U.S. public vehicle records

1997 Pontiac TRANS SPORT problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

236 owner complaints analyzed

5 distinct recall campaigns

86,507 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1997 model year. Data updated: 2026-10-01 (October 1, 2026). 58 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Structure:Body:Door is the most frequently named component, appearing in 33 of 236 complaints (14.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic	Matching reports	Share of complaints
Steering behavior	49	20.8%
Braking behavior	22	9.3%
Transmission and shifting	12	5.1%
Engine operation	9	3.8%
Electrical and battery issues	7	3.0%
Fuel system concerns	5	2.1%

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:Body:Door

Exterior Lighting:Headlights

Steering:Rack And Pinion

Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Latch

Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist System

Engine And Engine Cooling

Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System

Power Train:Automatic Transmission

Component breakdown data
Category	Count
Structure:Body:Door	33
Exterior Lighting:Headlights	27
Steering:Rack And Pinion	16
Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Latch	14
Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist System	14
Engine And Engine Cooling	11
Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System	10
Power Train:Automatic Transmission	10

Structure:Body:Door: 33; Exterior Lighting:Headlights: 27; Steering:Rack And Pinion: 16; Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Latch: 14; Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist System: 14; Engine And Engine Cooling: 11; Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System: 10; Power Train:Automatic Transmission: 10

Reported problems by failure mileage

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

Under 25,000

25,000 to 49,999

50,000 to 74,999

75,000 to 99,999

100,000 to 149,999

150,000 and above

Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 4; 50,000 to 74,999: 18; 75,000 to 99,999: 19; 100,000 to 149,999: 14; 150,000 and above: 3

75,000 to 99,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (19). 178 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.

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2011

2012

2021

1997: 8; 1998: 22; 1999: 26; 2000: 25; 2001: 32; 2002: 30; 2003: 35; 2004: 26; 2005: 16; 2006: 4; 2007: 5; 2008: 4; 2011: 1; 2012: 1; 2021: 1

Pattern summary

Structure:Body:Door leads the component reports. Steering behavior appears in 49 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 22 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 12 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 10000858 · 2003-01-09 (January 9, 2003)

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, …

Owner-reported narrative. 57,841 miles reported. Look up ODI 10000858 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10006865 · 2003-02-10 (February 10, 2003)

NO PARTS WERE AVAILABLE REGARDING THE RECALL FOR THE STEERING RACK AND PINION.*JB

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10006865 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10054118 · 2004-01-15 (January 15, 2004)

THE BRAKE LOCKED UP AND THE PEDAL BECAME HARD TO PRESS TO DECELERATE THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER ALSO HEARD A LOUD CLICKING NOISE COMING FROM THE BRAKES. THE DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *NM

Owner-reported narrative. 51,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10054118 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10014389 · 2003-04-14 (April 14, 2003)

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

Owner-reported narrative. 65,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10014389 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10070158 · 2004-01-15 (January 15, 2004)

OUR 97 PONTIAC TRANSPORT WAS FINE UNTIL LAST YEAR. NEW TRANSMISSION (70,000 MILES, O.K.) THEN A FEW MONTHS LATER IT BEGAN OVERHEATING--NEW THERMOSTAT, WHICH WORKED FOR A FEW WEEKS, THEN NEW RADIATOR, WHICH WORKED FOR A FEW WEEKS, THEN, WHEN THE MECHANIC SAID IT PROBABLY NEEDED A HEAD GASKET ($2000 OR MORE) WE DECIDED TO GET RID OF IT. BUT WE WERE NOT EVEN ABLE TO USE IT AS A TRADE IN, BECAUSE IT OVERHEATED SO BADLY. THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM HAD ALWAYS BEEN QUIRKY, BUT LIVABLE (I.E. THE GAS GAUGE HAD NEVER WORKED, THE WINDOWS WERE VERY SLOW AND …

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10070158 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10012129 · 2003-03-19 (March 19, 2003)

THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A COOLANT LEAK, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STALL. *JB

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10012129 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10016501 · 2003-04-25 (April 25, 2003)

MY 1997 PONTIAC TRANSPORT ONLY HAS 54000 MILES ON IT AND THE ENGINE INTAKE MANIFOLD HAS GONE UP ON IT. AFTER LOOKING INTO IT I HAVE FOUND THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH GM CARS AND TRUCKS WITH A 3.4L ENGINE. THERE SEEMS TO BE A FAULTY DESIGN TO THE GASKET. I HAVE TAKEN CARE OF THIS VAN DOING ALL MAINTENANCE ON SCHEDULE. GM WILL DO NOTHING TO FIX THIS PROBLEM EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE WELL AWARE OF THIS HAPPENING. THEY HAVE EVEN ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN TO DEALERS ON HOW TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM QUICKLY (TSB#02-06-01-014). WHEN THE GASKET GOES THERE I…

