1999 Pontiac Trans Sport: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 10 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 10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Dt*: the contact stated while traveling 40 mph, the vehicle went off the road and struck a tree. When this occurred, the front driver side seatbelt shoulder strap did not lock. The driver hit the steering wheel causing minor chest injuries, then the airbag deployed. Also, the middle row driver side seatbelt came unlocked. This caused the occupants leg to be crushed, resulting in surgery. There was a police report taken at the scene. The vehicle was towed to a salvage yard and inspected by the manufacturer, but it was determined not to be a defect.”Owner report · Seat Belts · Apr 2006
“Transmission failure caused by antifreeze in transmission. Corrosion of radiator causing antifreeze to mix with transmission fluid. Now is overheating caused by intake manifold gasket leaking allowing antifreeze to get into crankcase. Potentially fatal for engine. *nlm”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Feb 2003
“Intake manifold gaskets (upper & lower) need to be replaced because it is leaking engine coolant. Also need to replace thermostat and gasket. Cost $900.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jan 2003
Show 6 more owner reports
“Retractor mount not secured to upper panel, top threads into pillar not done, installed missing bolt in seat belt mount.”Owner report · Seat Belts · Oct 2001
“While exiting a parking lot, the rear sliding door opened, the dealer found that a bent bracket in the door mounting was the apparent cause of the door failing to latch properly. Nlm”Owner report · Structure · Aug 2001
“While in driveway was adjusting front seat and vehicle started smelling like smoke. Consumer looked under seat, and one of the wires was completely bare. Consumer contacted dealer, and dealer did repairs. But, wires were still hanging from under seat. *ak”Owner report · Seats · Aug 2001
“The engine has been making a clicking sound or drumming sound for quite a while now. I have taken the van into the dealer on a number of occassions. I have since learned that my van is not the only van to make this noise, and that some vans have had the engine replaced because of it. Something about the pistons and wall chamber. The van has also quite running while I was driving w/children, and when braking, an awful loud noise comes, sounds like the car is falling apart. I refuse to take the vehicle back, and am having loads of problems dealing with this. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Feb 2000
“8 passenger van, tried to get 3 different types of car seats to work in the second row of seats, but seem unable to do so. The buckle part of the seat belt seems to come out to far from the seat allowing a large gap so the child seat can not fit tightly into any of the 3 seats in the second row. It is my understanding a carseat should not move anymore then an inch after it is buckled in. And when the carseats are in. The bottom corner where it buckles in, moves around quite vigorously. Allowing way more the an inch of slack.”Owner report · Child Seat · Jul 1999
“Problems with the sliding door, headlamp fell off, automatic locks/window and etc. *ph the consumer believed the vehicle has a coolant leak. The fuel modulator and spark plugs were replaced. *jb”Owner report · Exterior Lighting
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MINI VANS, THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG INFLATOR MODULES COULD PRODUCE EXCESSIVE INTERNAL PRESSURE. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH THAT WOULD TRIGGER A DRIVER'S AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT, THE INCREASED INTERNAL PRESSURE CAN CAUSE THE INFLATOR MODULE TO EXPLODE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVER AIR BAG MODULE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 1, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737.
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 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 1999 Pontiac Trans Sport reliable?
NHTSA has 10 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1999 Pontiac Trans Sport. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling.
Does the 1999 Pontiac Trans Sport have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning air bags:frontal. 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.