1990 Pontiac Trans Sport

The 1990 Pontiac Trans Sport was a minivan offered with a single engine and transmission option. The 3.1L V6 engine produced 160 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Despite its popularity for its spacious interior and versatile seating configurations, the Trans Sport had several known issues:

Engine

3.1L V6

• Intake manifold gasket failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant or oil leaks from the intake manifold, engine overheating, rough idle
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Head gasket failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks from the head gasket, engine overheating, white smoke from exhaust
  • Solution: Replace the head gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Water pump failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Leaking coolant, engine overheating, squealing or grinding noise
  • Solution: Replace the water pump
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic

• Transmission slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission hesitates or slips gears when shifting
  • Solution: Rebuild or replace the transmission
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Strut mounts failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noise over bumps, poor handling
  • Solution: Replace the strut mounts
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: 90V179
• Ball joint failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loose or clunking steering, uneven tire wear
  • Solution: Replace the ball joint
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery dies quickly, difficulty starting
  • Solution: Check and replace faulty electrical components (alternator, starter, wiring)
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the component
  • Recalls: None Found
• Faulty ignition switch
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine won’t start, key won’t turn
  • Solution: Replace the ignition switch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: 90V055

Exterior

• Rusty wheel arches
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust and corrosion around the wheel arches
  • Solution: Repair or replace rusted areas
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the severity of corrosion
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks appearing on the dashboard
  • Solution: Replace or repair the dashboard
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power window failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Power windows don’t work or move slowly
  • Solution: Replace the power window motor or switch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 1990 Pontiac Trans Sport had several reliability issues, particularly with its engine, transmission, and suspension components. The severity and cost of these issues could vary widely depending on the specific issue and the extent of the damage. However, many of the issues can be addressed with timely repairs, ensuring a more reliable driving experience.