Summary
The Pontiac Transport has 17 recalls spanning its 1990-1998 production run, with the most serious recent issue being a 1997 model year power sliding door that can fail to latch and swing open while driving, allowing an unrestrained occupant to fall from the vehicle.
The 1997 model year carries several other significant concerns. On traction control-equipped vehicles, the windshield wiper linkage can rub against a brake line and cause fluid to leak, increasing stopping distances. Separately, ice can accumulate on rear brake pipes under the driver's floor mat, pulling them away from the underbody and dragging them on the ground, which can damage the lines and degrade braking. There is also an interior power sliding door handle that can push a passenger's arm into an adjacent seat back or armrest during operation, risking wrist or lower arm injury. On 1998 models with the 3.4-litre engine, water drawn into the evaporative emission canister in slushy conditions can cause misfires, rough idle, and engine stall.
Going back to mid-production years, 1996 models have a steering pinion bearing retainer that can fail and release its ball bearings, forcing the driver to apply significantly more effort to turn the wheel. On 1995 models, two separate issues stand out: the brake pedal arm can fracture and eliminate braking entirely, and a throttle cable support bracket can contact the throttle lever and prevent the throttle from returning to idle in time. The 1994 model year has two seat belt retractor issues covering the second-row center and third-row positions, where the retractors can lock up and prevent occupants from fastening their belts at all.
From the early production years, the 1992 model has a transaxle oil cooler hose coupling that can pull apart and spill transmission fluid near ignition sources, creating a fire risk in the engine compartment. A separate 1992 seat belt issue involves a center second-row lap belt retractor that can also lock up and block access to the belt. The 1990 model year has the most varied recall history: corrosion of rear cradle bolt retainers can allow the steering shaft to separate from the steering gear with no warning; front bucket seat recliner bolts can fatigue and break, causing the driver's seat to collapse suddenly; rear modular seat anchors do not meet required pull force standards; a second-row shoulder belt retractor was installed on the wrong side, preventing use on a steep grade; and the upper glove compartment door can open during a crash.
