Lemon Law Center

certain vehicles originally built with cloth seats that were equipped with an automatic air bag passenger sensing system and later reupholstered with aftermarket leather seat cover kits are involved. testing has indicated that the aftermarket leather seat covers can cause the passenger sensing system to malfunction.

Corrective Action

if the passenger sensing system malfunctions, the front air bag on the passenger side may be disabled when it should be enabled, or enabled when it should be disabled. in either case, in the event of a crash that requires air bag deployment, a front passenger's level of injury may be increased.

Recall Notes

because a replacement leather seat cover that is compatible with the passenger sensing system is not available, general motors (gm) will repurchase these vehicles in accordance with the terms stated in gmøs letter to owners. the recall began on november 6, 2006. owners should contact gm at 1-877-477-1022 to begin the process of repurchasing their vehicle.

2005 Pontiac Montana

Component

Seats:Mid/Rear Assembly

Consequence of Defect

on certain minivans, the outboard release handle on the impact-side second-row bucket seat may be actuated and the rear latches may unlatch early in a side impact crash. this was discovered in a side impact test run by gm, under conditions similar to nhtsa's new car assessment program (ncap) side impact test.

Corrective Action

if the rear latches of the seat release early in a severe side impact, the front outboard latch may disengage and increase the potential for injury to the occupant of the seat.

Recall Notes

dealers will remove the seat latch release handle and install a black plastic cap over the exposed metal stud to eliminate the side impact safety concern free of charge. the recall began on april 5, 2005. owners may contact saturn at 1-800-972-8876, chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, and pontiac at 1-800-620-7668.

2005 Pontiac Montana

Component

Parking Brake

Consequence of Defect

certain sport utility vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 135, 'passenger car brake systems.' to meet the standard, the vehicle must not move for five minutes when stopped on a steep hill with the parking brake applied and the vehicle in neutral (n). some of these vehicles failed this test.

Corrective Action

when the parking brake is released, the driver may notice unintended braking when accelerating, decelerating, or coasting, and a noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. unintended vehicle movement could occur increasing the risk of a crash.

Recall Notes

dealers will inspect for parking brake lever slippage at each rear brake caliper and replace the caliper if lever slippage is identified. the recall began on november 14, 2005. owners may contact buick at 1-866-608-8080, chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, pontiac at 1-800-620-7668, or saturn at 1-800-972-8876.

2005 Pontiac Montana

Component

Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Latch

Consequence of Defect

on certain minivans equipped with second-row bucket seats or captain's chairs and a power sliding door on the passenger side of the vehicle, a passenger using the interior handle to open the power sliding door could be injured.

Corrective Action

if a passenger uses the interior handle to open the power sliding door and holds onto the handle while it is being opened by the motor, the passenger's arm may be pushed into the seat back or armrest and a wrist or lower arm injury may result.

Recall Notes

dealers will replace the power sliding door interior handle on the passenger-side. if the vehicle is equipped with a power or manual sliding door on the driver-side, the interior handle will also be replaced for appearance reasons. note: before the vehicle is serviced, gm advises owners to not use the interior door handle to open the door. the driver can open and close the door from switches at the driver's position or by using the remote key fob. the driver should tell passengers to use the switch located in front of the door to open or close it. the driver should use the override switch to prevent operation of the power door by children or by others who are not familiar with its use. the owner notification letter mailing will be conducted in phases with the first phase beginning on may 31, 2005. the second phase mailing began on july 18, 2005. the recall began on may 31, 2005. phase 2 began on july 18, 2005. phase 3 (final phase) began on august 24, 2005, to all remaining customers. owners should contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438; pontiac at 1-800-620-7668; or oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537.

2005 Pontiac Montana

Component

Fuel System, Other:Storage:Tank Assembly:Pressure Relief Devices

Consequence of Defect

certain delphi fuel pressure regulators, p/nos. fp10020-11b1, fp10026-11b1, and fp10027-11b1, sold after january 9, 2007, as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles listed above. the universal pressure regulators (upr) were produced without an o'ring and retainer.

Corrective Action

fuel may leak, possibly resulting in a fire.

Recall Notes

delphi will notify owners and replace the upr free of charge. the recall began on april 23, 2007. owners can contact delphi at 877-411-8770.

2004 Pontiac Montana

Component

Equipment:Other:Labels

Consequence of Defect

certain minivans fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 213, øchild restraint systems.ø these vehicles do not have text and formatting on the warning label attached to the available second-row integral child restraint as specified by amendments to the standard.

Corrective Action

Recall Notes

owners will be provided with replacement labels and installation instructions. owner notification began on july 23, 2004. owners should contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or pontiac at 1-800-620-7668.

