Window & Wiper complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Dt*: the contact stated while operating the vehicle during all weather conditions, the power window switch was inoperative on the driver side, passenger side, and in the rear vent. There was no warning signals prior to the incident. The vehicle was taken to a service dealer numerous times, who could not be duplicate the problem. The manufacturer was informed and a claim # was provided.
2005 Pontiac Montana experiencing problems with the windows and the windshield wipers. The consumer found damage on the door which was remedied, then the consumer reported that both windows rolled down hard. The drivers side was fixed but not the passenger side. Wiper failure occurred intermittently and were replaced, then the passenger window would not roll up. The passenger window was fixed. The driver window did not operate properly and the vehicle stalled on a few occasions while the vehicle was in motion.
The wipers on our 2003 Pontiac Montana with roughly 48000 miles, started moving slowly even when set in the fastest wiper setting. Took it to a local garage that replaced the wiper motor. Wipers were still slow. Took it to a GM dealer on 10/4/06. They could not find the source of the problem and greased the mechanical arms (wiper transmission). A few days later in a driving rain the wipers stopped moving completely. Took it back to the GM dealer 10/16/06. They replaced the wiper transmission and wiper motor for a bill in excess of $1000. The wiper transmission was binding in the passenger side stem that the wiper arm attaches to.
I have a 2003 Pontiac Montana. The driver side window would roll down fine using the power switch. But rolling it up is a problem. It rolls up crooked and is slow. Had to grab the glass by my hand and help. I took it to a garage and we replaced the slider for the glass, the old one looked loose at the joints that swivel. The new mechanism worked fine for about 2 months and is now acting the same as the old one. Slow and crooked rise. We did not change the motor, just the track hardware.
Since I bought my 2002 Montana Mini van as a new vehicle on 11-02-2001, I have had problems with the windshield. The problem started as a startling, loud cracking noise which occurred randomly over the first two years. Since then, the windshield leaks during heavy rainstorm; water streams out of ceiling-mounted boxes such as my temperature/compass box and the OnStar antenna. The dealer, performance Pontiac which then sold out to anderson GMC in hunt valley, has tried to repair the windshield seal twice, the first time during the 36 month warranty period. Both repairs were free of charge, but did not correct the problem. I just took the van in for a third time, and the dealer now says they cannot find any leak but will replace the windshield at a charge to me of more than $300. I believe this is a manufacturer's defect and I should not be charged. …
We ought the van as a program with 20,000 miles on it,within the first month the power windows would not work all the time meaning sometimes they work and sometimes they dont. Same thing for the interior lights. In the summer of 2003 the air condition developed a sloe leak that progressed within weeks,we now have no air at all and the part aloe is going to cost $400.00. In October of 2003 on our way to a high school football game the transmission went out. There was no warning at all,it had not been leaking or acting up in any way it made a thud sound going down the hiway and that was it..no more transmission $4,000.00 to repair.
Hello on 3/31/09 my 2001 Pontiac Montana caught on fire while driving on I-88 highway with 60 miles per hour. The smoke filled the car and fire was shooting up at the back window while driving this vehicle. Apparently an electrical shortage at the windshield viper has started the fire.
Gas leaking under the driver seat and under the hood. Also, gas was pouring out from the motor. The window failed to open, the consumer is currently waiting on a new motor. The rear brakes were leaking, the tie rods had to be replaced because they were loose, the left rear stuck became stuck, when the gear was taken out of park and placed into drive and the consumer proceeded to accelerate the vehicle jerked, the engine light illuminated, the dealer determined the emission system was dragging, the driver side mirror vibrated, the bumper cover was loose. When the consumer attempted to turn the key in the ignition, the vehicle did not start, the dealer was unable to duplicate the consumer's concern. The fuel pressure regulator was leaking and the fuel filter was replaced. The vehicle would not go over 10 MPH, the vehicle shifted and then returned to normal speed. …
Frequently asked questions
Which Pontiac Montana years have window & wiper problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2000 (18), 1999 (12), 2001 (11) and 2002 (9) model years. Window & Wiper complaints make up 8% of all complaints for the 2000.
Is there a recall for Pontiac Montana window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof 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 window & wiper problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 68,000 miles; 39% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the power window devices and controls (23 mentions), followed by the windshield wiper/washer (13).
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.