Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
40–25K
2325–50K
3350–75K
1875–100K
14100–150K
16150K+
108 reports with mileage · 120 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 69 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Structure. Review the 31 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Air Bags. Review the 22 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
14 crash reports4 fire reports22 injury reports
What owners actually said
228 reports
162,000 miles · Nov 28, 2010
Air BagsCrash
.A WHITE TRUCK TURNED LEFT INTO TRAFFIC. DROVE BETWEEN TWO VEHICLES HITTING THEM BOTH ABOUT 35 MPH..1 WAS A DODGE THE BUMPER AND PIECES WERE LEFT IN THE INTERSECTION.THE RIGHT FRONT END OF MY 2000 PONTIAC MONTANA WAS HIT AS THE TRUCK CONTINUED TURNING AND HEADED NORTH ON BALLENGER HWY.NO AIR BAG DEPLOYEMENT.DAUGHTER HAS A TBI. D…
Read full complaint
.A WHITE TRUCK TURNED LEFT INTO TRAFFIC. DROVE BETWEEN TWO VEHICLES HITTING THEM BOTH ABOUT 35 MPH..1 WAS A DODGE THE BUMPER AND PIECES WERE LEFT IN THE INTERSECTION.THE RIGHT FRONT END OF MY 2000 PONTIAC MONTANA WAS HIT AS THE TRUCK CONTINUED TURNING AND HEADED NORTH ON BALLENGER HWY.NO AIR BAG DEPLOYEMENT.DAUGHTER HAS A TBI. DAUGHTER WAS DRIVER. COMING HOME FROM COLLEGE.NO HELP.INSURANCE DENIES AN EVALUATION .DAUGHTER IS FAILING. WAS A COLLEGE STUDENT WORKED FULL TIME. TOLD THE IMPACT WAS NOT ENOUGH DAMAGE. PLPD INSURANCE FARM BUREAU. DISABILITY. TO DATE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10368053
158,000 miles · Sep 9, 2010
Electrical SystemFire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 PONTIAC MONTANA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER DRIVING AND PARKING THE VEHICLE FOR 10 MINUTES SHE NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE DASHBOARD. SHE TRIED TO PUT THE FIRE OUT WITH WATER BUT WHEN SHE DID FLAMES STARTED TO COME OUT OF THE VENTS. WIRES WERE MELTED AND THE HEATING SYSTEM AND THE CD PLAYER WE…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 PONTIAC MONTANA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER DRIVING AND PARKING THE VEHICLE FOR 10 MINUTES SHE NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE DASHBOARD. SHE TRIED TO PUT THE FIRE OUT WITH WATER BUT WHEN SHE DID FLAMES STARTED TO COME OUT OF THE VENTS. WIRES WERE MELTED AND THE HEATING SYSTEM AND THE CD PLAYER WERE ALSO DESTROYED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONDED AND PUT THE FIRE OUT. THE POLICE WERE NOT CALLED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 158,171. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA ODI #10354619
170,000 miles · Aug 12, 2010
Visibility
WINDSHIELD CRACKED AND CREATED A DANGEROUS DRIVING CONDITION. IT WAS CAUSED BY THE RUSTED ROOF CORNERS PUSHING BOTH TOP CORNERS OF WINDSHIELD GLASS FORWARD. WATER WAS TRAPPED BETWEEN WINDSHIELD GLASS AND ROOF METAL DUE TO THE DEFECT DESIGN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10349060
122,000 miles · Aug 3, 2010
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 PONTIAC MONTANA. THE CONTACT STARTED THE IGNITION AND THE GEAR SELECTOR WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO ANY DESIRED GEAR. A CERTIFIED MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AT THE FAILURE LOCATION. THE GEAR CABLE WAS REPLACED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 122,000. UPDATED 11/03/10. *LJ
NHTSA ODI #10346988
110,000 miles · Jun 8, 2010
Vehicle Speed Control
