Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
04060402404/01/200410012634Powertrain control module will not properly communicate on board diagnostic freeze frame information to nontech2 service or test equipment. *eh03/09/2005
03060101003/01/200310001282Engine oil or coolant leak. *tt04/25/2003
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE
0214301/01/20043033A10008866Awd 2,100-2,400 engine rpm moan/body boom noise. service vme. *tt08/24/2004
0152701/01/200410005464A whistle type noise coming from the engine. sit bulletin 1406534. *tt02/27/2004
0155601/01/200401556A10005396Engine cranks but does not run. *tt02/24/2004
03-06-01-01004/01/2008030601010C10004768Engine oil or coolant leak. *tt gm reminder. *tt install new lower intake manifold gasket. updated 7/18/08 *pe01/06/2004
010604018A09/01/200201060401810000056Intermittent malfunction indicator lamp (mil) and power train control module (pcm) diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p1404. *tt02/10/2003
0113008/31/2001625447Subject regarding customer satisfaction campaign bulletin #01060 - valve springs replacement. *tt11/28/2001
0106008/22/2001625083Subject regarding customer satisfaction campaign valve spring replacement. *jg11/16/2001
01060A08/28/2001625101Subject regarding customer satisfaction campaign valve spring replacement. *jg11/16/2001
0106001/01/2001625021Subject regarding replacement valve springs. *jg11/16/2001
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE
02060101404/01/2002634708Subject regarding revised lower intake manifold installation. *tt10/07/2002
02060401403/01/2002632322Subject regarding the elimination of the service bay test procedure. *tt07/12/2002
043010201/04/2002629659Customer complaints regarding lack of power. *tt04/04/2002
01084500509/01/2006010845005E627671Hard start, no start, stall, and/or fuel gauge inoperative or fluctuates. *yh updated *eh02/13/2002
010601010A06/01/20010106010101620810Subject regarding polymer service pistons. *tt08/30/2001
20090009/20/2000619051Some customers may have experienced intermittent no start or hard start conditions. *tt05/11/2001
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM
03060500302/01/200310001132Rattle or buzz type noise from exhaust system. *tt04/15/2003

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
09/12/200595000106/20/2003
 At 95,000 miles, my 2001 pontiac montana van began to leak water and i took it to a local mechanic. he informed me that the intake manifold gasket was leaking and that it needed to be replaced or that it would damage the engine permanently. in order to verify the problem, i took it to the local pontiac dealer and the diagnosis was confirmed. both garages told me that they had repaired the same problem on many of the same engines that were used in chevrolets, pontiacs and oldsmobiles. the cost of the repair was in excess of $830. if these are inherent problems with these engines, why hasn't gm issued a recall? i repaired the same problem with my 1997 pontiac transport montana twice. when are they going to stand behind their product and repair the flawed design? *jb
03/05/20054900002/04/2001
 I own a 2000 chevy lumina and a 2001 pontiac montana both have 6 cylinder engines and i have had to replace the head gasket on both of these vehicles. one has 50,000 miles and the other has 70,000 miles. the mechanic that did the repairs said he is replacing the head gasket gm's 6 cylinder vehicles all the time.
02/26/200436000102/26/2004
 Engine on high idle at all times, vehicle runs even with the brakes applied. difficult to handle during slow turns.*ak
03/01/200460000109/25/2001
 Dexcool coolant leaked out of the intake manifold gasket overheated and stalled on the highway.had to have the garage replace the intake gasket,valve cover gasket and the cylinder head gasket. *ak
10/15/200146000
 A/c condensor replaced in april 2002....evap core has large hole in it has to be replaced june 2003..currently no a/c service engine light has given false signals since ownership ..problem cannot be identified..
12/15/20020
 Pontiac montana--found a coolant leak around the intake manifold--this is a known problem that gm does not seem to want to address (much info on the internet pertaining to very angry gm owners)--luckily (maybe) the problem will be fixed "forever".
