1997 Pontiac Trans Sport: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1997 Pontiac Trans Sport: 5 recalls, 236 owner complaints and up to 19 mpg combined.
Recalls
5 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #98V072000 · 1998 · 55,154 vehicles
What's wrong: The windshield wiper linkage arm can contact a brake line which is connected to the traction control system modulator valve. This contact can chafe the brake line resulting in a brake fluid leak.
Why it matters: Brake fluid leakage can cause reduced brake effectiveness and increased stopping distances.
The fix: Dealers will install a brake line clip to ensure proper clearance. Also the brake lines will be inspected to any damage caused by this condition and will replace any damaged lines.
Latches & locks Vehicle recall #01V067000 · 2001 · 477,011 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: An unrestrained occupant could fall out of the van and be injured.
The fix: Dealers will install a new un-latch actuator assembly to the power sliding door. This recall has been continued under safety recall 01v-264.
Latches & locks Vehicle recall #01V264000 · 2001 · 248,737 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and, if required, install a new power sliding door unlatch actuator assembly. Owner notification began on October 22, 2001.
Steering Vehicle recall #02V286000 · 2002 · 1,159,156 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain passenger vehicles and MINI vans have lower pinion bearings in the power rack and pinion assembly in which the retainer tabs were not crimped properly. These and some other retainers used in vehicles assembled between January 1, 1996 and October 31, 1997, could fail and permit the ball bearings to escape.
Why it matters: If this occurs, the pinion shaft can be forced upward during left turns and back down as the steering wheel is moved back and to the right. If the pinion shaft moves further, the driver will need to exert more effort to turn the steering wheel, similar to a vehicle without power assisted steering.…
The fix: Dealers will install a new lower pinion bearing unless inspect of the existing bearing indicates that replacement of the gear assembly is necessary. Owner notification began January 24, 2003.
Latches & locks Vehicle recall #04V597000 · 2004 · 717,302 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Fuel system (other) Equipment recall #07E021000 · 2007 · 742 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain delphi fuel pressure regulators, p/nos. Fp10020-11b1, fp10026-11b1, and fp10027-11b1, sold after January 9, 2007, as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles listed above. The universal pressure regulators (upr) were produced without an o'ring and retainer.
Why it matters: Fuel May leak, possibly resulting in a fire.
The fix: Delphi will notify owners and replace the upr free of charge. The recall began on April 23, 2007. Owners can contact delphi at 877-411-8770.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 12 injuries and 3 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Steering (54): the most common themes are steering problems (48).
- Engine & cooling (42): the most common themes are leaks (13), stalls / loses power (5), overheating (5).
- Body & structure (37): the most common themes are door / lock issues (35).
- Exterior lights (36): the most common themes are leaks (2), rust / corrosion (2).
The 1997 Pontiac Trans Sport has 236 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 13 Trans Sport model years for complaints (3.2× the average Trans Sport year). Complaints peaked in 2003 (35 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 86,507 miles. Neighboring years: 1996 (61 complaints, 1 recalls), 1998 (227 complaints, 5 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.4 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 23 | 19 | Regular |
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 1997 Pontiac Trans Sport.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 1997 Pontiac Trans Sport have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 vehicle recalls for the 1997 Pontiac Trans Sport, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1997 Pontiac Trans Sport problems?
Owners have filed 236 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are steering (54), engine & cooling (42), body & structure (37).
What gas mileage does the 1997 Pontiac Trans Sport get?
EPA ratings run up to 19 mpg combined (3.4 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1997 Pontiac Trans Sport repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.