MYRModel Year Report

1990 Pontiac Trans Sport

▲ Better than typical
1990 Pontiac Trans Sport
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:01:11.255Z

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
45
Recalls
5

Campaigns on file for 1990

Investigations
9

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Structure

36% of complaints

Complaints per year

1984: 1 complaint 1984 1986: 1 complaint 1989: 0 complaints 1990: 45 complaints 1990 45 1991: 37 complaints 1992: 77 complaints 1993: 61 complaints 1993 1994: 98 complaints 1995: 113 complaints 1996: 61 complaints 1996 1997: 236 complaints 1998: 227 complaints 1999: 10 complaints 1999 2000: 2 complaints 2001: 3 complaints 2002: 0 complaints 2002 2003: 3 complaints
1984: 1 complaint 1984 1986: 1 complaint 1989: 0 complaints 1989 1990: 45 complaints 1990 45 1991: 37 complaints 1991 1992: 77 complaints 1993: 61 complaints 1993 1994: 98 complaints 1995: 113 complaints 1995 1996: 61 complaints 1997: 236 complaints 1997 1998: 227 complaints 1999: 10 complaints 1999 2000: 2 complaints 2001: 3 complaints 2001 2002: 0 complaints 2003: 3 complaints 2003
1984: 1 complaint 1984 1986: 1 complaint 1986 1989: 0 complaints 1989 1990: 45 complaints 1990 45 1991: 37 complaints 1991 1992: 77 complaints 1992 1993: 61 complaints 1993 1994: 98 complaints 1994 1995: 113 complaints 1995 1996: 61 complaints 1996 1997: 236 complaints 1997 1998: 227 complaints 1998 1999: 10 complaints 1999 2000: 2 complaints 2000 2001: 3 complaints 2001 2002: 0 complaints 2002 2003: 3 complaints 2003

1990: 45 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19841
19861
19890
199045
199137
199277
199361
199498
1995113
199661
1997236
1998227
199910
20002
20013
20020
20033

Known problem areas

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

Structure

36% · 16 reports

Most commonly citing frame and members and door.

Show complaint excerpts

Dt: the contact was slowing down to make a turn when the engine cradle malfunctioned due to rust. The engine and transmission nearly fell out of the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 2005-10-31

Also filed under Steering

Engine and engine cooling

24% · 11 reports

Most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

Show complaint excerpts

Engine knock prior to recall.

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-05-18

Seat belts

18% · 8 reports

Most commonly citing retractor and anchorage.

Show complaint excerpts

Drivers side seat belt failed to retract, allowing seat belt to fully extend to the end.

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-02-21

Visibility

11% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing windshield wiper/washer and windshield.

Seats

9% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing recliner.

Safety timeline

5 recalls · 9 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. R
    1989-10-02Seats89V164000 The rear modular seat frame hold-down hooks may not meet the required pull force at the rear set anchorage.

    Remedy: Replace rear hold down hooks and pivot rivets with heat treated hardware.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    1992-01-06Seat belts91V046000 A right hand seat/shoulder belt retractor may have been installed in the second row left hand seat position (Directly behind driver).

    Remedy: Replace shoulder belt assembly.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. I
    1992-06-04Preliminary evaluationClosed 1992-10-30 Apv fuel line fires
  4. I
    1992-06-09Defect petitionClosed 1992-06-25 Apv fires
  5. R
    1992-06-11Structure92V012000 The glove compartment door will not remain closed during certain load forces associated with a vehicle crash. This does not comply with the requirements of FMVSS 201.

    Remedy: Replace the current upper glove compartment door with a redesigned upper glove compartment door which incorporates a positive latch to keep the door closed should a vehicle crash occur.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  6. I
    1992-10-30Engineering analysisClosed 1993-11-30 Apv fuel line fires
  7. I
    1996-11-15Preliminary evaluationClosed 1997-04-08 Alleged engine subframe mount/insulator
  8. I
    1997-04-07Preliminary evaluationClosed 1997-09-30 Front seat back collapse
  9. R
    1997-06-11Structure97V058000 Vehicle description: passenger vehicles and mini vans originally sold or currently registered in the following states: Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, new…

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear cradle bolts and retainers.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  10. I
    1997-09-30Engineering analysisClosed 1999-06-08 Front seat back collapse
  11. I
    1997-10-02Recall queryOpen Cradle bolt failures
  12. I
    1999-03-04Recall queryOpen Engine cradle separation
  13. I
    2000-04-10Engineering analysisClosed 2001-01-12 Engine cradle separation
  14. R
    Date not on fileSeats99I003000 This is not a safety recall in accordance with the safety act. However, it is deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. Vehicle description: minivans equipped with front bucket seats.

    Remedy: Dealers will tighten or replace the bolts at no charge to the owners. This policy is in effect until June 30, 2002.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1990 Pontiac Trans Sport — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Structure: 16 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 11 reports on file for this year.
  • Seat belts: 8 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 99I003000 · Seats
  • Recall 89V164000 · Seats
  • Recall 91V046000 · Seat belts
  • Recall 92V012000 · Structure
  • Recall 97V058000 · Structure
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years1 year

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1990 Pontiac Trans Sport reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1990 Pontiac Trans Sport is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1990 Pontiac Trans Sport?
The most-reported component is structure, accounting for 36% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1990 Pontiac Trans Sport have?
5 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.