1991 Pontiac Trans Sport

▲ Better than typical
1991 Pontiac Trans Sport
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:58:16.986Z

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.

Complaints
37
Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 1991

Investigations
7

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Structure

30% of complaints

Complaints per year

1984: 1 complaint 1984 1986: 1 complaint 1989: 0 complaints 1990: 45 complaints 1991: 37 complaints 1991 37 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 1991: 37 complaints 1991 37 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 1991: 37 complaints 1991 37 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

1991: 37 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

30% · 11 reports

Most commonly citing frame and members and underbody shields.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Owner was driving at 40 MPH when the vehicle pulled to the left.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-02-28

Also filed under Steering and suspension

We own a 1991 Pontiac transport and have had nothing but annoying problems. Our most recent problem is the "Striker" For the passenger and driver's doors.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-12-29

The vehicle's engine cradle had cracked. The problem caused the engine to shake and not be supported while driving. Please provide additional information.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-11-24

Seat belts

27% · 10 reports

Most commonly citing retractor and anchorage.

Service brakes

14% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

Visibility

8% · 3 reports

Most commonly citing windshield and defroster/defogger/hvac system.

Show complaint excerpts

Windshield has gray film from wipers, causing poor visibility, due to defective windshield.

NHTSA ODI report, 1994-12-07

Steering

8% · 3 reports

Most commonly citing linkages and gear box (other than rack and pinion).

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 7 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. I
    1992-06-04Preliminary evaluationClosed 1992-10-30 Apv fuel line fires
  2. I
    1992-06-09Defect petitionClosed 1992-06-25 Apv fires
  3. 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.

  4. I
    1992-10-30Engineering analysisClosed 1993-11-30 Apv fuel line fires
  5. I
    1997-04-07Preliminary evaluationClosed 1997-09-30 Front seat back collapse
  6. 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.

  7. I
    1997-09-30Engineering analysisClosed 1999-06-08 Front seat back collapse
  8. I
    1997-10-02Recall queryOpen Cradle bolt failures
  9. I
    2000-04-10Engineering analysisClosed 2001-01-12 Engine cradle separation
  10. 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.

Buy-smart checklist

1991 Pontiac Trans Sport — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Structure: 11 reports on file for this year.
  • Seat belts: 10 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 5 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 99I003000 · Seats
  • Recall 92V012000 · Structure
  • Recall 97V058000 · Structure

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years1 year

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1991 Pontiac Trans Sport reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1991 Pontiac Trans Sport is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1991 Pontiac Trans Sport?
The most-reported component is structure, accounting for 30% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1991 Pontiac Trans Sport 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.