1997 Pontiac Trans Sport Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 42about this part
- Share
- 18%of 236 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 67,950miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 42 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1997 Pontiac Trans Sport, 18% of the 236 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 67,950 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Our 1997 Pontiac transport has had 3 head gasket failures. The first was at 72000, second at 88,000 and is currently dead in front drive with water in the oil again. Had new heads put on at 72000. Vehicle overheats and does not show on gauges. You hear it bubbling when it's shut off. Also had to replace alternator 3 times and van only has 110,000 miles on it. We've had since new.”
NHTSA complaint #10235285, filed 2008-07, 72,000 miles“I have had this vehicle for 7 years and have always had problems with cooling system losing antifreeze. Now I am told the intake manifold gasket has been needs replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10195027, filed 2007-06, 90,000 miles“Engine has been overheating for a year now. Took vehicle to Pontiac. They tested it and replaced the water pump. Still overheating so they replaced the thermostat and radiator cap. Still overheating. Pontiac stated it needed a new head gasket and wanted $3500.00 to replace it. They further stated they were not sure this was the problem either. I have already paid $500.00 for the previous service. I have read there are many others with this same problem with GM 3.4 liter engines.”
NHTSA complaint #10013676, filed 2003-03, 75,000 miles“At 51000 miles the 3.4l engine had lower intake gasket failure in which the dex-cool anti freeze dumped into the crankcase mixing with the oil. This only had one warning a couple months earlier as the low coolant light came on and I added 1/2 gallon dex-cool with no signs of leakage. Next time it happened was when my wife was taking daughter to school and temp. Light came on. Van was not driven over 2 miles to dealer, as light went out. Dealer said extreme mixture in both crankcase and radiator. …”
NHTSA complaint #10070686, filed 2004-01, 39,000 miles“Replaced the upper intake manifold gasket in 2006 . In the last 3 weeks, the van was not putting out much heat and the temp gauge did not rise up to the normal level. I drove into town 6 miles at 60 miles an hour and the temperature gauge went all the way up. I let it cool down and drove to the mechanic ( 1 mile ) and it was going back up again. They replaced the water pump, radiator cap and thermostat and I picked up the van. Within 1 mile it started to heat up again. I returned it . They believe the head gaskets are blown. The estimate that I got to repair it is 1200.00. …”
NHTSA complaint #10181712, filed 2007-02, 166,000 milesRelated 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 1997 Pontiac Trans Sport
54 complaintsBody and structure
37 complaintsExterior lighting
36 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
25 complaintsBrakes
17 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
17 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
14 complaintsFuel system
13 complaintsSeat belts
10 complaintsOther or unknown
8 complaintsElectrical system
7 complaintsAir bags
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Pontiac Trans Sport
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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