Body complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The power sliding door does not work. The driver has to turn the power off that goes to the door in order to keep it shut. When attempting to shut the door it will only close a little, then re-open. The van was taken to dealer, but was told that they could not repair it.
The passenger's sliding door does not close properly, and allows carbon monoxide into the vehicle, idling or driving when all windows are up. The dealer has been notified, and has adjusted the door per a bulletin from Pontiac. This problem has resulted in consumer getting ill.
Sliding door on passenger side locked up trapping passenger inside. Door cannot be opened manually or electronically. A loud buzzing noise then a thud was heard prior. Can't open door any way now scary.
Dt*: the contact stated while the vehicle was parked, it was hit on the driver side behind the door. The vehicle sustained body damage, there were no injuries, and a police report was not filed. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop for repairs. The mechanic determined there was no safety side bar on the vehicle and feels this is a safety defect. The body damage was repaired and the manufacturer was alerted.
While closing the side door my grandson's thumb was caught in it. He was screaming and there was no emergency way to stop the door from closing. The door had to complete the course of closing before it could be opened to get his thumb out. I thank god it was only his thumb!!
This vehicle is having multiple problems, GM never lets me know of any recalls. I understand that today they have recalled them again for a problem in the steering but I cannot find any information. Very upset that I have to pay to get this thing fixed! Really need a new car now. The gas gauge or tank is empty when the gauge shows 1/2 tank. Side door we unplugged because it would not close and the light still shows on my dash as open. Many times it simply would not open. In a crash we would not be able to open any doors if the vehicle was running. The transmission is leaking badly. We replaced it once only to have this happen again. We use a lot of fluid and oil. The engine is running very poorly, would not pass emissions. Interior lights will not work. Van looks new on outside except the hood which had no primer ed and now has chips on it. …
The frame is rusted out with one bolt holding up the engine. This is major safety hazard. It was only recently discovered by a mechanic doing some repairs on the engine. The frame on a 11 year old car should not rust out. A major accident could have occurred.
NHTSA investigations
Unexpected opening of sliding door
There is no summary currently available
Power-sliding door
Subject vehicles are available with an optional power sliding door.the interior handle is oriented in the vertical position in the door panel and lines up at the elbow level when the occupant is seated in the 2nd-row outboard position.if the occupant holds the interior handle in the thumb up position during power-assisted opening, the arm/wrist can be push back with force against the 2nd-row bucket seat or captain's…
Frequently asked questions
Which Pontiac Trans Sport years have body problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1997 (37), 1998 (21), 1995 (15) and 1996 (5) model years. Body complaints make up 16% of all complaints for the 1997.
Is there a recall for Pontiac Trans Sport body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for any Pontiac Trans Sport 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 Trans Sport body problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 115,000 miles; 0% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the body › door (71 mentions), followed by the body (3).
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.