Pontiac Montana

I have a '99 Montana. Don't recommend anyone to buy one that is any older that about an '02. Pontiac has had major head / intake manifold leaking problems due to the coolant that they recommend to leave in for 100k miles. We bought the van from the first owner in '02. No problems until last year when it hit 105k miles. The tapping noise that the engine makes was getting louder which is from worn lifters and the head gasket blew. Since they were going to have the top of the motor off to replace the head gasket, I had them replace the lifters and pushrods which cost about another $300 for a total of $1400 repair bill. After the engine rebuild last year, I had to spend $700 for shocks, struts and ball joints, I'm on my second AC compressor that needs replacing, water pump went out, replaced both front axles due to vibration (after replacing the left one the vibration stopped. Now it started again so we replaced the right one which didn't help) New tires have been put on and balanced twice, still have a vibration that comes and goes. If anyone knows what possibly might be wrong, feel free to say something. Another dislike, is in order to lay the seats back, you have to crank on a knob on the side of the seat - pain in the butt. You have to crank and crank. I hear the newer ones have the release lever which would be alot nicer.
 
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I was searching the internet to see other what other consumers have written regarding there GM vehicles and the recurring intake manifold leaks. I wanted to let you know I am having this problem. I am on the 3 manifold gasket leaking with only 40,000 miles on my 1998 Pontiac Grand Am. I outta of warranty GM wont help me. I have contacted the BBB but not finished my filing. I think we the people need to come together as a whole and file a class action suit against General Motors. I have a email address I am accepting emails at regarding other consumers situations. The email address is SHAMEONGM@hotmail.com I am also contacting News Stations in Southern Californian like 7onyourside. This corporation should not be able to continually rape the consumer on their defective vehicles. I am outraged.

Sincerely,
Linda
 
I have a 2002 Pontiac Montana. Bought it used in June with 32,000 miles one it. It was a one owner. So far, we have put a new alternator on it and we have an appointment tomorrow to have the intake gaskets replaced. There are other minor problems with it, just don't have the money to fix the minor ones when I have to fix major things. It does get great fuel mileage, though. I'm pretty disappointed in the fact that every month since we bought it, there seems to be something go wrong with it. I'm a little discouraged reading all these posts, because I realized the even more things will probably go wrong with it. I'll keep you posted if anything else goes wrong.
 
Okay, the last thread by unregistered is mine, I just wanted to give you an update. We got the intake gaskets fixed and guess what, still having problems. Now the brakes are messed up & the rear windshield wiper doesn't work right. I went to the dealership that we bought it from to see what they thought and they were absolutely no help. So, I contacted Pontiac. Finally, I had a conversation with one of the customer assistance people and because I am the second owner and we are out of warranty we're outta luck. He said that he was very sorry, they could check into cost assistance, but it would pay "very little". I told them it would be different if I was the only person who had experienced these problems, but I've done some research and these vans are junk! You know what he said, "I'm very sorry for any inconvenience these problems have caused you." That's all I got, a sorry and the promise to pay "very little" to fix my van. I can tell that GM is really wanting to boost their sales and get a better reputation. Does anyone have any ideas on how to spur them into action??? I would really appreciate any ideas anyone has. I am so angry and frustrated right now. :(
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Brand new owner of a Pontiac Montana SV6 RWB MODEL.

Hi ,I'm 41 and just bought my new van in dec/05.
While looking ,I said I would never get another minivan,then I saw the 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6 and my mind was made up. I almost thought it was a SUV....
So far I've been driving it for a couple months and I luv,luv,luv it!!!
My two teens aren't embarrassed to be picked up from school now.Funny as it's still a minivan,I keep telling them.
I picked the silver ,with grey cloth interior. Would have liked leather,but I just sprayed it really well with two cans of scotch guard.
The dash and side panels almost look like stiched black leather....nice.
I love the track system,and will look at getting a DVD in the future.
It's so quiet and runs like a dream.
I chose the RWB model,it's shorter and in my opinion a little more sportier looking.
It's hard trying to find reviews on my van,especially the RWB models, hence my interest in this forum.
Think I will keep the OnStar feature and also the phone....very handy indeed.

Got a great price for it and was very impressed with gm capital pontiacs service in Regina Sk.
 
Mona

You must be a Pontiac salesperson.....and here is my 2 cents on the Montana:

I owned a 2002 Montana that I purchased new. It was the biggest piece of junk I ever owned. The list of problems was long - fluttering sound from air vents, horn sounding on its own without warning, grinding breaks, wire harnesses hanging down under van, crappy fit and finish, rattlebox, clunkbox, broken door handle, broken seat trim, jumpy power mirror, gears slipping in power seat, power doors jamming, rear power window motor squealing, rough idle, very rusty underneath within a short time, relacement radio, DVD system lockup, front power window that operated when it wanted to, chrome wearing off of inside of headlamps, crumbling key fob, lug nut covers flying off, broken switch panel on door......That's all I can remember for now. I had it less than three years and about 32,000 miles! Let's not even talk about the resale value of it. And don't tell me it's all in how you take care of it. I followed all of the maintenance schedules and kept it washed regularly (underneath too).