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM
02/03/2010112438
 Service traction light stays on. turn signal lights blinked really fast and they light up everytime i push on the break. replaced brakes. problem caused tail lamp circuit board and light bulbs to burn out and melt connectors. was unable to drive the vehicle because people on the road would not know when i was breaking and could possibly run into me. nocking sound on right wheel and steering wheel is loose. replaced stabilizers and sensors, rotated and balnced wheels. scared that i may loose control of the car because it causes the the traction to turn off and the vehicle slides which could lead to a multi-car accident. it also needs new shocks; they are leaking. vehicle is running hot and is eating up the coolant. have already put 2 gallons in the vehicle since sept. water pump is leaking. passenger window keeps getting stuck. dealership says that the door needs to be replaced because it is an electrical issue. the majority of the problems that i am having are due to electrical issues. if you google problems with this particular model, you will find that the complaints are regarding the same issues that i have stated. i am low income and cannot afford to keep spending money to hypothesize what is the cause. i need gm to find out what is wrong with this vehicle. i can't get out of my contract and this vehicle is a road hazard. i noticed the issue with the door the same that i test drove the vehicle. the dealership refused to repair it even though it was on the inspection report. still disputing issue with them. i noticed the problem with the wheel in april and have been constantly taking it back every since the first repair was done.
06/15/2007680001
 The compressor for my 2001 montana, having only 68k miles was diagnosed as defective by jones pontiac service in lancaster. there was a crack in the compressor, which wasn't caused by wear & tear. the manufacturer, pontiac refused to replace this at a discounted cost. the replacement cost was $1,200. the compressor doesn't work, and would leak freon into the atmosphere if used. i haven't had this fixed or permitted freon to be filled into the compressor, so i haven't used the compressor. the compressor is needed to defrost the windows in the winter, which could cause a hazardous situation. i believe pontiac should hold the manufacturer accountable for this abnormal defect, and offer a 75% discount on the part. *tr
11/24/20067000110/29/2001
 The air conditioner compressor has failed and my mechanic said he has had a rash of failures with the gm products, in fact he received a tech notice to the effect that he could expect a lot of trouble with this product. i called gm with no satisfaction, with so many failure they should take some responsibility for this failure. the cost for this item installed is over $800.00 and for anyone on retirement this is a major expense. i would like to know how many failure occurred and how many complaints gm has received over this. i would think they would be afraid to recall this product maybe it would put them out of business as they already are in deep trouble for not selling a good product. thanks. *nm
04/27/200666000110/20/2001
 Dexcool coolant leakage signs out of intake manifold, service professional reported it as a problem with gm 3.4 engines and would lead to costly engine repair if not fixed. replaced gaskets etc cost $956. 66000 klm. *nm
04/17/200683000102/15/2001
 Coolant leak at intake manifold gasket. *nm
03/22/200660108/17/2001
 Vehicle was not producing heat for occupant compartment. noticed that coolant was low. took vehicle to dealer with prior knowledge from your site regarding the intake manifold issues with the montana and other gm vehicles. the intake manifold on my vehicle has failed, and is leaking coolant. no coolant ever reached the ground, as it was evaporating on the engine. there is a petition in line with over 10,00 signatures requesting a recall for this issue. *nm
08/18/200544833107/23/2004
 I bought a 2001 pontiac montana w/40,900 mi.in july 2004, on 8/18/2005 the head gasket blew out w/44,800mi.i towed to local garage where i was told to take to the dealer where i bought it, because of the well known problems with the 3.4l engine cooling system i have been quoted a price of $1325.00, gm said that they will pay $300.00
05/10/200559000102/10/2005
 Intake manifold gasket leaking causing dexcool to leak into engine. gasket had to be replaced. gm has issued a service bulletin about this problem and will do nothing to help the consumer. service bulletin # 03-06-01-010 be aware!!!!! bulletin says new gasket must be made from a different type of material in order to correct problem. if this is the case why should we have to cover the expensive repairs???? somthing has to be done!
03/05/2005102/18/2005
 Leaking dexcool, needs mainifold gasket, very common problem with montanas and gm is aware of it and released a service bulletin on it # 03-06-01-010 requiring a new intake manifold gasket be installed but at owners expense. crazy!*ak
01/19/200538000103/26/2001
 2001 pontiac montana with 38k mi. observed coolant loss with no visible leak. dealer diagnosed intake maniforld failure, repair cost of $971, no warranty coverage. *jb
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE
04/19/2010102000
 Tl* the contact owns a 2001 pontiac montana. the contact stated he noticed engine coolant leaking from the head gasket. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing and the dealer advised the head gasket was defective and would need to be replaced. the vehicle had not yet been repaired. the approximate failure and current mileages were 102,000.