Owner-reported narrative. 54,902 miles reported. Look up ODI 10016501 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10105638 · 2005-01-03 (January 3, 2005)

VEHICLE HAS THE LOAD LEVELLING SUSPENSION WITH AIR COMPRESSOR. THE COMPRESSOR GOES ON INTERMITTENTLY TO RELEVEL THE SUSPENSION DUE TO LEAK IN LOAD LEVELLING SUSPENSION HOSE. THIS KILLS THE BATTERY. HOSE HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE OVER 7 YEARS. PROBLEM HAS RE-OCCURRED ABOUT EVERY 2 YEARS.*AK

Owner-reported narrative. 115,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10105638 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10021322 · 2003-06-10 (June 10, 2003)

FUEL PUMP STOPPED RUNNING, CAUSING ENGINE TO QUIT. HAPPENED THREE TIMES. FOUND CONNECTOR CONTACTS AT BOTH ENDS OF FUEL SENDER HARNESS SEVERELY CORRODED. CONTACTS IN FUEL TANK END OF HARNESS FELL OUT WHEN UNPLUGGED. DEALER HAS HAD OTHER CUSTOMERS WITH SAME PROBLEM. HARNESS IS ON BACKORDER.*AK

Owner-reported narrative. 37,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10021322 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10070686 · 2004-01-15 (January 15, 2004)

AT 51000 MILES THE 3.4L ENGINE HAD LOWER INTAKE GASKET FAILURE IN WHICH THE DEX-COOL ANTI FREEZE DUMPED INTO THE CRANKCASE MIXING WITH THE OIL. THIS ONLY HAD ONE WARNING A COUPLE MONTHS EARLIER AS THE LOW COOLANT LIGHT CAME ON AND I ADDED 1/2 GALLON DEX-COOL WITH NO SIGNS OF LEAKAGE. NEXT TIME IT HAPPENED WAS WHEN MY WIFE WAS TAKING DAUGHTER TO SCHOOL AND TEMP. LIGHT CAME ON. VAN WAS NOT DRIVEN OVER 2 MILES TO DEALER, AS LIGHT WENT OUT. DEALER SAID EXTREME MIXTURE IN BOTH CRANKCASE AND RADIATOR. RECOMMENDED REPLACE RADIATOR, WATERPUMP, INTAKE…

Owner-reported narrative. 39,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10070686 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

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

Data completeness

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

24.6%Usable mileage58 / 236 records

85.2%Valid incident date201 / 236 records

100.0%Valid filing date236 / 236 records

85.2%Ordered incident and filing dates201 / 236 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.