2004 Pontiac Montana

Component

Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage

Consequence of Defect

on certain vehicles, variations in the manufacturing process or exposure to high ambient temperatures may lead to fracture of the fuel tank inlet check valve (icv).

Corrective Action

a fracture may allow fuel vapors to pass through and allow droplets of fuel to accumulate on the side of the fuel tank. fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.

Recall Notes

dealers will replace the fuel tank. the recall will be mailed in two phases with the first phase beginning on december 4, 2007. the second phase will be mailed on december 13, 2007. owners may contact buick at 1-866-608-8080; chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438; or pontiac at 1-800-620-7668. the vehicle population includes buick rendezvous and pontiac aztek vehicle built in may 2003; chevrolet venture and pontiac montana vehicles built from june through august 2002; and all vehicles registered in nevada, arizona, virgin islands, puerto rico, and hawaii.

2004 Pontiac Montana

Component

Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Latch

Consequence of Defect

Corrective Action

Recall Notes

2004 Pontiac Montana

Component

Fuel System, Other:Storage:Tank Assembly:Pressure Relief Devices

Consequence of Defect

Corrective Action

fuel may leak, possibly resulting in a fire.

Recall Notes

delphi will notify owners and replace the upr free of charge. the recall began on april 23, 2007. owners can contact delphi at 877-411-8770.

2003 Pontiac Montana

Component

Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side Inflator Module

Consequence of Defect

on certain mini vans, passenger and sport utility vehicles, some of these vehicles have a driver's side air bag that may not deploy as designed. in addition, the air bag inflator could rupture.

Corrective Action

this could result in reduced capability of the air bag to protect the driver. also if the air bag inflator ruptured, pieces of the inflator could strike and injure the vehicle occupants.

Recall Notes

dealers will inspect, and if necessary, install a new driver's air bag. owner notification began on march 11, 2003. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact buick at 1-800-521-7300, cadillac at 1-800-458-8006, chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, gmc at 1-800-462-8782, or pontiac at 1-800-762-2737.

2003 Pontiac Montana

Component

Equipment:Other:Owners/Service/Other Manual

Consequence of Defect

certain minivans, passenger and sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 225, øchild restraint anchorage system.ø the ownerøs manual does not explain the meaning of the location symbols for the child restraint lower universal anchorage system.

Corrective Action

this does not meet the requirements of the standard.

Recall Notes

owners will be provided with a supplement for their ownerøs manual. this supplement describes and shows the location symbols for the child restraint anchors that are located in the vehicle and on the child restraint or booster cushion. owner notification began august 18, 2003. owners should contact buick at 1-866-608-8080, cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, gmc at 1-866-996-9463, pontiac at 1-800-620-7668, or oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537.

2003 Pontiac Montana

Component

Air Bags:Frontal

Consequence of Defect

certain passenger, mini vans, and sport utility vehicles have an air bag inflator on the driver's side that could fracture at a weld during a deployment.

Corrective Action

pieces of the inflator could strike and injure vehicle occupants and the air bag cushion would not inflate fully, reducing the capability of the bag to protect the driver.

Recall Notes

dealers will inspect, and replace, if necessary, the air bag module assembly on the driver's side. owner notification began august 15, 2002. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact buick at 1-800-521-7300, cadillac at 1-800-458-8006, chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, gmc at 1-800-462-8782, oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537, or pontiac at 1-800-762-2737.

2003 Pontiac Montana

Component

Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage

Consequence of Defect

on certain vehicles, variations in the manufacturing process or exposure to high ambient temperatures may lead to fracture of the fuel tank inlet check valve (icv).

Corrective Action

a fracture may allow fuel vapors to pass through and allow droplets of fuel to accumulate on the side of the fuel tank. fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.

Recall Notes

2003 Pontiac Montana

Component

Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Latch

Consequence of Defect

Corrective Action

Recall Notes

2003 Pontiac Montana

Component

Fuel System, Other:Storage:Tank Assembly:Pressure Relief Devices

Consequence of Defect

Corrective Action

fuel may leak, possibly resulting in a fire.

Recall Notes

delphi will notify owners and replace the upr free of charge. the recall began on april 23, 2007. owners can contact delphi at 877-411-8770.

2002 Pontiac Montana

Component

Air Bags:Frontal

Consequence of Defect

certain passenger, mini vans, and sport utility vehicles have an air bag inflator on the driver's side that could fracture at a weld during a deployment.

Corrective Action

pieces of the inflator could strike and injure vehicle occupants and the air bag cushion would not inflate fully, reducing the capability of the bag to protect the driver.

