Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
120–25K
1525–50K
3050–75K
1275–100K
12100–150K
5150K+
86 reports with mileage · 40 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 24 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Exterior Lighting. Review the 12 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Fuel System, Gasoline. Review the 12 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
3 crash reports1 fire reports6 injury reports
What owners actually said
126 reports
192,000 miles · Aug 22, 2017
Fuel/propulsion System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 PONTIAC MONTANA. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN AND PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL EMERGING FROM THE REAR. THE CONTACT CHECKED UNDER THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED FUEL COMING OUT THE SIDE OF THE FUEL TANK WHERE THE SEAL WAS MAKING A PUDDLE ON THE FLOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY A DE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 PONTIAC MONTANA. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN AND PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL EMERGING FROM THE REAR. THE CONTACT CHECKED UNDER THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED FUEL COMING OUT THE SIDE OF THE FUEL TANK WHERE THE SEAL WAS MAKING A PUDDLE ON THE FLOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: A-31191114851. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 192,000.
NHTSA ODI #11018950
Mileage unknown · Aug 5, 2017
Fuel/propulsion System
THE FUEL TANK IS LEAKING AROUND THE SEAL WHERE THE ELBOW CONNECTES,. THIS SEAL HAS BEEN DISCONUTINED. THE DEALERSHIP SAID I WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THE FUEL TANK. I CANT AFFORD A NEW TANK. IF THEY CANT REPLACE THE SEAL THEY SHOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THE TANK, THERE HAS BEEN TWO RECALLS ON THE GAS TANK ON THIS VEHICLES. I AM LUCKY THA…
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THE FUEL TANK IS LEAKING AROUND THE SEAL WHERE THE ELBOW CONNECTES,. THIS SEAL HAS BEEN DISCONUTINED. THE DEALERSHIP SAID I WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THE FUEL TANK. I CANT AFFORD A NEW TANK. IF THEY CANT REPLACE THE SEAL THEY SHOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THE TANK, THERE HAS BEEN TWO RECALLS ON THE GAS TANK ON THIS VEHICLES. I AM LUCKY THAT MY VAN DIDNT CATCH ON FIRE GOING DOWN THE ROAD WITH ME AND TWO CHILDREN IN THE VAN, WE PUT SOME PUTTY ON IT FOR GAS LEAKS AND THAT HAS SLOW THE LEAK DOWN, I HAVE NOT CHOICE BUT TO DRIVE THE VAN MY ONLY WAY TO GO, I CANT AFFORD TO PUT A NEW GAS TANK FOR 725.00. I DONT THINK IT IS FAIR THAT THEY CAN DISCONTIUNED A SEAL LIKE THIS THAT AND NOT WILLING TO REPLACE A HAZARD PART LIKE THIS, I PUT MY LIFE AND THE GIRLS LIFE IN DANGER EVERYDAY WE GO OUT IN THE VAN BUT WE HAVE NOT CHOICE.
NHTSA ODI #11012958
98,850 miles · Jan 25, 2017
Fuel/propulsion System
THE FUEL TANK INLET CHECK VALVE CAN CRACK AND LEAK RECALL.. I WENT OUT TO TAKE MY KIDS TO SCHOOL AND SMELT GAS. LOOKED UNDERNEATH CAN SEE GAS DRIPPING.HAD IT LOOKED IT AND SURE ENOUGH HOLE/CRACK IN FUEL TANK AND NOW THE FUEL GAUGE IS NOT WORKING .CHECKED UNDER THE RECALL AND MINE IS NOT IN IT..
NHTSA ODI #10947666
93,426 miles · Dec 1, 2016
Fuel/propulsion System
2002 PONTIAC MONTANA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE, I SMELLED A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. I NOTICED A SMALL AMOUNT OF FUEL SPILLING FROM THE LOWER PORTION OF THE FUEL TANK. THERE WERE NO WARNINGS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC. THE FAILURE WAS REL…
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2002 PONTIAC MONTANA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE, I SMELLED A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. I NOTICED A SMALL AMOUNT OF FUEL SPILLING FROM THE LOWER PORTION OF THE FUEL TANK. THERE WERE NO WARNINGS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC. THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO A CRACK IN THE FUEL TANK INLET CHECK VALVE. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V349000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE), ALTHOUGH THE FAILURES WERE IDENTICAL. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,426. ALSO SINCE THIS HAPPENING THE GAS TANK DOES NOT READ THE GAS AMOUNT CORRECTLY,ITS EITHER FULL OR LOW ON FUEL AND LIGHT COMES ON. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10929457
120,949 miles · May 3, 2016
Fuel/propulsion System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 PONTIAC MONTANA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL FUEL ODOR COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. UPON INSPECTION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS FRACTURED AT THE INLET. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 PONTIAC MONTANA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL FUEL ODOR COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. UPON INSPECTION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS FRACTURED AT THE INLET. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V349000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,949.
