2002 Pontiac Montana Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 10%of 126 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 58,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2002 Pontiac Montana, 10% of the 126 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 58,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The driver and passenger side brake lights constantly go out. I have spoken to a mechanic and he told me that it is very common for GM vehicles in this model year range to have to replace the lighting bank in the rear of the vehicles on both sides. The bank which contains the brake lights, the back-up lights, and the running lights fails and the brake lights seem to be most affected. I have had to replace my brake lights approximately once a month for multiple years. There have been many near-collisions due to brake lights not operating. …”
NHTSA complaint #10498563, filed 2013-02, 95,000 miles“We ought the van as a program with 20,000 miles on it,within the first month the power windows would not work all the time meaning sometimes they work and sometimes they dont. Same thing for the interior lights. In the summer of 2003 the air condition developed a sloe leak that progressed within weeks,we now have no air at all and the part aloe is going to cost $400.00. In october of 2003 on our way to a high school football game the transmission went out. …”
NHTSA complaint #10071146, filed 2004-01, 56,000 miles“I bought 2002 Pontiac Montana used in dec. 2008. First the radio display went completely out. Then as I was pulling into a parking lot the car shut off by itself... It started back up again but I was in traffic and almost caused three cars to crash. Then I noticed that my driver's side brake light went out, and a week later the passenger side brake light went out. I have bought replacement bulbs and it still does not work (the bar on top is working). The radio/ clock display is just an inconvenience but brake lights... They are important! I am bringing to the dealer today to inspect. …”
NHTSA complaint #10260549, filed 2009-03, 60,000 miles“There are 2 main safety concerns with my 2002 Pontiac Montana thunder minivan. First, the rear driver's side brake light has gone out. Even with replacement of bulb and fuse, the brake light will not work. From researching on the internet, this seems to be a design defect and a common problem. This is a major safety issue!!! Second, the rear windshield wiper does not work. Again, this seems to be a common 2002 Pontiac Montana problem, and again, is a safety concern.”
NHTSA complaint #10153220, filed 2006-03, 56,000 miles“Stop lamp bulbs are shorting out at connector to sockets. This has happened three times so far. Twice on the left side and once on the right side. The result is a melted base on oem bulbs with plastic bases and an inoerable brake light. Frequent failures of stop lamps creates a safety hazard. So far I have replaced three bulbs, cleaned and filed the contacts, applied dielectric grease, and used bulbs with glass bases. One of the plastic base bulbs is available for inspection. There was no indication of contamination from moisture or other sources. …”
NHTSA complaint #10124158, filed 2005-06, 55,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10249011Jan 12, 2024This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
- 10232136Feb 15, 2023This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10200151Jun 21, 2021This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10169354Nov 12, 2019This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10155009Dec 13, 2018This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10116890Feb 12, 2016This informational bulletin provides an out line on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage and what should be considered warranty replacement and not
- 10116874Feb 8, 2016This informational bulletin provides information on exterior lamp condinsation and replacement guidelines
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 3 | 8% |
| 2005 | 3 | 4% |
| 2004 | 2 | 5% |
| 2003 | 14 | 17% |
| 2002 | 12 | 10% |
| 2001 | 9 | 6% |
| 2000 | 10 | 4% |
| 1999 | 8 | 3% |
| 1998 | 4 | 8% |
| 1997 | 3 | 17% |
Other parts of the 2002 Pontiac Montana
24 complaintsFuel system
21 complaintsBrakes
12 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
11 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
11 complaintsEquipment
10 complaintsBody and structure
10 complaintsElectrical system
9 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
8 complaintsAir bags
7 complaintsTires
6 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Pontiac Montana
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology