Engine complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Pontiac Montana. The contact stated that the transmission failed. As a result, the vehicle decelerated and jerked violently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the technician was unable to duplicate the failure. In addition, the contact stated that the fuel cap failure light and engine warning light illuminated. The independent mechanic replaced the fuel cap several times; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 106,000.
When it's cold and you start the vehicle I get a message reduced engine power. You have to immediately shut it off. Som etimes when you are driving down the road and it is warmed up it will do this and you have to find a safe place to pull over because if you try to give it gas it won't go anyways. I think it is a safety hazard because it can happen when you are going 70 MPH on the interstate and cars are right on your ass. Luckily I wasn't on the interstate but I was on a highway going 60mph when it happened.
When I start the engine & try to put in another it it nearly impossible. With engine on, it smells of gasoline! I'm afraid I will die from the fumes. Transmission only goes up to 20 mph. I know there is a gas leak and I want others to be notified before my family or someone else's family catch fire and burn to death! If I have to run the heater then it takes power from the engine/transmission and I can only go 10mph. When I am in on on the highway the van will shut off. It shut off out of nowhere and I almost lost my life that day!
Vehicle has been properly maintained under hood components for years. One day I started it up and was smoking heavily. No evidence has been shown to be a failure to maintain. No loose or bare wires, nothing unordinary going on under the hood that could cause this. No signs of operator error so forth.
Repeated driving within 1/4 mile of the indianapolis regional air traffic control radar antenna causes some of the instrument panel failure indicators to turn on for several seconds. The "battery" and "airbag" indicators turn on and clicking noise is heard from the instrument panel. The lamp indications are about the same as when the engine is first started. My concern is that this May be doing damage to the computer which could result in a future failure.
I have replaced the head gasket on my 2004 Pontiac Montana every year at the same time this is the 3rd time I will have to have the gasket replaced I do believe this is a recall issue that should be corrected by the manufacturer since I have replaced it 2 times prior to this.
After heading home from taking my son to the er, my temp gauge started to rise fast to the red lines while I was going down the street. I quickly pulled over, put it in park and shut my engine off. I got out out of the car and looked under neath. Coolant was pouring all over the ground under the engine. Obviously couldn't drive so I had to call the husband to pick us up and a tow truck. Took the van to two different garages and they both said the head gasket blew. I have found that GM knows about this problem and many have complained but yet not one recall on this issue. I have even seen this issue in the service note due to plastic parts. Garages are asking 15 hundred for repair!!!
Van over heated after replacing water pump and thermostat. Dexcool was required by GM for warranty car was flushed out and dexcool was replaced. One week later van over heated again, was told it was an air bubble in heating system. Bleed out system using a vacuum pump and pulled out all the air in the system. This worked for about 3 months. Problem returned again in spring in 3/6/2012 over heated again drivingbat highway speeds 25 miles from starting point. Found air in system again. Had water pump, thermostat, hoses and coolant all replaced again. Problem is still occurring. Dexcool destroyed the head gasket in the motor. Needs to be replaced. This is a common problem I have found from new repair shop they work on at least 2 a week. GM has hidden this from the public needs to be a full recall on head gaskets. At no cost to owners. …
Frequently asked questions
Which Pontiac Montana years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1999 (99), 2000 (72), 2001 (38), 2002 (25) and 1998 (15) model years. Engine complaints make up 42% of all complaints for the 1999.
Is there a recall for Pontiac Montana engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for any Pontiac Montana model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Pontiac Montana engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 66,000 miles; 27% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine (64 mentions), followed by the cooling system (56).
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.