Recall Notes

2002 Pontiac Montana

Component

Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage

Consequence of Defect

on certain vehicles, variations in the manufacturing process or exposure to high ambient temperatures may lead to fracture of the fuel tank inlet check valve (icv).

Corrective Action

a fracture may allow fuel vapors to pass through and allow droplets of fuel to accumulate on the side of the fuel tank. fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.

Recall Notes

2002 Pontiac Montana

Component

Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Latch

Consequence of Defect

Corrective Action

Recall Notes

2002 Pontiac Montana

Component

Fuel System, Other:Storage:Tank Assembly:Pressure Relief Devices

Consequence of Defect

Corrective Action

fuel may leak, possibly resulting in a fire.

Recall Notes

delphi will notify owners and replace the upr free of charge. the recall began on april 23, 2007. owners can contact delphi at 877-411-8770.

2001 Pontiac Montana

Component

Air Bags:Frontal

Consequence of Defect

on certain passenger, sport utility vehicles and mini vans, some of these vehicles have a passenger air bag that was manufactured without a check valve pin. an air bag without the check valve pin could produce increased pressure at the onset of the air bag deployment and reduced pressure afterward.

Corrective Action

this could increase the severity of injury to a person who was not properly restrained and who was close to the passenger air bag at the time of deployment. it could also reduce the ab8ility of the air bag to protect a restrained front seat passenger.

Recall Notes

dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the passenger air bag. owner notification began december 16, 2002. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, pontiac at 1-800-762-2737, oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537, or saturn at 1-800-553-6000, prompt #3.

2001 Pontiac Montana

Component

Equipment:Other:Owners/Service/Other Manual

Consequence of Defect

Corrective Action

this does not meet the requirements of the standard.

Recall Notes

2001 Pontiac Montana

Component

Air Bags:Frontal

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: passenger, sport utility vehicles and minivans. the passenger air bag inflator modules were built without the correct amount of generant, which produces the gas that fills the air bag. some were built with a double load of generant and some were built without generant.

Corrective Action

in the event of a crash that would trigger a passenger air bag deployment, a double load of generant can cause the inflator module to explode. if the air bag module explodes, metal and plastic debris could cause severe injury to vehicle occupant. a module with no generant would not inflate the air bag, and the occupants could receive more severe injuries.

Recall Notes

dealers will replace the passenger air bag module. telephone calls were made to owners on january 29, 2001. follow up owner mailing began on april 17, 2001. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, pontiac at 1-800-762-2737, or saturn at 1-800-553-6000.

2001 Pontiac Montana

Component

Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Latch

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: 1997-2001 chevrolet venture, pontiac montana/transport, and oldsmobile silhouette mini vans equipped with passenger side power sliding doors that were serviced in campaign 01013 (01v-067) from april to august 2001. also 2001 chevrolet venture, pontiac montana, and oldsmobile silhouette mini vans equipped with passenger side power sliding doors assembled in january through april 2001. these vehicles have inadequate front welds. if a front weld fails, the actuator can jam in the unlatched position and, when the sliding door closes, it will not be latched.

Corrective Action

if this happens, the power sliding door can open while the vehicle is in motion, particularly when the vehicle ascends a hill, makes a turn, or travels over a rough road surface. an unrestrained occupant could fall out of the van and be injured.

Recall Notes

dealers will inspect and, if required, install a new power sliding door unlatch actuator assembly. owner notification began on october 22, 2001. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, pontiac at 1-800-762-2737, or oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537.

2001 Pontiac Montana

Component

Seats:Front Assembly:Recliner

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: certain mini vans built with second row 50/50 split bench seats or captain's chairs, fail to comply with the requirements of fmvss no. 225, "child restraint anchorage systems." the seat latch anchor wire diameter is greater than 6.1 mm.

Corrective Action

if the connector for a latch-type child restraint is not attached correctly to the anchorage points, the restraint will not properly protect a child in the event of a crash.

Recall Notes

dealers will inspect the latch anchor wires and repair those with an improper diameter. owner notification began april 10, 2002. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537, or pontiac at 1-800-762-2737.

2001 Pontiac Montana

Component

Seat Belts

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: passenger vehicles, light duty trucks, sport utility vehicles, and mini vans equipped with trw seat belt buckle assemblies. the buckle base of these seat belt assemblies were not properly heat treated and therefore do not pass the load bearing requirement of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 209, "seat belt assemblies."

Corrective Action

in the event of a vehicle crash, the occupant may not be properly restrained.

Recall Notes

dealers will inspect the vehicle's safety belt buckle assembly date codes and, if necessary, will replace any safety belt buckle assembly.

