2002 Pontiac Montana

The 2002 Pontiac Montana is a minivan known for its versatility and spacious interior. It came with a 3.4L V6 engine producing around 185 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Owners often appreciated the Montana’s comfortable ride and ample cargo space. Common complaints included issues with reliability, particularly with electrical components and the transmission.

Engine

3.4L V6 (LA1)

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating, rough running engine, white smoke from the exhaust.
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coolant Leak from LIM or UIM
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant loss, engine overheating, white smoke from exhaust, sweet smell from engine bay.
  • Solution: Replace the upper and lower intake manifold gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil spots under the vehicle, burning oil smell, low oil level.
  • Solution: Replacing valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, or rear main seal.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $800+ depending on the leak’s location and the complexity of the repair.
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4T65-E 4-Speed Automatic

• Hard Shifting/Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifts between gears, transmission slipping during acceleration.
  • Solution: Replacing the valve body or rebuilding the transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $2,500+ depending on severity.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibrating at low speeds, stalling, poor acceleration.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Rear Air Suspension Issues (if equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: Rear of the vehicle sagging, air compressor running constantly, rough ride.
  • Solution: Replacing the air springs, air compressor, or ride height sensors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1200+ depending on the failed components.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Worn Ball Joints and Tie Rod Ends
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the front suspension, loose steering, uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replacing worn ball joints and tie rod ends.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+ per side.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Power Door Lock Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Doors not locking or unlocking with the power door lock switch, erratic operation.
  • Solution: Replacing the door lock actuators or repairing wiring issues.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+ per door.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Window Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Window not moving up or down, slow or erratic window movement.
  • Solution: Replacing the window motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400 per window.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Instrument Cluster Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Gauges not working properly, lights flickering, complete failure of the instrument cluster.
  • Solution: Replacing or repairing the instrument cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Sliding Door Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty opening or closing the sliding doors, doors getting stuck, power sliding doors not functioning.
  • Solution: Repairing or replacing the sliding door rollers, cables, or motor (if power doors).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ depending on the issue and complexity.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Power Seat Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Seats not adjusting properly, motors making noise but seat not moving.
  • Solution: Replacing the power seat motor or switch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per seat.
  • Recalls: None Found
• HVAC Blower Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: No air blowing from the vents, air only blowing on certain settings.
  • Solution: Replacing the blower motor or blower motor resistor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found
• Broken Door Handles (Interior and Exterior)
  • Description/Symptoms: Door handle breaks easily when trying to open the door.
  • Solution: Replacing the door handle.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary: The 2002 Pontiac Montana, while praised for its space and practicality, can suffer from a range of mechanical and electrical issues. Engine and transmission problems, particularly related to gaskets, coolant leaks, and transmission shifting, are common and can be costly to repair. Electrical issues with door locks, windows, and instrument clusters also appear frequently. Suspension issues can contribute to poor ride quality. The severity of these issues ranges from minor inconveniences to major repairs, with costs varying accordingly.