROBLEM STILL OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER ON 7/14/2003. DEALER WILL REPLACE THE ACTUATOR MODULE AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE.*AK

Look up ODI 10029467 at NHTSA ↗

177.5%
ODI 10006139

THE POWER SLIDING DOOR DOES NOT WORK. THE DRIVER HAS TO TURN THE POWER OFF THAT GOES TO THE DOOR IN ORDER TO KEEP IT SHUT. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO SHUT THE DOOR IT WILL ONLY CLOSE A LITTLE, THEN RE-OPEN. THE VAN WAS TAKEN TO DEALER, BUT WAS TOLD THAT THEY COULD NOT REPAIR IT. *AK *SCC

Look up ODI 10006139 at NHTSA ↗

110.0%
ODI 562656

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

Look up ODI 562656 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Seat Belts:Front:Retractor
511.1%
ODI 705405

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

Look up ODI 705405 at NHTSA ↗

616.7%
ODI 515063

DRIVER'S SEAT BELT RETRACTOR BROKE.

Look up ODI 515063 at NHTSA ↗

1823.7%
ODI 484269

FRONT PASSENGER/TWO MIDDLE SEAT BELT RETRACTORS FAILED.

Look up ODI 484269 at NHTSA ↗

1727.9%
ODI 511741

SEAT BELT RETRACTOR SYSTEM FAILED. *AK

Look up ODI 511741 at NHTSA ↗

66.1%
ODI 10122587

FRONT DRIVERS SEAT BELTS ON ALL YEAR (93,94,95,96) CHEVY LUMINA,PONTIAC TRANSPORT, OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE. I HAVE OWNED THEM ALL

Look up ODI 10122587 at NHTSA ↗

65.3%
ODI 10080493 · 80,000 mi

FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT RETRACTOR BROKE ON A 1995 PONTIAC TRANSPORT AT 80,000 MILES.*AK

Look up ODI 10080493 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

31.3%
ODI 756082

RECLINE LATCHES - DO NOT PROPERLY RE-ENGAGE. SMALL CHILD CAN EASILY LIFT LATCH WHILE VEHICLE IS MOVING. UNTIL LATCH IS MANUALLY PUSHED BACK DOWN, SEAT BACK WILL NOT CATCH IN ANY POSITION. SEAT BELT RETRACTOR - WE HAVE HAD MULTIPLE FAILURES ON THE SEAT BELT MECHANISM IN THIS VEHICLE THAT EITHER PREVENT THE SEAT BELT FROM BEING PULLED OUT FOR USE, OR CAN LEAVE SEAT BELT HANGING OUT OF DOOR. CLOSING DOOR MIGHT DAMAGE BELT OR LATCH. BOTH ISSUES HAVE BEEN DISCUSSED WITH GM. GM CLAIMS (FILE # C06088691) NEITHER IS SAFETY ISSUE.*AK

Look up ODI 756082 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Exterior Lighting:Headlights
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

12.8%
ODI 965113

FRONT HEADLIGHTS VERY DULL; NO REFLECTIONS 10 TO 20 FT AHEAD; DIFFICULT FOR DRIVER TO SEE ROAD. TT

Look up ODI 965113 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

11.0%
ODI 882433

WHILE TRAVELING AND WITHOUT ANY INDICATION HEADLIGHT COVER BLEW OFF, CAUSING BLUBS TO EXPOSE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INOFRMATION.*AK

Look up ODI 882433 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

2711.4%
ODI 10062784 · 86,000 mi

HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY PLASTIC FALLS OFF EXPOSING BULB TO MOISTURE/RAIN WHICH CAUSES THE BULB TO BURN OUT. THEREFORE, LOSING THE ILLUMINATION OF ONE LAMP AND LIMITING VISABILITY WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT.*AK

