MYRModel Year Report

1996 Pontiac Trans Sport

● Typical for this model
1996 Pontiac Trans Sport
RENDERED 2026-08-02T09:44:31.870Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% 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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Pontiac Trans Sport Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1996 highlighted. 1984: 1 complaints 1984 1986: 1 complaints 1989: 0 complaints 1990: 45 complaints 1990 1991: 36 complaints 1992: 76 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 2003
1996: 61 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19841
19861
19890
199045
199136
199276
199361
199498
1995113
199661
1997236
1998227
199910
20002
20013
20020
20033

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

VISIBILITY 15%

15% of complaints: visibility — 9 distinct reports on file.

STRUCTURE 8%

8% of complaints: structure — 5 distinct reports on file.

INJURY
STEERING 7%

7% of complaints: steering — 4 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

THE RACK AND PINION FAILED, PRIOR TO THE RECALL BEING PERFORMED. RECALL # 02 V 286 000. *JB

NHTSA ODI report, 20030428

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 7%

7% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 4 distinct reports on file.

INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

AFTER THE 2ND VALVE SPRING BROKE, I WAS TOLD THAT THE VALVES WERE SEIZING UP AND A NEW ENGINE WOULD BE REQUIRED. ALL OF THIS WAS CAUSED BY THE BAD DESIGNED MANIFOLD GASKET THAT CAUSED COOLANT TO GO INTO THE OIL.

NHTSA ODI report, 20040422

VISIBILITY 5%

5% of complaints: visibility — 3 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20030124 — steering

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MINI VANS HAVE LOWER PINION BEARINGS IN THE POWER RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY IN WHICH THE RETAINER TABS WERE NOT CRIMPED PROPERLY. THESE AND SOME OTHER RETAINERS USED IN

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW LOWER PINION BEARING UNLESS INSPECT OF THE EXISTING BEARING INDICATES THAT REPLACEMENT OF THE GEAR ASSEMBLY IS NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JANUARY 24, 2003. OWNERS

Campaign 02V286000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20070427 — fuel system, other

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

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1996 Pontiac Trans Sport — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for visibility issues (9 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for structure issues (5 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for steering issues (4 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 02V286000 (steering) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 07E021000 (fuel system, other) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1991 ▲ 1990 ● 1993

WORST YEARS

■ 1997 ■ 1998 ◆ 1995

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1996 Pontiac Trans Sport reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1996 Pontiac Trans Sport is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1996 Pontiac Trans Sport?

The most-reported component is visibility:windshield wiper/washer, accounting for 15% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1996 Pontiac Trans Sport have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.