NHTSA ODI #10862774
151,763 miles · Apr 22, 2015
Fuel/propulsion System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 PONTIAC MONTANA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE ON THE VEHICLE DOES NOT REFLECT THE ACTUAL AMOUNT OF FUEL IN THE TANK. IN ADDITION, THE FUEL WARNING LIGHT FLASHED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 PONTIAC MONTANA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE ON THE VEHICLE DOES NOT REFLECT THE ACTUAL AMOUNT OF FUEL IN THE TANK. IN ADDITION, THE FUEL WARNING LIGHT FLASHED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 151,763.
NHTSA ODI #10712164
87,160 miles · Jun 12, 2013
Engine
LOWER/UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET FAILED AT 87160 MILES HEAD GASKET FAILED AT 142,500 MILES LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET FAILED AT 183170 MILES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10519591
84,950 miles · Jun 12, 2013
Power Train
PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL BEARING FAILURE - GRINDING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10519590
224,750 miles · Jun 12, 2013
Service Brakes
REALIZED EXCESS USE OF BRAKE FLUID. TRACED PROBLEM TO LEAKING REAR BRAKE LINE - STEEL LINE CORRODED THROUGH AT AXLE CLIP LOCATION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10519588
95,000 miles · Feb 19, 2013
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE BRAKE LIGHTS CONSTANTLY GO OUT. I HAVE SPOKEN TO A MECHANIC AND HE TOLD ME THAT IT IS VERY COMMON FOR GM VEHICLES IN THIS MODEL YEAR RANGE TO HAVE TO REPLACE THE LIGHTING BANK IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLES ON BOTH SIDES. THE BANK WHICH CONTAINS THE BRAKE LIGHTS, THE BACK-UP LIGHTS, AND THE RUNNING L…
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THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE BRAKE LIGHTS CONSTANTLY GO OUT. I HAVE SPOKEN TO A MECHANIC AND HE TOLD ME THAT IT IS VERY COMMON FOR GM VEHICLES IN THIS MODEL YEAR RANGE TO HAVE TO REPLACE THE LIGHTING BANK IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLES ON BOTH SIDES. THE BANK WHICH CONTAINS THE BRAKE LIGHTS, THE BACK-UP LIGHTS, AND THE RUNNING LIGHTS FAILS AND THE BRAKE LIGHTS SEEM TO BE MOST AFFECTED. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE MY BRAKE LIGHTS APPROXIMATELY ONCE A MONTH FOR MULTIPLE YEARS. THERE HAVE BEEN MANY NEAR-COLLISIONS DUE TO BRAKE LIGHTS NOT OPERATING. THE THIRD BRAKE LIGHT AT THE TOP OF THE VEHICLE APPEARS TO NOT BE AFFECTED BY THIS. *TR
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, VARIATIONS IN THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS OR EXPOSURE TO HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURES MAY LEAD TO FRACTURE OF THE FUEL TANK INLET CHECK VALVE (ICV).
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A FRACTURE MAY ALLOW FUEL VAPORS TO PASS THROUGH AND ALLOW DROPLETS OF FUEL TO ACCUMULATE ON THE SIDE OF THE FUEL TANK. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK. THE RECALL WILL BE MAILED IN TWO PHASES WITH THE FIRST PHASE BEGINNING ON DECEMBER 4, 2007. THE SECOND PHASE WILL BE MAILED ON DECEMBER 13, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080; CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668. THE VEHICLE POPULATION INCLUDES BUICK RENDEZVOUS AND PONTIAC AZTEK VEHICLE BUILT IN MAY 2003; CHEVROLET VENTURE AND PONTIAC MONTANA VEHICLES BUILT FROM JUNE THROUGH AUGUST 2002; AND ALL VEHICLES REGISTERED IN NEVADA, ARIZONA, VIRGIN ISLANDS, PUERTO RICO, AND HAWAII.
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.
CERTAIN PASSENGER, MINI VANS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES HAVE AN AIR BAG INFLATOR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE THAT COULD FRACTURE AT A WELD DURING A DEPLOYMENT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: PIECES OF THE INFLATOR COULD STRIKE AND INJURE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS AND THE AIR BAG CUSHION WOULD NOT INFLATE FULLY, REDUCING THE CAPABILITY OF THE BAG TO PROTECT THE DRIVER.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND REPLACE, IF NECESSARY, THE AIR BAG MODULE ASSEMBLY ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 15, 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 BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300, CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537, OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737.
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
1
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.
2002 Pontiac Montana Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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