1999 Pontiac Montana
This year had more than double the complaints of 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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1997 | 18 |
| 1998 | 49 |
| 1999 | 235 |
| 2000 | 228 |
| 2001 | 156 |
| 2002 | 126 |
| 2003 | 84 |
| 2004 | 39 |
| 2005 | 81 |
| 2006 | 37 |
| 2007 | 0 |
| 2008 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
45% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 105 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and cooling system.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
IT SEEMS THAT THE THIS PARTICULAR MAKE AND MODEL HAS KNOWN PROBLEMS WITH THE COOLING SYSTEM. ON A FAMILY TRIP TO VIRGINIA THE CAR STARTED TO OVERHEAT AND I STOPPED THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120604
14% of complaints: air bags — 33 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal and side/window.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I HAD AN ACCIDENT WHERE A CAR FISH TAILED IN FRONT OF ME SLID DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF MINE. I HIT THE OTHER CAR WHILE GOING 40 MPH, IT WAS A T*BONE COLLISION. MY FRONT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AT THE TIME OF COLLISION.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130204
PASSENGER'S SIDE FRONT SEATBELT FAILED TO LOCK WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE PLOWED INTO CONSUMER'S VEHICLE FRONT END. NEITHER OF VEHICLE'S FRONTAL OR REAR AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. PH...*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20030106
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE PASSENGER FRONT SEATBELT FAILED TO RESTRAIN THE PASSENGER UPON IMPACT, AND NIETHER DRIVER NOR PASSENGER AIRBAG DEPLOYED. HAD A FRONT END COLLISION. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. PH
NHTSA ODI report, 20030106
14% of complaints: power train — 32 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.
12% of complaints: service brakes — 28 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and electric.
CRASH INJURY9% of complaints: structure — 22 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing door and hinge and attachments.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
WHILE THE CHILD OPENED THE SLIDING DOOR, CHILD'S HAND GOT STUCK IN THE LOCK, CAUSING THE CHILD TO SLIDE DOWN AND SUSTAIN IINJURIES. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK PE04064.PCO
NHTSA ODI report, 19990806
SAFETY TIMELINE
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER MINI VANS. 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 LO
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT LOWER CRADLE-TO-SUSPENSION INSULATORS AND THE ATTACHING BOLTS.
Campaign 99V071000 — check if this car was fixed
TRACTION CONTROL
UNEXPECTED OPENING OF SLIDING DOOR
AIR BAG TEAR DURING DEPLOYMENT
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
AIR BAG INFLATOR
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
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,
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVER AIR BAG MODULE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 1, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE TH
Campaign 02V027000 — check if this car was fixed
SHOULDER HARNESS CLIP
REAR AXLE TRAILING ARM FAILURE
POWER-SLIDING DOOR
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
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 UNI
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 07E021000 — check if this car was fixed
DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEM
Remedy: 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. OWNERS MAY CONTACT D
Campaign 09E005000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1999 Pontiac Montana — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (105 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (33 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (32 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 99V071000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 01V067000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
- Verify recall 01V264000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
- Verify recall 02V027000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 04V597000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E021000 (fuel system, other) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09E005000 (steering) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1999 Pontiac Montana reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1999 Pontiac Montana is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 1999 Pontiac Montana?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 45% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1999 Pontiac Montana have?
7 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.