1990 Pontiac Trans Sport: problems, recalls and reliability
5 recalls and 45 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is structure (32% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jun 1999
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 45 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Dt: the contact was slowing down to make a turn when the engine cradle malfunctioned due to rust. The engine and transmission nearly fell out of the vehicle. When this happened the steering linkage disconnected and the steering wheel kept turning around. The vehicle has not been repaired. He contacted gm, and they offered no free remedy to the problem. There was a recall on this problem previously. However, this vehicle was not included due to VIN. *ak”Owner report · Structure · Oct 2005
“Mounting bolt for driver's seatback sheared off, causing seatback to collapse. I have the damaged bolt and will provide if requested.*ak”Owner report · Seats · Apr 2001
“Front end was wobbling in steering. Consumer had an alignment shop to align vehicle, but as the mechanic examined vehicle, he saw subframe on right side was rusted. Before confirming work, consumer contacted pontiac to see if any recalls were on vehicle. Pontiac was polite in saying that vehicle was too old, there was no warranty and no recall. Alignment shop replaced entire front subframe , left side was like new.*ak *slc”Owner report · Structure · Apr 2001
Show 7 more owner reports
“No accident, I bought from bach motors, a used van, 1990, 140,000 miles, many faults, did not realize. Windshield with two cracks, broken latch on driver's door, broken seat belt, drivers side, one cylinder faulty, struts weak all around, and brakes weak”Owner report · Visibility · Oct 1999
“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”Owner report · Seat Belts · Apr 1999
“Recall work completed on the cradle bolts, however failed (bolts broke off) resulting in extensive damage to vehicle when engine dropped to the ground.”Owner report · Structure · Dec 1998
“While mechanic was test driving vehicle he stepped on the brakes and heard a big noise before the cradle bolt came apart and engine collapsed. Dealer was contacted. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Dec 1998
“Driving at approximately 57 mph bolt that holds driver's seatback sheared off, causing the seatback to collapse, almost resulting in loss of control/accident. *ak *tt”Owner report · Seats · Jul 1998
“Investigation number is ea97019. The consumer is experiencing problems with the seat belt recliner. The consumer has to use a stick to hold the seat up. The manufacturer is unaware of the problem. *ak”Owner report · Seat Belts · Jul 1998
“Engine/suspension sub-frame assembly failure at front attachment of right front lower control arm. This failure is due to corrosion of the sub frame assembly. This caused separation of the right front lower control arm and loss of vehicle control. The failure occured at a low speed while backing vehicle up. The metal in the area is rusted and weakened. Inspection of a similar vehicle showed the same type of frame corrosion and liklihood of future frame failure. This may be a rust belt situation due to the high amounts of corrosive salt used on michigan roads. I must say that as a mechanic, this is certainly a problem that is a safety concern.”Owner report · Structure · Jun 1998
Recalls - 5 campaigns
THE REAR MODULAR SEAT FRAME HOLD-DOWN HOOKS MAY NOT MEET THE REQUIRED PULL FORCE AT THE REAR SET ANCHORAGE.
Remedy: REPLACE REAR HOLD DOWN HOOKS AND PIVOT RIVETS WITH HEAT TREATED HARDWARE.
A RIGHT HAND SEAT/SHOULDER BELT RETRACTOR MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED IN THE SECOND ROW LEFT HAND SEAT POSITION (DIRECTLY BEHIND DRIVER).
Remedy: REPLACE SHOULDER BELT ASSEMBLY.
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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN OR REPLACE THE BOLTS AT NO CHARGE TO THE OWNERS. THIS POLICY IS IN EFFECT UNTIL JUNE 30, 2002.
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.
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.
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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR CRADLE BOLTS AND RETAINERS.
How other years compare
Check your exact Trans Sport 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 1990 Pontiac Trans Sport reliable?
NHTSA has 45 owner complaints and 5 recall campaigns on record for the 1990 Pontiac Trans Sport. The most complained-about area is structure (32% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1990 Pontiac Trans Sport problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 80,000 miles or less.
Does the 1990 Pontiac Trans Sport have open recalls?
5 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning seats. 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.