1997 Pontiac Montana: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 18 owner complaints on record; most reports concern engine and engine cooling.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Dec 2004
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 18 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Antifreeze leak; lead to replacement of lower intake manifold gasket (very costly) about 4 years ago. Needs replacing again. Dealership warns of excessive engine damage due to antifreeze in the motor oil. *nm”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Mar 2006
“Pontiac transport montana was parked in a parking lot for 1/2 hour or so and became ingulfed in flames. Fire marshall thinks it was from battery/ electric. Destroyed our car and 5 others. No humans hurt...thank god it was parked and my son was not driving it.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2005
“Dt contact states his passenger safety belt in his vehicle is locked, originally designed a child safety feature. The seat belt buckle in the middle row, center and right side seat is coming apart. *nm”Owner report · Seat Belts · May 2005
Show 7 more owner reports
“Driving down a two lane freeway, vearing to the right and I rearended a car. The seatbelts did not lock and the airbags did not work..the vehicle was inspected and everything was said to be working fine..the van is fully loaded and all the elctronics are working perfectly, as far as I knew.*ak”Owner report · Seat Belts · Feb 2005
“Intermittently vehicle had difficulty making a left turn, or was unable to make a left turn while in motion . Consumer received a recall notice concerning this problem back in october 23, 2003. But was not able locate that information in NHTSA data base. *ak”Owner report · Suspension · Jun 2004
“I have a 1997 pontiac montana minivan. I have been told that I have the dreaded intake manifold leak. It appears that this is a huge problem with the 3.4 liter engine. *jb”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 2003
“Lens cover over the headlights fell out of both headlights on seperate occcasions. I had to buy the whole headlight assembly. I was driving down the road and they just fell out and broke on the road. We currently have a problem with it overheating have replace thermostat and water pump still having same problem. Not fixed yet. The power sliding door alarms that it is open for no apparent reason. The door has not opened and closed by the power for several months. It has to be mannaully opened. We have also replaced the both air shocks in the rear of the van. Can't get the radiator cap from radiator haven't been able to remove since it was bought.”Owner report · Visibility · May 2003
“The headlight on drivers side fell out while driving. The passenger side headlight fell out after the trunk was closed. *ak”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Feb 2003
“Consumer states, the driver side sliding door handle when is close manual may catch your finger and have a serious accident. Dealer has been notified. Please provide further information. Ts”Owner report · Visibility · Oct 2002
“Intake manifold gasket is damaged yet no parts available throughout us. Is this a known fact to gm? Is this a recall item. My van now overheats and cannot be repaired due to lack of parts.*ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Apr 2002
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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.
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.
How other years compare
Check your exact Montana by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1997 Pontiac Montana reliable?
NHTSA has 18 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1997 Pontiac Montana. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling.
Does the 1997 Pontiac Montana have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.