1997 Pontiac Trans Sport: headlights failing or too dim

Filed Feb 13, 2008 · Lights · 92,846 miles · VA

My wife's 1997 pontiac transport mini-van has the plastic headlight lenses, that are now yellow and cloudy, and nighttime visibility is so poor that she doesn't drive at night unless she has to. Also my 2000 nissan frontier truck is succumbing to the same problem, but it is not as severe yet. I have tried high-output zenon, bluelight, and ultra white bulbs but the yellowing/cloudy plastic lenses greatly reduces the performance qualities of these bulbs. I cannot see the safety benefits of having plastic headlight lenses that won't shatter like glass in an accident if you cannot see more than 20 feet in front of your vehicle at night. I still believe glass is the best material for headlights, I see cars and trucks from the 70's, 80's, and early 90's that still have great working headlights.

Filed Mar 20, 2006 · Lights · 130,624 miles · CA

Dt*: the contact stated the headlight lenses are fogged up and do not illuminate the road properly. The dealership determined the lenses need to be replaced.

Filed Aug 8, 2005 · Lights · CO

While driving down the road, the headlight cover fell off and shattered on the street. A new one is almost $200!

Filed Jan 5, 2005 · Lights · TN

Consumer complained about a headlight problem. While driving headlight cover popped off, causing the light bulb to blow out. Vehicle was serviced two times for this problem. It was determined to be due to the sealant.

Filed Jun 11, 2004 · Lights · KS

Driver side headlight missing. The headlight was in place in the a.m. In the afternoon, after arriving at a friends home, I noticed the headlight was missing. *ak this is the third time I have had to replace a headlight at my expense. I am the original owner of this vehicle. It's never been involved in a wreck. I see absolutely no reason why a sealed headlight should fall apart in this manner. The replacement is over 200 dollars. I believe the manufacture should replace this unit at their expense.

Filed Mar 22, 2004 · Lights · 86,000 miles · WI

Headlight assembly plastic falls off exposing bulb to moisture/rain which causes the bulb to burn out. Therefore, losing the illumination of one lamp and limiting visability while driving at night.

Filed Jan 7, 2004 · Engine, Lights · IA

Both, not just one of my headlights casings popped off without warning. I have had to replace them. Which I have never had to do with any other car I have owned.

Filed May 9, 2003 · Lights · 35,000 miles · MA

Front head lights have always had moisture. At certain times of the year they have contained 1-3 inches of water. Pontiac refused to correct problem. The past month both lens covers have fallen off while driving.

Filed Apr 24, 2003 · Lights · MO

While driving at night, the right headlight lens blew off the vehicle.

Filed Mar 11, 2003 · Lights · MI

The headlight lens popped off without warning, the mechanic diagnosed the seal around the lens was excessively corroded.*jb

Filed Sep 9, 2002 · Engine, Lights · MI

While driving in rainy weather, the head light len covers fell off due to inferior adhesive causing the bulbs to burn out. Manufacturer notified.

Filed Sep 4, 2002 · Lights · PA

The lens cap fell off of the front light headlight. They will not replace it. It is a definite defect. I have to pay $200 for a whole new light. They should make a lens cover. Pontiac claims that they have not gotten many complaints about this but when I called one salvage yard he told me that he alone gets 10 calls a week on this part!!!