2007 Pontiac Montana

The 2007 Pontiac Montana is a minivan that was offered in both regular and extended lengths. It provided seating for up to seven or eight passengers, depending on the configuration. While generally appreciated for its spaciousness and versatility, the Montana, especially in its later years, became known for certain reliability concerns. The only engine option available for the 2007 Montana was the 3.9L LZ9 V6 engine, rated at 240 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque. This engine was exclusively paired with a 4T65E 4-speed automatic transmission. Some owners liked the Montana for its affordability and practicality, while others disliked its somewhat bland styling and reported issues with reliability and build quality.

Engine

3.9L LZ9 V6

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine may misfire, run rough, or experience a loss of power. A coolant leak may be present externally from the intake manifold area.
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket with an updated design.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Train Noise
  • Description/Symptoms: Ticking or tapping noise from the top of the engine, especially at idle or low speeds. Often caused by worn rocker arms or lifters.
  • Solution: Replacement of the worn rocker arms and/or lifters.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Low oil level between oil changes, blue smoke from the exhaust, and potential engine damage if oil level is not monitored and maintained.
  • Solution: Depending on the cause (worn valve stem seals, piston rings, etc.), repairs can range from replacing valve stem seals to a complete engine rebuild.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4T65E 4-Speed Automatic

• Harsh Shifting/Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Abrupt or delayed shifts between gears, slipping out of gear, or failure to shift altogether. This can be caused by worn or damaged internal components, such as the valve body, solenoids, or clutch packs.
  • Solution: Transmission rebuild or replacement. Replacement of the valve body may resolve some issues.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400-$3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering at low speeds, stalling, or difficulty accelerating. May also cause transmission overheating.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter. Flush the transmission fluid and replace the filter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Rear Suspension Sag
  • Description/Symptoms: Rear of the vehicle sits lower than normal, especially when loaded with passengers or cargo. Weak or broken rear coil springs are a common cause.
  • Solution: Replace the rear coil springs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Worn Stabilizer Bar Links
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noises from the suspension, especially when going over bumps or turning.
  • Solution: Replace the worn stabilizer bar links.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Power Door Lock Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Power door locks may fail to function intermittently or completely. This can be caused by faulty door lock actuators or wiring issues.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty door lock actuator or repair the wiring.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+ per door
  • Recalls: None Found
• Body Control Module (BCM) Failures
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratic behavior of various electrical systems, such as lights, wipers, or power windows. Can also cause starting problems or no-start conditions.
  • Solution: Replace or reprogram the BCM.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Sliding Door Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty opening or closing the sliding doors, either manually or with the power function. This can be caused by worn rollers, damaged tracks, or faulty door motors.
  • Solution: Replace worn rollers or repair the tracks. If the power function is malfunctioning, inspect and replace the door motor or related electrical components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• HVAC Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clicking noise from behind the dashboard, improper temperature control, or inability to direct airflow to the desired vents. The blend door actuator or mode door actuator may be faulty.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty HVAC actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2007 Pontiac Montana is prone to a number of common issues across various systems. Engine problems such as intake manifold gasket failure, valve train noise, and oil consumption can lead to moderate to significant repair costs. Transmission issues, including harsh shifting and torque converter failure, are also common and can be expensive to address. Suspension problems, electrical glitches, and exterior issues like sliding door malfunctions further contribute to the vehicle’s reliability concerns. Interior problems such as HVAC actuator failures are common and costly. Overall, potential buyers should be aware of these potential problems and factor in potential repair costs when considering a 2007 Pontiac Montana.