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1990 Pontiac Trans Sport

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 1990 Pontiac Trans Sport do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 36.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 1 of 45 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

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.

  • Structure. Review the 15 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Seat Belts. Review the 8 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 7 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

0 crash reports1 fire reports0 injury reports

Structure complaints

15 reports
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80,000 miles · Oct 31, 2005
SteeringStructure

DT: THE CONTACT WAS SLOWING DOWN TO MAKE A TURN WHEN THE ENGINE CRADLE MALFUNCTIONED DUE TO RUST. THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION NEARLY FELL OUT OF THE VEHICLE. WHEN THIS HAPPENED THE STEERING LINKAGE DISCONNECTED AND THE STEERING WHEEL KEPT TURNING AROUND. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. HE CONTACTED GM, AND THEY OFFERED NO FR…

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DT: THE CONTACT WAS SLOWING DOWN TO MAKE A TURN WHEN THE ENGINE CRADLE MALFUNCTIONED DUE TO RUST. THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION NEARLY FELL OUT OF THE VEHICLE. WHEN THIS HAPPENED THE STEERING LINKAGE DISCONNECTED AND THE STEERING WHEEL KEPT TURNING AROUND. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. HE CONTACTED GM, AND THEY OFFERED NO FREE REMEDY TO THE PROBLEM. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM PREVIOUSLY. HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10141270

Mileage unknown · Jun 8, 2001
Structure

IN REGARDS TO THE RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE #97016 OR ALLDATA # 97VO58000: MY REAR CRADLE BOLTS WENT OUT THE OTHER DAY. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A PRIVATE SERVICE STATION THAT INFORMED ME THE PART WAS UNDER RECALL AND I NEEDED TO CALL THE DEALERSHIP. I CALLED THEM AND RECEIVED NO HELP(THEY TOLD ME THEY HADN'T HEARD OF A RECALL FOR IT…

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IN REGARDS TO THE RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE #97016 OR ALLDATA # 97VO58000: MY REAR CRADLE BOLTS WENT OUT THE OTHER DAY. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A PRIVATE SERVICE STATION THAT INFORMED ME THE PART WAS UNDER RECALL AND I NEEDED TO CALL THE DEALERSHIP. I CALLED THEM AND RECEIVED NO HELP(THEY TOLD ME THEY HADN'T HEARD OF A RECALL FOR IT) AND GAVE ME THE NUMBER TO PONTIAC. I CALLED PONTIAC AND TOLD THEM THE SITUATION. THE LADY I SPOKE WITH INFORMED ME THAT "TECHNICALLY, MY VEHICLE WAS UNDER THE RECALL SINCE IT WAS MANUFACTURED IN NY" BUT SHE WOULD NEED TO GET THE REGIONAL GUYS APPROVAL BEFORE I COULD TAKE IT IN AND WOULD CALL ME BACK IN 2-3 DAYS. SHE CALLED BACK AND SAID THAT THEY WERE NOT TAKING RESPONSIBILTY FOR ANYTHING AND I WOULD HAVE TO HAVE IT TOWED IN ON MY OWN AT MY COST AND THEY WOULD LOOK AT IT WHEN THEY GOT AROUND TO IT. SHE CALLED ME AGAIN ON THURSDAY AND SAID THAT SHE HAD SPOKEN WITH THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THEY WOULD PROBABLY GET AROUND TO LOOKING AT IT ON MONDAY TO SEE IF IT QUALIFIED FOR THE RECALL. ..FIRST THEY TELL ME IT IS IN THE RECALL AND THEN THEY WON'T GIVE ME ANY HELP AT ALL. I HAVE BEEN WITHOUT MY CAR FOR 5 DAYS NOW AND HAVE NO IDEA WHEN I WILL GET IT BACK. I COULD HAVE HAD IT FIXED BY NOW BY THE PRIVATE SHOP. FORTUNATELY, I WAS JUST PULLING OUT OF A PARKING LOT WHEN THE MOTOR DROPPED OUT AND BROKE THE STEERING COLUMN. PLEASE HELP ME IN RESOLVING THIS MATTER AND REMINDING PONTIAC THAT IT IS THEIR RESPONSIBILTY TO REPAIR IT AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE. FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME AT EITHER NUMBER, ANYTIME. THANKS FOR YOUR HELP.*AK

NHTSA ODI #746583

Mileage unknown · Apr 11, 2001
Structure

FRONT END WAS WOBBLING IN STEERING. CONSUMER HAD AN ALIGNMENT SHOP TO ALIGN VEHICLE, BUT AS THE MECHANIC EXAMINED VEHICLE, HE SAW SUBFRAME ON RIGHT SIDE WAS RUSTED. BEFORE CONFIRMING WORK, CONSUMER CONTACTED PONTIAC TO SEE IF ANY RECALLS WERE ON VEHICLE. PONTIAC WAS POLITE IN SAYING THAT VEHICLE WAS TOO OLD, THERE WAS NO…

