Most common 1996 Pontiac Trans Sport problems
Share of the 61 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Pontiac Trans Sport complaints by model year
Best Trans Sport years: 1999, 1996, 1995. Years to avoid: 1997, 1998. Compare all years →
1996 Pontiac Trans Sport recalls (1)
Steering › Rack and pinion
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.
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.
What 1996 Pontiac Trans Sport owners say
Engine & cooling
Vehicle started eating coolant, within 4 days of coolant leak head gasket had complete failure dumping contents of radiator into oil pan. Upon exam found that dextrol coolant had turned corrosive and eaten threw gasket causing failure. Replace all top end gaskets and rebuild top end. Pray that lower end will be OK once flushed completely. Have kept old parts for further exam.
Intake manifold & gasket failure - oil & coolant mixing in engine compartment - imminent engine failure front wiper motor/transmission intermitent failure while driving - difficulty diagnosing problem - major safety issue when the wipers suddenly stop/start working while driving in rain & snow or sloppy highway conditions compressor clutch hub & pulley failure
Windows, wipers & sunroof
Windshield wipers either quit or do not work at times, if you turn them to high speed then use washer fluid they May continue to work. The problem can not be duplicated by dealer. Only known repair is replacement of wiper motor by dealer, "that should fix it". Driver never knows if wipers will work when needed. Many simular complaints have been made to your agency!
The windshield wipers failed to work, the consumer had to hit the control several times to get them to work. The coolant light illuminated, the dealer replaced the upper and lower intake, the front passenger window went up and down slow, the power sliding door was inoperative, the dealer replaced the battery
Steering
The owner received a recall notice for the lower pinion bearing and power steering gear. The consumer took the vehicle in for servicing and the work was completed. Now the vehicle is pulling to the right. This occurred only after having it worked on for the original recall. Now the dealership is telling the consumer that the defect that is currently being experienced is no fault of the work that was done for the recall. The dealership is not willing to repair the current problem unless the owner pays out of pocket. Provide further details.
While turning right, the steering wheel failed with no control. The consumer was able to stop vehicle. The dealer was notified. The consumer stopped a stop sign at an intersection when the steering wheel started to spin around. It was discovered the intermediate shaft at the base of the steering column had come loose. The air bag light was on and the clock spring had broken.
1996 Pontiac Trans Sport engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.4L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 17 / 23 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: Minivan.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1996 Pontiac Trans Sport a good car?
Based on 61 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1996 Trans Sport rates better than average: 65% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Trans Sport at the same age. It is one of the best Trans Sport years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1996 Pontiac Trans Sport?
The engine & cooling — 13 complaints, 21% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine › gasoline. Next are the windows, wipers & sunroof (13) and steering (7).
How many recalls does the 1996 Pontiac Trans Sport have?
There is 1 recall for the 1996 Pontiac Trans Sport, the most recent from November 4, 2002 (rack and pinion). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Pontiac Trans Sport?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 1999, 1996 and 1995. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1997 and 1998. See the full Pontiac Trans Sport years comparison.
At what mileage do 1996 Pontiac Trans Sport problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 96,000 miles; 0% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 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.