Dt: the contact was slowing down to make a turn when the engine cradle malfunctioned due to rust. The engine and transmission nearly fell out of the vehicle. When this happened the steering linkage disconnected and the steering wheel kept turning around. The vehicle has not been repaired. He contacted gm, and they offered no free remedy to the problem. There was a recall on this problem previously. However, this vehicle was not included due to VIN.
The worst 1990 Pontiac Trans Sport problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Body15
- Seat belts8
- Engine7
- Visibility5
- Seats4
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Body15
- Seat belts8
- Engine7
- Visibility5
- Seats4
- Steering3
- Brakes2
- Electrical2
- Fuel system2
- Locks1
- Transmission1
Recalls 4
Structure
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles and mini vans originally sold or currently registered in the following states: connecticut, illinois, indiana, maine, massachusetts, michigan, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont and wisconsin. The rear cradle bolts pull through the retainers due to corrosion of the retainer. If both bolts pull through, the rear cradle would not longer be supported at these mounting locations and the steering intermediate shaft can separate from the steering gear.
- Risk
- If this were to occur while the vehicle was in motion, a vehicle crash could result.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the rear cradle bolts and retainers.
Recall number 97V058000 · Recall details
Structure: body
- What is wrong
- The glove compartment door will not remain closed during certain load forces associated with a vehicle crash. This does not comply with the requirements of fmvss 201.
- Risk
- In the event of an accident, the glove compartment doormay open and result in occupant(s) injuries from contact with the glovecompartment door.
- Remedy
- Replace the current upper glove compartment door with a redesigned upper glove compartment door which incorporates a positive latch to keep the door closed should a vehicle crash occur.
Recall number 92V012000 · Recall details
Seat belts: front: anchorage
- What is wrong
- A right hand seat/shoulder belt retractor may have been installed in the second row left hand seat position (directly behind driver).
- Risk
- The incorrect retractor may cause the belts to lock upif the van is parked on a steep grade. As a result of this, the occupant couldnot extend the belt for use.
- Remedy
- Replace shoulder belt assembly.
Recall number 91V046000 · Recall details
Seats
- What is wrong
- The rear modular seat frame hold-down hooks may not meet the required pull force at the rear set anchorage.
- Risk
- Vehicles would not conform to fmvss 207.
- Remedy
- Replace rear hold down hooks and pivot rivets with heat treated hardware.
Recall number 89V164000 · Recall details
See all 4 recalls for the 1990 Pontiac Trans Sport
Defect investigations
Engine cradle separation
The engine cradle front bolts and/or retainers may fail, allowing the front of the engine cradle to fall, possibly separating the steering intermediate shaft from the steering gear, with complete loss of steering control
EA00011
Engine cradle separation
On april 1, 1997, general motors corporation filed a defect information report to recall the subject vehicles, registered in 14 high corrosion states, to replace the rear engine cradle bolts and retainers.the rear engine cradle bolts would either fracturer or pull through the retianers due to corrosion.as of september 1998, the sixth quarter, 59.3% of the subject vehicles had been repaired.in addition to the complaints of front engine cradle bolt failures in the above failure report summary, odi has received six reports of possible front engine cradle bolt failures, including two crashes.an rq is warranted to determine the extent of failures of the front engine cradle bolts and retainers on the subject vehicles.
RQ99002
Cradle bolt failures
There is no summary currently available
RQ97017
Front seat back collapse
Alleged front seat back collapse due to recliner bolt
EA97019
Front seat back collapse
Subject vehicles are alleged to experience inadvertent front seat back collapse due to fracture of front seat recliner mounting bolts.
PE97016
Alleged engine subframe mount/insulator
Alleged failures of engine frame insulators/mounts to unibody frame may allow separation of engine subframe, resulting in compromise or loss of steering control with the vehicle in motion.
PE96065
Apv fuel line fires
There is no summary currently available
EA92035
Apv fires
Apv fires
DP92012
Apv fuel line fires
There is no summary currently available
PE92052
Technical service bulletins for the 1990 Pontiac Trans Sport 4
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
1990 Pontiac Trans Sport fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.1L 6‑cyl | FWD | 16 | 21 | 18 |
What 1990 Pontiac Trans Sport owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
In regards to the recall on this vehicle #97016 or alldata # 97vo58000: my rear cradle bolts went out the other day. I had the car towed to a private service station that informed me the part was under recall and I needed to call the dealership. I called them and received no help(they told me they hadn't heard of a recall for it) and gave me the number to pontiac. I called pontiac and told them the situation. The lady I spoke with informed me that "technically, my vehicle was under the recall since it was manufactured in ny" but she would need to get the regional guys approval before I could take it in and would call me back in 2-3 days. She called back and said that they were not taking responsibilty for anything and I would have to have it towed in on my own at my cost and they would look at it when they got around to it. She called me again on thursday and said that she had spoken with the dealership and they said they would probably get around to looking at it on monday to see if it qualified for the recall. ..first they tell me it is in the recall and then they won't give me any help at all. I have been without my car for 5 days now and have no idea when I will get it back. I could have had it fixed by now by the private shop. Fortunately, I was just pulling out of a parking lot when the motor dropped out and broke the steering column. Please help me in resolving this matter and reminding pontiac that it is their responsibilty to repair it as quickly as possible. Feel free to contact me at either number, anytime. Thanks for your help.
Front end was wobbling in steering. Consumer had an alignment shop to align vehicle, but as the mechanic examined vehicle, he saw subframe on right side was rusted. Before confirming work, consumer contacted pontiac to see if any recalls were on vehicle. Pontiac was polite in saying that vehicle was too old, there was no warranty and no recall. Alignment shop replaced entire front subframe , left side was like new.*ak
Mounting bolt for driver's seatback sheared off, causing seatback to collapse. I have the damaged bolt and will provide if requested.
Seatbelts in front seats have gone loose. This is a safety issue that ntsa should be concerned with. Seatbelts are mandatory in many states including mine. Pontiac refuses to repair as a recall even though it is a hazard and not a wear and tear issue. Seatbelts should not break, especially the 2 front seatbelts.
No summary listed for above vehicle.
Windshield wipers stop when ever. Very very dangerous. 3 replacement parts to no avail.
No accident, I bought from bach motors, a used van, 1990, 140,000 miles, many faults, did not realize. Windshield with two cracks, broken latch on driver's door, broken seat belt, drivers side, one cylinder faulty, struts weak all around, and brakes weak
Vehicle was not included in recall (97v058000), repairs could not be done.
Wipers stop while driving in rain. Replacement part does same thing. Auto shop said defect in dash, bad wiring
Compare the 1990 Pontiac Trans Sport
Other model years
Questions about the 1990 Pontiac Trans Sport
Is the 1990 Pontiac Trans Sport reliable?
Owners have filed 45 complaints about the 1990 Pontiac Trans Sport, 15.0 times a typical Trans Sport model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1990 Pontiac Trans Sport?
Body and structure, with 15 complaints. Next is seat belts (8).
How many recalls does the 1990 Pontiac Trans Sport have?
4 recalls, covering structure, seat belts and seats.
Was there a recall on the 1990 Pontiac Trans Sport body?
Yes, 2 recalls: 97V058000, 92V012000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Pontiac Trans Sport have the most body problems?
The Pontiac Trans Sport model years with the most body complaints are 1997 (37 complaints), 1998 (21 complaints) and 1990 (15 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 1990 Pontiac Trans Sport get?
Official estimates for the 1990 Pontiac Trans Sport range from 18 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.1L 6-cyl, FWD) gets 16 city and 21 highway.
VIN decoder
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