1999 Pontiac Trans Sport

Introduction: The 1999 Pontiac Trans Sport is a minivan offered with two engine options: a 3.4L V6 and a 3.8L V6. Both engines come paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. The 3.4L V6 produces 185 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque, while the 3.8L V6 produces 200 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. The Trans Sport has a spacious interior and a versatile seating configuration, making it a popular choice for families. However, it also has a history of several common issues.

Engine 3.4L V6

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure: Description/Symptoms: The intake manifold gasket can fail, causing coolant and oil leaks. This can lead to overheating, poor engine performance, and potential engine damage. Solution: The intake manifold gasket must be replaced. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
• Valve Cover Gasket Leak: Description/Symptoms: The valve cover gaskets can leak oil. This can cause a burning oil smell, smoke from the engine, and low oil levels. Solution: The valve cover gaskets must be replaced. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
• Power Steering Pump Failure: Description/Symptoms: The power steering pump can fail, causing difficulty steering the vehicle. This can be especially dangerous at low speeds or when parking. Solution: The power steering pump must be replaced. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
• Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure: Description/Symptoms: The crankshaft position sensor can fail, causing the engine to stall or not start. Solution: The crankshaft position sensor must be replaced. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+ Recalls: 99V037000, 99V155000

3.8L V6

• Head Gasket Failure: Description/Symptoms: The head gasket can fail, causing coolant and oil to leak. This can lead to overheating, poor engine performance, and potential engine damage. Solution: The head gasket must be replaced. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+
• Oil Pressure Switch Failure: Description/Symptoms: The oil pressure switch can fail, causing the oil pressure light to illuminate on the dashboard. This can indicate a problem with the oil pump or other engine components. Solution: The oil pressure switch must be replaced. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+ Recalls: 99V155000

Transmission 4-Speed Automatic

• Transmission Slipping: Description/Symptoms: The transmission can slip, causing the vehicle to accelerate slowly or jerkily. This can be especially noticeable when shifting gears or under load. Solution: The transmission may need to be rebuilt or replaced. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
• Torque Converter Failure: Description/Symptoms: The torque converter can fail, causing the transmission to slip or shudder. This can lead to poor acceleration and transmission overheating. Solution: The torque converter must be replaced. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+
• Shift Solenoid Failure: Description/Symptoms: The shift solenoids can fail, causing the transmission to shift erratically or not shift at all. This can lead to transmission overheating and damage. Solution: The shift solenoids must be replaced. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+ Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Strut Mount Failure: Description/Symptoms: The strut mounts can fail, causing the struts to make noise and the vehicle to handle poorly. This can lead to uneven tire wear and decreased stability. Solution: The strut mounts must be replaced. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
• Ball Joint Failure: Description/Symptoms: The ball joints can fail, causing the vehicle to drift or pull to one side. This can also lead to a loss of control and increased tire wear. Solution: The ball joints must be replaced. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
• Sway Bar Link Failure: Description/Symptoms: The sway bar links can fail, causing the vehicle to lean or roll excessively in turns. This can lead to decreased stability and increased tire wear. Solution: The sway bar links must be replaced. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+

Electrical

• Battery Drain: Description/Symptoms: The battery can drain quickly, even when the vehicle is parked. This can be caused by a faulty alternator, starter, or electrical component. Solution: The cause of the battery drain must be identified and repaired. Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the cause
• Alternator Failure: Description/Symptoms: The alternator can fail, causing the battery to not charge properly. This can lead to electrical problems, including difficulty starting the vehicle or losing power while driving. Solution: The alternator must be replaced. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
• Ignition Coil Failure: Description/Symptoms: The ignition coils can fail, causing the engine to misfire or run poorly. This can lead to decreased power and fuel efficiency. Solution: The ignition coils must be replaced. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+

Exterior

• Rust: Description/Symptoms: The Trans Sport is prone to rust, especially on the body panels, frame, and suspension components. This can lead to structural damage and decreased safety. Solution: Rust should be prevented or repaired as soon as possible. Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the severity of the rust
• Headlight Switch Failure: Description/Symptoms: The headlight switch can fail, causing the headlights to not turn on or to flicker. This can be a safety hazard when driving at night. Solution: The headlight switch must be replaced. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+

Interior

• Climate Control Failure: Description/Symptoms: The climate control system can fail, causing the heater or空调to not work properly. This can be uncomfortable, especially in extreme temperatures. Solution: The climate control system must be repaired or replaced. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
• Seat Belt Pretensioner Failure: Description/Symptoms: The seat belt pretensioners can fail, preventing the seat belts from locking in a crash. This can increase the risk of injury in an accident. Solution: The seat belt pretensioners must be replaced. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+

Summary: The 1999 Pontiac Trans Sport has a number of common issues that can be costly to repair. Engine problems, such as intake manifold gasket failure and head gasket failure, are particularly serious. Transmission problems, including slipping and torque converter failure, can also be a major expense. The suspension, electrical system, and interior of the Trans Sport are also prone to various issues. While the Trans Sport has some positive qualities, such as its spacious interior and versatile seating, potential buyers should be aware of the vehicle’s reliability issues before considering a purchase.