NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Exterior Lighting complaints
14 reportsClear category filter128,000 miles · Jan 28, 2015
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
WE HAVE TO KEPT CHANGING THE BRAKE LIGHTS IN THE BACK BECAUSE THEY KEEP GOING OUT EVER FEW WEEKS. WE EVEN WENT AND BOUGHT A NEW STOP SIGNAL SWITCH BUT THAT WASN'T IT. WE WANT TO KNOW IF THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE BRAKE LIGHT AND THE WIRING AND WHY THEY KEEP GOING OUT. WE HAVE HAD ISSUES SINCE WE BOUGHT IN JUNE 2014. WE ARE J…
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WE HAVE TO KEPT CHANGING THE BRAKE LIGHTS IN THE BACK BECAUSE THEY KEEP GOING OUT EVER FEW WEEKS. WE EVEN WENT AND BOUGHT A NEW STOP SIGNAL SWITCH BUT THAT WASN'T IT. WE WANT TO KNOW IF THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE BRAKE LIGHT AND THE WIRING AND WHY THEY KEEP GOING OUT. WE HAVE HAD ISSUES SINCE WE BOUGHT IN JUNE 2014. WE ARE JUST TIRED OF KEEP POURING MONEY INTO IT BUT I DON'T WANT AN ACCIDENT OR TO GET PULL OVER EITHER. THE ONLY LIGHT THAT NEVER HAS AN ISSUE IS THE BRAKE BAR ON TOP. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10679563
80,000 miles · Aug 6, 2014
Electrical SystemExterior LightingSuspension
BRAKES LIGHTS AND HEAD LIGHTS ON MY 2003 PONTIAC MONTANA HAVE BEEN GOING OUT PERIODICALLY FOR SEVERAL YEARS NOW. AFTER REPLACING LIGHT HOUSING, BULBS AND OTHER COMPONENTS, THE BRAKE LIGHTS CONTINUE TO BLOW OUT. AT ONE POINT WE THOUGHT IT WAS BECAUSE OF ALL OF THE MOISTURE BUILD UP, SO AFTER MY HUSBAND REPLACED THE HOUSING AGAIN,…
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BRAKES LIGHTS AND HEAD LIGHTS ON MY 2003 PONTIAC MONTANA HAVE BEEN GOING OUT PERIODICALLY FOR SEVERAL YEARS NOW. AFTER REPLACING LIGHT HOUSING, BULBS AND OTHER COMPONENTS, THE BRAKE LIGHTS CONTINUE TO BLOW OUT. AT ONE POINT WE THOUGHT IT WAS BECAUSE OF ALL OF THE MOISTURE BUILD UP, SO AFTER MY HUSBAND REPLACED THE HOUSING AGAIN, HE DRILLS HOLES IN THE BOTTOM OF THE HEADLIGHT COVERS TO HELP DRAIN MOISTURE. THAT HAS SEEMED TO HELP IN ONE OF THE LIGHTS. THE BRAKE LIGHTS ON THE LEFT SIDE CONTINUE TO GO OUT ABOUT A DAY AFTER EVERY REPLACEMENT. MOST OF THE INTERIOR LIGHTING HAS GONE OUT AS WELL AND THE SUSPENSION IS TERRIBLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10619349
50,000 miles · Apr 29, 2013
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
BRAKE LIGHTS STOPPED WORKING. CHECKED BRAKE LIGHT BULBS AND FOUND THAT PLASTIC LAMP BASES WERE MELTED SO THE TERMINALS NO LONGER MADE CONTACT IN THE SOCKETS. SEARCHING THE INTERNET, I FOUND THIS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND THESE VEHICLES SHOULD BE RECALLED AND CORRECTIVE ACTION …
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BRAKE LIGHTS STOPPED WORKING. CHECKED BRAKE LIGHT BULBS AND FOUND THAT PLASTIC LAMP BASES WERE MELTED SO THE TERMINALS NO LONGER MADE CONTACT IN THE SOCKETS. SEARCHING THE INTERNET, I FOUND THIS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND THESE VEHICLES SHOULD BE RECALLED AND CORRECTIVE ACTION TAKEN. *TR..UPDATED 10/30/13 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE RIGHT BRAKE LIGHT BURNS OUT EVERY 4-6 WEEKS. UPDATED 10/31/2013*JS
NHTSA ODI #10509983
77,000 miles · Apr 18, 2011
Exterior Lighting
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC MONTANA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT MOISTURE WAS ACCUMULATING IN THE HEADLIGHTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO REFERRED HIM TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT TO REPLACE THE HEADLIGHTS WITH A NEWER MODEL. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC MONTANA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT MOISTURE WAS ACCUMULATING IN THE HEADLIGHTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO REFERRED HIM TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT TO REPLACE THE HEADLIGHTS WITH A NEWER MODEL. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 77,000.
