1999 Pontiac Montana: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1999 Pontiac Montana: 5 recalls, 235 owner complaints and up to 18 mpg combined.
Recalls
5 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 2 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Steering Vehicle recall #99V071000 · 1999 · 59 vehicles
What's wrong: The left and/or right front lower insulator to cradle center metal sleeve is collapsed, which can result in loss of clamp load in the joint. If the clamp load is reduced or lost, the bolt can be lost or broken and the joint can separate.
Why it matters: If not repaired, separation of the opposite side joint could occur resulting in steering shaft separation.
The fix: Dealers will replace the left and right front lower cradle-to-suspension insulators and the attaching bolts.
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.
Airbags Vehicle recall #02V027000 · 2002 · 1,730 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain passenger vehicles and MINI vans, the driver's air bag inflator modules could produce excessive internal pressure. In the event of a crash that would trigger a driver's air bag deployment, the increased internal pressure can cause the inflator module to explode.
Why it matters: Metal and plastic debris could cause severe injury to vehicle occupants.
The fix: Dealers will replace the driver air bag module. Owner notification began February 1, 2002.
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.
2 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls 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.
Steering Equipment recall #09E005000 · 2009 · 979 vehicles
What's wrong: 697-902 and 697-903, sold under dorman's "oe solutionstm" brand name, and napa p/nos. 7-8502 and 7-8503 which were sold for replacement use on the various vehicles listed above. A potential material or design defect could result in the steering knuckle breaking in the hub area.
Why it matters: A broken steering knuckle could result in loss of steering control and a possible crash without warning.
The fix: Dorman will notify owners and replace the defective steering knuckles free of charge and reimburse the repair facility or owner for labor. The recall began on February 23, 2009.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 18 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine & cooling (99): the most common themes are leaks (52), warning light on (13), stalls / loses power (10).
- Transmission & drivetrain (32): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (16), stalls / loses power (5), noise or vibration (5).
- Airbags (32): the most common themes are warning light on (5), fails to deploy (4).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (23): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (9), leaks (6), noise or vibration (4).
The 1999 Pontiac Montana has 235 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 12 Montana model years for complaints (2.7× the average Montana year). Complaints peaked in 2003 (49 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 60,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1998 (49 complaints, 3 recalls), 2000 (228 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 | 18 | 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 1999 Pontiac Montana.
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FAQ
Does the 1999 Pontiac Montana have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 vehicle recalls for the 1999 Pontiac Montana, plus 2 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 1999 Pontiac Montana problems?
Owners have filed 235 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (99), transmission & drivetrain (32), airbags (32).
What gas mileage does the 1999 Pontiac Montana get?
EPA ratings run up to 18 mpg combined (3.4 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1999 Pontiac Montana 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.