1996 Pontiac Trans Sport Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 21%of 61 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 96,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1996 Pontiac Trans Sport, 21% of the 61 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 96,000 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers.
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.
“Intake manifold & gasket failure - oil & coolant mixing in engine compartment - imminent engine failure front wiper motor/transmission intermitent failure while driving - difficulty diagnosing problem - major safety issue when the wipers suddenly stop/start working while driving in rain & snow or sloppy highway conditions compressor clutch hub & pulley failure”
NHTSA complaint #10071336, filed 2004-01, 88,000 miles“Vehicle started eating coolant, within 4 days of coolant leak head gasket had complete failure dumping contents of radiator into oil pan. Upon exam found that dextrol coolant had turned corrosive and eaten threw gasket causing failure. Replace all top end gaskets and rebuild top end. Pray that lower end will be ok once flushed completely. Have kept old parts for further exam.”
NHTSA complaint #10093745, filed 2004-10, 75,000 miles“Coolant in oil due to manifold intake gasket..had gasket replaced and is back in the shop again for same problem. In between these two towings, I had to have the valve spring replaced because it broke.”
NHTSA complaint #10019273, filed 2003-05, 96,500 miles“Excessive consumption of coolant. Repair shop told us coolant was being sucked into intake manifold. Replaced gasket and converted from orange to green coolant.”
NHTSA complaint #10023008, filed 2003-06, 96,000 miles“After the 2nd valve spring broke, I was told that the valves were seizing up and a new engine would be required. All of this was caused by the bad designed manifold gasket that caused coolant to go into the oil. After spending over $1,000 since 4-29-03, I finally had to trade in for another vehicle. I didn't have between $4,000 and $5,000 for a new engine, which on a '96 model would not have been worth it. I could have gotten a used engine, but all of them have the same manifold gasket and this would have cost aproximately $2,000. I've had nothing but problems with this van. …”
NHTSA complaint #10068965, filed 2004-01Related service bulletins
- 10246631Sep 1, 2013Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 5 | 50% |
| 1998 | 52 | 23% |
| 1997 | 42 | 18% |
| 1996 | 13 | 21% |
| 1995 | 16 | 14% |
| 1994 | 11 | 11% |
| 1993 | 5 | 8% |
| 1992 | 2 | 3% |
| 1991 | 2 | 6% |
| 1990 | 7 | 16% |
Other parts of the 1996 Pontiac Trans Sport
13 complaintsSteering
7 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsElectrical system
5 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
4 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
2 complaintsSeats
2 complaintsTires
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Pontiac Trans Sport
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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