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1999 Pontiac Montana

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Montana years

Owner complaints for the 1999 Pontiac Montana are substantially higher than the model-year median of 65.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

105 reports with mileage · 130 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 99 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 32 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 32 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

16 crash reports2 fire reports12 injury reports

What owners actually said

235 reports
38,000 miles · Jan 15, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling

LEAKING LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET. HARD TO SAY HOW MUCH TO DATE HAS BEEN INTERNAL, BUT HAS NEVER DRIPPED ON GARAGE FLOOR UNTIL THIS WEEK. I LIST MILAGE FAILURE AT 38,000 MILES BECAUSE THAT IS WHEN I FIRST NOTICED COOLANT LEVEL DROPPING WITH NO VISABLE LEAKS. CURRENT MILEAGE IS APROX 60800 MILES. I HAVE HAD TO ADD COOLANT SI…

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LEAKING LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET. HARD TO SAY HOW MUCH TO DATE HAS BEEN INTERNAL, BUT HAS NEVER DRIPPED ON GARAGE FLOOR UNTIL THIS WEEK. I LIST MILAGE FAILURE AT 38,000 MILES BECAUSE THAT IS WHEN I FIRST NOTICED COOLANT LEVEL DROPPING WITH NO VISABLE LEAKS. CURRENT MILEAGE IS APROX 60800 MILES. I HAVE HAD TO ADD COOLANT SINCE JUNE OF 2001. 3.4L V6

NHTSA ODI #10069940

70,030 miles · Jan 15, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling

MY 99 MONTANA (70,030 MILES BUT NEVER A PROBLEM) FAILED ON US ABOUT 15 MILES EAST OF HAGERSTOWN MD WHILE RETURNING TO PITTSBURGH FROM OCEAN CITY ON 7/13/2003. THE SHORT STORY IS THAT THE ENGINE FAILED WITH LITTLE PRIOR WARNING AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET, I HAVE IT AS …

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MY 99 MONTANA (70,030 MILES BUT NEVER A PROBLEM) FAILED ON US ABOUT 15 MILES EAST OF HAGERSTOWN MD WHILE RETURNING TO PITTSBURGH FROM OCEAN CITY ON 7/13/2003. THE SHORT STORY IS THAT THE ENGINE FAILED WITH LITTLE PRIOR WARNING AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET, I HAVE IT AS WELL AS PHOTOS. THE LEAKING COOLANT MIXED WITH THE ENGINE OIL AND THE RESULTING EMULSIFIED COMBINATION RESULTED IN A RUINED ENGINE IN A VERY SHORT TIME. THE ENGINE HAD NEW OIL BECAUSE I CHANGED IT ON 7/5 AT 69,000 MILES AS SPECIFIED IN OWNER'S MANUAL PRIOR TO LEAVING PITTSBURGH. I STILL HAVE THE OLD OIL IN MY GARAGE AND IT IS IN GOOD CONDITION. I HAD THE VAN TOWED 180 MILES TO MY DEALER, THE POWER OF BOWSER, SO THAT THEY COULD TELL ME THAT THERE'S NOTHING THEY OR GM CAN DO FOR ME. THE LOCAL GM SERVICE REP LOOKED AT IT ON 7/17 AND SAID NO GOODWILL WARRANTY AS DID THE PEOPLE AT PONTIAC CUSTOMER RELATIONS. (1-800-PMCARES SHOULD BE 1-800-WESAYNO). THE PEOPLE GM "EMPOWERS" TO MAKE THESE DECISIONS ARE NOT TECHNICALLY TRAINED SUCH THAT THEY CAN EVEN UNDERSTAND WHAT HAPPENED AND YET THEY MAKE THE DECISION THAT IT'S TOUGH LUCK. I WOULDN'T BE SO UPSET ABOUT THIS SITUATION IF I HAD DONE SOMETHING THAT CONTRIBUTED TO THE FAILURE OF THE ENGINE. BUT, I'M A FANATIC, I CHANGE MY OIL EVERY 3K AND DO ALL THE OTHER STUFF THAT'S RECOMMENDED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THERE IS NO WAY THAT A COMPETENTLY DESIGNED AND MANUFACTURED ENGINE SHOULD EXPERIENCE THE TYPE OF FAILURE THAT THE ENGINE IN MY MONTANA HAD. I'VE HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO HAVE THE ENGINE REPLACED AT A COST OF $4,100. I JUST PAID IT OFF IN MAY. THE FACT THAT GM HAS INTERNALLY RECOGNIZED A PROBLEM WITH THE GASKET VIA INTERNAL SERVICE BULLETINS AND DIDN'T GIVE THEIR CUSTOMERS THIS INFORMATION IS MALPRACTICE AS FAR AS I'M CONCERNED. I'D BE IN JAIL IF I DID THIS IN MY WORK. WE PURSUED ACTION WITH THE BBB AUTO LINE BUT, WERE TURNED DOWN FOR AN ARBITRATION HEARING BASED ON THE MILEAGE.