Look up ODI 10062784 at NHTSA ↗

2310.1%
ODI 10043629 · 70,000 mi

DEFECTIVE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY- THE LEFT HEADLIGHT LENS CAME OFF THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY. THE DEALER SAYS THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. THE GMC CUSTOMER SERVICE PEOPLE ALSO KNOW OF THE PROBLEM,BUT SAY THAT NOT ENOUGH COMPLAINTS HAVE BEEN FILED TO WARRANT A RECALL. THIS IS BULL. ALSO THE PLASTIC ON THE LENS CRYSTALLIZES,CAUSING REDUCED LIGHT OUTPUT FROM THE HEADLAMP.*AK

Look up ODI 10043629 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Latch
12.2%
ODI 823238

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

Look up ODI 823238 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

11.3%
ODI 739734

DRIVER'S OUTSIDE DOOR LATCH WON'T WORK. BLACK PAINT IS PEELING OFF ROOF AND I'VE SEEN SEVERAL SAME WAY. WIRING SHORTED UNDER HOOD AND DAMAGED RADIATOR. TREAD CAME OFF TIRE CAUSING $2500 DAMAGE. GENERAL PAID DAMAGE CLAIM AND REPLACED TIRES WITH ME PAYING FOR 1. ( APPROX 20K AND 7-8 YEARS AGO.)( DOT NUMBER: )

Look up ODI 739734 at NHTSA ↗

11.6%
ODI 862710

SLIDING DOOR CAME OPEN INTERMITTENTLY. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM. DEALER STATED THAT THERE WERE TOO MANY MILES ON VEHICLE. *AK

Look up ODI 862710 at NHTSA ↗

66.1%
ODI 10055049

1994 PONTIAC TRANSPORT ELECTRIC SLIDING DOOR DOES NOT STAY SHUT. IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL AN INSERT WAS PUT IN WITH INSTRUCTIONS TO REMOVE FUSE FOR TAILLIGHT AND REPLACE. THIS WORKED INITIALLY BUT NO LONGER TAKES CARE OF THE PROBLEM.*AK

Look up ODI 10055049 at NHTSA ↗

65.3%
ODI 10025516 · 183,000 mi

FRONT DOOR HANDLES BREAKING AND FALLING APART INSIDE THE DOOR. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON FOUR SEPARATE OCCASIONS, CURRENTLY MY PASSENGER DOOR CAN'T BE OPENED FROM THE OUTSIDE BECAUSE THE LINGAGE COLLAPSED INSIDE THE DOOR. MAKING THE PIECES FROM CAST WASN'T A SMART IDEA. IT IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO ACCESS THE PARTS INSIDE THE DOOR TO SELF REPAIR THIS PROBLEM. THE COST OF A REPAIR RUNS OVER $100. ALONG WITH THE TWO FRONT DOORS, MY REAR HATCH HANDLE BROKE OFF IN MY HAND A FEW MONTHS AGO. IT IS ALSO MADE OF CAST, COST OF REPAIR IS UNKNOWN AT THIS TIME.…

Look up ODI 10025516 at NHTSA ↗

23.3%
ODI 532786

AUTOMATIC SLIDING DOOR HAS OPENED ON FIVE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING. AT TIMES, IT TAKES 20 MINUTES TO CLOSE THE DOOR.

Look up ODI 532786 at NHTSA ↗

145.9%
ODI 10017532

THE VEHICLE SLIDING DOOR FAILED TO UNLOCK. DOOR WAS REPAIRED, BUT FAILED TWO MONTHS LATER. *JB

Look up ODI 10017532 at NHTSA ↗

156.6%
ODI 10100050 · 5,262 mi

WHERE DO I START? SAME COMPLAINTS AS ALL OTHER PONTIAC MINIVAN OWNERS. SINCE ORIGINAL PURCHASE IN 1998, HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY FAULTY, ABS WARNING LIGHT MALFUNCTION, AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT MALFUNCTION, AND MALFUNCTIONING (STILL) PASSENGER AUTOMATIC SLIDING DOOR. RECENTLY HAD HEAD GASKET REPLACED DUE TO ANTIFREEZE LEAK, AS WELL AS FRONT LEFT WHEEL HUB. THIS IS THE WORST (AND MOST COSTLY) VEHICLE I HAVE OWNED WITH RESPECT TO MAINTENANCE.*AK

Look up ODI 10100050 at NHTSA ↗

110.0%
ODI 10065330

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

Look up ODI 10065330 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Engine And Engine Cooling
24.4%
ODI 507239

AFTER REPLACEMENT OF DASHBOARD, THE UNIT DOES NOT FIT PROPERLY INTO SLOTS DUE TO DESIGN FLAW.(CONSUMER IS ATTORNEY).

