Pontiac Montana Problems by Year

Source: NHTSA · Updated Apr 19, 2023 · 1,054 owner complaints analyzed

Years with far more complaints than usual:

NHTSA has 1,054 owner complaints and 20 safety recalls on file for the Pontiac Montana, across 12 model years (1997–2008). The 1999 model year has the most complaints (235). The most reported problem area overall is engine and engine cooling.

Pontiac Montana
Pontiac Montana photographed in College Park, Maryland , USA.. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.
Peak: 1999, with 235 complaints
1997: 181997181998: 491998491999: 23519992352000: 22820002282001: 15620011562002: 12620021262003: 842003842004: 392004392005: 812005812006: 372006372007: 0200702008: 120081

n = 1,054 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Pontiac Montana years to avoid? What the complaint data shows

These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Montana year: 1999, 2000, 2001. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.

Model years with the most complaints

  1. 1999 Montana: 235 complaints, 5 recalls
  2. 2000 Montana: 228 complaints, 5 recalls
  3. 2001 Montana: 156 complaints, 9 recalls

Model years with the fewest complaints

  1. 2008 Montana: 1 complaint, 1 recall
  2. 1997 Montana: 18 complaints, 1 recall
  3. 2006 Montana: 37 complaints, 2 recalls

Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.

Most common Pontiac Montana problems (all years)

Problem areaComplaintsModel yearsCrashes
Engine and Engine Cooling problems267100
Structure problems118101
Electrical System problems116104
Power Train problems100102
Air Bags961146
Latches/locks/linkages7692
Exterior Lighting68102
Service Brakes, Hydraulic6897
Fuel System, Gasoline6791
Visibility66100
Equipment4491
Seat Belts36107
Steering3693
Suspension35101
Tires3093
Engine2080
Fuel/propulsion System2071
Seats1873
Vehicle Speed Control1864
Fuel System, Other1060
Electronic Stability Control (esc)941
Service Brakes, Air960
Wheels850
Service Brakes752
Child Seat630
Traction Control System441
Interior Lighting330
Visibility/wiper330
Equipment Adaptive/mobility221
Service Brakes, Electric220
Back Over Prevention111
Parking Brake110

Pontiac Montana problems by model year

Problem areas with enough reports for their own page.

All Pontiac Montana model years

Model yearComplaintsRecallsCrash ratingTop problemCompared with other years
2008 Montana11—Air Bags
2007 Montana01——
2006 Montana372—Electrical SystemFar fewer complaints than other years
2005 Montana815—StructureAbout as many complaints as other years
2004 Montana393—Electrical SystemFar fewer complaints than other years
2003 Montana845—Electrical SystemMore complaints than other years
2002 Montana1263—Engine and Engine CoolingMore complaints than other years
2001 Montana1569—Engine and Engine CoolingFar more complaints than other years
2000 Montana2285—Engine and Engine CoolingFar more complaints than other years
1999 Montana2355—Engine and Engine CoolingFar more complaints than other years
1998 Montana493—Engine and Engine CoolingFewer complaints than other years
1997 Montana181—Engine and Engine CoolingFar fewer complaints than other years

More from Pontiac: all Pontiac models · VIN decoder

Frequently asked questions

Which Pontiac Montana years should you stay away from?

By NHTSA complaints, 1999 (235), 2000 (228), 2001 (156) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Montana year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.

What is the biggest problem with the Pontiac Montana?

Engine and Engine Cooling, with 267 complaints across 10 model years.

How many recalls does the Pontiac Montana have?

20 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.