From model yearThrough model year

Component complaint heatmap
Component	1990	1991	1992	1993	1994	1995	1996	1997	1998	1999	2000	2001	2003
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… Look up ODI 10013865 at NHTSA ↗	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 Look up ODI 837173 at NHTSA ↗	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… Look up ODI 708947 at NHTSA ↗	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 Look up ODI 10093745 at NHTSA ↗	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 Look up ODI 10013676 at NHTSA ↗	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 Look up ODI 10021061 at NHTSA ↗	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
Component	Mileage range (25th–75th percentile)	Median	Usable records	Examples
Structure:Body:Door	Too few reports for a range	121,860 mi	3 (sparse)	ODI 10108725 · 92,000 mi THE SLIDING DOOR OPENED WITHOUT WARNING. JB THE SLIDING DOOR ALSO WOULD NOT CLOSE UNLESS MANUALLY PUSHED. THE DOOR WOULD STILL OPEN AGAIN. SC JB Look up ODI 10108725 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10146581 · 121,860 mi I OWN A 1997 PONTIAC TRANSPORT THAT SHOULD HAVE A IMMEDIATE RECALL. THE POWER SLIDING DOOR IS OPENING WHEN EVER IT WANTS MOSTLY WHILE MAKING LEFT TURNS. THE DOOR OPENED TWICE WITHIN THE LAST WEEK. ONCE ALMOST LOSING MY SON. I TURNED A LEFT TURN AND IT POPPED OPEN LEAVING MY SON HANGING OUT THE DOOR IN HIS SEAT BELT. HE HAS SEAT BELT BURN MARKS ON HIS SHOULDER AND NECK. JB Look up ODI 10146581 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10185388 · 144,000 mi MY 97 PONTIAC TRANSPORTS HAS A SAFETY ISSUE. THE PASSENGER SLIDING DOOR IS INOPERABLE. THE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN AND APPERAS TO NOT BE CLOSED ALL THE WAY. THE DOOR IS TURNED OFF VIA THE SWITCH AND THE LOCK WILL NOT RELEASE VIA THE UNLOCK SWITCH OR THE MANUAL LOCK MECHANISM ON THE DOOR. IN THE EVEN OF AN ACCIDENT THIS DOOR COULD NOT BE USED AS AN EXIT. I ALSO HAVE CONCERNS OF THE DOOR POSSIBLE COMING OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. Look up ODI 10185388 at NHTSA ↗
Exterior Lighting:Headlights	Too few reports for a range	92,846 mi	3 (sparse)	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 ↗ ODI 10153233 · 130,624 mi DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE HEADLIGHT LENSES ARE FOGGED UP AND DO NOT ILLUMINATE THE ROAD PROPERLY. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE LENSES NEED TO BE REPLACED. Look up ODI 10153233 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10218001 · 92,846 mi MY WIFE'S 1997 PONTIAC TRANSPORT MINI-VAN HAS THE PLASTIC HEADLIGHT LENSES, THAT ARE NOW YELLOW AND CLOUDY, AND NIGHTTIME VISIBILITY IS SO POOR THAT SHE DOESN'T DRIVE AT NIGHT UNLESS SHE HAS TO. ALSO MY 2000 NISSAN FRONTIER TRUCK IS SUCCUMBING TO THE SAME PROBLEM, BUT IT IS NOT AS SEVERE YET. I HAVE TRIED HIGH-OUTPUT ZENON, BLUELIGHT, AND ULTRA WHITE BULBS BUT THE YELLOWING/CLOUDY PLASTIC LENSES GREATLY REDUCES THE PERFORMANCE QUALITIES OF THESE BULBS. I CANNOT SEE THE SAFETY BENEFITS OF HAVING PLASTIC HEADLIGHT LENSES THAT WON'T SHATTER LIK… Look up ODI 10218001 at NHTSA ↗
Steering:Rack And Pinion	Too few reports for a range	86,014 mi	3 (sparse)	ODI 10008728 · 86,014 mi THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT NO PARTS WERE AVAILABLE REGARDING THE RECALL ON THE RACK AND PINION. JB SCC Look up ODI 10008728 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10047441 · 74,000 mi SINCE HAVING THE RACK/PINION STEERING REPLACED TWICE (ONCE BEFORE THE RECALL AND ONCE AFTER), I HAVE AGAIN NOTICED DIFFICULTY PULLING OUT OF PARKING SPACES TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT (HARD TO TURN THE WHEEL/LOSS OF POWER STEERING?), ESPECIALLY, IN COLD WEATHER. AS YOU STRAIGHTEN WHEEL AND START DRIVING, PROBLEM SEEMS TO RESOLVE ITSELF. WENT TO DEALER WHO THOUGHT IT COULD NOT POSSIBLY BE THE RACK SO THEREFORE REPLACED THE POWER STEERING PUMP IN EARLY NOVEMBER. THE FAILURE HAPPENED AGAIN TODAY. *LA Look up ODI 10047441 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10130353 · 124,504 mi I WAS TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE LEFT TO PARALLEL PARK NEXT TO THE CURB, THEN I HEARD A LOUD POP NOISE. WHEN I WENT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT IT BEGAN VERY HARD TO TURN THE WHEEL. AFTER LEAVING THE STORE AND FROM THAT POINT ON EVERY ATTEMPT I MADE TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN, IT WAS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT. AFTER ARRIVING HOME I NOTICED LEAKING COMING FROM UNDER MY VAN. I CALLED THE LOCATION PONTIAC DEALERSHIP ABOUT THE MY STEERING PROBLEM AND THEY INDICATED THAT THE VAN HAD BEEN SERVICED FOR A RECALL IN FEBRUARY OF 2003 FOR THE RACK … Look up ODI 10130353 at NHTSA ↗
Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Latch	Too few reports for a range	81,640 mi	3 (sparse)	ODI 10105023 · 81,640 mi WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE SLIDING DOOR WOULD OPEN WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONSUMER HAD TO MANUALLY CLOSE THE DOOR. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION. *JB Look up ODI 10105023 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10110358 · 43,200 mi I TOOK OUR 1997 PONTIAC TRANSPORT MONTANA MINIVAN INTO COVINGTON BUICK PONTIAC FOR WORK ON 8/15/02 AND THEY REPLACED THE ACTUATOR (PART NUMBER 10324035) FOR THE PASSENGER POWER SLIDING DOOR UNDER THE RECALL NOTICES FOR THAT PROBLEM. IN JUNE OF 2004, THE DOOR OPENED UP WHEN WE PULLED AWAY FROM A STOP LIGHT WHILE MY DAUGHTER WAS SITTING NEXT TO IT. THE DOORS WERE ALL SUPPOSEDLY LOCKED AT THE TIME (WHICH THE VEHICLE AUTOMATICALLY DOES WHEN YOU PUT IT IN GEAR) AND THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ON. I TOOK IT IN FOR SERVICE AT COVINGTON PONTIAC ON… Look up ODI 10110358 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10185388 · 144,000 mi MY 97 PONTIAC TRANSPORTS HAS A SAFETY ISSUE. THE PASSENGER SLIDING DOOR IS INOPERABLE. THE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN AND APPERAS TO NOT BE CLOSED ALL THE WAY. THE DOOR IS TURNED OFF VIA THE SWITCH AND THE LOCK WILL NOT RELEASE VIA THE UNLOCK SWITCH OR THE MANUAL LOCK MECHANISM ON THE DOOR. IN THE EVEN OF AN ACCIDENT THIS DOOR COULD NOT BE USED AS AN EXIT. I ALSO HAVE CONCERNS OF THE DOOR POSSIBLE COMING OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. Look up ODI 10185388 at NHTSA ↗
Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist System	Too few reports for a range	51,000 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10048570 · 51,000 mi THE POWER STEERING PRESSURE LINE MALFUNCTIONED, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO BE UNCONTROLLABLE WHEN DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE CAUSE HAD NOT BEEN DETERMINED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB Look up ODI 10048570 at NHTSA ↗
Engine And Engine Cooling	59,421–104,817 mi	67,950 mi	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 ↗ ODI 10014117 · 96,634 mi VEHICLE: 1997 PONTIAC TRANS SPORT, VIN [XXX], 96,634 MI. ENGINE DEVELOPED SEVERE KNOCK AND STRONG SMELL OF COOLANT. TOOK VEHICLE TO FRANKLIN PONTIAC GMC IN FRANKLIN, TN AND WAS TOLD THE INTAKE GASKETS HAD FAILED AND CONTAMINATED OIL, AND THAT THIS WAS NOT UNCOMMON FOR THIS VEHICLE. REQUIRED REPLACEMENT OF LIFTERS, PUSHRODS, INTAKE GASKETS, OIL AND COOLANT ON JAN. 17, 2003 FOR COST OF APPX. $1,100. REPLACED WATER PUMP ON OCT. 18, 2002 FOR COST OF APPX. $250. LOW COOLANT LIGHT HAD BEEN COMING ON INTERMITTENTLY FOR PAST SEVERAL YEARS, WITH FAINT S… Look up ODI 10014117 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10070607 · 143,987 mi THIS VEHICLE WAS VERY WELL MAINTAINED OILCHANGE EVERY 3K MILES, TRANSMISSION SERVICED EVERY 30,000 MILES. THE RACK&PINION WENT OUT IN OCTOBER 2003. THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT IN MAY OF THIS YEAR AND NOW THE ENGINE. VAN WAS RUNNING HOT, WE REPLACED THE THERMOSTAT, WATER PUMP, OXYGEN SENSOR, MAIN RADIATOR HOSE AND FLUSHED RADIATOR, AND PURCHASED A NEW RADIATOR CAP. IT IS STILL RUNNING HOT. IT HAS A BLOWN HEAD GASKET, AND A WARPED HEAD, NO TELLING WHAT THIS WILL COST. Look up ODI 10070607 at NHTSA ↗
Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System	64,990–75,000 mi	72,000 mi	5	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 Look up ODI 10013676 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10023690 · 62,000 mi I HAVE OWNED MY PONTIAC TRANSPORT 2 YEARS. IN THAT TIME I HAVE DRIVEN IT 17,000 MILES. IT HAS 78,500 MILES AT PRESENT. FOR MOST OF THAT TIME THE ADD COOLANT LIGHT HAS COME ON INTERMITTENTLY. MY PONTIAC DEALER TELLS ME THAT I NEED A $900 REPAIR TO REPLACE A INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET. IN CONVERSING WITH OTHER GM OWNERS, I HAVE LEARNED THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE COOLING SYSTEM POSSIBLY DUE TO THE DEX-COOL ANTIFREEZE WHICH GM SAYS SHOULD LAST 150,000 MILES. I FEEL THAT GM SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THESE FAILURES. E G ARMENTRO… Look up ODI 10023690 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10112145 · 64,990 mi I NOTICED THE LOW COOLANT LIGHT WOULD GO ON SOMETIMES AND THE VEHICLE WAS GOING THROUGH COOLANT MUCH FASTER THAN ANY OTHER VEHICLE I HAVE OWNED. NM I PERFORMED SOME RESEARCH ON THIS ISSUE AND DISCOVERED A SERVICE BULLETIN REGARDING THE FAULTY INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET IN MODEL YEAR 1997 TRANSPORT VANS, AMONG OTHERS. THIS SERVICE BULLETIN CLEARLY INDICATES THAT THIS ISSUE A RESULT OF A POORLY DESIGNED GASKET. FURTHER RESEARCH INDICATED THAT HAVING THIS PROBLEM WITH YOUR VEHICLE COULD RESULT IN CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO THE LEAKING… Look up ODI 10112145 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train:Automatic Transmission	65,000–123,000 mi	90,000 mi	5	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 ↗ ODI 10083007 · 63,830 mi TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING OUT OF GEAR WHILE DRIVING, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SLOW. VEHICLE IS ALSO SLOW TO ENGAGE GEAR WHEN ACCELERATING. ENGINE RPM WILL BE VERY HIGH UNTIL THE TRANSMISSION DOES ENGAGE THE NEXT GEAR. THIS IS THE SECOND INCIDENT FOR THIS VEHICLE, THE FIRST TIME (25,000 MILES) THE TRANSMISSION WAS REBUILT BY MANUFACTURE. THE SECOND TIME (63,000 MILES) THE TRANSMISSION IS BEING REPLACED. AK Look up ODI 10083007 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10099484 · 123,000 mi WHILE COMING TO A STOP TRANSMISSION SLIPPED GEARS. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK Look up ODI 10099484 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

