Pontiac Montana

Certain vehicles equipped with remote start capability fail to comply with the requirements of CMVSS 208 - Occupant Restraint Systems.  The safety belt reminder light for the driver's seating position does not illuminate after the ignition key is inserted and turned to the 'run' position following a remote start.  As well, the audible chime for the driver's seating position will not sound if the driver and a front seat passenger enter the vehicle following a remote start, the passenger buckles his/her seatbelt within 25 to 33 seconds after the remote start, and the ignition key is then turned to the 'run' position.  Note: This non-compliance condition has no affect on vehicle safety.  Correction: Dealers will recalibrate the Sensing Diagnostic Module (SDM) to activate an enhanced seatbelt reminder feature, which repeats the chime and telltale cycles up to two times if the seatbelt is not buckled and if the vehicles speed is over 8 km/h.  This enhanced feature is already activated on 2007 vehicles.

On certain Aztek (AWD), Montana (AWD), Relay (AWD), RendezVous (AWD), RendezVous (FWD), Silhouette (AWD), Terraza (AWD), Terraza (FWD), Uplander (AWD) and Venture (AWD) vehicles equipped with independent rear suspension, when operated in extreme cold temperature and on rough roads, water and salt can intrude past the ball joint seal.  The combination of theses conditions may then lead to premature wear of the ball joint.  If the ball joint wear progresses to the point of separation from the lower control arm, a loss of vehicle control may occur.  Correction: Dealers will replace both ball joints with new ball joints which have a revised boot and ball stud to improve the seal to the ball stud shaft.

Certain vehicles do not comply with the requirements of CMVSS 135.  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).  A part that was not manufactured to specifications can cause the parking brake to fail this test.  A loud popping noise as the parking brake is applied or a sudden decrease in the effort required to apply the parking brake can be indications of this condition.  When the parking brake is released, the driver may notice unintended braking when accelerating, decelerating, or coasting, and a groan, humming, and/or vibration coming from the rear of the vehicle.  Correction: Dealers will inspect for parking brake lever slippage at each rear brake caliper.  The calipers will be replaced if lever slippage is identified.