MY 2000 PONTIAC MONTANA (EXT) HAS BEEN ACCELERATING ON ITS OWN. I HAVE TRIED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE AND EFFECT, BUT NOTHING STAYS CONSTANT. IT MAY HAPPEN WHEN THE CAR IS COLD OR HOT, EARLY MORNING OR LATE AFTERNOON, ETC. I HAVE TAKEN IT INTO A DEALERSHIP AND THEY CANNOT REPRODUCE THE ISSUE. IN ADDITION, THEY HAVE TOLD ME THE…
Read full complaint
MY 2000 PONTIAC MONTANA (EXT) HAS BEEN ACCELERATING ON ITS OWN. I HAVE TRIED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE AND EFFECT, BUT NOTHING STAYS CONSTANT. IT MAY HAPPEN WHEN THE CAR IS COLD OR HOT, EARLY MORNING OR LATE AFTERNOON, ETC. I HAVE TAKEN IT INTO A DEALERSHIP AND THEY CANNOT REPRODUCE THE ISSUE. IN ADDITION, THEY HAVE TOLD ME THE COMPUTER DID NOT REGISTER ANY CODES. WHEN THE ISSUE HAPPENS THE IDLE. I'LL PUT THE CAR INTO PARK AND WATCH THE RPM MOVE TO 3500 AND STAY THERE UNTIL I TURN THE CAR OFF. ONCE I TURN THE CAR OFF AND TURN IT BACK ON THEN THE ISSUE STOPS. I HAVE OTHERS VERIFY THE ISSUE HAS HAPPENED WITH THEM OR THEY SAW THE ISSUE OCCUR (SO I'M NOT CRAZY). A MECHANIC AT FIRESTONE (WAS ABLE TO REPRODUCE THE ISSUE) AND HE THOUGHT THE ISSUE WAS RELATED TO THE TRANSMISSION. I'M NOT SURE HOW HE CAME TO THAT CONCLUSION, BUT THEY WANTED TO CHARGE ME $3,000 FOR A NEW TRANSMISSION. AT THIS POINT I THINK I WILL GET A NEW CAR. VERY DISAPPOINTING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10335266
Mileage unknown · Dec 22, 2009
Exterior Lighting
I AM HAVING PROBLEMS WITH MY REAR BRAKE LIGHT BULBS MELTING IN THE SOCKETS. I REPLACE THEM AND THEY WORK FOR A SHORT PERIOD UNTIL THEY MELT RESULTING IN THE BULB BURNING OUT AND MELTING AGAIN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10296690
Mileage unknown · Nov 19, 2009
Air Bags
AIRBAG LIGHT COMING ON. REPLACE SENSOR AND IT GOES OFF. THEN ABOUT 3MONTHS LATER IT COMES BACK ON. DEALER REPLACED SENSOR AGAIN. THIS HAS REPEATED ITSELF AGAIN AND AGAIN. IT IS BACK ON AND IS MAKING A CLICKING SOUND UNDER DASH. LIGHT IS OFF BUT CLICKING SOUND IS STILL THERE. IS IT WORKING? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10292869
83,560 miles · Oct 28, 2009
Exterior Lighting
I OWN A 2000 PONTIAC MONTANA AND I AM HAVING PROBLEMS WITH MY BRAKE LIGHT BULBS MELTING IN THE SOCKETS. I REPLACE THEM AND THEY WORK FOR A SHORT PERIOD UNTIL THEY MELT RESULTING IN THE BULB BURNING OUT. I FEEL THAT THIS PROBLEM NEEDS TO BE LOOKED INTO BEFORE IT RESULTS IN A FIRE OR AN ACCIDENT. ANY HELP WITH THIS PROBLEM WILL B…
Read full complaint
I OWN A 2000 PONTIAC MONTANA AND I AM HAVING PROBLEMS WITH MY BRAKE LIGHT BULBS MELTING IN THE SOCKETS. I REPLACE THEM AND THEY WORK FOR A SHORT PERIOD UNTIL THEY MELT RESULTING IN THE BULB BURNING OUT. I FEEL THAT THIS PROBLEM NEEDS TO BE LOOKED INTO BEFORE IT RESULTS IN A FIRE OR AN ACCIDENT. ANY HELP WITH THIS PROBLEM WILL BE APPRECIATED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10290167
113,546 miles · Aug 12, 2009
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkages
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 PONTIAC MONTANA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER SLIDING DOOR DOES NOT LOCK. THE DEALER STATED THAT NO RECALLS WERE AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE HAS BEEN ONGOING FOR FIVE DAYS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A BODY SHOP, BUT THE MECHANIC COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MECHANIC REMOVED THE…
Read full complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 PONTIAC MONTANA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER SLIDING DOOR DOES NOT LOCK. THE DEALER STATED THAT NO RECALLS WERE AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE HAS BEEN ONGOING FOR FIVE DAYS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A BODY SHOP, BUT THE MECHANIC COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MECHANIC REMOVED THE DOOR FROM THE VEHICLE. WHEN IT WAS PLACED BACK ON, THE FAILURE STOPPED FOR ONLY A FEW DAYS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,546 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 113,600. UPDATED 09/01/09. *LJ THE POWER DOORS WOULD NOT LOCK. UPDATED 09/04/09.*JB