NHTSA ODI #10069815

44,982 miles · Jan 15, 2004
Air BagsEngine And Engine CoolingUnknown Or Other

INTAKE MANIFOLD LEAKING COOLANT INTO THE ENGINE OIL ON MY 3.4 LITER ENGINE. AFTER COMPLAINING TO PONTIAC & THE BBB, GM OFFERED TO PAY 50% OF THE REPAIR COST. FAULTY OXYGEN SENSOR & LEAKING FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR OH DECEMBER 16, 2003. SINCE ORIGINAL COMPLAINT, KEYLESS REMOTE FAILED ON 7/15/03 & SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER FAILED…

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INTAKE MANIFOLD LEAKING COOLANT INTO THE ENGINE OIL ON MY 3.4 LITER ENGINE. AFTER COMPLAINING TO PONTIAC & THE BBB, GM OFFERED TO PAY 50% OF THE REPAIR COST. FAULTY OXYGEN SENSOR & LEAKING FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR OH DECEMBER 16, 2003. SINCE ORIGINAL COMPLAINT, KEYLESS REMOTE FAILED ON 7/15/03 & SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER FAILED CAUSING AIRBAG LIGHT TO GO ON, JULY 28, 2003

NHTSA ODI #10069801

35,000 miles · Jan 15, 2004
Air BagsEngine And Engine CoolingSeat Belts

ENGINE: INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET LEAKING. I FOLLOWED THRU WITH A COMPLAINT TO THE BBB AND TO PONTIAC'S 800 NUMBER. I WAS TOLD I NEEDED TO HAVE THE VAN DIAGNOSED AT A GM DEALER BEFORE ANYTHING COULD BE DONE BY PONTIAC. MY DEALER QUALITY PONTIAC IN COCOA, FLORIDA LOOKED AT THE VAN AND AGREED THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET WAS LEAKING (N…

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ENGINE: INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET LEAKING. I FOLLOWED THRU WITH A COMPLAINT TO THE BBB AND TO PONTIAC'S 800 NUMBER. I WAS TOLD I NEEDED TO HAVE THE VAN DIAGNOSED AT A GM DEALER BEFORE ANYTHING COULD BE DONE BY PONTIAC. MY DEALER QUALITY PONTIAC IN COCOA, FLORIDA LOOKED AT THE VAN AND AGREED THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET WAS LEAKING (NOVEMBER 2002). QUALITY INFORMED ME IT WOULD BE ABOUT $500 TO REPAIR. A PHONE CALL TO PONTIAC'S 800 # PUT PRESSURE ON THE DEALER AND THEY PERFORMED THE WORK FOR $100 PLUS EXTRA FOR A COOLANT FLUSH. THE TOTAL WAS AROUND $180. SUPPOSEDLY THE WORK CAME WITH A 12 MONTH 12000 MILE WARRANTY. I THINK THE VAN HAD 58000 MILES ON IT WHEN THIS WORK WAS PERFORMED. LOOKING BACK I HAVE A FEELING IT STARTED LEAKING EARLIER. TODAY WE HAVE 70500 MILES ON THE VAN AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS COMING ON. THE CODES INDICATE THAT ENGINE CYLINDER 5 IS MISFIRING. WE HAD NEW SPARK PLUGS PUT IN AND WILL NOW TRY NEW SPARK PLUG WIRES. IF THAT DOESN'T FIX IT THEN WE MAY NEED TO PUT IN NEW FUEL INJECTORS. MY COMPLAINTS TO DATE WITH THIS VEHICLES ARE: 1. ORIGINAL TIRES WORE OUT AT 24000 MILES $500 2. BATTERY DIED IN THE FIRST TWO YEARS. $0 3. DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR FAILED $ 156 - AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON. 4. INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET FAILED $180 5. SLIDING POWER DOOR MODULE FAILED 4 TIMES. $0 6. FRONT BRAKES DRUMS WARPED AT ~35000 MILES $250. FRONT ROTORS CUT AND PADS REPLACED. 7. WINDSHIELD BUZZED FROM THE DAY WE BOUGHT IT (2 YEARS) AND TOOK US THREATENING THE LEMON LAW TO GET IT FIXED.

