MYRModel Year Report

1998 Pontiac Montana

▲ Better than typical
1998 Pontiac Montana
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:46:23.318Z

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
49
Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 1998

Investigations
8

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Engine and engine cooling

27% of complaints

Complaints per year

1997: 18 complaints 1998: 49 complaints 1998 49 1999: 235 complaints 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 complaint
1997: 18 complaints 1997 1998: 49 complaints 1998 49 1999: 235 complaints 1999 2000: 228 complaints 2000 2001: 156 complaints 2001 2002: 126 complaints 2002 2003: 84 complaints 2003 2004: 39 complaints 2004 2005: 81 complaints 2005 2006: 37 complaints 2006 2007: 0 complaints 2007 2008: 1 complaint 2008
1997: 18 complaints 1997 1998: 49 complaints 1998 49 1999: 235 complaints 1999 2000: 228 complaints 2000 2001: 156 complaints 2001 2002: 126 complaints 2002 2003: 84 complaints 2003 2004: 39 complaints 2004 2005: 81 complaints 2005 2006: 37 complaints 2006 2007: 0 complaints 2007 2008: 1 complaint 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% · 13 reports

Most commonly citing manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe and cooling system.

Structure

10% · 5 reports

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, 2012-07-10

Also filed under Power train

Electrical system

10% · 5 reports

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, 2000-03-26

Service brakes

10% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing air and hydraulic.

Exterior lighting

8% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing headlights.

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 8 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. I
    2000-02-16Recall queryClosed 2001-04-20 Traction control
  2. I
    2000-07-25SQClosed 2001-10-22 Unexpected opening of sliding door
  3. I
    2000-11-03Preliminary evaluationClosed 2001-01-11 Air bag tear during deployment
  4. R
    2001-04-18Latches/locks/linkages01V067000 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…

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  5. I
    2001-06-11Engineering analysisClosed 2002-08-26 Air bag inflator
  6. R
    2001-10-22Latches/locks/linkages01V264000 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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  7. I
    2002-02-11Preliminary evaluationClosed 2002-08-02 Shoulder harness clip
  8. I
    2002-11-18Engineering analysisClosed 2003-11-21 Safety belt assembly failure
  9. I
    2003-04-23Engineering analysisClosed 2004-01-12 Rear axle trailing arm failure
  10. I
    2004-09-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 2004-12-22 Power-sliding door
  11. R
    2005-05-31Latches/locks/linkages04V597000 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…

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1998 Pontiac Montana — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 13 reports on file for this year.
  • Structure: 5 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 5 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 01V067000 · Latches/locks/linkages
  • Recall 01V264000 · Latches/locks/linkages
  • Recall 04V597000 · Latches/locks/linkages
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years2 years

Worst years3 years

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 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.