My 2000 Pontiac Montana (ext) has been accelerating on its own. I have tried to determine the cause and effect, but nothing stays constant. It may happen when the car is cold or hot, early morning or late afternoon, etc. I have taken it into a dealership and they cannot reproduce the issue. In addition, they have told me the computer did not register any codes. When the issue happens the idle. I'll put the car into park and watch the RPM move to 3500 and stay there until I turn the car off. Once I turn the car off and turn it back on then the issue stops. I have others verify the issue has happened with them or they saw the issue occur (so I'm not crazy). A mechanic at Firestone (was able to reproduce the issue) and he thought the issue was related to the transmission. I'm not sure how he came to that conclusion, but they wanted to charge me $3,000 for a new transmission. At this point I think I will get a new car. Very disappointing.

- Glen Allen, VA, USA

New March 2000. Van always receives regular maintenance. The following is a history of repairs: 4/00 windshield wipers would not return to closed position - dealer fixed. 12/03 (37,179 mi) tps sensor breaking down causing idle to surge - dealer replaced throttle position sensor, completed reprogram ($255.14) 12/03 (37,182 mi) air bag light coming on - dealer replaced right front seat belt buckle under warranty (labor $134.51). 12/27/03 (37,555 mi) was in collision (other vehicle pulled out in front of me as I was coming down small overpass, he was cited). My van sustained $4,500 in front end damages, his car was totaled. My air bags did not deploy. No one injured. 5/04 (40,983 mi) rear hatch would not stay up - dealer replaced both hatch props ($258.73) 7/04 (43,437 mi) van was "shifting" hard, would not pick up speed correctly. Dealer replaced pressure control solenoid, flushed transmission and replaced front brake pads and machined rotors ($986.48). 12/04 (48,284 mi) van would not start on several occasions. Known independent repair shop replaced battery, checked oil leak. ($114.90). 4/05 (51,646 mi) low coolant light /check engine light coming on. Same independent repair shop replaced intake gaskets, thermostat, spark plugs and filter, and oil pump shaft 0-ring. Corrected air bag light ($791.03) 6/05 purchased new tires and were told needed all new tie rods. We went on vacation July 9, 2005 (Ohio to Virginia and back). Concerned that the van shook terribly when applying the brakes on long downgrades through wv and va. We were towing nothing. The very next day, after returning home, the van would not start consistently. 7/05 (56,533 mi) told that the computer crashed. Same independent repair shop replaced ECM, crank sensor, ign module and machined front rotors which if you remember were just done in July of 2004 ($982.02). After researching the track record of Pontiac Montana, have found that many consumers having the same problems.

- Orrville, OH, USA

RPM needle goes up and down, and engine check light comes on before vehicle stalls. Vehicle was checked six times by same dealer, and problem couldn't be found. Vehicle is at another dealer to see if there's a change.

- Canyon Country, CA, USA

Engine went wide open, had to turn key off to kill motor. Lucky we were on a back road with no traffic, we also have teenage drivers, they may have paniced and it could have turned out really bad!!

- Iron Mountain, MI, USA