Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2002 Pontiac Montana owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
2002 Pontiac Montana. While the vehicle was parked in the garage, I smelled a strong odor of fuel outside the vehicle. I noticed a small amount of fuel spilling from the lower portion of the fuel tank. There were no warnings prior to the failure. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for a diagnostic. The failure was related to a crack in the fuel tank inlet check valve. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 07V349000 (fuel system, gasoline:storage), although the failures were identical. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure mileage was 93,426. Also since this happening the gas tank does not read the gas amount correctly,its either full or low on fuel and light comes on.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Pontiac Montana. After the vehicle was driven and parked, the contact noticed a strong odor of fuel emerging from the rear. The contact checked under the vehicle and noticed fuel coming out the side of the fuel tank where the seal was making a puddle on the floor. The vehicle was not diagnosed by a dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided case number: a-31191114851. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 192,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Pontiac Montana. The contact stated that there was an abnormal fuel odor coming from the rear of the vehicle. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that the fuel tank was fractured at the inlet. The vehicle was previously repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 07V349000 (fuel system, gasoline). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,949.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Pontiac Montana. 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.
The fuel tank inlet check valve can crack and leak recall.. I went out to take my kids to school and smelt gas. 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..
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. …
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. …
Tl contact owns a 2002 Pontiac Montana. The contact stated that the head gasket and the intake gasket had corroded from a cooling leak. She also experienced overheating and the only coolant that the dealer is telling her to use is dex cool. The contact stated that this type of coolant has been known to cause failures and that there should be some other type of coolant to use. She stated that the power door on the passenger side has signs of corrosion, the fuel gauge is erratic and prevents her from knowing the amount of fuel in the vehicle, the driver side front tire hub is loose, the overhead console for the temperature and compass has failed, and the air conditioning has a hole in the hose. According to the manufacturer, since the contact changed her own oil, that is the reason she is experiencing so many failures. Therefore, the manufacturer stated that they are not liable. …
The fuel tank is leaking around the seal where the elbow connectes,. This seal has been disconutined. The dealership said I would have to replace the fuel tank. I cant afford a new tank. If they cant replace the seal they should have to replace the tank, there has been two recalls on the gas tank on this vehicles. 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. I dont think it is fair that they can discontiuned a seal like this that and not willing to replace a hazard part like this, I put my life and the girls life in danger everyday we go out in the van but we have not choice.
Tl contact owns a 2002 Pontiac Montana. While the vehicle was parked in the garage, the contact smelled a strong odor of fuel outside the vehicle. She also observed a small amount of fuel spilling from the lower portion of the fuel tank. There were no warnings prior to the failure. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for a diagnostic. The failure was related to a crack in the fuel tank inlet check valve. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 07V349000 (fuel system, gasoline:storage), although the failures were identical. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure mileage was 135,000 and current mileage was 140,000. Updated 1/5/09 updated 01/09/09
Related recalls
Fuel system, gasoline › Storage
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).
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.
Fuel System complaints in other Montana years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 2002 Pontiac Montana?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 2002 Pontiac Montana, 17% of the model year's 126 complaints. The component named most often is storage (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Pontiac Montana fuel system problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 07V-349 (storage, Aug 8, 2007). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2002 Pontiac Montana fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 99,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.