I'm driving a Honda Odyssey now. I told the Honda salesman that Pontiac deserved a commission since Pontiac sold me the Honda!
 
shimmering lights

I also have a 2000 montana and yes the interior lights do have a flicker to them. Beware there is a problem with the manifold gaskets leaking coolant(GM says it is not common problem )BUT IT IS it cost me $850 to get it fixxed .Also the fuel sending units go bad.
 
Okay, I'm back. Even after having the intake gaskets replaced, my '02 Montana was still overheating. We figured it was the thermostat and took it in to be replaced. We told the mechanic to check it over and see if there was anything else wrong with it. Guess what, it needs a new head gasket now. I am soooooooo angry!:mad: I got this van because I thought it was going to last me a long time. Boy was I ever wrong. What else can go wrong?
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i guess being a mechanic i see all of these issues as being minor...
 
To unregistered,fr Mona

I'm not a salesperson,just a first time buyer who like you only want a vehicle that WORKS!!!!!
That's why I joined this forum,and hopefully by reading threads like yours and others I can learn about what to watch out for.

Hope your getting better luck with your new vehicle.
 
Unregistered said:
I'm not a salesperson,just a first time buyer who like you only want a vehicle that WORKS!!!!!
That's why I joined this forum,and hopefully by reading threads like yours and others I can learn about what to watch out for.

Hope your getting better luck with your new vehicle.
Click to expand...

I just don't want someone to have to go thru what I did. I saw the writing on the wall and got rid of it before the warranty was up. I have talked to people and read about others that have had Montana's (and other GM products) with blown engines, bad manifold gaskets, failed transmissions and so on. I even saw a Montana the other day that had paint peeling off of the hood. It was white and blistering all the way off, right down to the bare metal.

Do an internet search sometime about GM problems, lemons, etc. There are many horror stories out there. (you don't find websites about Honda lemons) I would urge you to say away from anything that GM makes. Although it's very unfortunate, its a cold hard fact that the cars are junk.
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Bubbling Paint on door beside window-2004 Montana

Im Puzzled by paint bubbles that are cropping up on my doors.
If you lowered the power windows completely to rest your arms on the sill, the bubbling would be closest to your elbow (just to give you perspective).
When I took the van in for routine service I asked them to look at this.
The dealer attributed it to stone chips, problem is:
How do flying stones get by the sideview mirrors?

Other than moisture in the headlights and a brakelight failing,my driving experience has been trouble free(plus the aforementioned issue above).
78,000 kilometers and counting.

Before this van, I had a 2001 Montana and had zero issues with it. 128,000 kms when I traded it in.
 
I've seen many in my area with blistering paint. if you go to edmunds.com I think there may be a TSB on it.
 
Happy Owner of a 2003 Montana

I recently purchased a 2003 Montana which was rated 4 out of 4 on Edmonds.com. According to what I read the 2003 was the only one between 99 and 2005 to get 4 out of 4. The only problem I'm having if you can call it a problem is that I can't get the motorized door to open with either the rocker switch inside the vehicle nor will it open using the button on the key chain but it will close the door:confused: ....If anyone has a clue on what is causing this please let me know.

Jay
 
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I had a 00 montana that ran forever for us. Sold it with 169000 miles on it and have still seen it running around town and in great shape.
We opted to get the Buick Terrazza and have not been dissapointed so far. Seating is much more comfortable that in the other of the same lines.
I don't care how rough my Ta rides, you can't have it.
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Jg....
There is a recall on the power doors.
Get it in for service to be reprogrammed.
 
99 Montana

I purchased a 1999 Montana with 41,000 miles in 2001. At 65,000 had to replace engine due to a broken camshaft. I had changed oil every 3,000 miles, however I have no idea what kind of care it had in the first 41,000 miles of its life. Looked like the intake gasket could have been leaking and possibly contributed to the problem. Replaced with a Marshall engine at a cost of around $2000 with a 3 year/ 36,000 mile warranty. I did all the labor myself which I am sure saved a ton of money. Only other problem I have had is the radio display went screwy after first week and the dealer replaced it at no cast but it is doing it again. Radio still works just can't tell what station you are on.

I have a new problem now. It is somewhat minor but could be dangerous. The high mount stoplight looks very dim. I took it apart and it is a LED light. anyone esle have this problem or any suggestions. I checked plug with a meter and it shows 12 volts. I though maybe it was a bad ground but I guess not.

Thanks for any information
 
problem with van starting after driving with a/c on

Has anyone had a problem with the van starting after driving with the a/c. If you wait 30-40, it will start. Before the wait time, it just turns over with no start.
 
1998 Montana

Got it at 33K miles in mid 2000. I'm at 171K miles now.
Normal Oil(synth only) & brake replacement on sched. K&N air filter. Tires rotated and replaced on schedule.
A/C compressor replaced at 140K miles.
Water pump at 130K miles.
Drvr side front wheel hub failed 125K.(I think pass side is going now)
Upper O2 sensor.

Reliable transportation over all 140K miles I've driven it.

However, fit and finish are iffy. Wacko radio display at times, noisy rear window wiper motor. Noisy rear window vent motors. Replaced pass side rear brake lamp dozens of times. Both headlamp lens literally FELL off at around 100K miles. Pass front seat tilt adjust knob gear failed. Rust hole on running board on driver side behind driver door.
BUT it has made 170K miles.
 
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