1991 Pontiac Trans Sport: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 36 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is structure (29% 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 36 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Owner was driving at 40 mph when the vehicle pulled to the left. Was able to avoid oncoming traffic and stop vehicle, upon inspection owner noticed the front right of structure hanging down upon further inspection it is apparent the bolt pulled out of frame structure causing steering loss and motor to hang down. *tr”Owner report · Structure · Dec 2012
“The recall to fix the cradle bolts which have rusted and broken on my 1991 pontiac trans sport should have included vehicles registered in minnesota, because we have more salt used on our roads than some of the states included in the recall.*ak”Owner report · Structure · Sep 2004
“The vehicle's engine cradle had cracked. The problem caused the engine to shake and not be supported while driving. Please provide additional information. *jb”Owner report · Structure · Nov 2003
Show 7 more owner reports
“While consumer was driving about 30 mph subframe dropped about a foot pulling steering shaft off steering column. Consumer lost all steering power. Also, vehicle swerved to left in oncoming traffic, subframes bolts and bushings at rear of subframe.*ak *slc”Owner report · Structure · Aug 2001
“Recall 97v058 000/rear cradle bolts: while pulling into a parking lot vehicle loses steering control. Dealer notified, and informed consumer vehicle was not under recall. *ak”Owner report · Steering · Jul 1999
“Vehicle experienced a sudden aceleration while pulling off from a stop position (cruise control was not engage) causes the vehicle to ran another stop sign before consumer was able to get the vehicle under control. Dealer/mfr. Notified.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 1999
“The rear middle right and left seat belt that anchors to the vehicle does not retract in a locking mechanism, which in event of an accident the occupant will not be protected. *ak”Owner report · Seat Belts · Apr 1998
“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”Owner report · Power Train · Jun 1997
“While making a left hand turn on a busy secondary road, steering failed, vehicle lost control. But drive rwas able to brake before hitting a traffic sign. In addition, front crossmember failed and had to be replaced. *ak”Owner report · Steering · May 1997
“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”Owner report · Seat Belts · Feb 1997
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 4 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
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 1991 Pontiac Trans Sport reliable?
NHTSA has 36 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 1991 Pontiac Trans Sport. The most complained-about area is structure (29% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1991 Pontiac Trans Sport problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 153,000 miles or less.
Does the 1991 Pontiac Trans Sport have open recalls?
3 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.