Look up ODI 507239 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

11.6%
ODI 10105912

THIS IS A CONTINUAL PROBLEM SINCE I TOOK OWNERSHIP IN MARCH 2000. IT STARTED W/ THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" LIGHT OCCASIONALLY TURNING ON. AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE LOOKED AT - THEY COULD FIND NO PROBLEM. AS TIME PASSED, THE LIGHT CAME ON MORE & MORE FREQUENTLY. THE ENGINE THEN BEGAN TO IDLE HIGH AND WOULD GO INTO A "SUPER IDLE" WHERE I WOULD HAVE TO NEARLY STAND ON THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE FORWARD MOTION AT A STOP. OW THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" LIGHT IS COMING ON CONSTANTLY AND THE VEHICLE STALLS CONSTANTLY. I DRIVE A TOTAL OF 10 MILES TO…

Look up ODI 10105912 at NHTSA ↗

22.0%
ODI 10069890

TRANSMISSION - WHEN YOU START THE VAN, AND PUT INTO GEAR, IT TAKES AT LEAST 10-20 SECONDS BEFORE IT WILL ENGAGE INTO FORWARD AND REVERSE. DRIVERS SIDE SEATBELT- WOULD NOT RETRACT, HAD TO REPLACE, IT COST $100.00 REPLACED 2 ALTINATORS, 1 STARTER AND 4 BATTERIES. HAD TO RE-SEAL INTAKE TWICE. LIFTER TICK, DONUT SEAL REPLACED. VACUMM LEAK REPAIRED. COOLANT LEAK, HAD TO REPLACE HEAD GASKET TWICE. COOLANT IS LEAKING AGAIN. DOOR HANDLE, DRIVERS SIDE BROKE TODAY.

Look up ODI 10069890 at NHTSA ↗

32.7%
ODI 10069629

THIS VEHICLE IS HAVING MULTIPLE PROBLEMS, GM NEVER LETS ME KNOW OF ANY RECALLS. I UNDERSTAND THAT TODAY THEY HAVE RECALLED THEM AGAIN FOR A PROBLEM IN THE STEERING BUT I CANNOT FIND ANY INFORMATION. VERY UPSET THAT I HAVE TO PAY TO GET THIS THING FIXED! REALLY NEED A NEW CAR NOW. THE GAS GAUGE OR TANK IS EMPTY WHEN THE GAUGE SHOWS 1/2 TANK. SIDE DOOR WE UNPLUGGED BECAUSE IT WOULD NOT CLOSE AND THE LIGHT STILL SHOWS ON MY DASH AS OPEN. MANY TIMES IT SIMPLY WOULD NOT OPEN. IN A CRASH WE WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO OPEN ANY DOORS IF THE VEHICLE WAS…

Look up ODI 10069629 at NHTSA ↗

46.6%
ODI 10068965

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 NO…

Look up ODI 10068965 at NHTSA ↗

114.7%
ODI 10000858 · 57,841 mi

DAY BEFORE I WAS GOING TO HAVE MY 97 PONTIAC TRANSPORT REPAIRED FOR A LEAKING INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET I WAS COMING HOME AND THE VAN SHUT DOWN ON ME, LEAVING ME WITH POOR STEERING AND HARDLEY NO BRAKES. AFTER LEAVING IT SIT FOR ABOUT A HOUR IT RESTARTED. I DID SOME CHECKING ON THE INTERNET AND READ ABOUT THE SAME THING HAPPENIG TO OTHER PEOPLE WITH LEAKING MANIFOLD GASKETS.I CALLED GM ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND THEY SAID THEY NEVER HEARD OF ANY PROBLEMS LIKE THIS. THE OLDSMOBILE GARAGE THAT TOLD ME WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS SAID THIS HAPPENS ALL THE TIME, …

Look up ODI 10000858 at NHTSA ↗

167.0%
ODI 10007898

THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET HAS BEGUN LEAKING. I AM CONCERNED THIS COULD CONTRIBUTE TO INTAKE MANIFOLD FAILURE WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF FIRE.

