1998 Pontiac Trans Sport problems
Owners have filed 287 complaints with NHTSA about the 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport. Engine is the most reported problem area, at 13% of complaints. After that come lighting (11%) and steering (10%).
At a glance
- Complaints
- 287 filed with NHTSA
- Most reported
- Engine 13% of complaints
- Crashes and fires
- 17 and 4
- Injuries and deaths
- 28 and 0
- Typical mileage
- 80,000 miles 79 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 | 7 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 3 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 8 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 20 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 14 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 15 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 5 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 2 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 1 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 2 |
| 200k+ miles | 2 |
What the data shows
Among the 79 complaints that report mileage, the typical (median) problem appeared at about 80,000 miles. For engine specifically, the median reported mileage is about 72,000 miles (21 complaints with mileage).
Safety-related details: 17 complaints mention a crash; 4 complaints mention a fire; 28 injuries reported.
Looking only at complaints filed within five years of the model year (so older and newer years are comparable), the 1998 ranks 1st most-complained-about out of 9 model years of the Pontiac Trans Sport with enough data (168 complaints in that window). It is also covered by 5 safety recall campaigns.
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.
While driving the van about 25 MPH and applying the brakes the pedal went down to the floor and the vehicle continued to move at the same speed until we hit the car in front of us. I had complete brake failure!!!
The vehicle crossed over the center line striking another vehicle at 50 MPH and none of the air bags deployed.
While driving driver passed out andhad a direct frontal impact into a brick building, in which driver's and passenger's airbags did not deploy, and did not protect the driver or passenger in this crash. The front end was totaled. Passenger collapsed and was hospitalized . Driver sustained fractured thumb and bruised cheek, hospitalized three weeks.
A bracket that secured the rear axle broke. While driving on the interstate the consumer rear axle moved to the right rear passenger wheel and slammed against the rear quarter panel bring the vehicle to and abrupt stop. The consumer fells that vehicle had a failed component and GM should reimburse them for the cost of repairs. * cb
While driving 20 MPH consumer heard loud noise, and then the vehicle completely stalled. Vehicle was towed to consumer's home. A mechanic came to consumer's house to inspect the vehicle, and informed the consumer that the vehicle has a blown head gasket. This problem causes the cam shaft to seize. Dealer was not notified.