NHTSA ODI #10069738

56,500 miles · Jan 15, 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train

AT ROUGHLY 2K MILES, THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED. THEN AGAIN AT 28K MILES, ANOTHER REPLACEMENT. BOTH WERE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, BUT I TRIED TO GET THE LOCAL DEALER AND GM TO BUY IT BACK SINCE IT WAS UNTRUSTWORTHY FOR MY FAMILY. THE MOST MY THREATS COULD DO WAS GET AN EXTENDED 60K/$0 DEDUCTABLE WARRANTY OUT OF GM. THEN AT…

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AT ROUGHLY 2K MILES, THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED. THEN AGAIN AT 28K MILES, ANOTHER REPLACEMENT. BOTH WERE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, BUT I TRIED TO GET THE LOCAL DEALER AND GM TO BUY IT BACK SINCE IT WAS UNTRUSTWORTHY FOR MY FAMILY. THE MOST MY THREATS COULD DO WAS GET AN EXTENDED 60K/$0 DEDUCTABLE WARRANTY OUT OF GM. THEN AT 56.5K MILES, THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET PROBLEM GOT ME. THIS ALSO RESULTED IN A WATER PUMP REPLACEMENT.

NHTSA ODI #10069425

Mileage unknown · Jan 15, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling

CRACKED INTAKE VALVE

NHTSA ODI #10068838

54,000 miles · Jan 8, 2004
Seat Belts

THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT STUCK IN THE HOLSTER DUE TO THE BELT FRAYING ON BOTH SIDES TO RELEASE THE BELT FROM BEING STUCK IN THE HOLSTER. *AK *SC *JB

NHTSA ODI #10040453

70,000 miles · Dec 30, 2003
Power Train

VAN SHIFTS HARD AND OFTEN MAKES A LOUD "CLUNKING" NOISE. DEALER RECOMMENDS ~ $1100 IN REPAIRS TO THE TRANSMISSION, SEVERAL NON-DEALER REPAIR SHOPS RECOMMEND REBUILDING THE TRANSMISSION FOR ~ $1400. PROBLEM STARTED SEVERAL MONTHS AGO AND NOW SEEMS RELATIVELY SEVERE WITH THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT NOW ON CONSISTANTLY. PROBLEM S…

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VAN SHIFTS HARD AND OFTEN MAKES A LOUD "CLUNKING" NOISE. DEALER RECOMMENDS ~ $1100 IN REPAIRS TO THE TRANSMISSION, SEVERAL NON-DEALER REPAIR SHOPS RECOMMEND REBUILDING THE TRANSMISSION FOR ~ $1400. PROBLEM STARTED SEVERAL MONTHS AGO AND NOW SEEMS RELATIVELY SEVERE WITH THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT NOW ON CONSISTANTLY. PROBLEM SEEMS TO GO AWAY IF THE VAN IS SHUT OFF FOR A SMALL LENGTH OF TIME. ANOTHER TRANSMISSION PROBLEM AND YET NO RECALL. RED

NHTSA ODI #10051333

49,000 miles · Dec 23, 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling

1999 PONTIAC MONTANA EXPERIENCED NO HEATING. GARAGE STATED COOLANT HAD SLUDGE AND WAS FLUSHED AND RECHARGED. AFTER DRIVING 10 MILES TO HOME, COOLANT LIGHT CAME ON AND STEAM ROLLED OUT UNDER HOOD. FOUND AIR INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET LEAKING IN NUMEROUS PLACES. GARAGE SAID THEY HAVE SEEN MANY OF THESE. COOLANT CAP STATES COOLANT…

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1999 PONTIAC MONTANA EXPERIENCED NO HEATING. GARAGE STATED COOLANT HAD SLUDGE AND WAS FLUSHED AND RECHARGED. AFTER DRIVING 10 MILES TO HOME, COOLANT LIGHT CAME ON AND STEAM ROLLED OUT UNDER HOOD. FOUND AIR INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET LEAKING IN NUMEROUS PLACES. GARAGE SAID THEY HAVE SEEN MANY OF THESE. COOLANT CAP STATES COOLANT GOOD FOR 150,000 MILES. ONLY 49,000 MILES ON VAN.

