2005 Pontiac Montana recalls and problems

5 recalls and 81 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2005 Pontiac Montana.

5
recalls
81
owner complaints
7
complaints mentioning a crash
3
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2005 Pontiac Montana recalls

Suspension: rear

NHTSA campaign 10V110000 · reported March 19, 2010 · BRAUN CORPORATION · 5,375 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
The braun corporation has notified NHTSA about a defect in certain model year 2005-2008 general motors mobility conversion, handicapped accessible low floor minivans. During conversion, the driver or passenger side trailing arm modification may not have been adequately welded.
The risk
A squeaking or clunking noise may develop. The trailing arm bushings may prematurely wear and the trailing arm may fracture or separate, allowing the rear axle to become partially separated from the chassis increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Dealers will inspect and will have a supply of retrofit parts available to remedy the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on june 4, 2010. Owners may contact braun at 1-800-488-0359.

Air bags: frontal

NHTSA campaign 06V417000 · reported October 31, 2006 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP. · 794 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
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.
The fix
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 gm's 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.

Parking brake

NHTSA campaign 05V287000 · reported June 20, 2005 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP. · 14,600 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
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.
The fix
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.

Seats: mid/rear assembly

NHTSA campaign 05V061000 · reported February 18, 2005 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP. · 18,850 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
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.
The fix
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.

Latches/locks/linkages: doors, latch

NHTSA campaign 04V597000 · reported December 22, 2004 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP. · 717,302 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
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.
The fix
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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Apr 19, 2023 · Fuel/propulsion system

When I start the engine & try to put in another it it nearly impossible. With engine on, it smells of gasoline! I'm afraid I will die from the fumes. Transmission only goes up to 20 mph. I know there is a gas leak and I want others to be notified before my family or someone else's family catch fire and burn to death!…

Apr 8, 2020 · Engine · 124,125 miles · fire reported

VEHICLE HAS BEEN PROPERLY MAINTAINED UNDER HOOD COMPONENTS FOR YEARS. ONE DAY I STARTED IT UP AND WAS SMOKING HEAVILY. NO EVIDENCE HAS BEEN SHOWN TO BE A FAILURE TO MAINTAIN. NO LOOSE OR BARE WIRES, NOTHING UNORDINARY GOING ON UNDER THE HOOD THAT COULD CAUSE THIS. NO SIGNS OF OPERATOR ERROR SO FORTH.

Mar 12, 2020 · Electrical system

MY GAS GAUGE STOPPED WORKING AND IS FLUCATING AND THE DASH READING IS SAYING THINGS. ITS ALL MESSED UP

Mar 8, 2016 · Electronic stability control (ESC) · 120,000 miles

WHEN IM DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD GOING 55-60 MILES AN HOUR MY VAN WILL SUDDENLY "GRAB" AND MAKE A SUDDEN STOP AND SAY SERVICE STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM> IT MAKES ME ALMOST COME TO A COMPLETE STOP FROM 55-60 MILES AN HOUR- ITS SCARY! THIS HAS HAPPENED MOVING FAST, AND ALSO TURNING. MOST RECENT DATE THIS HAPPENED WAS TODAY…

Jan 19, 2016 · Structure

[…] IS IN CUSTODY AN HIS CAR IS ABOUNDED ON THE 200 BLOCK OF HOBART AN VINE ST THE VAN DO NOT HAVE ANY WINDOWS NO TAGS ON IT AN ALL FOUR OF THE TIRES ARE FLAT I NEED DRIVE HERE DOT COM TO COME REPO THIS CAR BECAUSE ERIC IS IN JAIL AND CAN NOT MAKE ANYMORE PAYMENTS ON THE CAR ALSO ERIC TOOK THE TRACKING DEVICE OFF THE…

Montana model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2002 312631
2003 58481
2004 33981
2005 58173
2006 23720
2007 1000
2008 1100

Across all years, the 2000 Montana has the most complaints (228). All Pontiac Montana years →

Questions

Does the 2005 Pontiac Montana have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2005 Pontiac Montana, the most recent reported on March 19, 2010 (Suspension: rear). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Pontiac Montana?
Owners have filed 81 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is structure (21 complaints), followed by latches/locks/linkages (19).
How many 2005 Pontiac Montana complaints mention a crash or fire?
7 of 81 complaints report a crash and 3 a fire; 16 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received April 19, 2023.