VehicleVerdict

1991 Pontiac Trans Sport problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 1991 Pontiac Trans Sport carries two red flags at once: 46 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: CRADLE BOLT FAILURES). It is one of the Trans Sport years to avoid.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across body & structure (11), seat belts (10), and brakes (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

46

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

7

Investigations · 1 open

2

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1991 compare to other Trans Sport years?

Trans Sport NHTSA complaints by model year, 1991 highlighted307 complaints1984: 1 complaints1986: 1 complaints1989: 0 complaints1990: 64 complaints1991: 46 complaints1992: 96 complaints1993: 77 complaints1994: 128 complaints1995: 151 complaints1996: 76 complaints1997: 307 complaints1998: 287 complaints1999: 18 complaints2000: 2 complaints2001: 4 complaints2002: 0 complaints2003: 4 complaints
Trans Sport NHTSA complaints by model year, 1991 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Trans Sport years to avoid →

What are the most common 1991 Pontiac Trans Sport problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Body & Structure1124%
Seat Belts1022%
Brakes511%
Tires & Wheels49%
Transmission37%
Steering37%
Engine24%
Visibility & Wipers24%
Other24%
Electrical System12%
Lighting12%
Fuel System12%
Suspension12%

Does the 1991 Pontiac Trans Sport have recalls?

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

99I003000SeatsJune 8, 1999 · 187,459 units

Defect

THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINIVANS EQUIPPED WITH FRONT BUCKET SEATS. THE FRONT SEAT RECLINER MECHANISM LOWER BOLTS CAN LOOSEN. A LOOSE BOLT COULD FATIGUE AND BREAK, RESULTING IN THE SEAT BACK FALLING REARWARD.

Consequence

THE SEAT COULD SUDDENLY FALL BACKWARD, DISTRACTING THE DRIVER, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN OR REPLACE THE BOLTS AT NO CHARGE TO THE OWNERS. THIS POLICY IS IN EFFECT UNTIL JUNE 30, 2002.

97V058000Body & StructureApril 8, 1997 · 676,535 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MINI VANS ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: CONNECTICUT, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MAINE, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT AND WISCONSIN. THE REAR CRADLE BOLTS PULL THROUGH THE RETAINERS DUE TO CORROSION OF THE RETAINER. IF BOTH BOLTS PULL THROUGH, THE REAR CRADLE WOULD NOT LONGER BE SUPPORTED AT THESE MOUNTING LOCATIONS AND THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT CAN SEPARATE FROM THE STEERING GEAR.

Consequence

IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD RESULT.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR CRADLE BOLTS AND RETAINERS.

92V012000Body & StructureJanuary 28, 1992 · 95,897 units

Defect

THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT DOOR WILL NOT REMAIN CLOSED DURING CERTAIN LOAD FORCES ASSOCIATED WITH A VEHICLE CRASH. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 201.

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT, THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT DOORMAY OPEN AND RESULT IN OCCUPANT(S) INJURIES FROM CONTACT WITH THE GLOVECOMPARTMENT DOOR.

Remedy

REPLACE THE CURRENT UPPER GLOVE COMPARTMENT DOOR WITH A REDESIGNED UPPER GLOVE COMPARTMENT DOOR WHICH INCORPORATES A POSITIVE LATCH TO KEEP THE DOOR CLOSED SHOULD A VEHICLE CRASH OCCUR.

Open NHTSA investigations

RQ97017

CRADLE BOLT FAILURES

There is no summary currently available

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“WHILE DRIVING THE ROOF DISCONNECTED FROM VEHICLE, LOST CONTROL, RESULTING IN A CRASH/INJURIES. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · October 1, 1995 · crash

“DRIVER'S SEAT/MIDDLE SEAT/PASSENGER MID SEAT, AND FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELTS WERE BROKEN. DEALER CONTACTED, AND CANNOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · February 1, 1997

“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”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · December 31, 1996

“CRACK IN REAR AXLE CAUSED AXLE TO DISCONNECT/FALL OFF WHILE DRIVING, DRIVER LOST CONTROL, VEHICLE ROCKED BACK/FORTH, COUNTER FLIPPED OVER, LANDED ON TOP, VEHICLE TOTALED. PLEASE PROVIDE VIN. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · June 9, 1997 · crash

1991 Pontiac Trans Sport — common questions

Is the 1991 Pontiac Trans Sport reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 46 complaints put the 1991 model at #9 of 17 Trans Sport years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Trans Sport years to avoid.

What are the most common 1991 Trans Sport problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are body & structure (11 complaints), seat belts (10 complaints), brakes (5 complaints).

Does the 1991 Pontiac Trans Sport have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1991 Pontiac Trans Sport. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1991 Pontiac Trans Sport under NHTSA investigation?

Yes — an investigation remains open (CRADLE BOLT FAILURES). An open ODI action means NHTSA is actively assessing a possible defect.

Which Pontiac Trans Sport years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Trans Sport years to avoid are 1997, 1998, 1995, 1994, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1990, 1991. The cleanest record among Trans Sport years belongs to 2002.

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.