Pontiac trans sport 1998 --exterior lighting:headlights visibility extremely poor. Own vehicle since 2005.
Pontiac Trans Sport headlights problems
65 of the 971 owner complaints about the Pontiac Trans Sport describe headlights failing or too dim, most of them for the 1997 model year.
- owner complaints
- 65
- worst model year
- 1997
- typical repair cost reported
- $200
- typical mileage
- 70,000
Is there a fix? No recall or service bulletin covers this area of the car yet.
By model year
Often reported together
What owners say
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.
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.
Dt*: the consumer stated the exterior plastic housing on the front headlights turned yellow. The years of direct sunlight tarnished the clearness of the cover. The manufacturer was contacted and recommended the contact purchase new housings for the headlights. *jb
While driving down the road, the headlight cover fell off and shattered on the street. A new one is almost $200!
I have never had any accidents in my 1998 montana. I've had to replace the headlights 2 times on the right, and once on the left. The front lens on the lights seem to just fall off. These parts are $100 or more. Why are the poorly assembled and have there been other complaints?
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.
Failing of air conditioner 2x within a 1 year time frame. Resulted in buying 2 new air compressors and parts. Left front headlight continues to fog resulting in buying new one every couple of months. Constant electrical problems, ie., navigator,windows (rear and front),cd player. Had to replace the radiator 2x within 2 month period. This van drives good but it "nickle and dimeing" us to death. I hate it. Every month or even every week its always something!!!!! It's hard to make our monthly payment due to all of the expenses we are shelling out for this vehicle. I litterally pray for our van. We have three children and we needed all the room we could get but, I will never own another mini van again.
Where do I start? Same complaints as all other pontiac minivan owners. Since original purchase in 1998, headlight assembly faulty, ABS warning light malfunction, air bag warning light malfunction, and malfunctioning (still) passenger automatic sliding door. Recently had head gasket replaced due to antifreeze leak, as well as front left wheel hub. This is the worst (and most costly) vehicle I have owned with respect to maintenance.
Headlight lens fell off. Drivers side replaced twice. Currently, both needed to be replaced at cost of $150.00 for each for headlight.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the Pontiac Trans Sport headlights
Which Pontiac Trans Sport years have headlights failing or too dim problems?
The model years with the most reports are 1997 (32 complaints), 1998 (27 complaints) and 1996 (2 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix headlights failing or too dim on the Pontiac Trans Sport?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $200 (median of 8 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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