1990 Pontiac Trans Sport problems & reliability

Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.

Most reported problems

Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.

Complaints by incident year

What owners report

• “Dt: the contact was slowing down to make a turn when the engine cradle malfunctioned due to rust. The engine and transmission nearly fell out of the vehicle. When this happened the steering linkage disconnected and the steering wheel kept turning around. The vehicle has not been repaired. He contacted gm, and they…”

  Steering · filed Oct 31, 2005

• “In regards to the recall on this vehicle #97016 or alldata # 97vo58000: my rear cradle bolts went out the other day. I had the car towed to a private service station that informed me the part was under recall and I needed to call the dealership. I called them and received no help(they told me they hadn't heard of a…”

  Structure · filed Jun 19, 2001

• “Mounting bolt for driver's seatback sheared off, causing seatback to collapse. I have the damaged bolt and will provide if requested.*ak”

  Seats · filed Apr 19, 2001

Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.

Federal defect investigations

• ENGINE CRADLE SEPARATION

  Engineering Analysis EA00011 · opened Apr 10, 2000 · closed Jan 12, 2001 · led to recall 00V189000

• ENGINE CRADLE SEPARATION

  Recall Query RQ99002 · opened Mar 4, 1999 · open · led to recall 97V058000

• CRADLE BOLT FAILURES

  Recall Query RQ97017 · opened Oct 2, 1997 · open · led to recall 97V058000

• FRONT SEAT BACK COLLAPSE

  Engineering Analysis EA97019 · opened Sep 30, 1997 · closed Jun 8, 1999 · led to recall 99I003000

• FRONT SEAT BACK COLLAPSE

  Preliminary Evaluation PE97016 · opened Apr 7, 1997 · closed Sep 30, 1997

• ALLEGED ENGINE SUBFRAME MOUNT/INSULATOR

  Preliminary Evaluation PE96065 · opened Nov 15, 1996 · closed Apr 8, 1997 · led to recall 97V058000

• APV FUEL LINE FIRES

  Engineering Analysis EA92035 · opened Oct 30, 1992 · closed Nov 30, 1993

• APV FIRES

  Defect Petition DP92012 · opened Jun 9, 1992 · closed Jun 25, 1992

Technical service bulletins

4 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 1990 Pontiac Trans Sport.

• No tcc apply, malfunction indicator lamp (mil) on, tcc surge, possible p0740, p1870, or 39 after installation of a reman (srta) 4t60/4t60e. *tt

  01880 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 1, 2004

• Some v6 engines may, on a very infrequent basis, have an oil odor condition that is generally encountered after the engine's oil has been changed.typically the odor lasts approximately 1000 miles after the change of oil…

  876002A · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 1, 1998

• FUEL TANK THUD/CLUNK. *TW

  436303 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 1, 1995

• Sliding door rattles. *tw

  431051 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Dec 1, 1994

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

No NHTSA recall campaigns name the 1990 Pontiac Trans Sport in our current data. Recalls may apply only to certain VIN ranges — always confirm with a VIN check.