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2002 Pontiac Montana

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2002 Pontiac Montana do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 65.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

86 reports with mileage · 40 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 24 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Exterior Lighting. Review the 12 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel System, Gasoline. Review the 12 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

3 crash reports1 fire reports6 injury reports

What owners actually said

126 reports
104,255 miles · Sep 12, 2012
Fuel/propulsion System

EARLY SATURDAY MORNING ON SEPTEMBER 8, 2012, I SMELLED STRONG GAS FUMES IN MY KITCHEN WHICH IS BY MY CARPORT. I WENT OUTSIDE TO CHECK AND SEE WHERE THE OVERWHELMING SMELL WAS COMING FROM. TIME I STEPPED OUT THE DOOR TO MY CARPORT WHERE MY VAN IS PARKED, I WENT TO MY 2002 PONTIAC MONTANA MINIVAN AND BEGAN LOOKING AND SNIFFING ARO…

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EARLY SATURDAY MORNING ON SEPTEMBER 8, 2012, I SMELLED STRONG GAS FUMES IN MY KITCHEN WHICH IS BY MY CARPORT. I WENT OUTSIDE TO CHECK AND SEE WHERE THE OVERWHELMING SMELL WAS COMING FROM. TIME I STEPPED OUT THE DOOR TO MY CARPORT WHERE MY VAN IS PARKED, I WENT TO MY 2002 PONTIAC MONTANA MINIVAN AND BEGAN LOOKING AND SNIFFING AROUND AND UNDER IT. TO MY SHOCK AND SURPRISE THERE WAS A PUDDLE OF GAS ON THE GROUND FROM GAS LEAKING OUT OF THE FUEL TANK WHERE THE INLET CONNECTS TO THE FUEL TANK. I BEGAN TO PANIC AND CRY BECAUSE I WAS AFRAID OF ANYTHING THAT COULD IGNITE OR START A FIRE AND THE EXPOSURE TO THE FUMES THAT WOULD ENDANGER MY FAMILY. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED MY MECHANIC FOR HELP AND HE CAN OVER TO LOOK AT THE PROBLEM. HE INFORMED ME THAT THE VALVE CONNECTION BETWEEN THE INLET AND TANK WAS LEAKING. HE THEN WENT ONLINE TO CHECK ON A POSSIBLE PART FOR THE FUEL TANK AND CAME ACROSS A RECALL CHECK. WE BOTH READ THE INFORMATION AND I CALLED PONTIAC ON MONDAY SEPTEMBER 10,2012 AND EXPLAINED TO THEM MY DEEPEST CONCERN ABOUT THE LEAK FROM MY FUEL TANK. THEY CONTACTED A DEALER AND HE TALKED WITH A AREA REPRESENTATIVE, SHE SAID MY SPECIAL WARRANTY EXPIRED JULY 27, 2012 FOR 10 YEARS OR 150,000 MILES CLAIMING THEY SENT IT OUT IN JANUARY 30, 2008 IN WHICH I NEVER RECEIVED AT ALL. AT THE DEALER I GOT A ESTIMATED REPLACEMENT FUEL TANK PRICE AT $800.00 INCLUDING LABOR COST. THE AREA REPRESENTATIVE OFFERED AT FIRST $1500.00 TOWARD A NEW CAR, THEN OFFERED TO PAY HALF THE COST OF A FUEL TANK AND LABOR. I NOW NEED ADVICE TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THIS MATTER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10475155

Mileage unknown · Jun 26, 2012
StructureVisibility

2002 PONTIAC MONTANA. CONSUMER STATES PROBLEM WITH VEHICLE WINDSHIELD *TGW LAST NOVEMBER, THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED DIAGONALLY TOWARD THE LEFT LOWER CORNER. UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS APPARENT THE WINDSHIELD HAD RELEASED FROM THE UPPER RIGHT CORNER. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A GLASS REPAIR SHOP AND THEY INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT …

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2002 PONTIAC MONTANA. CONSUMER STATES PROBLEM WITH VEHICLE WINDSHIELD *TGW LAST NOVEMBER, THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED DIAGONALLY TOWARD THE LEFT LOWER CORNER. UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS APPARENT THE WINDSHIELD HAD RELEASED FROM THE UPPER RIGHT CORNER. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A GLASS REPAIR SHOP AND THEY INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE ROOF/GLASS OPENING WAS RUSTED AND HAD TO BE REPAIRED/REPLACED BEFORE THEY WOULD REPLACE THE GLASS. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THERE WAS A SERVICE BULLETIN SPECIFYING THAT THE ROOF WAS TO BE REPLACED TO FIX THE CONDITION. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10462658