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FRONT END WAS WOBBLING IN STEERING. CONSUMER HAD AN ALIGNMENT SHOP TO ALIGN VEHICLE, BUT AS THE MECHANIC EXAMINED VEHICLE, HE SAW SUBFRAME ON RIGHT SIDE WAS RUSTED. BEFORE CONFIRMING WORK, CONSUMER CONTACTED PONTIAC TO SEE IF ANY RECALLS WERE ON VEHICLE. PONTIAC WAS POLITE IN SAYING THAT VEHICLE WAS TOO OLD, THERE WAS NO WARRANTY AND NO RECALL. ALIGNMENT SHOP REPLACED ENTIRE FRONT SUBFRAME , LEFT SIDE WAS LIKE NEW.*AK *SLC

NHTSA ODI #885675

Mileage unknown · Jan 19, 1999
Structure

RECALL WORK COMPLETED ON THE CRADLE BOLTS, HOWEVER FAILED (BOLTS BROKE OFF) RESULTING IN EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO VEHICLE WHEN ENGINE DROPPED TO THE GROUND.

NHTSA ODI #543390

Mileage unknown · Nov 14, 1998
Structure

ENGINE/SUSPENSION SUB-FRAME ASSEMBLY FAILURE AT FRONT ATTACHMENT OF RIGHT FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM. THIS FAILURE IS DUE TO CORROSION OF THE SUB FRAME ASSEMBLY. THIS CAUSED SEPARATION OF THE RIGHT FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM AND LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. THE FAILURE OCCURED AT A LOW SPEED WHILE BACKING VEHICLE UP. THE METAL IN THE AREA…

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ENGINE/SUSPENSION SUB-FRAME ASSEMBLY FAILURE AT FRONT ATTACHMENT OF RIGHT FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM. THIS FAILURE IS DUE TO CORROSION OF THE SUB FRAME ASSEMBLY. THIS CAUSED SEPARATION OF THE RIGHT FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM AND LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. THE FAILURE OCCURED AT A LOW SPEED WHILE BACKING VEHICLE UP. THE METAL IN THE AREA IS RUSTED AND WEAKENED. INSPECTION OF A SIMILAR VEHICLE SHOWED THE SAME TYPE OF FRAME CORROSION AND LIKLIHOOD OF FUTURE FRAME FAILURE. THIS MAY BE A RUST BELT SITUATION DUE TO THE HIGH AMOUNTS OF CORROSIVE SALT USED ON MICHIGAN ROADS. I MUST SAY THAT AS A MECHANIC, THIS IS CERTAINLY A PROBLEM THAT IS A SAFETY CONCERN.

NHTSA ODI #700597

Mileage unknown · Apr 28, 1998
Structure

SUBFRAME THAT HOLDS THE DRIVETRAIN AND ALL STEERING COMPONENTS DISENGAGED.

NHTSA ODI #543917

Mileage unknown · Apr 14, 1998
Structure

WHENEVER BRAKES ARE APPLIED & TURNING STEERING WHEEL, WOULD HEAR A POPPING SOUND. HAPPENS QUITE FREQUENTLY. CRADLE THAT HOLDS SUPENSION & ENGINE HAD CRACKED IN HALF BEHIND SWAY BAR MOUNT. HANGING ON RIGHT SIDE. PICTURES ARE INCLUDED. NOTIFIED DEALER & MANUFACTURER WHO SAID THAT THEY ARE UNABLE TO REPAIR PROBLEM. *AK

NHTSA ODI #822404

Mileage unknown · Mar 30, 1998
StructureUnknown Or OtherVisibility

GLOVE BOX FAILED.

NHTSA ODI #533306

Mileage unknown · Feb 11, 1997
Structure

INSIDE SLIDING DOOR HANDLE BROKEN, LEFT FRONT BROKE OUTSIDE, UNIT REPLACED BY PONTIAC DEALER AND BROKE AGAIN ONE YEAR LATER. ALSO, RIGHT FRONT OUTSIDE BROKE IN 1996 AND WAS REPLACED. *AK

NHTSA ODI #807440

Mileage unknown · Aug 9, 1996
Engine And Engine CoolingStructure

TEMPERATURE GAUGE FAILED TO INDICATE ENGINE OVERHEATING, RESULTING IN ENGINE FAILURE. (CONSUMER IS ATTORNEY).

