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NHTSA recalls & complaints · 1995–2003

Pontiac Trans Sport recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns and 655 owner complaints for the Pontiac Trans Sport, covering model years 1995 to 2003. The 1997 model year drew the most complaints (236), and Engine and Engine Cooling is the component owners name most often.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint flat files, updated September 25, 2026.

Decode your Pontiac Trans Sport VIN

See the model year, plant and build details of one vehicle, then the recalls for its exact year.

  • 10 recall campaigns on file
  • 655 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
  • 8 model years with data (1995–2003)
  • most complaints: 1997 (236 for that model year)
  • top component: Engine and Engine Cooling (128 complaints)
  • latest recall 04V597000 (reported Dec 22, 2004)
  • 40 complaints reporting a crash (6.1%)
  • 12 complaints reporting a fire (1.8%)
  • 30 complaints reporting an injury (4.6%)
  • 1 complaint reporting a death (0.2%)

Pontiac Trans Sport complaints by model year

8 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 1997 model year has the most complaints: 236 of 655, or 36.0%. Next come 1998 (227) and 1995 (113). The fewest are for 2000, with 2 complaints.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years
Pontiac Trans Sport owner complaints to NHTSA by model year, 1995–2003Column chart of 655 complaints across 9 model years. The highest is 1997 with 236. The full figures are in the table below the chart.1995: 113 complaints11319951996: 61 complaints6119961997: 236 complaints23619971998: 227 complaints22719981999: 10 complaints1019992000: 2 complaints220002001: 3 complaints320012002: 0 complaints20022003: 3 complaints32003
Pontiac Trans Sport complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Pontiac Trans Sport complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model yearComplaintsReporting a crashReporting a fireReporting an injuryReporting a death
19951137360
1996615240
199723610251
1998227174140
1999101010
200020000
200130100
200330000
All model years6554012301

Crash, fire, injury and death columns count complaints that report at least one of them, not people.

Most-reported Pontiac Trans Sport components

top 15 · NHTSA categories

Engine and Engine Cooling is the component named most often, in 128 complaints (19.5% of all 655), followed by Steering (92) and Structure (80).

Components named most often in Pontiac Trans Sport complaints (top 15)
Components named most often in Pontiac Trans Sport complaints (top 15)
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints
Engine and Engine Cooling12819.5%
Steering9214.0%
Structure8012.2%
Exterior Lighting7010.7%
Visibility6610.1%
Service Brakes, Hydraulic517.8%
Power Train487.3%
Latches/Locks/Linkages416.3%
Electrical System396.0%
Seat Belts324.9%
Air Bags314.7%
Seats274.1%
Fuel System, Gasoline264.0%
Unknown or Other233.5%
Suspension152.3%

One complaint can name several components, so the shares add up to more than 100%. Component names are NHTSA’s top-level categories.

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

These figures count complaints that vehicle owners and other members of the public have submitted to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. NHTSA uses complaints, together with other data, to spot safety issues that may warrant an investigation and to check whether existing recalls go far enough.

  • They are reports, not findings. Each complaint is the submitter's own account. Its presence in the database does not mean NHTSA has confirmed a defect.
  • Counts are not defect rates. The data doesn't say how many vehicles were sold, so a raw count can't tell you what share of vehicles had a problem.
  • Popular models collect more complaints. A model sold in large numbers will usually gather more complaints than a rare one, simply because more people own it.
  • One complaint can name several components. Totals by component can therefore add up to more than the number of complaints.
  • Coverage starts in 1995. NHTSA's complaint file contains complaints received since January 1, 1995.

Use complaint patterns as a prompt for questions: whether a recall covers the issue, whether the vehicle you are considering has had the fix, and what a mechanic finds on inspection. For confirmed safety defects, see the recall list for this model.

Pontiac Trans Sport recalls

10 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name Trans Sport, newest first. The 10 campaigns cover model years 1995 to 1999. The 1997 and 1998 model years appear in the most campaigns (5 each).

  • 10 recall campaigns
Pontiac Trans Sport recall campaigns covering each model year
1995: 3 campaigns1996: 1 campaign1997: 5 campaigns1998: 5 campaigns1999: 2 campaigns
Highlighted: the model years with the most campaigns.

  1. NHTSA campaign 04V597000

    Reported

    Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch

    Model years 1997–1999

    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:
    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.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  2. NHTSA campaign 02V286000

    Reported

    Steering › Rack and Pinion

    Model years 1996–1998

    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 vehicles assembled between January 1, 1996 and October 31, 1997, could fail and permit the ball bearings to escape.

    Consequence:
    If this occurs, the pinion shaft can be forced upward during left turns and back down as the steering wheel is moved back and to the right. If the pinion shaft moves further, the driver will need to exert more effort to turn the steering wheel, similar to a vehicle without power assisted steering. If the pinion shaft moves even further, the driver will require much higher effort to turn left and may not be able to turn the wheel as much as intended. With the maximum pinion shaft movement, which requires internal gear component damage, the driver can encounter high resistance to turning left, followed by unintended power assist to the right. In any of these conditions, a crash could occur.
    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 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.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  3. NHTSA campaign 02V027000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal

    Model year 1999

    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:
    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.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  4. NHTSA campaign 01V264000

    Reported

    Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch

    Model year 1997

    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:
    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.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  5. NHTSA campaign 01V067000

    Reported

    Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch

    Model years 1997–1998

    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:
    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.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  6. NHTSA campaign 98V131000

    Reported

    Power Train › Automatic Transmission

    Model year 1998

    Vehicle description: mini vans. These vehicles may have (1) a broken shift cable fitting or (2) loose shift linkage. Consequently, moving the shift lever to a 'park' position may not shift the transmission to 'park'.

