2002 Pontiac Montana problems & reliability
126 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2002 Pontiac Montana, alongside 3 safety recall campaigns. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
6 complaints report injuries (6 injured).
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 24 | 19% |
| Exterior Lighting | 12 | 10% |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 12 | 10% |
| Power Train | 11 | 9% |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 11 | 9% |
| Visibility | 11 | 9% |
| Equipment | 10 | 8% |
| Structure | 10 | 8% |
| Electrical System | 9 | 7% |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 8 | 6% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
Common symptoms owners describe
Keyword analysis of complaint narratives; one complaint can describe several symptoms.
Mileage when problems occurred
Half of the failures with a reported odometer reading occurred by 60,000 miles (middle 50% between 38,845 and 92,820 miles), based on 86 complaints that included mileage.
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 pontiac montana. After the vehicle was driven and parked, the contact noticed a strong odor of fuel emerging from the rear. The contact checked under the vehicle and noticed fuel coming out the side of the fuel tank where the seal was making a puddle on the floor. The vehicle was not…”
Fuel/propulsion System · filed Aug 22, 2017
“The fuel tank is leaking around the seal where the elbow connectes,. This seal has been disconutined. The dealership said I would have to replace the fuel tank. I cant afford a new tank. If they cant replace the seal they should have to replace the tank, there has been two recalls on the gas tank on this vehicles. I…”
Fuel/propulsion System · filed Aug 5, 2017
“The fuel tank inlet check valve can crack and leak recall.. I went out to take my kids to school and smelt gas. Looked underneath can see gas dripping.had it looked it and sure enough hole/crack in fuel tank and now the fuel gauge is not working .checked under the recall and mine is not in it..”
Fuel/propulsion System · filed Jan 25, 2017
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Federal defect investigations
- POWER-SLIDING DOOR
Preliminary Evaluation PE04064 · opened Sep 17, 2004 · closed Dec 22, 2004 · led to recall 04V597000
Technical service bulletins
427 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 2002 Pontiac Montana. The 10 most recent:
This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
PIP5601C · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 18, 2025
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or…
PIP5358D · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 20, 2025
This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8…
PIP4723J · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Oct 25, 2024
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician…
PIT5099H · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 12, 2024
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician…
PIT5099H · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 12, 2024
Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to…
General Communication · Service Campaign · issued Aug 26, 2024
This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
18-NA-099 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 17, 2024
This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and…
24-NA-098 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 6, 2024
This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
10-08-45-001H · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 28, 2024
This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains…
16-NA-383 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 13, 2024
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
The 2002 Pontiac Montana has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns — recall repairs are free at franchised dealers regardless of the vehicle’s age.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 2002 Pontiac Montana?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.
- · Owners most often reported problems around 60,000 miles — budget accordingly if the car is approaching that mileage.