188,000 miles · Feb 7, 2012
Structure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 PONTIAC MONTANA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HAVING THE WINDSHIELD REPAIRED BY AN INDEPENDENT GLASS COMPANY, THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FRAME NEAR THE TOP OF THE WINDSHIELD WAS RUSTED. DUE TO THE RUST, THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO PROPERLY INSTALL THE NEW WINDSHIELD BECAUSE IT WOULD INCREASE THE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 PONTIAC MONTANA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HAVING THE WINDSHIELD REPAIRED BY AN INDEPENDENT GLASS COMPANY, THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FRAME NEAR THE TOP OF THE WINDSHIELD WAS RUSTED. DUE TO THE RUST, THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO PROPERLY INSTALL THE NEW WINDSHIELD BECAUSE IT WOULD INCREASE THE CHANCES OF THE WINDSHIELD SHATTERING OR SEPARATING. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED, BUT DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 188,000.

NHTSA ODI #10447043

141,000 miles · Sep 30, 2011
SeatsFire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 PONTIAC MONTANA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 30 MPH WHEN SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE SEAT WARMERS IN THE FRONT PASSENGERS SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 141…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 PONTIAC MONTANA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 30 MPH WHEN SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE SEAT WARMERS IN THE FRONT PASSENGERS SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 141,000.

NHTSA ODI #10428050

122,000 miles · May 3, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline

I OWN A 2002 PONTIAC MONTANA AND THE FUEL GAUGE IS NO LONGER WORKING PROPERLY. IT NOW GIVES ME A READING OF EITHER HAVING A FULL TANK OF GAS OR AN EMPTY TANK OF GAS. THERE WAS NO PREVIOUS WARNING TO THE FUEL GAUGE GOING BAD. THE INCORRECT FUEL READING OCCURS AT EVERY START UP, AND THE CONSEQUENCES OF HAVING AN INCORRECT GAUGE…

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I OWN A 2002 PONTIAC MONTANA AND THE FUEL GAUGE IS NO LONGER WORKING PROPERLY. IT NOW GIVES ME A READING OF EITHER HAVING A FULL TANK OF GAS OR AN EMPTY TANK OF GAS. THERE WAS NO PREVIOUS WARNING TO THE FUEL GAUGE GOING BAD. THE INCORRECT FUEL READING OCCURS AT EVERY START UP, AND THE CONSEQUENCES OF HAVING AN INCORRECT GAUGE IS THE POSSIBILITY OF RUNNING OUT OF GAS. I HAVE NOT MADE A REPAIR AS OF THIS TIME. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS ISSUE, AS MANY OTHER OWNERS ARE HAVING THIS SAME ISSUE, AND IT IS APPARENT THAT THE FUEL GAUGE IS FAULTY. FAILURE OCCURRED IN FEBRUARY, 2011. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10398769

72,800 miles · Mar 4, 2011
Air Bags

I OWN A 2002 PONTIAC MONTANA AND THIS MORNING WHEN I STARTED THE VEHICLE THE AIRBAG IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE EXPLODE. THERE IS ANY OTHER OWNER WITH THE SAME PROBLEM ON THIS 2002 MODEL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10386498

90,342 miles · Feb 2, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline

I OWN A 2002 PONTIAC MONTANA EXTENDED VERSION. I NOTICED A STRONG SMELL OF GAS COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION, I FOUND THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS WET FROM GASOLINE UNDER FUEL TANK INLET TUBE. I SEARCHED THE INTERNET FOR RECALLS AND FOUND NHTSA CAMPAIGN # 07V349000 WHICH HAD THE DESCRIPTION OF TH…