    Consequence:
    The vehicle could roll increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect, and replace if necessary, the automatic transaxle range selector cable.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  7. NHTSA campaign 98V072000

    Reported

    Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Linkages

    Model years 1997–1998

    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 valve. This contact can chafe the brake line resulting in a brake fluid leak.

    Consequence:
    Brake fluid leakage can cause reduced brake effectiveness and increased stopping distances.
    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.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  8. NHTSA campaign 96V015000

    Reported

    Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Cooling Unit and Lines

    Model year 1995

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles manufactured from August 1991 through July 1995. The transmission oil cooler line can separate when the vehicle is operated in low temperatures in combination with high transmission loads.

    Consequence:
    Vehicle fires can occur due to the spillage of transmission fluid.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the transmission oil cooler lines.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  9. NHTSA campaign 95V214000

    Reported

    Vehicle Speed Control

    Model year 1995

    These vehicles were assembled with throttle cable support brackets that could contact the throttle lever system and inhibit the throttle return. This does not meet the requirements of FMVSS No. 124, "accelerator control systems."

    Consequence:
    Consequence of non-compliance: the throttle may faitl to return quickly causing the engine speed to not decrease to a level anticipated by the driver.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the throttle cable support bracket.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  10. NHTSA campaign 95V048000

    Reported

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Pedals and Linkages

    Model year 1995

    Improperly manufactured brake pedal arm causes the brake pedal arm to fracture during braking.

    Consequence:
    This condition can result in a loss of brake operation increasing braking distance and the potential for a vehicle accident.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace all suspect brake pedal assemblies.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it; older campaigns, which NHTSA stores in capital letters, are shown in sentence case. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, also answers recall questions.

How to read this recall list

This list shows every safety recall campaign NHTSA has on file for this make, model and model year. It is not specific to one vehicle: a recall often covers only vehicles built in a certain date range or with a certain part, and many of the vehicles it covers will already have been repaired.

What each recall field means
What each recall field means
FieldWhat it tells you
Campaign numberNHTSA's unique ID for the recall, such as 20V771000. Quote it to a dealer or when searching NHTSA's site.
ComponentThe system or part involved, for example air bags, brakes or electrical software.
SummaryWhat the defect or non-compliance is and which vehicles are covered.
ConsequenceThe safety risk if the problem isn't fixed.
RemedyWhat the manufacturer will do, such as a repair, replacement or software update, and whether it is free.
  • Some recalls carry an NHTSA consumer advisory, “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside”. Follow it until the repair is done.
  • A single campaign often covers several models or model years, so the same campaign number can appear in more than one list.
  • Recalls are shown as NHTSA publishes them. Very recent campaigns may take time to appear.

Does your vehicle have an open recall? Only a VIN check can tell you. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or on the manufacturer's website. Our VIN recall check guide explains what each option covers.

Pontiac Trans Sport questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the Pontiac Trans Sport have?

NHTSA lists 10 vehicle recall campaigns for the Pontiac Trans Sport, covering model years 1995 to 2003. The most recent, 04V597000, was reported on December 22, 2004 and is filed under “Latches/locks/linkages”. The 1997 and 1998 model years are covered by the most campaigns (5 each).

Which Pontiac Trans Sport model year has the most complaints?

The 1997 model year, with 236 of the 655 complaints in NHTSA’s file (36.0%). The next are 1998 (227) and 1995 (113). Complaint counts also reflect how many vehicles of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road, so they are not a reliability ranking.

What is the most common Pontiac Trans Sport complaint?

Engine and Engine Cooling is the component named most often: 128 complaints, or 19.5% of all 655. Steering (92) and Structure (80) follow. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not confirmed defects, and one complaint can name several components.

Does every recall on this page apply to my Pontiac Trans Sport?

Not necessarily. Each campaign lists specific model years, and many cover only vehicles built in a certain period or fitted with a certain part; repairs already carried out aren’t shown. To see whether a recall is open on your vehicle, enter its VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or ask a Pontiac dealer.

How many Pontiac Trans Sport complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 655 complaints, 40 report a crash, 12 a fire, 30 at least one injury and 1 at least one death. These figures count complaints, not people, and each complaint is the submitter’s own unverified account.

Other Pontiac models

8 models · most complaints first

The Pontiac models with the most NHTSA complaints, and the Pontiac VIN decoder with every Pontiac model page, WMI code and VIN note.

All Pontiac models and WMI codesLook up recalls by year

Data: NHTSA recalls and complaints flat files, updated September 25, 2026. Recall campaigns are vehicle (V) campaigns listed for this model name; complaints are counted once per NHTSA ODI number and model year.