1996 Pontiac Trans Sport
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.
- Complaints
- 61
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Visibility
Campaigns on file for 1996
None on file
25% of complaints
Complaints per year
1996: 61 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1984 | 1 |
| 1986 | 1 |
| 1989 | 0 |
| 1990 | 45 |
| 1991 | 37 |
| 1992 | 77 |
| 1993 | 61 |
| 1994 | 98 |
| 1995 | 113 |
| 1996 | 61 |
| 1997 | 236 |
| 1998 | 227 |
| 1999 | 10 |
| 2000 | 2 |
| 2001 | 3 |
| 2002 | 0 |
| 2003 | 3 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Visibility
25% · 15 reportsMost commonly citing windshield wiper/washer and motor.
Engine and engine cooling
23% · 14 reportsMost commonly citing gasoline and engine.
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, 2004-04-22
While driving, noticed engine surging, then heard puff sound, suddenly smoke came out of engine compartment and vehicle caught fire.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-08-28
Steering
13% · 8 reportsMost commonly citing rack and pinion and linkages.
Show complaint excerpts
The rack and pinion failed, prior to the recall being performed. Recall # 02 v 286 000.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-04-28
Service brakes
11% · 7 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic and air.
Structure
8% · 5 reportsMost commonly citing door.
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
2003-01-24Steering02V286000 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…
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.…
-
R
2007-04-27Fuel system, other07E021000 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…
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.
Buy-smart checklist
1996 Pontiac Trans Sport — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Visibility: 15 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 14 reports on file for this year.
- Steering: 8 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 02V286000 · Steering
- Recall 07E021000 · Fuel system, other
Other years of this model
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, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1996 Pontiac Trans Sport have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.