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

ComponentPeriod

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
Month	Campaigns announced	Examples
2024-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-09	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-10	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-09	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-10 (partial)	None	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.

Observation windowFirst model yearSecond model year

2001: 1 complaints · 2003: 3 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2001	1	1	1
2003	2	2	3

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
2001	2	1	0
2003	3	0	0

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
Component	Structure:Body:Door	Exterior Lighting:Headlights	Steering:Rack And Pinion	Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Latch	Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist System	Engine And Engine Cooling	Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System	Power Train:Automatic Transmission
Structure:Body:Door	—	0	1 ODI 763955 PROBLEM #1 - SEAT BELTS. FOUR OUT OF THE SEVEN SEAT BELTS IN THE CAR HAVE FAILED. SPECIFICALLY THE RETRACTION SYSTEM. FOUR OUT OF SEVEN GOING BAD TO ME, MEANS THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED FAILURE. I'M CONCERN ABOUT THE OTHER 3 WORKING IF IN AN ACCIDENT. DEALERS CONTACTED WANT TO CHARGE ME $800 - $1000 TO FIX FOUR SEAT BELTS. NEED TO GET IT FIXED, BUT NOTHING TO BELIEVE I WON'T BE ASKING THAT SAME DEALER TO FIX THE OTHER 3 SEAT BELTS WHEN THEY GO BAD TOO. DEALERS SAY HIGH COST OF REPAIR IS DIRECTLY ATTRIBUTED TO THE COST OF PARTS. UNLIKE AN A… Look up ODI 763955 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 10185388 · 144,000 mi MY 97 PONTIAC TRANSPORTS HAS A SAFETY ISSUE. THE PASSENGER SLIDING DOOR IS INOPERABLE. THE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN AND APPERAS TO NOT BE CLOSED ALL THE WAY. THE DOOR IS TURNED OFF VIA THE SWITCH AND THE LOCK WILL NOT RELEASE VIA THE UNLOCK SWITCH OR THE MANUAL LOCK MECHANISM ON THE DOOR. IN THE EVEN OF AN ACCIDENT THIS DOOR COULD NOT BE USED AS AN EXIT. I ALSO HAVE CONCERNS OF THE DOOR POSSIBLE COMING OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. Look up ODI 10185388 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	1 ODI 714843 I HAVE HAD THE SEAT BELT LATCHES REPLACED 4 TIMES ON THE MID-ROW SEATS. 2 TIMES I HAVE HAD TO TAKE IT IN TO HAVE THE WINDOW LATCH REPAIRED ON THE MID-ROW,LEFT WINDOW. IT KEPT POPPING OPEN WHEN DRIVING IN BUMPY CONDITIONS. THE WATER PUMP HAS GIVEN OUT 2X. THE POWER SLIDING DOOR KEEPS BLOWING THE FUSE AND WILL NOT OPERATE. THE REAR WINDOW WIPER AND WASHER HAS BEEN INOPERABLE ON 2 OCCASIONS. DEALER HAS ATTEMPTED TO FIX ALL THESE PROBLEMS REPEATEDLY, BUT THEY ARE ONLY TEMPORARY FIXES! THESE THINGS ARE OBVIOUSLY DEFECTS BECAUSE THEY OCCUR AGA… Look up ODI 714843 at NHTSA ↗	0
Exterior Lighting:Headlights	0	—	0	0	0	0	0	0
Steering:Rack And Pinion	1 ODI 763955 PROBLEM #1 - SEAT BELTS. FOUR OUT OF THE SEVEN SEAT BELTS IN THE CAR HAVE FAILED. SPECIFICALLY THE RETRACTION SYSTEM. FOUR OUT OF SEVEN GOING BAD TO ME, MEANS THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED FAILURE. I'M CONCERN ABOUT THE OTHER 3 WORKING IF IN AN ACCIDENT. DEALERS CONTACTED WANT TO CHARGE ME $800 - $1000 TO FIX FOUR SEAT BELTS. NEED TO GET IT FIXED, BUT NOTHING TO BELIEVE I WON'T BE ASKING THAT SAME DEALER TO FIX THE OTHER 3 SEAT BELTS WHEN THEY GO BAD TOO. DEALERS SAY HIGH COST OF REPAIR IS DIRECTLY ATTRIBUTED TO THE COST OF PARTS. UNLIKE AN A… Look up ODI 763955 at NHTSA ↗	0	—	0	1 ODI 766999 STEERING LOCKS UP WHILE TRYING TO TURN VEHICLE TO THE LEFT. POWER STEERING SEEMS TO PUSH VEHICLE TO THE RIGHT. OCCURS AT ANY SPEED. Look up ODI 766999 at NHTSA ↗	0	1 ODI 10103001 TODAYS DATE- DEC 15TH, 2004.HAVE HAD 1997 PONTIAC TRANSPORT FOR ALMOST 1 YR. I JUST FOUND OUT TODAY THAT THE RACK AND PINION ARE GOING TO HAVE TO BE REPLACED, ALONG WITH THE THERMOSTAT AND WATER PUMP.