NHTSA ODI #10050985

56,000 miles · Nov 18, 2003
Exterior Lighting

THE HEADLIGHT LENS COVERS CAME OFF BOTH HEADLIGHTS. DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER, WATER GOT INSIDE THE HEADLIGHTS, CAUSING THE BULBS TO STOP WORKING. DEALER DETERMINED THAT VEHICLE NEEDED NEW HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10048164

Official recalls

5

04V597000 · Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch

Dec 22, 2004

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 SLIDING DOOR COULD BE INJURED.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF A PASSENGER USES THE INTERIOR HANDLE TO OPEN THE POWER SLIDING DOOR AND HOLDS ONTO THE HANDLE WHILE IT IS BEING OPENED BY THE MOTOR, THE PASSENGER'S ARM MAY BE PUSHED INTO THE SEAT BACK OR ARMREST AND A WRIST OR LOWER ARM INJURY MAY RESULT.

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 REPLACED FOR APPEARANCE REASONS. NOTE: BEFORE THE VEHICLE IS SERVICED, GM ADVISES OWNERS TO NOT USE THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE TO OPEN THE DOOR. THE DRIVER CAN OPEN AND CLOSE THE DOOR FROM SWITCHES AT THE DRIVER'S POSITION OR BY USING THE REMOTE KEY FOB. THE DRIVER SHOULD TELL PASSENGERS TO USE THE SWITCH LOCATED IN FRONT OF THE DOOR TO OPEN OR CLOSE IT. THE DRIVER SHOULD USE THE OVERRIDE SWITCH TO PREVENT OPERATION OF THE POWER DOOR BY CHILDREN OR BY OTHERS WHO ARE NOT FAMILIAR WITH ITS USE. THE OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTER MAILING WILL BE CONDUCTED IN PHASES WITH THE FIRST PHASE BEGINNING ON MAY 31, 2005. THE SECOND PHASE MAILING BEGAN ON JULY 18, 2005. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 31, 2005. PHASE 2 BEGAN ON JULY 18, 2005. PHASE 3 (FINAL PHASE) BEGAN ON AUGUST 24, 2005, TO ALL REMAINING CUSTOMERS. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668; OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537.

02V027000 · Air Bags:frontal

Jan 25, 2002

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MINI VANS, THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG INFLATOR MODULES COULD PRODUCE EXCESSIVE INTERNAL PRESSURE. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH THAT WOULD TRIGGER A DRIVER'S AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT, THE INCREASED INTERNAL PRESSURE CAN CAUSE THE INFLATOR MODULE TO EXPLODE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: METAL AND PLASTIC DEBRIS COULD CAUSE SEVERE INJURY TO VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVER AIR BAG MODULE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 1, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737.

01V264000 · Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch

Aug 21, 2001

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 (01V-067) FROM APRIL TO AUGUST 2001. ALSO 2001 CHEVROLET VENTURE, PONTIAC MONTANA, AND OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH PASSENGER SIDE POWER SLIDING DOORS ASSEMBLED IN JANUARY THROUGH APRIL 2001. THESE VEHICLES HAVE INADEQUATE FRONT WELDS. IF A FRONT WELD FAILS, THE ACTUATOR CAN JAM IN THE UNLATCHED POSITION AND, WHEN THE SLIDING DOOR CLOSES, IT WILL NOT BE LATCHED.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THIS HAPPENS, THE POWER SLIDING DOOR CAN OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, PARTICULARLY WHEN THE VEHICLE ASCENDS A HILL, MAKES A TURN, OR TRAVELS OVER A ROUGH ROAD SURFACE. AN UNRESTRAINED OCCUPANT COULD FALL OUT OF THE VAN AND BE INJURED.

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 DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537.

01V067000 · Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch

Mar 8, 2001

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 MOTION, PARTICULARLY WHEN THE VEHICLE ASCENDS A HILL, MAKES A TURN, OR TRAVELS OVER A ROUGH ROAD SURFACE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: AN UNRESTRAINED OCCUPANT COULD FALL OUT OF THE VAN AND BE INJURED.

