1990 Pontiac Trans Sport Problems
- Complaints
- 45filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 80,000miles, 1 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 4campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 18 mpgcombined, 3.1L 6-cyl FWD · 16 city / 21 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1990 Pontiac Trans Sport (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 45 consumer complaints for the 1990 Pontiac Trans Sport. The part named most often is body and structure, with 15 complaints (33% of the total), followed by seat belts (8) and engine cooling (7). 1 of the complaints include a mileage, and 0% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 80,000 miles. Of all complaints, 1 a fire, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year. Body and structure complaints overlap with 2 recall campaigns filed under the same part. Seat belts complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign covering the anchorage filed under the same part.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Body and structure15 33%
- Seat belts8 18%
- Engine cooling7 16%
- Seats4 8.9%
- Other or unknown3 6.7%
- Steering3 6.7%
- Brakes2 4.4%
- Electrical system2 4.4%
- Equipment2 4.4%
Also reported: Fuel system (2), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Transmission and drivetrain (1).
Example complaints
Body and structure: “Dt: the contact was slowing down to make a turn when the engine cradle malfunctioned due to rust. The engine and transmission nearly fell out of the vehicle. When this happened the steering linkage disconnected and the steering wheel kept turning around. The vehicle has not been repaired. He contacted GM, and they offered no free remedy to the problem. There was a recall on this problem previously. However, this vehicle was not included due to VIN.”
NHTSA complaint #10141270, filed 2005-10, 80,000 milesSeat belts: “Seatbelts in front seats have gone loose. This is a safety issue that ntsa should be concerned with. Seatbelts are mandatory in many states including mine. Pontiac refuses to repair as a recall even though it is a hazard and not a wear and tear issue. Seatbelts should not break, especially the 2 front seatbelts.”
NHTSA complaint #738671, filed 2001-01Engine cooling: “While mechanic was test driving vehicle he stepped on the brakes and heard a big noise before the cradle bolt came apart and engine collapsed. Dealer was contacted.”
NHTSA complaint #832492, filed 1998-12Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): “Ongoing problem with spot(cloudy) appears to grow on the windshield which affecets the visibility. Dealer notified, and informed consume rthat the vehicle was out of warranty. Insurance company informed consume rthat it was a manufacturer's deffect which was not covered by insurance. Can NHTSA help in this matter.”
NHTSA complaint #842866, filed 1999-07Mileage when problems were reported
0% of the 1 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 80,000 and 80,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1990 Pontiac Trans Sport. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trans Sport · sedan | not rated | 4 / 5 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1990 Pontiac Trans Sport version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trans Sport 2WD | 3.1L 6-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 16 | 21 | 18 | $3,700 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 97V058000Apr 8, 1997Body and structureCovers: Pontiac Trans Sport 1990–1991, Oldsmobile Cutlass 1988–1991, Pontiac Grand Prix 1988–1991 +5 more
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles and mini vans originally sold or currently registered in the following states: connecticut, illinois, indiana, maine, massachusetts, michigan, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island…
- 92V012000Jan 28, 1992Structure › BodyCovers: Pontiac Trans Sport 1990–1991, Oldsmobile Silhouette 1990–1991
The glove compartment door will not remain closed during certain load forces associated with a vehicle crash. This does not comply with the requirements of fmvss 201.
- 91V046000Mar 15, 1991Seat belts › Front › AnchorageCovers: Pontiac Trans Sport 1990, Chevrolet Lumina APV 1990, Oldsmobile Silhouette 1990
A right hand seat/shoulder belt retractor may have been installed in the second row left hand seat position (directly behind driver).
- 89V164000Oct 2, 1989SeatsCovers: Pontiac Trans Sport 1990, Chevrolet Lumina APV 1990, Oldsmobile Silhouette 1990
The rear modular seat frame hold-down hooks may not meet the required pull force at the rear set anchorage.
Recall details for the 1990 Pontiac Trans Sport → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1990 Pontiac Trans Sport.
Other model years of the Pontiac Trans Sport
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 10 | 44,201 | 2 | — | 18 | — | Not enough data |
| 1998 | 227 | 80,000 | 5 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 236 | 86,507 | 5 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1996 | 61 | 95,514 | 1 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 113 | 87,430 | 3 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 98 | 90,000 | 4 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 61 | 99,000 | 3 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 76 | 100,000 | 2 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 36 | 153,000 | 2 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 45 | 80,000 | 4 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Pontiac Trans Sport model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1990 Pontiac Trans Sport have?
NHTSA recorded 45 consumer complaints for the 1990 Pontiac Trans Sport as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1990 Pontiac Trans Sport is reported most often?
Body and structure is named most often, in 15 complaints (33% of the total), followed by seat belts with 8.
Has the 1990 Pontiac Trans Sport been recalled?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1990 Pontiac Trans Sport get?
The EPA rates the 1990 Pontiac Trans Sport (Trans Sport 2WD, 3.1L 6-cyl) at 18 mpg combined, 16 city and 21 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,700 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1990 Pontiac Trans Sport reported?
Among the 1 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 80,000 miles and the middle half falls between 80,000 and 80,000 miles; 0% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.