NHTSA ODI #507239

Official recalls

4

97V058000 · Structure

Apr 8, 1997

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD RESULT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR CRADLE BOLTS AND RETAINERS.

92V012000 · Structure:body

Jan 28, 1992

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT, THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT DOORMAY OPEN AND RESULT IN OCCUPANT(S) INJURIES FROM CONTACT WITH THE GLOVECOMPARTMENT DOOR.

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.

91V046000 · Seat Belts:front:anchorage

Mar 15, 1991

A RIGHT HAND SEAT/SHOULDER BELT RETRACTOR MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED IN THE SECOND ROW LEFT HAND SEAT POSITION (DIRECTLY BEHIND DRIVER).

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THE INCORRECT RETRACTOR MAY CAUSE THE BELTS TO LOCK UPIF THE VAN IS PARKED ON A STEEP GRADE. AS A RESULT OF THIS, THE OCCUPANT COULDNOT EXTEND THE BELT FOR USE.

Remedy: REPLACE SHOULDER BELT ASSEMBLY.

89V164000 · Seats

Oct 2, 1989

THE REAR MODULAR SEAT FRAME HOLD-DOWN HOOKS MAY NOT MEET THE REQUIRED PULL FORCE AT THE REAR SET ANCHORAGE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: VEHICLES WOULD NOT CONFORM TO FMVSS 207.

Remedy: REPLACE REAR HOLD DOWN HOOKS AND PIVOT RIVETS WITH HEAT TREATED HARDWARE.

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

9

EA00011 · Engine Cradle Separation

Opened Apr 10, 2000 · Closed Jan 12, 2001

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling

THE ENGINE CRADLE FRONT BOLTS AND/OR RETAINERS MAY FAIL, ALLOWING THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE CRADLE TO FALL, POSSIBLY SEPARATING THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT FROM THE STEERING GEAR, WITH COMPLETE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL

RQ99002 · Engine Cradle Separation

Opened Mar 4, 1999 · No close date supplied

Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine

ON APRIL 1, 1997, GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION FILED A DEFECT INFORMATION REPORT TO RECALL THE SUBJECT VEHICLES, REGISTERED IN 14 HIGH CORROSION STATES, TO REPLACE THE REAR ENGINE CRADLE BOLTS AND RETAINERS.THE REAR ENGINE CRADLE BOLTS WOULD EITHER FRACTURER OR PULL THROUGH THE RETIANERS DUE TO CORROSION.AS OF SEPTEMBER 1998, THE SIXTH QUARTER, 59.3% OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES HAD BEEN REPAIRED.IN ADDITION TO THE COMPLAINTS OF FRONT ENGINE CRADLE BOLT FAILURES IN THE ABOVE FAILURE REPORT SUMMARY, ODI HAS RECEIVED SIX REPORTS OF POSSIBLE FRONT ENGINE CRADLE BOLT FAILURES, INCLUDING TWO CRASHES.AN RQ IS WARRANTED TO DETERMINE THE EXTENT OF FAILURES OF THE FRONT ENGINE CRADLE BOLTS AND RETAINERS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.

RQ97017 · Cradle Bolt Failures

Opened Oct 2, 1997 · No close date supplied

Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Structure

There is no summary currently available

EA97019 · Front Seat Back Collapse

Opened Sep 30, 1997 · Closed Jun 8, 1999

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seats

ALLEGED FRONT SEAT BACK COLLAPSE DUE TO RECLINER BOLT

PE97016 · Front Seat Back Collapse

Opened Apr 7, 1997 · Closed Sep 30, 1997

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seats

SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE ALLEGED TO EXPERIENCE INADVERTENT FRONT SEAT BACK COLLAPSE DUE TO FRACTURE OF FRONT SEAT RECLINER MOUNTING BOLTS.

PE96065 · Alleged Engine Subframe Mount/insulator

Opened Nov 15, 1996 · Closed Apr 8, 1997

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling

ALLEGED FAILURES OF ENGINE FRAME INSULATORS/MOUNTS TO UNIBODY FRAME MAY ALLOW SEPARATION OF ENGINE SUBFRAME, RESULTING IN COMPROMISE OR LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL WITH THE VEHICLE IN MOTION.

EA92035 · Apv Fuel Line Fires

Opened Oct 30, 1992 · Closed Nov 30, 1993

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages

There is no summary currently available

DP92012 · Apv Fires

Opened Jun 9, 1992 · Closed Jun 25, 1992

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline

APV FIRES

PE92052 · Apv Fuel Line Fires

Opened Jun 4, 1992 · Closed Oct 30, 1992

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages

There is no summary currently available