2005 Pontiac Montana Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2005 Pontiac Montana ranks worst of 4 model years tracked, with a complaint index of 100 and 81 complaints, mostly Structure & Body (49%) and Electrical System (22%) issues. It carries 5 recall campaigns, earning an Avoid verdict.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 100/100
- #1 of 4 Montana years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 81
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 5
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 7
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 3
- Injuries
- 16
- Top issue
- Structure & Body
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 17.5
- 15.5 city / 22 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 16 / 1
Top 2005 Pontiac Montana problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Structure & Body40 (49%)
- Electrical System18 (22%)
- Engine11 (14%)
- Brakes10 (12%)
- Other8 (10%)
- Airbags7 (9%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires7 (9%)
- Transmission & Powertrain6 (7%)
- Fuel System4 (5%)
- Seat Belts3 (4%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report sudden loss of control with grinding noises coming from the vehicle at low speed, in one case leading to a crash into a tree.
- Brakes reportedly lock up unexpectedly during moderate braking, with ABS activating briefly before the wheels lock and the vehicle skids.
- Electrical fires have started in the engine compartment while the vehicle was parked, in one case totaling the vehicle.
- Door mirror control wiring has smoldered and melted behind the door switch panel after a chemical smell was noticed inside the cabin.
- Airbags reportedly failed to deploy during moderate-speed crashes, including a collision with a deer and a rear-end collision, resulting in injuries.
- Seat structures have reportedly fractured in low-speed collisions, with owners noting the passenger seat failed to hold occupants properly.
2005 Pontiac Montana recalls
5 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 10V110000Mar 19, 2010Suspension, Wheels & Tires5,375 vehicles
Suspension:rear
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.
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.
Remedy: 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.
- NHTSA 06V417000Oct 31, 2006Airbags794 vehicles
Air bags:frontal
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.
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.
Remedy: 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.
- NHTSA 05V287000Jun 20, 2005Brakes14,600 vehicles
Parking brake
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.
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.
Remedy: 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 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 15.5 MPG
- Highway
- 22 MPG
- Combined
- 17.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,700
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2005 compared with other Montana years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2005 Pontiac Montana reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2005 Montana ranks worst of the 4 model years with data, with a complaint index of 100 and 81 complaints, mostly tied to Structure & Body and Electrical System problems.
- What is the top problem area for the 2005 Pontiac Montana?
- Structure & Body complaints lead, making up 49% of complaints (40 of 81), with a median failure mileage of 29,000 miles.
- Does the 2005 Pontiac Montana have recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 2005 Montana, covering structure/body issues like sliding door handles and seat latches, brakes, airbags, and suspension components, none marked do-not-drive.
- How does the 2005 Montana compare to other years?
- The 2005 model has the highest complaint index (100) and is ranked worst (1st) among the 4 years tracked; 2006 follows with a complaint index of 67 and a Caution verdict.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2005 Pontiac Montana?
- EPA rates the 2005 Montana at 17.5 mpg combined (15.5 city / 22 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,700.