VehicleVerdict

1999 Pontiac Montana problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 329 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.7 times the median Montana year — the 1999 model ranks #1 of 12 Montana years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 23 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 105 reports (32% of the total).

329

NHTSA complaints

7

Recalls

7

Investigations

18

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

23

Injuries

1

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 1999 compare to other Montana years?

Montana NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 highlighted329 complaints1997: 25 complaints1998: 62 complaints1999: 329 complaints2000: 310 complaints2001: 208 complaints2002: 161 complaints2003: 117 complaints2004: 46 complaints2005: 130 complaints2006: 61 complaints2007: 0 complaints2008: 2 complaints
Montana NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Montana years to avoid →

What are the most common 1999 Pontiac Montana problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine10532%
Airbags3310%
Transmission3210%
Brakes289%
Body & Structure227%
Electrical System196%
Visibility & Wipers124%
Latches & Locks124%
Fuel System113%
Other93%
Lighting82%
Seat Belts82%
Tires & Wheels72%
Speed Control62%
Suspension62%
Steering41%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)41%
Seats31%

Does the 1999 Pontiac Montana have recalls?

7 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

09E005000SteeringFebruary 17, 2009 · 979 units

Defect

DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEMENT USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. A POTENTIAL MATERIAL OR DESIGN DEFECT COULD RESULT IN THE STEERING KNUCKLE BREAKING IN THE HUB AREA.

Consequence

A BROKEN STEERING KNUCKLE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE STEERING KNUCKLES FREE OF CHARGE AND REIMBURSE THE REPAIR FACILITY OR OWNER FOR LABOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN'S TOLL-FREE HOTLINE AT 1-800-523-2492 AND PRESS 5.

07E021000Fuel SystemMarch 12, 2007 · 742 units

Defect

CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.

Consequence

FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.

Remedy

DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.

04V597000Latches & LocksDecember 22, 2004 · 717,302 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

02V027000AirbagsJanuary 25, 2002 · 1,730 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

01V264000Latches & LocksAugust 21, 2001 · 248,737 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 1997-2001 CHEVROLET VENTURE, PONTIAC MONTANA/TRANSPORT, AND OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH PASSENGER SIDE POWER SLIDING DOORS THAT WERE SERVICED IN CAMPAIGN 01013 (01V-067) FROM APRIL TO AUGUST 2001. ALSO 2001 CHEVROLET VENTURE, PONTIAC MONTANA, AND OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH PASSENGER SIDE POWER SLIDING DOORS ASSEMBLED IN JANUARY THROUGH APRIL 2001. THESE VEHICLES HAVE INADEQUATE FRONT WELDS. IF A FRONT WELD FAILS, THE ACTUATOR CAN JAM IN THE UNLATCHED POSITION AND, WHEN THE SLIDING DOOR CLOSES, IT WILL NOT BE LATCHED.

Consequence

IF THIS HAPPENS, THE POWER SLIDING DOOR CAN OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, PARTICULARLY WHEN THE VEHICLE ASCENDS A HILL, MAKES A TURN, OR TRAVELS OVER A ROUGH ROAD SURFACE. AN UNRESTRAINED OCCUPANT COULD FALL OUT OF THE VAN AND BE INJURED.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF REQUIRED, INSTALL A NEW POWER SLIDING DOOR UNLATCH ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON OCTOBER 22, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537.

01V067000Latches & LocksMarch 8, 2001 · 477,011 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINIVANS EQUIPPED WITH PASSENGER SIDE POWER SLIDING DOORS. THE DOOR CLOSES BUT MAY NOT BE LATCHED. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE POWER SLIDING DOOR CAN OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, PARTICULARLY WHEN THE VEHICLE ASCENDS A HILL, MAKES A TURN, OR TRAVELS OVER A ROUGH ROAD SURFACE.

Consequence

AN UNRESTRAINED OCCUPANT COULD FALL OUT OF THE VAN AND BE INJURED.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW UN-LATCH ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY TO THE POWER SLIDING DOOR. THIS RECALL HAS BEEN CONTINUED UNDER SAFETY RECALL 01V-264. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537.

99V071000SteeringApril 12, 1999 · 59 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER MINI VANS. THE LEFT AND/OR RIGHT FRONT LOWER INSULATOR TO CRADLE CENTER METAL SLEEVE IS COLLAPSED, WHICH CAN RESULT IN LOSS OF CLAMP LOAD IN THE JOINT. IF THE CLAMP LOAD IS REDUCED OR LOST, THE BOLT CAN BE LOST OR BROKEN AND THE JOINT CAN SEPARATE.

Consequence

IF NOT REPAIRED, SEPARATION OF THE OPPOSITE SIDE JOINT COULD OCCUR RESULTING IN STEERING SHAFT SEPARATION.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT LOWER CRADLE-TO-SUSPENSION INSULATORS AND THE ATTACHING BOLTS.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

VEHICLE SPONTANEOUSLY CAUGHT FIRE WHILE STUCK IN SNOW DRIFT. FIRE WAS ALL CONSUMING - FIRE TRUCK HAD TO COME OUT IT OUT - JUST SHELL OF VAN WAS LEFT. WE WERE ABLE TO GET OUT AS FIRE WAS SLOW TO TAKE OFF. FIRE STARTED IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT. FIRE CHIEF SAID WE WOULD NEVER KNOW CAUSE AS NO ENGINE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 19, 2008 · fire

CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 70MPH IN THE EXPRESS LANE, AND ANOTHER VEHICLE CROSSED IN FRONT OF SEVERAL VEHICLES. CONSUMER' S VEHICLE WASN'T ABLE TO DECREASE BRAKING DISTANCE IN TIME TO KEEP IT FROM REARENDING THE OTHER VEHICLE. UPON IMPACT, FRONT AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. CONSUMER WASN'T…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · June 13, 2000 · crash

COMPLETE TRANSMISSION FAILURE REPLACEMENT COST $2600. THIS WAS CAUSED BY AN INTERNAL RADIATOR FAILURE, WHICH TRANSMISSION FLUID INTO THE ENGINE COOLANT, DESTROYING ENGINE GASKETS AND REQUIRING $1700 IN ENGINE REPAIRS. THAT'S $4300 IN ONE MONTH, ON A FOUR YEAR OLD VEHICLE. NOTE THE NUMBER OF…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · October 28, 2002

WHILE DRIVING DOWN A HILL APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH BRAKE PEDAL UNEXPECTEDLY FELL TO THE FLOOR, AND DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO ACTIVATE BRAKE SYSTEM. VEHICLE WENT THROUGH A RED LIGHT AND CAUSED A CRASH. THREE PEOPLE WERE INJURIED; 2 PEOPLE IN PONTIAC, MONTANA RECEIVED RESTRAINT RELATED CHEST INJURIES, AND 1…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · January 4, 2002 · crash

CONSUMER STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH AND WITHOUT WARNING SUBFRAME FELL TO GROUND, CAUSING AND ACCIDENT. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · August 6, 2003 · crash

1999 Pontiac Montana — common questions

Is the 1999 Pontiac Montana reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 329 complaints put the 1999 model at #1 of 12 Montana years. It is one of the Montana years to avoid.

What are the most common 1999 Montana problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (105 complaints), airbags (33 complaints), transmission (32 complaints).

Does the 1999 Pontiac Montana have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns affecting the 1999 Pontiac Montana. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1999 Pontiac Montana under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 7 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Pontiac Montana years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Montana years to avoid are 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002. The cleanest record among Montana years belongs to 2007.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.