*AK REGARDING OPERATION OF THE RACK & PINION, THE TROUBLE STARTED ABOUT A MONTH AGO. I FIRST NOTICED PROBLEMS W/THE STEERING WHILE BACKING OUT. I THOUGHT IT MIGHT HAVE BEEN POWER STEERING, CHECKED THE FLUID AND IT WAS FULL. NOT TERRIBLE PROBLEMS, BUT LITTLE ENOUGH TO NOTICE SOMETHING WAS NOT RIGHT. IT HAS NOW GOTTEN A LITTLE WORSE, SO I HAD IT LO… Look up ODI 10103001 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 10130353 · 124,504 mi I WAS TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE LEFT TO PARALLEL PARK NEXT TO THE CURB, THEN I HEARD A LOUD POP NOISE. WHEN I WENT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT IT BEGAN VERY HARD TO TURN THE WHEEL. AFTER LEAVING THE STORE AND FROM THAT POINT ON EVERY ATTEMPT I MADE TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN, IT WAS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT. AFTER ARRIVING HOME I NOTICED LEAKING COMING FROM UNDER MY VAN. I CALLED THE LOCATION PONTIAC DEALERSHIP ABOUT THE MY STEERING PROBLEM AND THEY INDICATED THAT THE VAN HAD BEEN SERVICED FOR A RECALL IN FEBRUARY OF 2003 FOR THE RACK … Look up ODI 10130353 at NHTSA ↗
Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Latch	1 ODI 10185388 · 144,000 mi MY 97 PONTIAC TRANSPORTS HAS A SAFETY ISSUE. THE PASSENGER SLIDING DOOR IS INOPERABLE. THE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN AND APPERAS TO NOT BE CLOSED ALL THE WAY. THE DOOR IS TURNED OFF VIA THE SWITCH AND THE LOCK WILL NOT RELEASE VIA THE UNLOCK SWITCH OR THE MANUAL LOCK MECHANISM ON THE DOOR. IN THE EVEN OF AN ACCIDENT THIS DOOR COULD NOT BE USED AS AN EXIT. I ALSO HAVE CONCERNS OF THE DOOR POSSIBLE COMING OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. Look up ODI 10185388 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	—	0	0	0	0
Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist System	0	0	1 ODI 766999 STEERING LOCKS UP WHILE TRYING TO TURN VEHICLE TO THE LEFT. POWER STEERING SEEMS TO PUSH VEHICLE TO THE RIGHT. OCCURS AT ANY SPEED. Look up ODI 766999 at NHTSA ↗	0	—	0	0	0
Engine And Engine Cooling	0	0	0	0	0	—	0	0
Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System	1 ODI 714843 I HAVE HAD THE SEAT BELT LATCHES REPLACED 4 TIMES ON THE MID-ROW SEATS. 2 TIMES I HAVE HAD TO TAKE IT IN TO HAVE THE WINDOW LATCH REPAIRED ON THE MID-ROW,LEFT WINDOW. IT KEPT POPPING OPEN WHEN DRIVING IN BUMPY CONDITIONS. THE WATER PUMP HAS GIVEN OUT 2X. THE POWER SLIDING DOOR KEEPS BLOWING THE FUSE AND WILL NOT OPERATE. THE REAR WINDOW WIPER AND WASHER HAS BEEN INOPERABLE ON 2 OCCASIONS. DEALER HAS ATTEMPTED TO FIX ALL THESE PROBLEMS REPEATEDLY, BUT THEY ARE ONLY TEMPORARY FIXES! THESE THINGS ARE OBVIOUSLY DEFECTS BECAUSE THEY OCCUR AGA… Look up ODI 714843 at NHTSA ↗	0	1 ODI 10103001 TODAYS DATE- DEC 15TH, 2004.HAVE HAD 1997 PONTIAC TRANSPORT FOR ALMOST 1 YR. I JUST FOUND OUT TODAY THAT THE RACK AND PINION ARE GOING TO HAVE TO BE REPLACED, ALONG WITH THE THERMOSTAT AND WATER PUMP.*AK REGARDING OPERATION OF THE RACK & PINION, THE TROUBLE STARTED ABOUT A MONTH AGO. I FIRST NOTICED PROBLEMS W/THE STEERING WHILE BACKING OUT. I THOUGHT IT MIGHT HAVE BEEN POWER STEERING, CHECKED THE FLUID AND IT WAS FULL. NOT TERRIBLE PROBLEMS, BUT LITTLE ENOUGH TO NOTICE SOMETHING WAS NOT RIGHT. IT HAS NOW GOTTEN A LITTLE WORSE, SO I HAD IT LO… Look up ODI 10103001 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	—	0
Power Train:Automatic Transmission	0	0	1 ODI 10130353 · 124,504 mi I WAS TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE LEFT TO PARALLEL PARK NEXT TO THE CURB, THEN I HEARD A LOUD POP NOISE. WHEN I WENT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT IT BEGAN VERY HARD TO TURN THE WHEEL. AFTER LEAVING THE STORE AND FROM THAT POINT ON EVERY ATTEMPT I MADE TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN, IT WAS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT. AFTER ARRIVING HOME I NOTICED LEAKING COMING FROM UNDER MY VAN. I CALLED THE LOCATION PONTIAC DEALERSHIP ABOUT THE MY STEERING PROBLEM AND THEY INDICATED THAT THE VAN HAD BEEN SERVICED FOR A RECALL IN FEBRUARY OF 2003 FOR THE RACK … Look up ODI 10130353 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	0	—

