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2001 Pontiac Montana Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 156 complaints with NHTSA about the 2001 Pontiac Montana, most often about the engine (24% of complaints, typically around 66,000 miles). It is the 2nd most complained-about Montana model year since 2000 and has 9 recalls.
Most common 2001 Pontiac Montana problems
Engine
38 complaints · 24%Half of these problems showed up before 66,000 miles. Parts named most often: engine, exhaust system, cooling system.
Dexcool coolant leakage signs out of intake manifold, service professional reported it as a problem with gm 3.4 engines and would lead to costly engine repair if not fixed. Replaced gaskets etc cost $956. 66000 klm.
Car began leaking engine coolant from the back of the engine with only 60,000 miles on the odometer. Upon examination, it was found that the coolant leak was coming from the lower intake manifold gasket. This car has always run hot (between the half way mark and the red area of the gauge). The car finally overheated.…
Electrical
20 complaints · 13%Half of these problems showed up before 62,500 miles. Parts named most often: wiring, alternator/generator/regulator, 12v/24v/48v battery, horn.
The air conditioner did not work when we turned it on this summer. We took it in to be looked at and paid $72.00 for them to tell US that the condensor was shot and needed to be replaced. The cost was estimated to be $950.00 and after it was actually replaced it cost US $880.00. I am very disappointed that this part…
Our service engine light came on and also the "change oil", light won't turn off. After, a year of seeing this on (yes, we have our oil changed.) it has become annoying seeing this on all the time. The "ABS" light won't turn off as well. (nothing wrong) we have the mileage reading in kilometers, which we cannot change…
Transmission
20 complaints · 13%Half of these problems showed up before 43,000 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission.
Vehicle made a clunk on sunday june 19,2005 while backing out of a parking spot and going into drive. Drove it home 80 miles without any other symptom. Drove vehicle the next day 3 miles, and the transmission had a major internal failure while taking off from a stop light. Wife and 2 small children were stranded in an…
When the vehicle is placed in gear there is a scraping noise. This noise was first noticeable in reverse only. However it started happening in drive as well. Also when braking at intersections the engine completely disengages and free wheels. Then when accelerating again it takes a second or two for the transmission…
Fuel system
18 complaints · 12%Half of these problems showed up before 127,500 miles. Parts named most often: storage.
The contact owns a 2001 Pontiac Montana. The fuel gauge on the instrument control panel inaccurately displays the amount of fuel present in the fuel tank. On some occasions he would hear the low fuel warning indicator while fuel was present in the fuel tank. He had not taken the vehicle to the dealership nor had he…
The contact owns a 2001 Pontiac Montana. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked when he noticed fuel was leaking from the fuel tank. The vehicle was not taken to have the failure diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included…
Brakes
15 complaints · 10%Half of these problems showed up before 58,000 miles. Parts named most often: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, foundation components, antilock.
The brakes on my 2001 Pontiac Montana wear out prematurely. I had to replace the front pads 3 times in 2 years. In each case the inboard pad had excessive wear and the outboard pad did not. I have been informed the wear indicators are on the outboard pads, this presents a lack of warning to the driver that the brakes…
My original set of inner brake pads were 75% worn per dealer repair shop at 29,672 miles. The outer pads were fine. The rotors were approaching end of life. I had them replace the pads at this time. The dealer did not offer to cover them under warranty. At 30,945, 1273 miles later, I took the car back for another…
Body and structure
13 complaints · 8%Half of these problems showed up before 25,000 miles. Parts named most often: body, frame and members.
The design position and force of the sliding door operation caused the passenger arm to break when attempting to exit the van. Consumer recommended that gm should mound the door handle pointing forward instead of up because the handle would have slipped out of the passenger while exiting the van. Also, a force sensor…
While driving, the front end of the vehicle vibrated. The vehicle would hesitated when accelerated after a complete stop or when slowing. The dealer was unable to remedy the problem. The consumer requested a refund for the vehicle. Other problems are as followed: the vehicle felt as if it was going to stall when idled…
Doors and locks
11 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 55,000 miles. Parts named most often: doors.
Tl contact owns a 2001 Pontiac Montana. The contact noticed that when the automatic door lock was depressed to open the doors, they would not open. The contact had to manually push the lock down so that it would function properly. He continued to notice the failure intermittently. In november 2009, the doors stopped…
I would like to let you know about the 2001 Pontiac Montana mini van that I have. After about 3 months that I owned the van my two sliding doors (not power sliding) the locks on them either started to either not lock or would lock and stick. This has been a problem for awhile as well as the rear power window motors…
Visibility and wipers
11 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 69,000 miles. Parts named most often: windshield wiper/washer, power window devices and controls, glass, side/rear, rearview mirrors/devices.