Look up ODI 10007898 at NHTSA ↗

220.0%
ODI 10065330

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

Look up ODI 10065330 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Power Train:Automatic Transmission
12.2%
ODI 510674

TRANSMISSION REVERSE GEAR FAILED. *AK

Look up ODI 510674 at NHTSA ↗

12.8%
ODI 979338

TURN ON TRUCK TOOK THE EMERGENCY BRAKE OFF AND TRUCK JUMPED OUT OF PARK POSITION . TT

Look up ODI 979338 at NHTSA ↗

11.3%
ODI 827143

VEHICLE IS ON ITS FOURTH TRANSMISSION. EACH TIME TRANSMISSION WORK IS DONE ON THE VEHICLE THE DRIVING CONDITIONS WORSEN. VEHICLE WILL BE TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP FOR SERVICE. *AK

Look up ODI 827143 at NHTSA ↗

58.2%
ODI 486504

SHORT IN WIRING HARNESS, CAUSING BRAKE LIGHTS/RADIO/CLOCK/INTERIOR LIGHTS TO FAIL.

Look up ODI 486504 at NHTSA ↗

66.1%
ODI 513920

TRANSMISSION SLIPS DURING ACCELERATION.

Look up ODI 513920 at NHTSA ↗

76.2%
ODI 507805

TRANSMISSION FAILED TWICE.

Look up ODI 507805 at NHTSA ↗

34.9%
ODI 523261

TRANSMISSION SLIPPED FROM OVERDRIVE INTO NEUTRAL WHILE VEHICLE WAS ACCELERATING AT 55 MP TO ENTER A HIGHWAY. *AK

Look up ODI 523261 at NHTSA ↗

104.2%
ODI 10014389 · 65,000 mi

1997 PONTIAC TRANSPORT TRANSMISSION FAILURE UNDER 70,000 MILES $2,500.00 REPAIR FAULTY INTAKE VALVE GASKET UNDER 70,000 $650.00 REPAIR. *NLM

Look up ODI 10014389 at NHTSA ↗

62.6%
ODI 10144488 · 88,000 mi

SEAT BELTS "STICKING", STEERING MAKING LOUD "POP" NOISES WHEN TURNING WHEEL, TRANSMISSION SHIFTING VERY HARD FROM PARK TO REVERSE ON A ANGLE. NOW MY ENGINE LOCKED UP, WAS HESITATING WHEN ACCELERATING. *JB

Look up ODI 10144488 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer
36.7%
ODI 533306

BOTH DOORS BROKE.

Look up ODI 533306 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

23.3%
ODI 10105912

THIS IS A CONTINUAL PROBLEM SINCE I TOOK OWNERSHIP IN MARCH 2000. IT STARTED W/ THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" LIGHT OCCASIONALLY TURNING ON. AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE LOOKED AT - THEY COULD FIND NO PROBLEM. AS TIME PASSED, THE LIGHT CAME ON MORE & MORE FREQUENTLY. THE ENGINE THEN BEGAN TO IDLE HIGH AND WOULD GO INTO A "SUPER IDLE" WHERE I WOULD HAVE TO NEARLY STAND ON THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE FORWARD MOTION AT A STOP. OW THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" LIGHT IS COMING ON CONSTANTLY AND THE VEHICLE STALLS CONSTANTLY. I DRIVE A TOTAL OF 10 MILES TO…

Look up ODI 10105912 at NHTSA ↗

88.2%
ODI 10020078 · 90,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING UNDER RAINY CONDITIONS, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS SUDDENLY STOPPED WORKING. CONSUMER WAS ALMOST HIT BY ANOTHER CAR AS A RESULT. *NLM

