MYRModel Year Report

1998 Pontiac Montana

▲ Better than typical
1998 Pontiac Montana
RENDERED 2026-09-17T01:56:43.634Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Pontiac Montana Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1998 highlighted. 1997: 18 complaints 1997 1998: 49 complaints 1998 1999: 235 complaints 1999 2000: 228 complaints 2001: 156 complaints 2001 2002: 126 complaints 2003: 84 complaints 2003 2004: 39 complaints 2005: 81 complaints 2005 2006: 37 complaints 2007: 0 complaints 2007 2008: 1 complaints 2008
1998: 49 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
199718
199849
1999235
2000228
2001156
2002126
200384
200439
200581
200637
20070
20081

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 27%

27% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 13 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe and cooling system.

STRUCTURE 10%

10% of complaints: structure — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing door and body.

Show complaint excerpts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 PONTIAC MONTANA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SLIDING DOORS COULD NOT BE OPENED ELECTRONICALLY, ONLY MANUALLY. IN ADDITION, THE GEAR SHIFTER FAILED AND COULD ONLY BE SHIFTED INTO DRIVE OR REVERSE WITH FORCE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20120710

Also filed under POWER TRAIN

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 10%

10% of complaints: electrical system — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing front underhood and interior/under dash.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET WHEN I NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD OF MY VEHICLE. I PULLED OFF OF THE ROAD INTO A PARKING LOT AND RAN INSIDE A BUSINESS TO CALL FOR HELP. WITHIN 2 MINUTES MY VEHICLE WAS ENGLUFED IN FLAMES.

NHTSA ODI report, 20000326

SERVICE BRAKES 10%

10% of complaints: service brakes — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing air and hydraulic.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 8%

8% of complaints: exterior lighting — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing headlights.

SAFETY TIMELINE

I 20000216 — RQ (closed 20010420)

TRACTION CONTROL

I 20000725 — SQ (closed 20011022)

UNEXPECTED OPENING OF SLIDING DOOR

I 20001103 — PE (closed 20010111)

AIR BAG TEAR DURING DEPLOYMENT

R 20010418 — latches/locks/linkages

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 MOTI

Remedy: 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 O

Campaign 01V067000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20010611 — EA (closed 20020826)

AIR BAG INFLATOR

R 20011022 — latches/locks/linkages

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 (

Remedy: 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 DE

Campaign 01V264000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20020211 — PE (closed 20020802)

SHOULDER HARNESS CLIP

I 20021118 — EA (closed 20031121)

SAFETY BELT ASSEMBLY FAILURE

I 20030423 — EA (closed 20040112)

REAR AXLE TRAILING ARM FAILURE

I 20040917 — PE (closed 20041222)

POWER-SLIDING DOOR

R 20050531 — latches/locks/linkages

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 SLI

Remedy: 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

Campaign 04V597000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1998 Pontiac Montana — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (13 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for structure issues (5 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (5 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 01V067000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 01V264000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 04V597000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2006 ▲ 2004 ● 2005

WORST YEARS

■ 1999 ■ 2000 ◆ 2001

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1998 Pontiac Montana reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1998 Pontiac Montana is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1998 Pontiac Montana?

The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1998 Pontiac Montana have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.