1996 Pontiac Trans Sport problems
Owners have filed 76 complaints with NHTSA about the 1996 Pontiac Trans Sport. Wipers, windshield & visibility is the most reported problem area, at 20% of complaints. After that come engine (16%) and steering (11%).
At a glance
- Complaints
- 76 filed with NHTSA
- Most reported
- Wipers, windshield & visibility 20% of complaints
- Crashes and fires
- 6 and 2
- Injuries and deaths
- 7 and 0
- Typical mileage
- 93,000 miles 26 complaints with mileage
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
Where the complaints are
Share of this model year's complaints by the part of the car involved. One complaint can name more than one part, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
When problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 0 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 0 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 6 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 2 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 9 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 3 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 1 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 0 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 3 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 2 |
| 200k+ miles | 0 |
What the data shows
Among the 26 complaints that report mileage, the typical (median) problem appeared at about 93,000 miles.
Safety-related details: 6 complaints mention a crash; 2 complaints mention a fire; 7 injuries reported.
Looking only at complaints filed within five years of the model year (so older and newer years are comparable), the 1996 ranks 7th most-complained-about out of 9 model years of the Pontiac Trans Sport with enough data (30 complaints in that window). It is also covered by 1 safety recall campaign.
What owners wrote
A few complaints as filed, shortened and with personal details removed. The first ones are among the most serious reports for this model year; the rest are typical.
Inadvertent drivers air bag deployment causing injuries. While driving the air bag suddenly deployed and knocked the consumer unconscious. The consumer had run off the road and entered a wooded area and struck a tree head-on. The driver could not remember anything about the accident. (lawyer michael shepherd on behalf of client karen wilson (per a. Jimenez, this document is to be treated as a mailed in voq) *scc
While driving, noticed engine surging, then heard puff sound, suddenly smoke came out of engine compartment and vehicle caught fire.
After the 2nd valve spring broke, I was told that the valves were seizing up and a new engine would be required. All of this was caused by the bad designed manifold gasket that caused coolant to go into the oil. After spending over $1,000 since 4-29-03, I finally had to trade in for another vehicle. I didn't have between $4,000 and $5,000 for a new engine, which on a '96 model would not have been worth it.
The consumer was charged for the replacement of the steering rack and pinion, even though a recalled was issued. The lower pinion bearing, tie rod ends and pressure hoses were replaced. Mr
The owner received a recall notice for the lower pinion bearing and power steering gear. The consumer took the vehicle in for servicing and the work was completed. Now the vehicle is pulling to the right. This occurred only after having it worked on for the original recall. Now the dealership is telling the consumer that the defect that is currently being experienced is no fault of the work that was done for the recall.