Before you buy
This 2002 Pontiac Montana has 135 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Engine Problems.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2002 Pontiac Montana Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 2 2002 Pontiac Montana trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 2 trims analysed.
2002 Pontiac Montana Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2002 Pontiac Montana has 135 owner complaints, 3 crash-related complaints, and 5 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Notable Issues.
- Make
- Pontiac
- Model
- Montana
- Model year
- 2002
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 135
- Crash-related complaints
- 3
- Safety recall campaigns
- 5
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Notable Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 20
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 17 / 24
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- No
Common problems
Most common 2002 Pontiac Montana problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Headlight/Taillight Failures
Fuel System
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Headlight/Taillight Failures, Fuel System. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2002 Pontiac Montana?
This PONTIAC MONTANA year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection.
Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs.
May Suit
This year may suit buyers who prioritize complete maintenance records and pass a pre-purchase inspection.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers who want a lower-risk ownership profile may prefer comparing nearby model years before committing.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2002 Pontiac Montana
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the most frequently reported complaint components on this model year
- Confirm recall repairs were completed and documented
- Check for accident damage, title brands, and mileage inconsistencies on the exact VIN
Before You Close the Deal
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2002 Pontiac Montana, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
The PONTIAC MONTANA has 135 NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record. 3 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Recall context: 5 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase.
- 135 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 5 federal recall campaigns
- 3 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Full breakdown
All 2002 Pontiac Montana complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2002 Pontiac Montana. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 27 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 15 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 14 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 12 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 12 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 12 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 10 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 7 | 1 | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 3 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Other | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2002 Pontiac Montana. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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 O…
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 RECALL…
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 …
2002 PONTIAC MONTANA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE, I SMELLED A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. I NOTICED A SMALL AMOUNT OF FUEL SPILLING FROM THE LOWER PORTION OF THE FUEL TANK. THERE WERE NO WARNINGS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHO…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 PONTIAC MONTANA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL FUEL ODOR COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. UPON INSPECTION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS FRACTURED AT THE INLET. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE …
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 PONTIAC MONTANA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE ON THE VEHICLE DOES NOT REFLECT THE ACTUAL AMOUNT OF FUEL IN THE TANK. IN ADDITION, THE FUEL WARNING LIGHT FLASHED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF …
REALIZED EXCESS USE OF BRAKE FLUID. TRACED PROBLEM TO LEAKING REAR BRAKE LINE - STEEL LINE CORRODED THROUGH AT AXLE CLIP LOCATION. *TR
PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL BEARING FAILURE - GRINDING. *TR
LOWER/UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET FAILED AT 87160 MILES HEAD GASKET FAILED AT 142,500 MILES LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET FAILED AT 183170 MILES. *TR
THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE BRAKE LIGHTS CONSTANTLY GO OUT. I HAVE SPOKEN TO A MECHANIC AND HE TOLD ME THAT IT IS VERY COMMON FOR GM VEHICLES IN THIS MODEL YEAR RANGE TO HAVE TO REPLACE THE LIGHTING BANK IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLES ON BOTH SIDES. THE BANK WHICH CONTAINS THE B…
EARLY SATURDAY MORNING ON SEPTEMBER 8, 2012, I SMELLED STRONG GAS FUMES IN MY KITCHEN WHICH IS BY MY CARPORT. I WENT OUTSIDE TO CHECK AND SEE WHERE THE OVERWHELMING SMELL WAS COMING FROM. TIME I STEPPED OUT THE DOOR TO MY CARPORT WHERE MY VAN IS PARKED, I WENT TO MY 2002 PONTIAC …
2002 PONTIAC MONTANA. CONSUMER STATES PROBLEM WITH VEHICLE WINDSHIELD *TGW LAST NOVEMBER, THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED DIAGONALLY TOWARD THE LEFT LOWER CORNER. UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS APPARENT THE WINDSHIELD HAD RELEASED FROM THE UPPER RIGHT CORNER. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A GLAS…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 PONTIAC MONTANA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HAVING THE WINDSHIELD REPAIRED BY AN INDEPENDENT GLASS COMPANY, THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FRAME NEAR THE TOP OF THE WINDSHIELD WAS RUSTED. DUE TO THE RUST, THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO PROPERLY INSTAL…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 PONTIAC MONTANA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 30 MPH WHEN SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE SEAT WARMERS IN THE FRONT PASSENGERS SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT R…
I OWN A 2002 PONTIAC MONTANA AND THE FUEL GAUGE IS NO LONGER WORKING PROPERLY. IT NOW GIVES ME A READING OF EITHER HAVING A FULL TANK OF GAS OR AN EMPTY TANK OF GAS. THERE WAS NO PREVIOUS WARNING TO THE FUEL GAUGE GOING BAD. THE INCORRECT FUEL READING OCCURS AT EVERY START UP,…
I OWN A 2002 PONTIAC MONTANA AND THIS MORNING WHEN I STARTED THE VEHICLE THE AIRBAG IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE EXPLODE. THERE IS ANY OTHER OWNER WITH THE SAME PROBLEM ON THIS 2002 MODEL. *TR
I OWN A 2002 PONTIAC MONTANA EXTENDED VERSION. I NOTICED A STRONG SMELL OF GAS COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION, I FOUND THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS WET FROM GASOLINE UNDER FUEL TANK INLET TUBE. I SEARCHED THE INTERNET FOR RECALLS AND FOUND NHTSA CA…
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 PONTIAC MONTANA. WHILE REFUELING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED GASOLINE OVERFLOWING FROM THE FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 07E021000 (FUEL SYSTEM, O…
FRONT RIGHT WHEEL BEARING HAS BEEN REPLACED 3 TIMES IN 20 MONTHS, AND CONSTANT ABS SENSOR PROBLEMS WITH THE SAME. ALSO BRAKES KEEP WEARING QUICKLY UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 PONTIAC MONTANA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SPORADICALLY, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AND WOULD NOT TURN OVER. THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE CONTACT WOULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO SIT FOR TEN MINUTES AFTER ATTEMPTING…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2002 Pontiac Montana.
Safety recalls
2002 Pontiac Montana recalls
5 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2002 Pontiac Montana. 5 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
STEERING
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2002 Pontiac Montana buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2002 Pontiac Montana reliable?▾
Notable Issues. NHTSA currently shows 135 owner complaints, 3 crash-related complaints, and 5 recall campaigns for this model year. This PONTIAC MONTANA year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Pontiac Montana?▾
#1: Engine Problems (27 complaints). #2: Headlight/Taillight Failures (15 complaints). #3: Fuel System (14 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2002 Pontiac Montana?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2002 Pontiac Montana?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2002 Pontiac Montana, NHTSA complaints include 3 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 135 total complaints. 6 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2002 Pontiac Montana have any recalls?▾
Yes. 5 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2002 Pontiac Montana. A major recall area is STEERING. 5 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2002 Pontiac Montana?▾
This PONTIAC MONTANA year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpectorAI.
Wider context: See the full Pontiac Montana reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.