2001 Pontiac Montana

Component

Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Latch

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: minivans equipped with passenger side power sliding doors. the door closes but may not be latched. if this happens, the power sliding door can open while the vehicle is in motion, particularly when the vehicle ascends a hill, makes a turn, or travels over a rough road surface.

Corrective Action

an unrestrained occupant could fall out of the van and be injured.

Recall Notes

dealers will install a new un-latch actuator assembly to the power sliding door. this recall has been continued under safety recall 01v-264. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, pontiac at 1-800-762-2737, or oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537.

2001 Pontiac Montana

Component

Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage

Consequence of Defect

on certain vehicles, variations in the manufacturing process or exposure to high ambient temperatures may lead to fracture of the fuel tank inlet check valve (icv).

Corrective Action

a fracture may allow fuel vapors to pass through and allow droplets of fuel to accumulate on the side of the fuel tank. fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.

Recall Notes

2001 Pontiac Montana

Component

Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Latch

Consequence of Defect

Corrective Action

Recall Notes

2001 Pontiac Montana

Component

Fuel System, Other:Storage:Tank Assembly:Pressure Relief Devices

Consequence of Defect

Corrective Action

fuel may leak, possibly resulting in a fire.

Recall Notes

delphi will notify owners and replace the upr free of charge. the recall began on april 23, 2007. owners can contact delphi at 877-411-8770.

2000 Pontiac Montana

Component

Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Latch

Consequence of Defect

Corrective Action

Recall Notes

2000 Pontiac Montana

Component

Seat Belts

Consequence of Defect

Corrective Action

in the event of a vehicle crash, the occupant may not be properly restrained.

Recall Notes

dealers will inspect the vehicle's safety belt buckle assembly date codes and, if necessary, will replace any safety belt buckle assembly.

2000 Pontiac Montana

Component

Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Latch

Consequence of Defect

Corrective Action

an unrestrained occupant could fall out of the van and be injured.

Recall Notes

2000 Pontiac Montana

Component

Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: mini vans with extended wheelbase. some of these vehicles have inoperative fuel tank rollover valves and fuel leakage would exceed the permissible amount in a rollover test. this does not comply with the requirements of fmvss no. 301, "fuel system integrity."

Corrective Action

in a vehicle rollover accident, if an ignition source is present, a fire could result.

Recall Notes

dealers will inspect the vehicles to locate and replace those fuel tanks that could have inoperative rollover valves.

2000 Pontiac Montana

Component

Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Latch

Consequence of Defect

Corrective Action

Recall Notes

2000 Pontiac Montana

Component

Fuel System, Other:Storage:Tank Assembly:Pressure Relief Devices

Consequence of Defect

Corrective Action

fuel may leak, possibly resulting in a fire.

Recall Notes

delphi will notify owners and replace the upr free of charge. the recall began on april 23, 2007. owners can contact delphi at 877-411-8770.

1999 Pontiac Montana

Component

Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Latch

Consequence of Defect

Corrective Action

Recall Notes

1999 Pontiac Montana

Component

Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Latch

Consequence of Defect

Corrective Action

an unrestrained occupant could fall out of the van and be injured.

Recall Notes

1999 Pontiac Montana

Component

Steering:Gear Box:Shaft Sector

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: passenger mini vans. the left and/or right front lower insulator to cradle center metal sleeve is collapsed, which can result in loss of clamp load in the joint. if the clamp load is reduced or lost, the bolt can be lost or broken and the joint can separate.

Corrective Action

if not repaired, separation of the opposite side joint could occur resulting in steering shaft separation.

Recall Notes

dealers will replace the left and right front lower cradle-to-suspension insulators and the attaching bolts.

1999 Pontiac Montana

Component

Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Latch

Consequence of Defect

Corrective Action

Recall Notes

1999 Pontiac Montana

Component

Fuel System, Other:Storage:Tank Assembly:Pressure Relief Devices

Consequence of Defect

Corrective Action

fuel may leak, possibly resulting in a fire.

Recall Notes

delphi will notify owners and replace the upr free of charge. the recall began on april 23, 2007. owners can contact delphi at 877-411-8770.

1999 Pontiac Montana

Component

Air Bags:Frontal

Consequence of Defect

on certain passenger vehicles and mini vans, the driver's air bag inflator modules could produce excessive internal pressure. in the event of a crash that would trigger a driver's air bag deployment, the increased internal pressure can cause the inflator module to explode.

Corrective Action

metal and plastic debris could cause severe injury to vehicle occupants.

Recall Notes

dealers will replace the driver air bag module. owner notification began february 1, 2002. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact pontiac at 1-800-762-2737.