Pontiac Trans Sport Window & Wiper Problems

Owners have filed 61 complaints about windows, wipers & sunroof problems with the Pontiac Trans Sport — 9% of all Trans Sport complaints. The worst model years are 1997 (23), 1995 (16) and 1996 (13). Problems typically start around 87,000 miles. One related recall has been issued.

61complaints
1997worst year
87ktypical miles
1related recalls
2crashes
1fires

Window & Wiper complaints by model year

1995199619971998199916132381
Window & Wiper complaints per model year, Pontiac Trans Sport.
YearComplaintsShare of year's complaintsTypical mileage
1999110%—
199884%71,000 miles
19972310%90,000 miles
19961321%60,000 miles
19951614%120,000 miles

Which parts fail

  • Windshield wiper/washer
    25
  • Power window devices and controls
    17
  • Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
    11
  • Windshield
    5
  • Glass, side/rear
    3
  • Rear window wiper/washer
    1
  • Windshield wiper/washer › Linkages
    1

Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).

Mileage when the problem started

  • Under 25k
    00%
  • 25k–50k
    16%
  • 50k–75k
    531%
  • 75k–100k
    425%
  • 100k–150k
    425%
  • 150k+
    213%

What owners report

Driver\\'s power window was initially slow to close, and then wouldn\\'t close all the way. Eventually, it began closing erratically, with the glass askew. The dealer diagnosed the problem as a faulty power window control module; the part is approximatley $450 and the labor is $250. GM has refused to repair the part, due to lack of warranty history on the claim. They do have an outstanding service bulleting for an allied problem, of sticky window tracks, which probably LED to the initial slowness of the window closing. That probably LED to a failure of the module in question. In an effort to save money, I tried having it repaired at a local auto glass repair facility, hoping they could just reposition the window. They came back with the same diagnosis. …

1998 Trans Sport · Power window devices and controls · 71,000 miles · Dec 2002

After the recall repairs were completed for the power sliding door, the problem reoccurred. Per-Pontiac recall, they simply install a new un-latch actuator assembly to the power sliding door. Which is only a one time performance. NHTSA#01V067000 the consumers concerns other concern were with the volume button on the radio, the left front window/, and the brakes.

1998 Trans Sport · Windshield · Oct 2000

Engine failure due to leaking intake maifold gasket on 3.4l engine. Engine was meticulously maintained to that point, with all service receipts to prove that fact. No pervious coolant leakage was noted before the problem. Engine began making severe knocking noises while driving in mountains of wyoming. Service tech at laramie GM auto center said that the enging was losing oil pressure and consuming (losing) coolant. Coolant leaked into the intake mainfold through the faulty intake mainfold gasket. I had the repair done, and now 28,000 into the new engine, I am hearing various engine noises again. Will go to new local dealer for analysis. GM should repay me for this--they will not admit any responsibility for this problem, only offering a discount on a new GM car. …

1997 Trans Sport · Power window devices and controls · 68,000 miles · Jan 2001

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!

1996 Trans Sport · Rear window wiper/washer · 57,000 miles · Mar 2004

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

1996 Trans Sport · Windshield wiper/washer · 60,000 miles · Dec 2002

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. …

1995 Trans Sport · Power window devices and controls · Jan 2002 · crash

I currently own an 1995 Pontiac Trans Sport, with the 3800 engine, vehicle I.d. # [redacted]. For the last year I have been experiencing problems with my windshield wipers. The wipers tend to work and not work intermittently. Obviously, this can be a severe problem, especially in the rain. I brought my car to a mechanic and my mechanic mentioned that the wiper motors and or the wiper motor module that general motors used in many of its car models were found to be defective and were on recall. And he told me to check with GM regarding my vehicle. I recently contacted GM and gave them my cars vehicle I.d. Number. They told me that there was a recall for this particular problem, but it was limited to vehicles up to a certain I.d. Number range and I was told my vehicle I.d. Was not included in the recall. I recently asked my mechanic to order the part to repair the problem. …

1995 Trans Sport · Windshield wiper/washer › Motor · 120,000 miles · Aug 2003

Related recalls (1)

Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Linkages

NHTSA recall 98V-072 · Apr 7, 1998 · 55,154 vehicles

Vehicle description: passenger Mini vans equipped with traction control systems. The windshield wiper linkage arm can contact a brake line which is connected to the traction control system modulator valve. This contact can chafe the brake line resulting in a brake fluid leak.

Remedy: Dealers will install a brake line clip to ensure proper clearance. Also the brake lines will be inspected to any damage caused by this condition and will replace any damaged lines.

Frequently asked questions

Which Pontiac Trans Sport years have window & wiper problems?

By NHTSA complaints, the 1997 (23), 1995 (16), 1996 (13) and 1998 (8) model years. Window & Wiper complaints make up 10% of all complaints for the 1997.

Is there a recall for Pontiac Trans Sport window & wiper problems?

Yes — 1 recall, including 98V-072 (linkages, Apr 7, 1998). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.

At what mileage do Pontiac Trans Sport window & wiper problems start?

Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 87,000 miles; 6% happened before 50,000 miles.

What part fails most often?

Owners most often name the windshield wiper/washer (25 mentions), followed by the power window devices and controls (17).

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.