The most-reported Montana run is 1GMDX03E9XD (1999 builds) with 16 complaints, 5.7× the typical run. Engine and engine cooling problems make up 29% of reports; 1999 is the worst model year at 4.4 complaints per run; NHTSA lists 20 recall campaigns for Montana model years 2000–2006.
Which build runs owners report most
A production run is the first 11 characters of the VIN: plant, model year, body and engine. The Pontiac Montana has 287 of them on record. The five runs at the top of this table hold 9% of every Montana complaint on file.
| Production run (VIN 1–11) | Year | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1GMDX03E9XD•••••• | 1999 | — | — | |
| 1GMDX03EXYD•••••• | 2000 | 5 | 1 | |
| 1GMDX03E7XD•••••• | 1999 | — | — | |
| 1GMDX03E81D•••••• | 2001 | 1 | — | |
| 1GMDX03E3XD•••••• | 1999 | 1 | 2 | |
| 1GMDX03E0XD•••••• | 1999 | 1 | — | |
| 1GMDX03E3YD•••••• | 2000 | — | — | |
| 1GMDX03E6XD•••••• | 1999 | 1 | — | |
| 1GMDX03E9YD•••••• | 2000 | — | — | |
| 1GMDX03E5XD•••••• | 1999 | — | — | |
| 1GMDX03E2XD•••••• | 1999 | 1 | — | |
| 1GMDX03E2YD•••••• | 2000 | — | — |
Each of the other 275 Montana runs has 12 complaints or fewer.
Which model years to check twice
Complaints per production run, so a year that simply sold more does not top the list. On the Pontiac Montana the gap between build years is 3.4×: a 1999 car draws 4.4 complaints per run, a 1997 one 1.3.
| Year | Per run | Complaints | Runs | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 22 | 15 | — | |
| 2005 | 62 | 30 | 5 | |
| 2004 | 31 | 19 | 7 | |
| 2003 | 70 | 34 | 6 | |
| 2002 | 95 | 49 | 1 | |
| 2001 | 122 | 37 | 8 | |
| 2000 | 173 | 47 | 12 | |
| 1999 | 183 | 42 | 9 | |
| 1998 | 36 | 15 | 2 | |
| 1997 | 12 | 9 | 1 |
Heaviest year here is 1999 at 4.4 complaints per run; lightest is 1997 at 1.3.
What to inspect on this car
One system accounts for 29% of everything Pontiac Montana owners report: Engine And Engine Cooling, 205 of 807 complaints. Start the pre-purchase inspection there.
| System | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine And Engine Cooling | — | 1 | |
| Electrical System | 2 | 9 | |
| Structure | 1 | — | |
| Power Train | 2 | — | |
| Air Bags | 33 | — | |
| Service Brakes | 7 | — | |
| Fuel System | — | — | |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 2 | — |
Recalls to check against your VIN
NHTSA has 20 recall campaigns on the Pontiac Montana; the 6 below cover build years 2000 to 2006. These are for the model and year; whether one is still open on a given car, only that VIN can tell.
| Campaign | Component | Model years |
|---|---|---|
| 07E021000 | Fuel System, Other:storage:tank Assembly:pressure Relief Devices | 2000–2005 |
| 04V597000 | Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch | 2000–2005 |
| 09E005000 | Steering | 2000–2005 |
| 07V349000 | Fuel System, Gasoline:storage | 2001–2004 |
| 10V110000 | Suspension:rear | 2005–2006 |
| 03V250000 | Equipment:other:owners/service/other Manual | 2001–2003 |
The Montana against its rivals
The Montana draws 2.8 complaints per production run; the Chevrolet Uplander 2.7 and the Ford Freestar 5.5.
| Model | Complaints | Runs | Per run | Involved a crash |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pontiac Montana | 807 | 287 | 6.3% | |
| Chevrolet Uplander | 481 | 177 | 4.2% | |
| Ford Freestar | 2,127 | 390 | 1.2% |
How serious were they
Of the 807 reports on the Pontiac Montana, 6.3% involved a crash against 5.8% across all vehicles, above the norm.
| Outcome | Pontiac Montana | All vehicles |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints filed | 807 | 1,115,966 |
| Involved a crash | 51 (6.3%) | 64,194 (5.8%) |
| Involved a fire | 13 (1.6%) | 26,974 (2.4%) |
| Injuries reported | 86 | 58,013 |
| Deaths reported | 2 | 2,728 |
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How this check works
The file behind this page holds 1,115,966 complaints filed with NHTSA between 1981 and 2026, across 298,921 production runs. The Pontiac Montana share of that is 807 complaints over 287 runs, 0.07% of everything on record.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check a Pontiac Montana VIN for free?
Enter the 17 characters above. ForCar matches the first eleven, the production run, against 807 NHTSA complaints from 287 Montana runs and 20 recall campaigns. No account, no card.
Which Montana production run has the most complaints?
1GMDX03E9XD, a 1999 build, with 16 complaints. The typical Montana run has 2.8.
Which Montana years have the most complaints?
Per production run, 1999 is heaviest at 4.4 complaints per run and 1997 lightest at 1.3.
Does the Montana get more complaints than the Chevrolet Uplander?
Yes: 2.8 complaints per production run for the Montana against 2.7 for the Chevrolet Uplander.
How many Montana complaints involve a crash?
6.3% of 807 reports, against 5.8% across all vehicles; 13 involved a fire.
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