Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl*- the contact stated that while driving the 1998 Pontiac transport with 183,000 failure mileage)at 55 MPH the driver's side front tire blew out without any warning. The contact lost control of the vehicle, and the vehicle hit a culvert on the left passenger side. Upon impact, the airbags did not deploy. The vehicle was taken to a local service center, but had not yet been repaired.
(1) we purchased a used 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport and discovered the next day that the air bag light stayed on all the time. (2) we are concerned as to why this light flashes when we turn the ignition on while the diagnostic test proceeds and all other lights go out. The air bag light continues to flash which must indicate something. The air bag light flashes until we start the van and then just stays on but does not flash till the ignition is turned off. We are most concerned what this light means to the safety of driving and the air bags deploying correctly. Kenny ross performs an advertised 130 point safety check which they show the customer that indicates what was found and the repairs they performed. We would assume that air bag problems would be pointed out if the dealer checked for the safety of the autos that they sell. …
Where do I start? Same complaints as all other Pontiac minivan owners. Since original purchase in 1998, headlight assembly faulty, ABS warning light malfunction, air bag warning light malfunction, and malfunctioning (still) passenger automatic sliding door. Recently had head gasket replaced due to antifreeze leak, as well as front left wheel hub. This is the worst (and most costly) vehicle I have owned with respect to maintenance.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport. The contact stated that when accelerating from a complete stop, the front passenger's side air bag deployed inadvertently and without any impact to the vehicle. The driver sustained minor bruises and swelling to the right arm. The vehicle was in the process of being towed to an authorized dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 117,000.
While driving driver passed out andhad a direct frontal impact into a brick building, in which driver's and passenger's airbags did not deploy, and did not protect the driver or passenger in this crash. The front end was totaled. Passenger collapsed and was hospitalized . Driver sustained fractured thumb and bruised cheek, hospitalized three weeks.
Vehicle involved in a front end collison at approximately 35-40 MPH. Upon impact,both air bags failed to deploy which caused driver to sustain a head injury from hitting front windshield. Dealer /manufacturer notified.
While traveling and without notice air bag indicator light would stay on throughout traveling, intermittently. Dealer was contacted, and technician could not duplicate problem. Dealer informed consumer that repairs have been made, however consumer does not feel that repairs have been made.
Airbag light has been coming on since September 1998. Steering wheel would make a noise, but dealer could never duplicate problem. Dealer put in a steering gear, and steering pump a couple of times. Please provide any further information.
Consumer stated seat belts behind passenger and middle back seats locked up. They did not work. Also, air bag light kept coming on. Consumer took vehicle to mechanic to have it looked at, but air bag light still came on.
Air bag light stays on. The dealer has repaired intermittent problem 7 times in 2 years. Mechanic stated that design of cables under t driver's seat were being dragged, causing them to loosen up.
NHTSA investigations
Air bag tear during deployment
Airbag complaints in other Trans Sport years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the air bags of the 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport, 9% of the model year's 227 complaints. The component named most often is frontal (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport airbag problems?
No. NHTSA lists no air bags recall for the 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 127,000 miles, and 17% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 9 crashes, 1 fire and 15 injuries to air bags problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.