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 ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537.

99V071000 · Steering:gear Box:shaft Sector

Apr 12, 1999

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER MINI VANS. THE LEFT AND/OR RIGHT FRONT LOWER INSULATOR TO CRADLE CENTER METAL SLEEVE IS COLLAPSED, WHICH CAN RESULT IN LOSS OF CLAMP LOAD IN THE JOINT. IF THE CLAMP LOAD IS REDUCED OR LOST, THE BOLT CAN BE LOST OR BROKEN AND THE JOINT CAN SEPARATE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF NOT REPAIRED, SEPARATION OF THE OPPOSITE SIDE JOINT COULD OCCUR RESULTING IN STEERING SHAFT SEPARATION.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT LOWER CRADLE-TO-SUSPENSION INSULATORS AND THE ATTACHING BOLTS.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

7

PE04064 · POWER-SLIDING Door

Opened Sep 17, 2004 · Closed Dec 22, 2004

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure:body:door

SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE AVAILABLE WITH AN OPTIONAL POWER SLIDING DOOR.THE INTERIOR HANDLE IS ORIENTED IN THE VERTICAL POSITION IN THE DOOR PANEL AND LINES UP AT THE ELBOW LEVEL WHEN THE OCCUPANT IS SEATED IN THE 2ND-ROW OUTBOARD POSITION.IF THE OCCUPANT HOLDS THE INTERIOR HANDLE IN THE THUMB UP POSITION DURING POWER-ASSISTED OPENING, THE ARM/WRIST CAN BE PUSH BACK WITH FORCE AGAINST THE 2ND-ROW BUCKET SEAT OR CAPTAIN'S CHAIR SEAT BACK CREATING A RISK OF INJURY (OTHER SEATING CONFIGURATIONS HAVE AMPLE SEAT TO DOOR CLEARANCE TO AVOID ENTRAPMENT OF THE LOWER ARM).AMONG THE 103 TOTAL REPORTS, THERE WERE 102 ALLEGED INJURIES INCLUDING ARM/WRIST, THUMB AND SHOULDER INJURIES.A COUNT OF INJURIES REVEALS THAT 76 INJURIES WERE A FRACTURED OR A BROKEN ARM/WRIST REQUIRING AN IMMOBILIZING CAST FOR FOUR-TO-SIX WEEKS.ALL INJURIES INVOLVE THE RIGHT SIDE POWER SLIDING DOOR.THE LEFT SIDE POWER SLIDING DOOR IS ON FAR FEWER VEHICLES, BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY, IT PRODUCES LESS FORCE.GM NOTIFIED THE AGENCY BY LETTER DATED DECEMBER 21, 2004, THAT IT WILL RECALL MODEL YEAR 1997 THOUGH EARLY 2005 GM U-VAN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A RIGHT SIDE POWER SLIDING DOOR AND WITH 2ND-ROW BUCKET SEATS OR CAPTAIN CHAIRS (NHTSA RECALL #04V597).AS PART OF THE RECALL REMEDY, GM WILL REPLACE THE DOOR HANDLE WITH A FLUSH MOUNTED HANDLE THAT WILL PREVENT AN OCCUPANT FROM GRASPING THE HANDLE WITH THE PALM BETWEEN THE HANDLE AND DOOR PANEL (THUMB UP ORIENTATION) AND THUS ELIMINATE THE POTENTIAL FOR ARM/WRIST ENTRAPMENT.THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.

EA03005 · Rear Axle Trailing Arm Failure

Opened Apr 23, 2003 · Closed Jan 12, 2004

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension; Suspension:rear

ON NOVEMBER 18, 2002, ODI OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE02-086) TO EVALUATE ALLEGATIONS OF REAR AXLE TRAILING ARM FAILURES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES (U-VAN) WHICH INCLUDED TWO REPORTING CRASHES.ON APRIL 9, 2003, ODI UPGRADED PE02-086 TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA03-005) TO CONTINUE ITS EXAMINATION OF THE ISSUE. THE TRAILING ARM DESIGN IN THESE VEHICLES HAS BEEN USED IN THE U-VAN FROM MY 1997 THROUGH THE PRESENT.THE GM ANALYSIS CONCLUDED THAT THE SUBJECT TRAILING ARMS COULD CRACK OR BUCKLE IF THEY WERE DAMAGED DURING ASSEMBLY, PRE-DELIVERY HANDLING, OR SUBJECTED TO CERTAIN SERVICE RELATED ABUSE CONDITIONS SUCH AS IMPROPER TOWING OR JACKING.ANALYSIS OF ODI AND GM DATA HAS IDENTIFIED 19 INCIDENTS OF REAR AXLE TRAILING ARM FAILURES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THERE HAVE BEEN NO NEW REPORTS TO ODI OR GM IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS AND ONLY ONE NEW COMPLAINT IN THE LAST 21 MONTHS. DUE TO THE LOW COMPLAINT RATE AND THE ABSENCE OF A CONTINUING TREND IN REPORTED FAILURES, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED. THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST. THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Suspension

