1996 Pontiac Trans Sport: problems, recalls and reliability

“Complaint #1- windshield wipers wouldn't work in the rain. Defective circuit board had to be replaced. Complaint # 2- tilt steering column came off. The whole column had to be replaced. Complaint #3- black paint over the cab flaked off. *nm”Owner report · Visibility · Jun 2005

“1996 pontiac transport accelerated to 85 while set in cruise control at 65 mph.*mr when the consumer attempted to slow the vehicle down to 65 mph, it would accelerate to 85 mph on its own. *jb”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · May 2005

“Vehicle started eating coolant, within 4 days of coolant leak head gasket had complete failure dumping contents of radiator into oil pan. Upon exam found that dextrol coolant had turned corrosive and eaten threw gasket causing failure. Replace all top end gaskets and rebuild top end. Pray that lower end will be ok once flushed completely. Have kept old parts for further exam. *nm”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Oct 2004

“The owner received a recall notice for the lower pinion bearing and power steering gear. The consumer took the vehicle in for servicing and the work was completed. Now the vehicle is pulling to the right. This occurred only after having it worked on for the original recall. Now the dealership is telling the consumer that the defect that is currently being experienced is no fault of the work that was done for the recall. The dealership is not willing to repair the current problem unless the owner pays out of pocket. Provide further details. *jb”Owner report · Steering · Sep 2004

“Windshield wipers either quit or do not work at times, if you turn them to high speed then use washer fluid they may continue to work. The problem can not be duplicated by dealer. Only known repair is replacement of wiper motor by dealer, "that should fix it". Driver never knows if wipers will work when needed. Many simular complaints have been made to your agency! *ak”Owner report · Visibility · Mar 2004

“While turning right, the steering wheel failed with no control. The consumer was able to stop vehicle. The dealer was notified. *ak the consumer stopped a stop sign at an intersection when the steering wheel started to spin around. It was discovered the intermediate shaft at the base of the steering column had come loose. The air bag light was on and the clock spring had broken. *scc *jb”Owner report · Steering · Aug 2003

“After the 2nd valve spring broke, I was told that the valves were seizing up and a new engine would be required. All of this was caused by the bad designed manifold gasket that caused coolant to go into the oil. After spending over $1,000 since 4-29-03, I finally had to trade in for another vehicle. I didn't have between $4,000 and $5,000 for a new engine, which on a '96 model would not have been worth it. I could have gotten a used engine, but all of them have the same manifold gasket and this would have cost aproximately $2,000. I've had nothing but problems with this van. General motors should have taken care of this as a recall, but I guess it was too expensive for them too.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 2003