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.

Search patterns

6 patterns with matching reports.

Steering assistance concerns

30 mentions · 12.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 76,942 mi (4 usable records).

ODI 10015591

THE POWER STEERING FAILED. *JB

Look up ODI 10015591 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10047441 · 74,000 mi

SINCE HAVING THE RACK/PINION STEERING REPLACED TWICE (ONCE BEFORE THE RECALL AND ONCE AFTER), I HAVE AGAIN NOTICED DIFFICULTY PULLING OUT OF PARKING SPACES TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT (HARD TO TURN THE WHEEL/LOSS OF POWER STEERING?), ESPECIALLY, IN COLD WEATHER. AS YOU STRAIGHTEN WHEEL AND START DRIVING, PROBLEM SEEMS TO RESOLVE ITSELF. WENT TO DEALER WHO THOUGHT IT COULD NOT POSSIBLY BE THE RACK SO THEREFORE REPLACED THE POWER STEERING PUMP IN EARLY NOVEMBER. THE FAILURE HAPPENED AGAIN TODAY. *LA

Look up ODI 10047441 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10047534 · 119,000 mi

NO STEERING CONTROL. STEERING WHEEL SPINS FREELY. INTERNAL POWER STEERING GEAR PROBLEM. *LA

Look up ODI 10047534 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b

Stalling or loss of power

9 mentions · 3.8% of complaints

Median mileage: 61,000 mi (3 usable records).

ODI 10012129

THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A COOLANT LEAK, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STALL. *JB

Look up ODI 10012129 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10016501 · 54,902 mi

Look up ODI 10016501 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10047441 · 74,000 mi

Look up ODI 10047441 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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

Brake response concerns

4 mentions · 1.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 136,150 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10177749 · 165,000 mi

TL* - ON JANUARY 2, 2007 WHILE DRIVING THE BRAKES FAILED. THE CONTACT FOUND OUT THAT THEREWAS RECALL 98V072000, ON THIS VEHICLE , AND TOOK IT TO A DEALER, AND DEALER REFUSED TO DO RECALL REPAIRS. THEN, THE CONTACT CALLED PONTIAC AT [phone removed], THE NUMBER SITED IN THE RECALL SUMMARY, AND WAS TOLD BY PONTIAC THAT THEY NEVER HEARD OF THE RECALL. *AK