06/13/2009797351
 I was just driving to the store and all of a sudden without warning my van started to overheat and smoke the temp got to above 260 and it just stopped in the road. i had my children with me and had no idea what happened. my 17 year old son had to push me out of the road and i called my brother and he drove out to me and checked things out who is a mechanic and he said i blew a head gasket, he said these things happen but it should not have happened at 79,000 miles. i called around to see how much it would be to fix and so far no one will do it because it is alot of trouble. *tr
01/17/2007126990101/13/2006
 I had no heat in my van and took it in to see what the problem was. the automotive place that i took it informed me the gasket was leaking fluid and needed to be repaired immediately or it could seize the motor. i was also informed that these vehicles were know for this problem. the cost was to repair it was in excess of $850. a sum which i could not afford but had to put on credit as i need the vehicle to go back and forth to work. if this make and model are famous for this problem why have they not been recalled. it would sure be a gesture of good will on pontiac if they did. *nm
02/11/200667500106/02/2003
 I had the oil changed and then a few days later the van developed a leak of a red/pink fluid. i took it in to the place where i had the oil changed and then to a local pontiac dealer who also found the same problem. the problem is that the lower gasket went bad. it would take 1200 to 1500 usd to replace it. both the local pontiac dealership and the goodyear tire dealership that first changed my oil said that it they found it a common replacement on this engine, the 3.4 l gm. *nm
01/05/2006102500101/03/2006
 Bought a 2001 pontiac montana with 102,400 miles on it and within three days of ownership the intake gaskets are blown. repairs are estimated to be $700-$900 without knowing it has done more damage than that. looked online and found a website that over 9600 people have signed that they had problems with that same engine 3.4l v6. there has been no recall from gm and i think that there should be. why are we stuck with a bill that high, when it supposedly got rectified in 2002 vehicles. i am sure that there is more people out there that have had the same problems with the head and intake gaskets on these vehicles that has not yet signed the petition. the website address is: http://www.petitiononline.com/gmcnsmrs/petition.html please review! thank you. *nm
10/17/200565000109/24/2001
 Car began leaking engine coolant from the back of the engine with only 60,000 miles on the odometer. upon examination, it was found that the coolant leak was coming from the lower intake manifold gasket. this car has always run hot (between the half way mark and the red area of the gauge). the car finally overheated. the dealership said that there was no coolant in the engine, however the burp tank was nearly full, with no spillage. the dealership insisted that it overheated because of the leaking intake manifold gasket. we reluctantly agreed to replace the gasket to a tune of $1,376.00. the car still runs too hot in my opinion, but has not yet overheated. *nm
07/01/2004206/01/2001
 Problems with intake manifold and air conditioner. *mr *sc *jb
01/19/2000
 Oil filter located next to the starter w burned a hole in air conditioner line. dealer has been contacted. please provide further details. *ak
 Freon splashed out through engine compartment. dealer has repaired vehicle. please provide further details.*ak
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE
10/16/2001805/01/2001
 The vehicle has stalled 5 or 6 times in the 4 1/2 months since i have owned it. the first time i had just left work. about 1 mile from work at about 20 mph it stalled. this was a 2 lane residential area. i was able to fight off the panic, put on my flashers, and had just enough momentum to make it to the next block and coast into a storefront parking area. my husband suggested that i should shift to neutral and restart the vehicle. stalled on residential 4 lane highway. i had just exited the highway and was traveling at about 30 mph. the vehicle stalled. i shifted to neutral and restarted. stalled at about 35 mph through rush hour traffic and i was on a 4-lane bridge. this time i was in the right lane, thank goodness, because again without any noise or warning lights/messages the vehicle stalled.stalled traveling to work on 4 lane divided highway at about 65 mph. i was coasting down a long hill toward my exit. the vehicle stalled, i shifted to neutral and it would not restart. i was able to coast to the exit and then to the side of the road. the vehicle did restart after several attempts.stalled on my way to work on a 6 lane divided highway at roughly 70 - 72 mph. i was in the center lane with vehicles on the left and right. when the vehicle stalls, the headlights, radio, heater, etc... continue to operate without interruption. the motor completely stops working, however there is no power brakes and no power steering.*ak
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM
03/13/2008105/03/2006