NHTSA ODI #10280258
120,000 miles · Aug 6, 2009
Child Seat
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 PONTIAC MONTANA. THE VEHICLE HAS A 2009 BABY TREND REARFACING INFANT SEAT, MODEL NUMBER CS31029 (NA). THE SEAT WAS MANUFACTURED ON APRIL 11, 2009. THE CHILD RESTRAINT REQUIRED AN ANCHORAGE, WHICH WAS NOT EQUIPPED ON THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED DIFFICULTY SECURING THE CHILD SEAT PROPERLY IN…
Read full complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 PONTIAC MONTANA. THE VEHICLE HAS A 2009 BABY TREND REARFACING INFANT SEAT, MODEL NUMBER CS31029 (NA). THE SEAT WAS MANUFACTURED ON APRIL 11, 2009. THE CHILD RESTRAINT REQUIRED AN ANCHORAGE, WHICH WAS NOT EQUIPPED ON THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED DIFFICULTY SECURING THE CHILD SEAT PROPERLY IN THE VEHICLE WITH THE SEAT BELT SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A CHILD SEAT INSPECTION STATION, BUT THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO PROPERLY INSTALL THE CHILD RESTRAINT SEAT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE MALFUNCTIONS. THE VIN AND PURCHASE DATE WERE UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 120,000.
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF A PASSENGER USES THE INTERIOR HANDLE TO OPEN THE POWER SLIDING DOOR AND HOLDS ONTO THE HANDLE WHILE IT IS BEING OPENED BY THE MOTOR, THE PASSENGER'S ARM MAY BE PUSHED INTO THE SEAT BACK OR ARMREST AND A WRIST OR LOWER ARM INJURY MAY RESULT.
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.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 1997-2001 CHEVROLET VENTURE, PONTIAC MONTANA/TRANSPORT, AND OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH PASSENGER SIDE POWER SLIDING DOORS THAT WERE SERVICED IN CAMPAIGN 01013 (01V-067) FROM APRIL TO AUGUST 2001. ALSO 2001 CHEVROLET VENTURE, PONTIAC MONTANA, AND OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH PASSENGER SIDE POWER SLIDING DOORS ASSEMBLED IN JANUARY THROUGH APRIL 2001. THESE VEHICLES HAVE INADEQUATE FRONT WELDS. IF A FRONT WELD FAILS, THE ACTUATOR CAN JAM IN THE UNLATCHED POSITION AND, WHEN THE SLIDING DOOR CLOSES, IT WILL NOT BE LATCHED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THIS HAPPENS, THE POWER SLIDING DOOR CAN OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, PARTICULARLY WHEN THE VEHICLE ASCENDS A HILL, MAKES A TURN, OR TRAVELS OVER A ROUGH ROAD SURFACE. AN UNRESTRAINED OCCUPANT COULD FALL OUT OF THE VAN AND BE INJURED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF REQUIRED, INSTALL A NEW POWER SLIDING DOOR UNLATCH ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON OCTOBER 22, 2001. 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 CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINIVANS EQUIPPED WITH PASSENGER SIDE POWER SLIDING DOORS. THE DOOR CLOSES BUT MAY NOT BE LATCHED. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE POWER SLIDING DOOR CAN OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, PARTICULARLY WHEN THE VEHICLE ASCENDS A HILL, MAKES A TURN, OR TRAVELS OVER A ROUGH ROAD SURFACE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: AN UNRESTRAINED OCCUPANT COULD FALL OUT OF THE VAN AND BE INJURED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW UN-LATCH ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY TO THE POWER SLIDING DOOR. THIS RECALL HAS BEEN CONTINUED UNDER SAFETY RECALL 01V-264. 