Own a Pontiac Montana in the Phoenix area? EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains the Pontiac Montana for model years 2005 to 2006, 2008. Our shop at 9050 N 9th St handles everything from routine service to diagnostics and major repairs.
To help Montana owners know what to watch for, we reviewed public records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For these model years NHTSA has 119 owner complaints on file for the Montana and 8 safety recall campaigns. The most-reported problem areas are structure (26), electrical system (25), power train (10).
Most-Reported Pontiac Montana Problems
These problem areas come up most often in NHTSA owner complaints for the Montana (all model years combined). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected, so popular and older models naturally have more.
| Problem area (NHTSA component) | Complaints | Share | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Structure | 26 | 21% | |
| Electrical System | 25 | 21% | |
| Latches/Locks/Linkages | 20 | 16% | |
| Power Train | 10 | 8% | |
| Engine | 9 | 7% | |
| Air Bags | 9 | 7% | |
| Suspension | 9 | 7% | |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 7 | 5% |
Structure
26 of the 119 complaints (21%) mention body, doors and latches. Latch and body complaints affect security and safety. We inspect and repair door, hood and trunk hardware. See our auto repair page.
Electrical System
25 of the 119 complaints (21%) mention the electrical system. Electrical problems are made worse by desert heat, which ages batteries, cables and connectors. We test the battery, starter and charging system and trace faults to the actual part. See our battery replacement and starter & alternator repair pages.
Power Train
10 of the 119 complaints (8%) mention the powertrain. Powertrain complaints can range from rough shifting to loss of drive. We road test, scan for stored codes and inspect fluids before recommending any repair. See our auto repair page.
Pontiac Montana Complaints by Model Year
The Montana model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2005, 2006, 2008. Older model years have had more time to collect reports, so use this table as a guide for what to inspect, not as a verdict on any one vehicle.
| Model year | Complaints on file | |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 81 | |
| 2006 | 37 | |
| 2008 | 1 |
Pontiac Montana Check Engine Codes
NHTSA owner complaints rarely cite specific trouble codes for the Montana, so we do not have a model-specific ranking to show. These are the check engine codes we see most often on vehicles in Phoenix heat, and any of them can show up on a Pontiac.
| Code | What it means |
|---|---|
| P0420 | Catalyst efficiency below threshold (bank 1) Often a worn catalytic converter, but failing oxygen sensors or exhaust leaks can set it too. Can cause an emissions test failure. |
| P0300 | Random or multiple cylinder misfire Worn spark plugs, failing ignition coils, fuel or vacuum problems. Do not ignore a flashing check engine light. |
| P0171 | System too lean (bank 1) Often a vacuum leak, dirty MAF sensor, weak fuel delivery or a failing oxygen sensor. |
| P0455 | EVAP system large leak Missing or loose gas cap, or a disconnected or cracked vapor hose. |
| P0128 | Coolant temperature below thermostat regulating temperature Usually a thermostat stuck open. Fix it to restore efficiency and cabin heat. |
| P0442 | EVAP system small leak Loose or worn gas cap, cracked hose or purge or vent valve. |
| P0301 | Cylinder 1 misfire Commonly a bad spark plug or ignition coil on that cylinder. |
| P0401 | EGR flow insufficient Clogged EGR passages or a stuck EGR valve. |
Got a check engine light on your Montana? A code is a clue, not a diagnosis, so we scan it and test the system before replacing anything. See our check engine light diagnostics.
Pontiac Montana Safety Recalls
NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns for the Montana in these model years, most often involving steering, seats, suspension. Recalls are repaired by the manufacturer at no charge to you, but each applies only to certain vehicles. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- 2010 recall, Suspension (campaign 10V110000): THE BRAUN CORPORATION HAS NOTIFIED NHTSA ABOUT A DEFECT IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2008 GENERAL MOTORS MOBILITY CONVERSION, HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE LOW FLOOR MINIVANS.
- 2009 recall, Steering (campaign 09E005000): DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS.
- 2007 recall, Fuel System, Other (campaign 07E021000): CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.
- 2006 recall, Air Bags (campaign 06V417000): CERTAIN VEHICLES ORIGINALLY BUILT WITH CLOTH SEATS THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC AIR BAG PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM AND LATER REUPHOLSTERED WITH AFTERMARKET LEATHER SEAT COVER KITS ARE INVOLVED.
- 2005 recall, Seats (campaign 05V061000): ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, THE OUTBOARD RELEASE HANDLE ON THE IMPACT-SIDE SECOND-ROW BUCKET SEAT MAY BE ACTUATED AND THE REAR LATCHES MAY UNLATCH EARLY IN A SIDE IMPACT CRASH.
- 2005 recall, Parking Brake (campaign 05V287000): CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO.
Serious Incident Reports
Of the NHTSA complaints on file for the Montana, 9 involved a crash, 3 involved a fire, 19 reported injuries. These numbers are drawn from self-reported complaints and are not verified findings. If your vehicle has an open recall, get it repaired promptly.
Keeping a Pontiac Montana Reliable in Phoenix
Arizona heat is the hardest test a Pontiac will face. Batteries, belts, hoses, tires and engine oil all wear faster here, and a Montana that spends its life in stop-and-go Valley traffic needs maintenance earlier than the owner's manual's normal schedule suggests.
Our recommendation for Montana owners: follow the severe-service schedule, test the battery before every summer, inspect brakes and tires twice a year, and have any warning light diagnosed instead of ignored. If you are shopping for a used Pontiac Montana, a pre-purchase inspection shows what the paperwork does not.
Pontiac Montana Services at EZ Swap LLC
Get the details on our Phoenix Pontiac Montana repair service, or choose a service below.
Auto Repair
All makes and models, from domestic trucks to imports.
Details →Battery Replacement
Test, replace and protect against Phoenix heat.
Details →Starter & Alternator Repair
Charging and starting system repair.
Details →Oil Change & Maintenance
Oil, filters, fluids, tires and scheduled service.
Details →Car A/C Repair
Phoenix heat demands cold air.
Details →Pontiac Montana FAQ
What are the most common problems with the Pontiac Montana?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported problem areas for the Pontiac Montana are structure (26), electrical system (25), power train (10). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected.
Which Montana model years have the most complaints?
The Montana model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2005, 2006, 2008. Older years have had longer to collect reports, so inspect any specific vehicle before buying.
What check engine codes are common on the Pontiac Montana?
NHTSA complaints rarely cite specific codes for the Pontiac Montana. On Phoenix vehicles in general, we see P0420, P0300 misfires, P0171 lean conditions and EVAP leaks such as P0455 and P0442 most often. Bring yours in and we will scan and test it.
Does the Pontiac Montana have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns for the Pontiac Montana across model years 2005 to 2006, 2008. Each recall applies only to certain vehicles, so enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is affected.
Do you repair the Pontiac Montana in Phoenix?
Yes. EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains Pontiac vehicles including the Montana, at 9050 N 9th St in Phoenix. Call or text (602) 246-9063 for an appointment.
Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it for a used Pontiac Montana?
Yes. An inspection checks the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, A/C and electrical system, and scans for stored codes, so you know the real condition before you buy.
How often should I service my Pontiac Montana in Phoenix?
Follow the severe-service schedule in your owner's manual, since heat and stop-and-go driving count as severe use. Test the battery before summer and inspect brakes and tires regularly.
More Pontiac Models We Service
Source: public complaint and recall records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov). Counts reflect reports filed and do not predict the condition of any individual vehicle.