Driver side wiper assembly began to move the end of the blade past the top outer part of the wind shield a month ago and did not return as far down out of sight as previously. During the rain last night it stopped. Blocked the passenger wiper from moving and the passenger blade snapped off and loosened the washer tip.…
Several times now, both the passenger and driver side automatic window switch has malfunctioned. The passenger window will became stuck in the middle of severe rain storm here in florida. The window was down all the way and my three children in the back got very wet. The switch motor ( electrical panel on the door)…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2001 Pontiac Montana recalls
Fuel system: storage
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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).
Doors and locks: latch
Risk: 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.
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. 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 p
Full defect summary
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.
Equipment: owners/service/other manual
Risk: This does not meet the requirements of the standard.
Fix: Owners will be provided with a supplement for their owner's manual. This supplement describes and shows the location symbols for the child restraint anchors that are located in the vehicle and on the child restraint or booster cushion. Owner notification began august 18, 2003. Owners should contact buick at 1-866-608-8080, cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, gmc at 1-866-996-9463, pontiac at 1-800-620-7668, or oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537.
Full defect summary
Certain minivans, passenger and sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 225, "child restraint anchorage system." the owner's manual does not explain the meaning of the location symbols for the child restraint lower universal anchorage system.
Air bags: frontal
Risk: This could increase the severity of injury to a person who was not properly restrained and who was close to the passenger air bag at the time of deployment. It could also reduce the ab8ility of the air bag to protect a restrained front seat passenger.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the passenger air bag. Owner notification began december 16, 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 chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, pontiac at 1-800-762-2737, oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537, or saturn at 1-800-553-6000, prompt #3.
Full defect summary
On certain passenger, sport utility vehicles and mini vans, some of these vehicles have a passenger air bag that was manufactured without a check valve pin. An air bag without the check valve pin could produce increased pressure at the onset of the air bag deployment and reduced pressure afterward.
Seats: recliner
Risk: If the connector for a latch-type child restraint is not attached correctly to the anchorage points, the restraint will not properly protect a child in the event of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the latch anchor wires and repair those with an improper diameter. Owner notification began april 10, 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 chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537, or pontiac at 1-800-762-2737.
Full defect summary
Vehicle description: certain mini vans built with second row 50/50 split bench seats or captain's chairs, fail to comply with the requirements of fmvss no. 225, "child restraint anchorage systems." the seat latch anchor wire diameter is greater than 6.1 mm.
Doors and locks: latch
Risk: 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.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and, if required, install a new power sliding door unlatch actuator assembly. Owner notification began on october 22, 2001. 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 chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, pontiac at 1-800-762-2737, or oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537.
Full defect summary
Vehicle description: 1997-2001 chevrolet venture, pontiac montana/transport, and oldsmobile silhouette mini vans equipped with passenger side power sliding doors that were serviced in campaign 01013 (01v-067) from april to august 2001. 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.
Doors and locks: latch
Risk: An unrestrained occupant could fall out of the van and be injured.
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. 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 chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, pontiac at 1-800-762-2737, or oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537.
Full defect summary
Vehicle description: minivans equipped with passenger side power sliding doors. 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.
Air bags: frontal
Risk: In the event of a crash that would trigger a passenger air bag deployment, a double load of generant can cause the inflator module to explode. If the air bag module explodes, metal and plastic debris could cause severe injury to vehicle occupant. A module with no generant would not inflate the air bag, and the occupants could receive more severe injuries.
Fix: Dealers will replace the passenger air bag module. Telephone calls were made to owners on january 29, 2001. Follow up owner mailing began on april 17, 2001. 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 chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, pontiac at 1-800-762-2737, or saturn at 1-800-553-6000.
Full defect summary
Vehicle description: passenger, sport utility vehicles and minivans. The passenger air bag inflator modules were built without the correct amount of generant, which produces the gas that fills the air bag. Some were built with a double load of generant and some were built without generant.
Seat belts
Risk: In the event of a vehicle crash, the occupant may not be properly restrained.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the vehicle's safety belt buckle assembly date codes and, if necessary, will replace any safety belt buckle assembly.
Full defect summary
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles, light duty trucks, sport utility vehicles, and mini vans equipped with trw seat belt buckle assemblies. The buckle base of these seat belt assemblies were not properly heat treated and therefore do not pass the load bearing requirement of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 209, "seat belt assemblies."
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Power-sliding door
Summary
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 reveal
Questions about the 2001 Pontiac Montana
- What are the most common problems with the 2001 Pontiac Montana?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: engine (38 complaints, typically around 66,000 miles); electrical (20 complaints, typically around 62,500 miles); transmission (20 complaints, typically around 43,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2001 Pontiac Montana have?
- 9 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from August 8, 2007 (fuel system). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2001 a bad year for the Pontiac Montana?
- It is the 2nd most complained-about Montana model year since 2000, with 156 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.