2008 Pontiac Montana

The 2008 Pontiac Montana was a minivan offering a blend of practicality and comfort. It generally receives positive feedback for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and versatility. Common dislikes include its somewhat dated styling and concerns about reliability. The 2008 Montana came standard with a 3.9L V6 engine producing approximately 240 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque. It was exclusively paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission.

Engine

3.9L V6

• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners reported higher than expected oil consumption, requiring frequent top-offs between oil changes. This could be indicated by the low oil level warning light or noticeable blue smoke from the exhaust.
  • Solution: Addressing this issue may involve replacing valve seals or piston rings. In severe cases, engine replacement could be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Leaks in the intake manifold gasket can cause rough idling, misfires, and coolant leaks. The engine may overheat, and the check engine light will likely illuminate.
  • Solution: Replacing the intake manifold gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic

• Harsh Shifting/Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratic or harsh shifting between gears, particularly noticeable when accelerating or decelerating. Slipping can cause a delay in engagement or a loss of power.
  • Solution: The root cause of this issue can vary. Common fixes may involve replacing the shift solenoids, valve body, or performing a complete transmission rebuild.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $3000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Rear Suspension Sagging
  • Description/Symptoms: The rear of the vehicle sits lower than normal, especially when loaded. This can lead to a harsher ride and reduced handling performance.
  • Solution: Replacing the rear coil springs and/or shocks. Air shocks may be installed as an aftermarket option.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Premature Wheel Bearing Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: A humming or grinding noise coming from one or more wheels that increases with speed. The noise may change during turns.
  • Solution: Replacing the affected wheel bearing(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+ per wheel bearing
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Power Sliding Door Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: The power sliding doors may fail to open or close properly, or they may stop working altogether.
  • Solution: Diagnosing the cause can be complex. Common fixes include replacing the door motor, wiring harness, or control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Instrument Cluster Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Gauges may stop working or display incorrect readings. The instrument panel lighting may flicker or fail completely.
  • Solution: Repairing or replacing the instrument cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust on Rocker Panels and Lower Doors
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust forming on the lower parts of the doors and rocker panels, especially in areas where salt is used on roads.
  • Solution: Repairing or replacing the affected panels, sanding, treating, and repainting.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+ per panel, depending on the severity of the rust.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Power Window Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Power windows may become slow or fail to operate, or they may only work intermittently.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty power window motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+ per window.
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2008 Pontiac Montana can be a practical and spacious minivan, but potential buyers should be aware of potential issues. The most significant problems tend to be related to the engine (oil consumption and intake manifold gasket failure), transmission (harsh shifting), and electrical systems (power sliding doors and instrument cluster). These issues can range in cost from a few hundred to several thousand dollars to repair, depending on the severity. Rust on the rocker panels can also be a concern, particularly in regions with harsh winters. Thorough inspection and a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic are highly recommended.