NHTSA ODI #10396666
68,000 miles · Jun 24, 2010
Air BagsElectrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)CrashInjury
WE HAVE OWNED THE CAR SINCE OCT 2005, PURCHASED USED FROM A SATURN DEALERSHIP. CAR WAS INVOLVED IN A GAS TANK RECALL, HOWEVER WE WERE NOTIFIED NEARLY TWO YEARS AFTER WE HAD A RUPTURE THAT DROPPED AN ENTIRE TANK OF FUEL ON THE DRIVEWAY AND WERE TOLD WE WERE LUCKY TO BE ALIVE HAVING DRIVEN UNKNOWINGLY WITH THIS LEAK. TANK WAS RE…
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WE HAVE OWNED THE CAR SINCE OCT 2005, PURCHASED USED FROM A SATURN DEALERSHIP. CAR WAS INVOLVED IN A GAS TANK RECALL, HOWEVER WE WERE NOTIFIED NEARLY TWO YEARS AFTER WE HAD A RUPTURE THAT DROPPED AN ENTIRE TANK OF FUEL ON THE DRIVEWAY AND WERE TOLD WE WERE LUCKY TO BE ALIVE HAVING DRIVEN UNKNOWINGLY WITH THIS LEAK. TANK WAS REPLACED UNDER EXTENDED AUTO WARRANTY. MULTIPLE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS: TAIL LIGHT GOES OUT AND IS REPLACED, THEN DRIVER HEADLIGHT GOES OUT. WATER LEAKS INSIDE DRIVERS SIDE HEADLIGHT WHEN IT RAINS. THE TAIL PLUG IN FOR TAIL LIGHT BULB HAD GOTTEN SO HOT IT HAD MELTED THE PLUG IN BOTH TAIL LIGHTS. RANDOM ELECTRICAL FAILURE WITH WINDOWS AND DOOR LOCKS OCCURRING. DASH PANEL BURNED OUT, RADIO DISPLAY BLED OUT AND RADIO THEN FAILED - WOULD NOT TURN OFF AFTER BUTTON WAS PUSHED AND HAD TO BE REMOVED FROM THE DASHBOARD IN ORDER TO AVOID DRAINING BATTERY COMPLETELY. TRACTION TIRE FAILURE WHEN ENGAGED OCCURRED IN COMBINATION WITH POWER STEERING FAILURE, CRUISE CONTROL FAILURE, AND ON ONE OCCASION COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE. NO WARNING, NO SQUEALING, NO GRINDING, NO PULLING TO THE SIDE: JUST COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE THAT RESULTED IN AN AUTO ACCIDENT THAT INJURED 3 PEOPLE. NON DEALERSHIP MECHANIC CHECKED THE BRAKES AND DETERMINED BRAKE FLUID LEAK/MASTER CYLINDER CAUSED THE FAILURE, STATED REGULATORY SYSTEM FOR BRAKE SYSTEM MOST LIKELY RESULTED IN LEAK. MECHANIC ALSO DISCOVERED DRIVERS SIDE FRONT BRAKE HAD SEIZED AND SCOURED THE ROUTER AND PAD ON THE INSIDE OF THE WHEEL. BRAKES HAD BEEN REPLACED TWO YEARS PRIOR AND CAR HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN BUT FOR ONCE A MONTH SHORT TRIPS TO THE DOCTOR FOR ONE OF THOSE YEARS, THE SECOND YEAR IT WAS DRIVEN ONLY 3 OR 4 TIMES AND WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY. AUTO ACCIDENT IN MAY 2010 DUE TO BRAKE FAILURE DID NOT HAVE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT IN REAR END COLLISION. CAR WAS BROADSIDED ON THE PASSENGERS SIDE IN 2007 AT A HIGHER RATE OF SPEED AND AIR BAGS ALSO DID NOT DEPLOY. INJURIES IN BOTH ACCIDENTS. CAR IS A DEATH TRAP. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10339878
Mileage unknown · Apr 12, 2010
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
MOISTURE IN HEADLIGHTS, BACK BULBS CONSTANTLY BURN OUT, BACK WINDOWS OFTEN WILL NOT CLOSE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10325073
50,000 miles · Dec 14, 2009
Exterior Lighting
THERE HAS BEEN A NOTICEABLE ACCUMULATION OF WATER IN THE HEADLIGHTS OF MY 2003 PONTIAC MONTANA. ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE BULB SHORTS OUT. THERE HAS BEEN SOME DETERIORATION OF ILLUMINATION ABILITY DUE TO THE WATER, PARTICULARLY IN THE LAST YEAR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10295564
60,000 miles · Nov 30, 2009
Exterior Lighting
HEADLIGHT LENSES FILL WITH MOISTURE AND BLOW BULBS OUT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10293944
88,500 miles · Nov 17, 2009
Exterior Lighting
FRONT HEADLIGHT HAD LOTS OF MOISTURE ON THE INTERIOR, WHICH CAUSED THE BULB TO BURN OUT. I NEEDED TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE HEADLIGHT UNIT, A $240 PART. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10292543
94,000 miles · Nov 11, 2009
Exterior Lighting
HEAD LIGHTS FILL UP WITH MOISTURE AND BLOWS HEADLIGHT BULBS OUT WHILE DRIVING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10291811
Official recalls
5Aug 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.
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.
Jul 15, 2003
CERTAIN MINIVANS, PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEM." THE OWNER'S MANUAL DOES NOT EXPLAIN THE MEANING OF THE LOCATION SYMBOLS FOR THE CHILD RESTRAINT LOWER UNIVERSAL ANCHORAGE SYSTEM.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A SUPPLEMENT FOR THEIR OWNER'S MANUAL. THIS SUPPLEMENT DESCRIBES AND SHOWS THE LOCATION SYMBOLS FOR THE CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORS THAT ARE LOCATED IN THE VEHICLE AND ON THE CHILD RESTRAINT OR BOOSTER CUSHION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 18, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537.
Feb 14, 2003
ON CERTAIN MINI VANS, PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG THAT MAY NOT DEPLOY AS DESIGNED. IN ADDITION, THE AIR BAG INFLATOR COULD RUPTURE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN REDUCED CAPABILITY OF THE AIR BAG TO PROTECT THE DRIVER. ALSO IF THE AIR BAG INFLATOR RUPTURED, PIECES OF THE INFLATOR COULD STRIKE AND INJURE THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND IF NECESSARY, INSTALL A NEW DRIVER'S AIR BAG. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MARCH 11, 2003. 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, OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737.
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 ↗
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