10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
33,563 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

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problem #8

Mar 082006

Trans Sport 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 93,600 miles
: the contact stated while driving at 40 mph the vehicle ran hot and the check engine light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop for inspection. The mechanic determined the head gasket needed to be replaced however no repairs were made.

- Smithtown, NY, USA

problem #7

Jan 032005

Trans Sport

  • miles
The vehicle's transmission had to be replaced and the engine had to be replaced due to a faulty head gasket. The transmission failed twice. The consumer stated that he has had the vehicle towed on four separated occasions.

- Hampton, VA, USA

problem #6

Feb 212003

Trans Sport 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 55,000 miles
General Motors 1997 Pontiac Transport minivan- intake manifold replaced at 55,000 miles and 72,000.

- Wheaton, IL, USA

problem #5

Apr 252003

Trans Sport 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 54,902 miles
My 1997 Pontiac Transport only has 54000 miles on it and the engine intake manifold has gone up on it. After looking into it I have found this is a common problem with GM cars and trucks with a 3.4L engine. There seems to be a faulty design to the gasket. I have taken care of this van doing all maintenance on schedule. GM will do nothing to fix this problem even though they are well aware of this happening. They have even issued a service bulletin to dealers on how to diagnose the problem quickly (tsb#02-06-01-014). When the gasket goes there is a loss of power in the engine or stalling making it hard to steer and break.

- Bel Air, MD, USA

problem #4

Feb 242003

Trans Sport 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 65,000 miles
My wife and I are the original owners of a 1997 Pontiac Transport with 71,000 miles. Since about 65,000 miles, it seemed to very slowly lose coolant, but we could not find out where it was going. At 70,000 miles, a "white milky sludge like jelly material" appeared in the engine, and right away I knew we had a problem. This vehicle has been meticulous maintained, so immediately I took it to our local Pontiac dealer and informed them that we had coolant leak. The service department at the dealer confirmed that the lower intake manifold gasket had failed, allowing coolant to mix in with the oil. They had to replace the gasket and flush out the motor all to the tune of $731. Calling GM customer service was a waste of time because they "denied" any problems, and they said since the vehicle was out of warranty, we were responsible for any repairs. Come to find out that a lot of others were experiencing the same intake manifold gasket issues with GM. I am hoping that our problems was caught in time as it seems like many folks are worse off. I know that my vehicle is out of warranty, but since the problem seems to be widespread across many GM vehicles, models, and engines, I think that GM should be held responsible for some/all of the costs associated with this gasket defect/service issue. I didn't know if you might be able to help out??

- Chalfont, PA, USA

problem #3

Dec 102002

(reported on)

Trans Sport

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
The van was involved in accident which the intake manifold gasket was damaged. The van was repaired by a Pontiac dealership. Anti-freeze is leaking by the intake manifold and mixing with the oil, which wasn't from the accident. The owner has found similar reports on "nhtsas' website.

- Wausau, WI, USA

problem #2

Oct 012000

Trans Sport

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Coolant leaking from radiator. Consumer speculates head gasket is blown. Manufacturer notified.

- Wixom, MI, USA

problem #1

Mar 261997

Trans Sport

  • miles
About every 3months vehicle would stall out for no reason. Have taken to dealer numerous times. Was cleanedout 3 different times. Engine gets the cleaning. Vehicle loses power. Also, the engine check light keeps coming on.

- Toledo, OH, USA