AI Damage2002 Pontiac Montana: common problems
Owners of the 2002 Pontiac Montana filed 126 complaints with NHTSA, most often about engine and cooling and fuel system. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 126
- involving a crash
- 3
What fails most often
- 1 Engine and cooling 19% of all complaints
- 2 Fuel system 11% of all complaints
- 3 Exterior lighting 10% of all complaints
- 4 Service brakes 10% of all complaints
- 5 Powertrain 9% of all complaints
- 6 Visibility 9% of all complaints
- 7 Equipment 8% of all complaints
- 8 Structure 8% of all complaints
- Engine and cooling: 24 complaints (19% of all).
- Fuel system: 14 complaints (11% of all).
- Exterior lighting: 12 complaints (10% of all).
- Service brakes: 12 complaints (10% of all).
- Powertrain: 11 complaints (9% of all).
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 3.4 L · petrol · 6 cyl
- automatic, 4-speed
Drive: FWD, AWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 126 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine and cooling | 24 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel system | 14 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 12 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 12 | 0 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 11 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility | 11 | 0 | 0 |
| Equipment | 10 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 10 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 9 | 0 | 0 |
| Latches, locks, linkages | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 7 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Tires | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 3 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
While driving was involved in a collision. . There were no serious injuries. However, consumers head hit the head rest and hurt her neck. Consumer would like to see that the head rest had more cushion than it has.
Vehicle was going 15-20 mph while crossing a bridge. Front passenger's side control arm broke in half without warning, causing vehicle to crash into steel super structure of bridge. Vehicle didn't hit anything prior to the crash, and vehicle lost complete steering. Dealer was notified. Manufacturer notified.
While driving 30-35 mph from behind another vehicle was driving 60 mph, and without braking consumer was pushed 20 feet into a utility truck. Drivers side air bag came out, but did not deploy, consumer suffered injuries.
I am lucky that my van didnt catch on fire going down the road with me and two children in the van, we put some putty on it for gas leaks and that has slow the leak down, I have not choice but to drive the van my only way to go, I cant afford to put a new gas tank for 725.00.
Looked underneath can see gas dripping.had it looked it and sure enough hole/crack in fuel tank and now the fuel gauge is not working .checked under the recall and mine is not in it..
The contact stated that the fuel gauge on the vehicle does not reflect the actual amount of fuel in the tank. In addition, the fuel warning light flashed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 151,763.
Lower/upper intake manifold gasket failed at 87160 miles head gasket failed at 142,500 miles lower intake manifold gasket failed at 183170 miles.
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.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 3,018 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 8% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Montana has 88 complaints (12 years in the data). This year has 126, above average.
What to check before buying
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Fuel system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
- Exterior lighting. Headlamps, leveling, sensors and mounts after a frontal hit.
- Service brakes. Pedal feel, ABS operation, leaks, discs and hoses.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Pontiac Montana?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: engine and cooling, fuel system, exterior lighting. Total complaints: 126. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: A/C or heater (8%), fuel system, fuel smell (7%), rust, corrosion (6%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2002 Pontiac Montana?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2002 Pontiac Montana from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2002 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.