Look up ODI 10177749 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10397911 · 107,300 mi

DRIVING IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC, ON CONGESTED FREEWAY, AT 55 MPH THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE TRAFFIC IN FRONT OF ME WAS SLOWING DOWN AND I ALMOST REAR ENDED THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. DROPPED IT IN FIRST GEAR, APPLIED EMERGENCY BRAKE AND MADE AN EVASIVE LANE CHANGE TO GET TO THE SHOULDER AND LET IT SLOW DOWN BY ITSELF. PULLED OFF ON THE FREEWAY SHOULDER GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND I NOTICED THE BRAKE LINE RIGHT UNDERNEATH THE DRIVER SIDE LEAKING AT A HIGH RATE AND BRAKE FLUID PUDDLING UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. ONLY GOD'S GRACE…

Look up ODI 10397911 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 700024

THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN RETURNED THREE TIMES FOR WHEEL CYLINDER FAILER. LEFT REAR HAS BEEN REPLACED TWO TIMES. THE RIGHT REAR HAS BEEN REPLACED ONCE. WHEN THE FAILERS OCCURS..BRAKING DISTANCE IS INCREASED A GREAT DEAL. I AM WORRIED THAT I WON'T BE ABLE TO BRAKE IN TIME IF SOMETHING WERE TO ARRISE..

Look up ODI 700024 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

4 mentions · 1.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 67,600 mi (4 usable records).

ODI 10067754 · 92,000 mi

DEXCOOL IN 1997 PONTIAC TRANSPORT CORRODED INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET ENABLING OIL AND DEXCOOL TO MIX IN OIL AND GUMMING UP, CAUSING ENGINE TO OVERHEAT AND SELF DESTRUCT. NO WARNING WHATSOEVER. NO WARNING LIGHTS. NO LOST OIL OR COOLANT. MAINTAINED AT MANUFACTURER INTERVALS. REQUIRES $6,000 ENGINE REPLACEMENT. OLD OIL AND DEXCOOL SAMPLES ARE AVAILABLE AS ARE ALL PARTS (MANIFOLD INTAKE GASKET). OVER 1100 PEOPLE HAVE THIS REGISTERED COMPLAINT -- SEE WWW.GM-V6LEMONS.COM FOR OTHERS.*AK

Look up ODI 10067754 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10070686 · 39,000 mi

Look up ODI 10070686 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10110358 · 43,200 mi

I TOOK OUR 1997 PONTIAC TRANSPORT MONTANA MINIVAN INTO COVINGTON BUICK PONTIAC FOR WORK ON 8/15/02 AND THEY REPLACED THE ACTUATOR (PART NUMBER 10324035) FOR THE PASSENGER POWER SLIDING DOOR UNDER THE RECALL NOTICES FOR THAT PROBLEM. IN JUNE OF 2004, THE DOOR OPENED UP WHEN WE PULLED AWAY FROM A STOP LIGHT WHILE MY DAUGHTER WAS SITTING NEXT TO IT. THE DOORS WERE ALL SUPPOSEDLY LOCKED AT THE TIME (WHICH THE VEHICLE AUTOMATICALLY DOES WHEN YOU PUT IT IN GEAR) AND THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ON. I TOOK IT IN FOR SERVICE AT COVINGTON PONTIAC ON…

Look up ODI 10110358 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b

Hard or delayed shifting

2 mentions · 0.8% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 703021

WHILE MY 13 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WAS THROWING A TEMPER TANTRUM (WHICH I DON'T NECESSARILY CONDONE) IN THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE SEAT, THE SEAT CAME OUT OF ITS SUPPORT TRACKS. WHILE THIS DID NOT CAUSE AN INJURY, I AM AFRAID THAT AN ACTUAL COLLISION WOULD CAUSE MUCH MORE SEVERE "JERKING " IN THE SEAT, AND RESULT IN THE PASSENGER BEING THROWN INSIDE THE VAN AND BEING INJURED. THE SEAT HAD COME COMPLETELY LOOSE AS IF IT WERE TO BE STOWED AWAY. *AK

Look up ODI 703021 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 851684

WHILE MAKING A TURN STEERING WHEEL JERKED AND WENT TO THE RIGHT AND LOCKED UP. THE DEALER IS INSPECTING AND REPAIRING THE VEHICLE. *AK

Look up ODI 851684 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Fuel smell or leak mentions

1 mentions · 0.4% of complaints

Median mileage: 39,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10070686 · 39,000 mi

Look up ODI 10070686 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(fuel leak\w*|gas leak\w*|gas(?:oline)? smell|smell\w* (?:of )?(?:fuel|gas))\b