 When driving my 2001 pontiac montana at highway speed i start to feel very dizzy, get headaches, almost faint. i was told a certain valve near the engine needed to be replaced, along with the oxygen sensor, the maf sensor, and the spark plugs needed to be replaced. after researching the internet it seems that many 2001 montanas have the same problems. which seems to me to be very dangerous. i have ended up in the urgent care and almost passed our several times. i have three young children and they are also affected by it, as well as my husband. i think the dealership needs to do a recall on this vehicle or something needs to be done. i have outstanding medical bills and am lucky that my and my family are still alive. so i am going to still research and see what i need to do because i am going to need to get this fixed, get another van which i can not afford, or get an attorney. thanks for any advice. *tr
12/01/2001
 A malfunction within exhaust system is causing fumes to escape, and resulting in driver and passengers becoming ill. dealer has yet to be contacted. please provide further details.*ak
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL
3060103/01/2002
 Gas leaking under the driver seat and under the hood. also, gas was pouring out from the motor. *la the window failed to open, the consumer is currently waiting on a new motor. the rear brakes were leaking, the tie rods had to be replaced because they were loose, the left rear stuck became stuck, when the gear was taken out of park and placed into drive and the consumer proceeded to accelerate the vehicle jerked, the engine light illuminated, the dealer determined the emission system was dragging, the driver side mirror vibrated, the bumper cover was loose. when the consumer attempted to turn the key in the ignition, the vehicle did not start, the dealer was unable to duplicate the consumer's concern. the fuel pressure regulator was leaking and the fuel filter was replaced. the vehicle would not go over 10 mph, the vehicle shifted and then returned to normal speed. the plastic on the drivers seat was loose. *jb
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL - CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
07/15/20032509/15/2001
 Intermittently when air conditioner is operating, we get a noxious chemical smell from air vents. odor lasts for several minutes. this is not coming from outside because we are circulating inside air. we see no pattern to this. it happens at times when the temperature is very hot and also when temperature is moderate. we have had the montana to the dealer three times. they cannot come up with any fix. we are concerned that this may be detrimental to our health. the car stays cool, it's just the awful smell. the cabin filters are perfectly clean.*ak
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
10/18/2007177950208/15/2007
 Tl*the contact owns a 2001 pontiac montana. while driving approximately 45 mph, the vehicle began to overheat. the contact maneuvered the vehicle to the side of the road and it shut off completely. he waited approximately 30 minutes and then restarted the vehicle. the vehicle completely shut off again and he waited 30 minutes before restarting it to drive home. two days later, the vehicle was towed to a mechanic and he stated that there was water in the engine and the manifold intake gasket was cracked approximately two inches. the dealer has not been notified. the current mileage was 178,000 and failure mileage was 177,950.
08/09/2007100322109/11/2001
 2001 pontiac montana brake system failure. customer states that her brake system failed unexpectedly. she wants general motors to reimburse her for fixing the vehicle. *kb the consumer stated the brake line leaked onto the electronic brake control module which caused an electrical short. the intake manifold gasket had to be replaced previously on the vehicle. *jb updated 12/12/2007 *bf updated 12/12/07 *tr
04/16/2005311/15/2003
 I took my van for a free safety check and the mechanic said i had an intake leak which could do some major damage if it wasn't repaired. i took it to the dealership, and they agreed it was leaking, and found a tie rod problem. along with those problems they said my tensioner on my front seat belt broke. these repairs are over $1,000. if all these other people are having the same problem i would sure like an explanation. my dealership said it is a common problem with these vans. that sure sounds like the vehicle should be recalled!*ak
04/06/2005101/12/2001
 After checking this web site, i found 8 recalls on my vehicle. i have never recieved a notice from gmor pontiac on any of these recalls. in addition, while the car was still under warranty, there was an antifreeze leak into the manifold and that problem has not been listed in the recall items. i was told it was a common problem by the dealership. additionally, after several complaints about my car horn - honking sporadically the dealership was unalbe to find the problem. i have had the car 4 years and this has occurred at least 10 times.*ak
06/28/20041
 While the vehicle was being serviced technician determined that intake manifold gasket was leaking. this would cost the consumer $885.00 for replacement . *ak
1
 While vehicle was being serviced technician determined that intake gasket was leaking. it would cost the consumer $885.00 for replacement. *ak