2003 Pontiac Montana recalls and problems
The 2003 Pontiac Montana has 5 safety recalls and 84 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Pontiac dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2003 Pontiac Montana vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2003 Pontiac Montana recalls
Recall 07V-349: Fuel System, Gasoline
Problem: On certain vehicles, variations in the manufacturing process or exposure to high ambient temperatures may lead to fracture of the fuel tank inlet check valve (Icv).
Risk: A fracture may allow fuel vapors to pass through and allow droplets of fuel to accumulate on the side of the fuel tank. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel tank. The recall will be mailed in two phases with the first phase beginning on december 4, 2007. The second phase will be mailed on december 13, 2007. Owners may contact buick at 1-866-608-8080; chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438; or pontiac at 1-800-620-7668. The vehicle population includes buick rendezvous and pontiac aztek vehicle built in may 2003; chevrolet venture and pontiac montana vehicles built from june through august 2002; and all vehicles registered in nevada, arizona, virgin islands, puerto rico, and hawaii.
Recall 04V-597: Latches/Locks/Linkages
Problem: On certain minivans equipped with second-row bucket seats or captain's chairs and a power sliding door on the passenger side of the vehicle, a passenger using the interior handle to open the power sliding door could be injured.
Risk: If a passenger uses the interior handle to open the power sliding door and holds onto the handle while it is being opened by the motor, the passenger's arm may be pushed into the seat back or armrest and a wrist or lower arm injury may result.
Fix: Dealers will replace the power sliding door interior handle on the passenger-side. If the vehicle is equipped with a power or manual sliding door on the driver-side, the interior handle will also be replaced for appearance reasons. Note: before the vehicle is serviced, GM advises owners to not use the interior door handle to open the door. The driver can open and close the door from switches at the driver's position or by using the remote key fob. The driver should tell passengers to use the switch located in front of the door to open or close it. The driver should use the override switch to prevent operation of the power door by children or by others who are not familiar with its use. The owner notification letter mailing will be conducted in phases with the first phase beginning on may 31, 2005. The second phase mailing began on july 18, 2005. The recall began on may 31, 2005. Phase 2 began on july 18, 2005. Phase 3 (Final phase) began on august 24, 2005, to all remaining customers. Owners should contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438; pontiac at 1-800-620-7668; or oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537.
Recall 03V-250: Equipment
Problem: Certain minivans, passenger and sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 225, "child restraint anchorage system." the owner's manual does not explain the meaning of the location symbols for the child restraint lower universal anchorage system.
Risk: This does not meet the requirements of the standard.
Fix: Owners will be provided with a supplement for their owner's manual. This supplement describes and shows the location symbols for the child restraint anchors that are located in the vehicle and on the child restraint or booster cushion. Owner notification began august 18, 2003. Owners should contact buick at 1-866-608-8080, cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, gmc at 1-866-996-9463, pontiac at 1-800-620-7668, or oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537.
Recall 03V-051: Air Bags
Problem: On certain mini vans, passenger and sport utility vehicles, some of these vehicles have a driver's side air bag that may not deploy as designed. In addition, the air bag inflator could rupture.
Risk: This could result in reduced capability of the air bag to protect the driver. Also if the air bag inflator ruptured, pieces of the inflator could strike and injure the vehicle occupants.
Fix: Dealers will inspect, and if necessary, install a new driver's air bag. Owner notification began on march 11, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact buick at 1-800-521-7300, cadillac at 1-800-458-8006, chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, gmc at 1-800-462-8782, or pontiac at 1-800-762-2737.
Recall 02V-222: Air Bags
Problem: Certain passenger, mini vans, and sport utility vehicles have an air bag inflator on the driver's side that could fracture at a weld during a deployment.
Risk: Pieces of the inflator could strike and injure vehicle occupants and the air bag cushion would not inflate fully, reducing the capability of the bag to protect the driver.
Fix: Dealers will inspect, and replace, if necessary, the air bag module assembly on the driver's side. Owner notification began august 15, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact buick at 1-800-521-7300, cadillac at 1-800-458-8006, chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, gmc at 1-800-462-8782, oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537, or pontiac at 1-800-762-2737.
2003 Pontiac Montana problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 15 | |
| Air Bags | 14 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 14 | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 13 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 11 | |
| Structure | 6 | |
| Visibility | 5 | |
| Latches/Locks/Linkages | 5 | |
| Power Train | 4 | |
| Suspension | 4 | |
| Steering | 4 | |
| Seat Belts | 3 |
Most reported parts
- Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly — 5
- Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch — 5
- Air Bags › Frontal — 4
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 4
- Air Bags › Side/Window — 3
- Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 2
- Power Train › Axle Assembly — 2
- Structure › Body › Door — 2
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 50,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2003 Pontiac Montana complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Pontiac Montana years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2003 Pontiac Montana have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2003 Pontiac Montana: 07V-349 (fuel system, gasoline), 04V-597 (latches/locks/linkages), 03V-250 (equipment), 03V-051 (air bags), 02V-222 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Pontiac Montana?
Owners report electrical system problems most often (15 reports), followed by air bags (14). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 50,000 miles.
Are Pontiac recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Pontiac dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.