1997 Pontiac Trans Sport
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 |
|---|---|
| 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.
23% of complaints: steering — 55 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing rack and pinion and hydraulic power assist system.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
WIFE MAKING LEFT TURN ONTO BUSY ROAD, VAN WOULD NOT RESPOND TO TO TURNING THE WHEEL. SIDE IMPACT AT 40 MILE + FROM SEMI. INJURIES SUSTAINED BY WIFE, BROKEN HIP CRUSHED LEFT ARM , FRACTURED TAIL BONE AND FRACTURED BASE OF SKULL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20050704
18% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 42 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing cooling system and engine.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
THE VAN WAS INVOLVED IN ACCIDENT WHICH THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET WAS DAMAGED. THE VAN WAS REPAIRED BY A PONTIAC DEALERSHIP. ANTI-FREEZE IS LEAKING BY THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AND MIXING WITH THE OIL, WHICH WASN'T FROM THE ACCIDENT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20021210
17% of complaints: exterior lighting — 41 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing headlights and turn signal.
16% of complaints: structure — 37 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing door and underbody shields.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I OWN A 1997 PONTIAC TRANSPORT THAT SHOULD HAVE A IMMEDIATE RECALL. THE POWER SLIDING DOOR IS OPENING WHEN EVER IT WANTS MOSTLY WHILE MAKING LEFT TURNS. THE DOOR OPENED TWICE WITHIN THE LAST WEEK. ONCE ALMOST LOSING MY SON.
NHTSA ODI report, 20051230
Sliding door on passenger side locked up trapping passenger inside. Door cannot be opened manually or electronically. A loud buzzing noise then a thud was heard prior. Can't open door any way now scary.
NHTSA ODI report, 20210715
Also filed under SEATS
11% of complaints: visibility — 26 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing power window devices and controls and windshield wiper/washer.
CRASH FIRE DEATHShow complaint excerpts
RECALL 98V072000; THE STOPPING DISTANCE HASN'T GOTTEN ANY BETTER SINCE THE RECALL WORK HAS BEEN PERFORMED, AND WHEN TURNING ON THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS THE RADIO FAILED.
NHTSA ODI report, 19980507
Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
SAFETY TIMELINE
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEMS. THE WINDSHIELD WIPER LINKAGE ARM CAN CONTACT A BRAKE LINE WHICH IS CONNECTED TO THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM MODULATOR
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A BRAKE LINE CLIP TO ENSURE PROPER CLEARANCE. ALSO THE BRAKE LINES WILL BE INSPECTED TO ANY DAMAGE CAUSED BY THIS CONDITION AND WILL REPLACE ANY DAMAGED LINES.
Campaign 98V072000 — check if this car was fixed
UNEXPECTED OPENING OF SLIDING DOOR
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
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
STEERING RACK AND PINION
SHOULDER HARNESS CLIP
POWER RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILURE
SAFETY BELT ASSEMBLY FAILURE
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
REAR AXLE TRAILING ARM FAILURE
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
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1997 Pontiac Trans Sport — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for steering issues (55 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (42 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (41 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 98V072000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 01V067000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
- Verify recall 01V264000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
- Verify recall 02V286000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 04V597000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E021000 (fuel system, other) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1997 Pontiac Trans Sport reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1997 Pontiac Trans Sport is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Pontiac Trans Sport?
The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 23% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Pontiac Trans Sport have?
6 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.