Brake complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Dt*: the contact stated that the ABS light illuminated constantly. There was also a delay in the activation of the ABS when the brake was depressed in a normal braking situation. The vehicle was taken to a private repair shop, where the shop determined that the ABS module was faulty and needed to be replaced. There were no repairs to the ABS system. The contact also expressed that the automatic transmission did not shift gears at the correct RPM level. The vehicle was taken to a separate private repair shop, where the transmission fluid was changed, and the head gasket replaced. The repair did not completely fix the problem.
While driving the van about 25 MPH and applying the brakes the pedal went down to the floor and the vehicle continued to move at the same speed until we hit the car in front of us. I had complete brake failure!!!
Driving in rush hour traffic, on congested freeway, at 55 MPH the brake pedal went to the floor without any warning. The traffic in front of me was slowing down and I almost rear ended the car in front of me. Dropped it in first gear, applied emergency brake and made an evasive lane change to get to the shoulder and let it slow down by itself. Pulled off on the freeway shoulder got out of the car and I noticed the brake line right underneath the driver side leaking at a high rate and brake fluid puddling underneath the vehicle. Only god's grace that I didn't rear end anybody or gotten into a car crash. Disappointed is not a strong enough word to use for what happened. I have never experienced a brake line burst in a vehicle. …
Recall 98V072000; the stopping distance hasn't gotten any better since the recall work has been performed, and when turning on the windshield wipers the radio failed. There had been an crash before and after the recall work had been performed because of stopping distances of the brakes.
The vehicle continued to experience problems with the steering after the recall was performed on the rack and pinion, however prior to the recall the outer tie rods were replaced, but that did not resolve the steering problems, also the front rotors were resurfaced.
While driving at 45 MPH, the defective braking system malfunctioned, causing the braking pedal to go to the floor and extended stopping distance which caused an accident 2 times. The vehicle was serviced prior to the first accident. Dealer cannot determine problem.
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. …
When traveling 35 MPH and upon depressing the brake pedal to make a normal stop, the brake pedal went to the floorboard, causing extended stopping distance, resutling in an accident. Consumer has yet to contact the dealer. Please provide further details.
Related recalls (1)
Service brakes, hydraulic › Pedals and linkages
Improperly manufactured brake pedal arm causes the brake pedal arm to fracture during braking.
Remedy: Dealers will replace all suspect brake pedal assemblies.
Frequently asked questions
Which Pontiac Trans Sport years have brake problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1997 (17), 1998 (17), 1995 (12) and 1996 (6) model years. Brake complaints make up 7% of all complaints for the 1997.
Is there a recall for Pontiac Trans Sport brake problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 95V-048 (pedals and linkages, Mar 20, 1995). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Pontiac Trans Sport brake problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 120,000 miles; 17% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (22 mentions), followed by the foundation components › disc (5).
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.