ON NOVEMBER 18, 2002, ODI OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE02-086) TO EVALUATE ALLEGATIONS OF REAR AXLE TRAILING ARM FAILURES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES (U-VAN) WHICH INCLUDED TWO REPORTING CRASHES.ON APRIL 9, 2003, ODI UPGRADED PE02-086 TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA03-005) TO CONTINUE ITS EXAMINATION OF THE ISSUE. THE TRAILING ARM DESIGN IN THESE VEHICLES HAS BEEN USED IN THE U-VAN FROM MY 1997 THROUGH THE PRESENT.THE GM ANALYSIS CONCLUDED THAT THE SUBJECT TRAILING ARMS COULD CRACK OR BUCKLE IF THEY WERE DAMAGED DURING ASSEMBLY, PRE-DELIVERY HANDLING, OR SUBJECTED TO CERTAIN SERVICE RELATED ABUSE CONDITIONS SUCH AS IMPROPER TOWING OR JACKING.ANALYSIS OF ODI AND GM DATA HAS IDENTIFIED 19 INCIDENTS OF REAR AXLE TRAILING ARM FAILURES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THERE HAVE BEEN NO NEW REPORTS TO ODI OR GM IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS AND ONLY ONE NEW COMPLAINT IN THE LAST 21 MONTHS. DUE TO THE LOW COMPLAINT RATE AND THE ABSENCE OF A CONTINUING TREND IN REPORTED FAILURES, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED. THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST. THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.

Suspension:rear

ON NOVEMBER 18, 2002, ODI OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE02-086) TO EVALUATE ALLEGATIONS OF REAR AXLE TRAILING ARM FAILURES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES (U-VAN) WHICH INCLUDED TWO REPORTING CRASHES.ON APRIL 9, 2003, ODI UPGRADED PE02-086 TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA03-005) TO CONTINUE ITS EXAMINATION OF THE ISSUE. THE TRAILING ARM DESIGN IN THESE VEHICLES HAS BEEN USED IN THE U-VAN FROM MY 1997 THROUGH THE PRESENT.THE GM ANALYSIS CONCLUDED THAT THE SUBJECT TRAILING ARMS COULD CRACK OR BUCKLE IF THEY WERE DAMAGED DURING ASSEMBLY, PRE-DELIVERY HANDLING, OR SUBJECTED TO CERTAIN SERVICE RELATED ABUSE CONDITIONS SUCH AS IMPROPER TOWING OR JACKING.ANALYSIS OF ODI AND GM DATA HAS IDENTIFIED 19 INCIDENTS OF REAR AXLE TRAILING ARM FAILURES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THERE HAVE BEEN NO NEW REPORTS TO ODI OR GM IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS AND ONLY ONE NEW COMPLAINT IN THE LAST 21 MONTHS. DUE TO THE LOW COMPLAINT RATE AND THE ABSENCE OF A CONTINUING TREND IN REPORTED FAILURES, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED. THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST. THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.

PE02017 · Shoulder Harness Clip

Opened Feb 11, 2002 · Closed Aug 2, 2002

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts

No summary supplied.

EA01014 · Air Bag Inflator

Opened Jun 11, 2001 · Closed Aug 26, 2002

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

No summary supplied.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

PE00045 · Air Bag Tear During Deployment

Opened Nov 3, 2000 · Closed Jan 11, 2001

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags

No summary supplied.

SQ00014 · Unexpected Opening Of Sliding Door

Opened Jul 25, 2000 · Closed Oct 22, 2001

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure

There is no summary currently available

RQ00006 · Traction Control

Opened Feb 16, 2000 · Closed Apr 20, 2001

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic

No summary supplied.