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I OWN A 2002 PONTIAC MONTANA EXTENDED VERSION. I NOTICED A STRONG SMELL OF GAS COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION, I FOUND THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS WET FROM GASOLINE UNDER FUEL TANK INLET TUBE. I SEARCHED THE INTERNET FOR RECALLS AND FOUND NHTSA CAMPAIGN # 07V349000 WHICH HAD THE DESCRIPTION OF THE PROBLEM I HAD. I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS INITIALLY TOLD THAT THE PROBLEM WAS COVERED UNDER THIS RECALL AND THE TANK WAS REMOVED AND A NEW GAS TANK WAS ORDERED. I WAS CALLED BY THE SERVICE MANAGER THE NEXT DAY AND I WAS TOLD THAT MY VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THIS RECALL BECAUSE IT WAS THE EXTENDED MODEL AND I WAS TOLD THAT IT COULD BE REPAIRED FOR $1,100.00. I ASKED THE SERVICE MANAGER IF THIS WAS THE SAME PROBLEM THAT WAS COVERED UNDER THE RECALL AND HE REPLIED THAT IT APPEARED TO BE, BUT THAT THE EXTENDED LENGTH MONTANA WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL. I HAD THE DEALERSHIP INSTALL THE OLD TANK AND CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND RECEIVED THE SAME ANSWER. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10380018

95,000 miles · Nov 29, 2010
Fuel System, Gasoline

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 PONTIAC MONTANA. WHILE REFUELING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED GASOLINE OVERFLOWING FROM THE FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 07E021000 (FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER: STORAGE: TANK ASSEMBLY: PRESSURE RELIEF DEVI…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 PONTIAC MONTANA. WHILE REFUELING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED GASOLINE OVERFLOWING FROM THE FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 07E021000 (FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER: STORAGE: TANK ASSEMBLY: PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES). THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 95,000.

NHTSA ODI #10368208

120,000 miles · Aug 31, 2010
Power TrainService Brakes, Hydraulic

FRONT RIGHT WHEEL BEARING HAS BEEN REPLACED 3 TIMES IN 20 MONTHS, AND CONSTANT ABS SENSOR PROBLEMS WITH THE SAME. ALSO BRAKES KEEP WEARING QUICKLY UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10353219

195,000 miles · Aug 6, 2010
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 PONTIAC MONTANA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SPORADICALLY, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AND WOULD NOT TURN OVER. THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE CONTACT WOULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO SIT FOR TEN MINUTES AFTER ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE. THE RADIO, AIR CONDITIONER …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 PONTIAC MONTANA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SPORADICALLY, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AND WOULD NOT TURN OVER. THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE CONTACT WOULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO SIT FOR TEN MINUTES AFTER ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE. THE RADIO, AIR CONDITIONER AND POWER WINDOWS WOULD OPERATE BUT THE VEHICLE STILL WOULD NOT START. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO THE ANTI-THEFT PASS LOCK SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 195,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 202,000.

NHTSA ODI #10347829

Official recalls

3

07V349000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage

Aug 8, 2007

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, VARIATIONS IN THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS OR EXPOSURE TO HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURES MAY LEAD TO FRACTURE OF THE FUEL TANK INLET CHECK VALVE (ICV).

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A FRACTURE MAY ALLOW FUEL VAPORS TO PASS THROUGH AND ALLOW DROPLETS OF FUEL TO ACCUMULATE ON THE SIDE OF THE FUEL TANK. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK. THE RECALL WILL BE MAILED IN TWO PHASES WITH THE FIRST PHASE BEGINNING ON DECEMBER 4, 2007. THE SECOND PHASE WILL BE MAILED ON DECEMBER 13, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080; CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668. THE VEHICLE POPULATION INCLUDES BUICK RENDEZVOUS AND PONTIAC AZTEK VEHICLE BUILT IN MAY 2003; CHEVROLET VENTURE AND PONTIAC MONTANA VEHICLES BUILT FROM JUNE THROUGH AUGUST 2002; AND ALL VEHICLES REGISTERED IN NEVADA, ARIZONA, VIRGIN ISLANDS, PUERTO RICO, AND HAWAII.

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.

02V222000 · Air Bags:frontal

Aug 9, 2002

CERTAIN PASSENGER, MINI VANS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES HAVE AN AIR BAG INFLATOR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE THAT COULD FRACTURE AT A WELD DURING A DEPLOYMENT.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: PIECES OF THE INFLATOR COULD STRIKE AND INJURE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS AND THE AIR BAG CUSHION WOULD NOT INFLATE FULLY, REDUCING THE CAPABILITY OF THE BAG TO PROTECT THE DRIVER.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND REPLACE, IF NECESSARY, THE AIR BAG MODULE ASSEMBLY ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 15, 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 BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300, CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537, OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737.

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

1

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.