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 CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH TRW SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES. THE BUCKLE BASE OF THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES WERE NOT PROPERLY HEAT TREATED AND THEREFORE DO NOT PASS THE LOAD BEARING REQUIREMENT OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE'S SAFETY BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY DATE CODES AND, IF NECESSARY, WILL REPLACE ANY SAFETY BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS WITH EXTENDED WHEELBASE. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE INOPERATIVE FUEL TANK ROLLOVER VALVES AND FUEL LEAKAGE WOULD EXCEED THE PERMISSIBLE AMOUNT IN A ROLLOVER TEST. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IN A VEHICLE ROLLOVER ACCIDENT, IF AN IGNITION SOURCE IS PRESENT, A FIRE COULD RESULT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES TO LOCATE AND REPLACE THOSE FUEL TANKS THAT COULD HAVE INOPERATIVE ROLLOVER VALVES.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
4
PE04064 · POWER-SLIDING Door
Opened Sep 17, 2004 · Closed Dec 22, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure:body:door
SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE AVAILABLE WITH AN OPTIONAL POWER SLIDING DOOR.THE INTERIOR HANDLE IS ORIENTED IN THE VERTICAL POSITION IN THE DOOR PANEL AND LINES UP AT THE ELBOW LEVEL WHEN THE OCCUPANT IS SEATED IN THE 2ND-ROW OUTBOARD POSITION.IF THE OCCUPANT HOLDS THE INTERIOR HANDLE IN THE THUMB UP POSITION DURING POWER-ASSISTED OPENING, THE ARM/WRIST CAN BE PUSH BACK WITH FORCE AGAINST THE 2ND-ROW BUCKET SEAT OR CAPTAIN'S CHAIR SEAT BACK CREATING A RISK OF INJURY (OTHER SEATING CONFIGURATIONS HAVE AMPLE SEAT TO DOOR CLEARANCE TO AVOID ENTRAPMENT OF THE LOWER ARM).AMONG THE 103 TOTAL REPORTS, THERE WERE 102 ALLEGED INJURIES INCLUDING ARM/WRIST, THUMB AND SHOULDER INJURIES.A COUNT OF INJURIES REVEALS THAT 76 INJURIES WERE A FRACTURED OR A BROKEN ARM/WRIST REQUIRING AN IMMOBILIZING CAST FOR FOUR-TO-SIX WEEKS.ALL INJURIES INVOLVE THE RIGHT SIDE POWER SLIDING DOOR.THE LEFT SIDE POWER SLIDING DOOR IS ON FAR FEWER VEHICLES, BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY, IT PRODUCES LESS FORCE.GM NOTIFIED THE AGENCY BY LETTER DATED DECEMBER 21, 2004, THAT IT WILL RECALL MODEL YEAR 1997 THOUGH EARLY 2005 GM U-VAN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A RIGHT SIDE POWER SLIDING DOOR AND WITH 2ND-ROW BUCKET SEATS OR CAPTAIN CHAIRS (NHTSA RECALL #04V597).AS PART OF THE RECALL REMEDY, GM WILL REPLACE THE DOOR HANDLE WITH A FLUSH MOUNTED HANDLE THAT WILL PREVENT AN OCCUPANT FROM GRASPING THE HANDLE WITH THE PALM BETWEEN THE HANDLE AND DOOR PANEL (THUMB UP ORIENTATION) AND THUS ELIMINATE THE POTENTIAL FOR ARM/WRIST ENTRAPMENT.THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.
PE02017 · Shoulder Harness Clip
Opened Feb 11, 2002 · Closed Aug 2, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts
No summary supplied.
EA01014 · Air Bag Inflator
Opened Jun 11, 2001 · Closed Aug 26, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
No summary supplied.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
SQ00014 · Unexpected Opening Of Sliding Door
Opened Jul 25, 2000 · Closed Oct 22, 2001
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure
There is no summary currently available
2000 Pontiac Montana Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
Illustration