MotorDeets

Pontiac Montana problems, recalls & best years

The deets on every Montana from 1997 to 2008: 1,054 owner complaints and 43 recalls across 12 model years.

The model years with the most owner complaints are 1999 (235), 2000 (228), 2001 (156). Best fuel economy: 20 mpg combined (2004).

Pontiac Montana
Photo: Cutlass · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Problem areas across all years

Engine & cooling267
Body & structure118
Electrical116
Transmission & drivetrain100
Airbags96
Latches & locks76
Exterior lights68
Brakes (hydraulic)68

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
1997118–
1998349–
1999523518
2000522819
2001915620
2002312620
200358420
200433920
200558118
200623719
200710–
200811–

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the Pontiac Montana.

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Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
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FAQ

What is the worst year for the Pontiac Montana?

The model years with the most owner complaints are 1999 (235), 2000 (228), 2001 (156).

How many recalls has the Pontiac Montana had?

Across 1997–2008, NHTSA lists 43 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).