Look up ODI 10020078 at NHTSA ↗

76.2%
ODI 10030083

CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING AND NO WITH WARNING WINDSHIELD WIPERS WILL WORK INTERMITTENTLY, AND IT WILL BE HARD FOR THE CONSUMER TO SEE DURING RAINY WEATHER. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK

Look up ODI 10030083 at NHTSA ↗

914.8%
ODI 10019537 · 59,538 mi

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

Look up ODI 10019537 at NHTSA ↗

73.0%
ODI 10013865 · 82,000 mi

I TOOK MY 97 PONTIAC TRANSPORT INTO THE CHRISTENSEN DEALERSHIP AT 2125 N. UNIVERSITY PARKWAY. P.O BOX 1487 , PROVO UTAH 84604 FOR A RECALL ON MY WINDSHIELD WIPER PARKING ASSEMBLY. THE DEALERSHIP CHARGED ME $40.00 TO LOOK AT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND TOLD ME THAT THEY COULD NOT HONOR THE RECALL BECAUSE ANOTHER PERSON HAD TAKEN THE CAR IN BEFORE ME AND HAD ALREADY FIXED THE RECALL. IF A RECALL IS PLACED ON A ITEM AND THE DEALERSHIP FIXES THE ITEM WITH ANOTHER FAULTY ITEM SHOULDN'T THEY BE RESPONSIBLE TO FIX THE PROBLEM UNTIL THEY GET IT RI…

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20.9%
ODI 828510

WINDSHIELD WIPER FLUID DOES NOT HIT THE WINDSHIELD WHEN THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS ARE TURNED ON. DEALER CONTACTED AND STATED A DESIGN FLAW. MANUFACTURER CONTACTED AND STATED THEY WILL FILE THE INFORMATION. VISION IS NOT CLEAR WHEN THIS HAPPENS. *AK

Look up ODI 828510 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

150.0%
ODI 897847

WINDSHIELD WIPERS OPERATE INTERMITTENTLY DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER. DEALERSHIP HAS EXAMINED VEHICLE AND COULD NOT REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / ATTACHMENT. *AK

Look up ODI 897847 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System
12.2%
ODI 483801

COOLANT LEAKED OUT 2 TIMES. *SD

Look up ODI 483801 at NHTSA ↗

12.8%
ODI 807615

VEHICLE SMOKING FRONT BRAKES HAD A BURNING SMELL AND SMOKING,MELTED THE HUB CAPS ON THE VEHICLE. ALSO REPLACED CALIPERS. IN ADDITION, VEHICLE HAD A COOLANT LEAK. *AK

Look up ODI 807615 at NHTSA ↗

11.3%
ODI 490586

SPRING HOLDING BRAKE SHOES IN PROPER ADJUSTMENT CAME OFF, ALSO PISTONS LEAKED BRAKE FLUID ON PADS, CAUSING BRAKES TO SLIP. *SD

Look up ODI 490586 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

11.0%
ODI 837173

WHILE DRIVING AND LOOKING FOR A PARKING SPACE, WHEN DRIVER WAS ABOUT 3 PARKING SPOTS AWAY FROM HER SPOT, SHE SAW SMOKE. AFTER THAT, IN ABOUT 2 MINUTES, VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED. *AK

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43.5%
ODI 708947

ADDTL COMMENTS THE SECOND PROBLEM HAS BEEN ONGOING SINCE DATE OF PURCHASE AS I BELIEVE THIS VEHICLE CAME WITH A FAULTY MODLED COOLANT HEAD ON IT I HAVE TALKED TO THE DEALERS HERE AND IN ALASKA AND THEY REPLACED OVER 20-30 OF THESE EVERY MONTH AND IT IS EXSPENSIVE JOB THE DANGER IS RELATED TO OVERHEATING IN THE COLD WEATHER THE HAIRLINE CRACK DOES LEAK LIKE A SEIVE, IN THE WARMER WEATHER THE CRACK SEALS ITSELF UNTIL AGAIN IN A COLDER CLIMATE THAN WAMOO OUT OF THE FAULTY HAIRLINE CRAKC IT COMES AGAIN I DISCUSSED THIS WITH THE DEALER WHEN RETURNED…

