What year Pontiac Montana should I avoid?

Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2005 Pontiac Montana has the highest Complaint Index among 4 model years and is the year to avoid. The 2005 model year ranks worst with 81 complaints and 5 recalls.

What is the best year for the Pontiac Montana?

The 2006 Pontiac Montana has the lowest Complaint Index of the years we track (37 complaints, 2 recalls).

What are the most common problems with the Pontiac Montana?

Across all model years, the most reported problem areas in NHTSA complaints are structure & body (46, 39%), electrical system (27, 23%), and brakes (18, 15%).

How many recalls does the Pontiac Montana have?

NHTSA lists 6 distinct recall campaigns covering Pontiac Montana model years 2005–2008. Recalls are repaired free of charge by dealers; check any specific vehicle by VIN before buying.

Pontiac Montana Best and Worst Years (2005–2008)

Pontiac Montana years to avoid: 2005. Based on 119 NHTSA owner complaints and 6 recall campaigns across 4 model years (2005–2008).

Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.

Avoid 2005

Model years: 4; 2005–2008
NHTSA complaints: 119
Recall campaigns: 6
Crashes reported: 9
Fires reported: 3
Top problem area: Structure & Body

Montana Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Pontiac Montana problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2005	Avoid	100	81	7	3	5	Structure & Body	17.5	—
2006	Caution	67	37	2	0	2	Electrical System	19	—
2007	No verdict	0	0	0	0	1	—	—	—
2008	No verdict	33	1	0	0	1	Airbags	—	—

Montana years to avoid: what went wrong

2005 Pontiac Montana Index 100 · 81 complaints · 5 recalls

Owners filed 81 complaints with NHTSA about the 2005 Pontiac Montana, led by structure & body (40), electrical system (18), and engine (11). NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for this year. Complaints mention 7 crashes and 3 fires.

2005 structure & body problems →2005 electrical system problems →

Most common Pontiac Montana problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Structure & Body46 (39%)
Electrical System27 (23%)
Brakes18 (15%)
Engine18 (15%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires16 (13%)
Transmission & Powertrain10 (8%)
Airbags9 (8%)
Other9 (8%)
Fuel System8 (7%)
Seat Belts4 (3%)

Frequently asked questions

What year Pontiac Montana should I avoid?: Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2005 Pontiac Montana has the highest Complaint Index among 4 model years and is the year to avoid. The 2005 model year ranks worst with 81 complaints and 5 recalls.
What is the best year for the Pontiac Montana?: The 2006 Pontiac Montana has the lowest Complaint Index of the years we track (37 complaints, 2 recalls).
What are the most common problems with the Pontiac Montana?: Across all model years, the most reported problem areas in NHTSA complaints are structure & body (46, 39%), electrical system (27, 23%), and brakes (18, 15%).
How many recalls does the Pontiac Montana have?: NHTSA lists 6 distinct recall campaigns covering Pontiac Montana model years 2005–2008. Recalls are repaired free of charge by dealers; check any specific vehicle by VIN before buying.