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23.3%
ODI 10093745 · 75,000 mi

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

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104.2%
ODI 10013676 · 75,000 mi

ENGINE HAS BEEN OVERHEATING FOR A YEAR NOW. TOOK VEHICLE TO PONTIAC. THEY TESTED IT AND REPLACED THE WATER PUMP. STILL OVERHEATING SO THEY REPLACED THE THERMOSTAT AND RADIATOR CAP. STILL OVERHEATING. PONTIAC STATED IT NEEDED A NEW HEAD GASKET AND WANTED $3500.00 TO REPLACE IT. THEY FURTHER STATED THEY WERE NOT SURE THIS WAS THE PROBLEM EITHER. I HAVE ALREADY PAID $500.00 FOR THE PREVIOUS SERVICE. I HAVE READ THERE ARE MANY OTHERS WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM WITH GM 3.4 LITER ENGINES. *NLM

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156.6%
ODI 10021061 · 70,000 mi

1998 PONTIAC TRANS SPORT 3.4 LITER COOLANT LEAKING ENGINE DAMAGE MAJOR EXPENSE ON A VEHICLE W/ 70'000. *NLM

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110.0%
ODI 10014253 · 44,402 mi

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

Look up ODI 10014253 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Structure:Frame And MembersToo few reports for a range80,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10141270 · 80,000 mi

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

Look up ODI 10141270 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

1 reports2024-112026-10

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-10 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Age 0Age 1Age 23 reports

2001: 1 complaints · 2003: 3 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2001111
2003223
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
2001210
2003300

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
ComponentStructure:Frame And MembersEngine And Engine Cooling:Engine:GasolineSeat Belts:Front:RetractorStructure:Body:DoorSeats:Front Assembly:ReclinerStructure:BodyUnknown Or OtherVisibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer
Structure:Frame And Members—0000000
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline0—000
1
ODI 507239

AFTER REPLACEMENT OF DASHBOARD, THE UNIT DOES NOT FIT PROPERLY INTO SLOTS DUE TO DESIGN FLAW.(CONSUMER IS ATTORNEY).

Look up ODI 507239 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 507264

DASH BOARD DESIGN IS DIFFICULT TO REPLACE AND FIT PROPERLY.

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0
Seat Belts:Front:Retractor00—00000
Structure:Body:Door000—0
1
ODI 533306

BOTH DOORS BROKE.

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1
ODI 533306

BOTH DOORS BROKE.

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1
ODI 533306

BOTH DOORS BROKE.

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Seats:Front Assembly:Recliner0000—000
Structure:Body0
1
ODI 507239

AFTER REPLACEMENT OF DASHBOARD, THE UNIT DOES NOT FIT PROPERLY INTO SLOTS DUE TO DESIGN FLAW.(CONSUMER IS ATTORNEY).

Look up ODI 507239 at NHTSA ↗

0
1
ODI 533306

BOTH DOORS BROKE.

Look up ODI 533306 at NHTSA ↗

0—
1
ODI 533306

BOTH DOORS BROKE.

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1
ODI 533306

BOTH DOORS BROKE.

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Unknown Or Other0
1
ODI 507264

DASH BOARD DESIGN IS DIFFICULT TO REPLACE AND FIT PROPERLY.

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0
1
ODI 533306

BOTH DOORS BROKE.

Look up ODI 533306 at NHTSA ↗

0
1
ODI 533306

BOTH DOORS BROKE.

Look up ODI 533306 at NHTSA ↗

—
1
ODI 533306

BOTH DOORS BROKE.

Look up ODI 533306 at NHTSA ↗

Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer000
1
ODI 533306

BOTH DOORS BROKE.

Look up ODI 533306 at NHTSA ↗

0
1
ODI 533306

BOTH DOORS BROKE.

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1
ODI 533306

BOTH DOORS BROKE.

Look up ODI 533306 at NHTSA ↗

—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

1 patterns with matching reports.

Stalling or loss of power

1 mentions · 2.2% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 504589

FUSEABLE LINK SHORTED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL. *DH

Look up ODI 504589 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b