Pontiac Vibe Problems and Repair Histories
Pontiac Vibe problems reported via the Car Repair History and Car Reliability Surveys
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Pontiac Vibe
Pontiac Vibes for which no problems have been reported are not displayed. So the Pontiac Vibe problems and repair histories you see here should not be used to infer car problem frequency.
For Pontiac Vibe problem frequency, check the Car Reliability Survey result. For the problems behind the score, check the Pontiac Vibe problems and repair histories that follow it.
Pontiac Vibe Reliability through December 31, 2012
General NotesModels and statistics marked with an asterisk (*) have very low sample sizes. These results, visible only to logged-in members, provide only a rough estimate of car reliability.Any result under 20 repair trips per 100 cars is likely a result of the small sample size, and should be expected to increase to 20 or so in future updates.
New models often start out with high repair rates, and then improve as the manufacturer identifies and addresses common problems. MethodologyOnly successfully completed repairs are currently included in the analysis. Routine maintenance, most wear items, recalls, and problems fixed with just a reflash or warning light reset are not included.
Non-members can see only ten Pontiac Vibe problems and repair histories. Log in or join us to see them all.
Repair costs are in local units.
2010 Pontiac Vibe
Engine not specified
| Pontiac Vibe in Florida, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2011 | 13000 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2011 | 13000 | 350 | low profile aluminum wheels had corroded. $550ea. dealer replaced them all. very satisfied with quality gmc in cocoa fl. |
2010 Pontiac Vibe 4dr Hatch
132-horsepower 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| Pontiac Vibe in Michigan, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2011 | 30000 | First odometer entry | |
| Aug | 2011 | 33000 | 0 | Water leak onto passenger side floor. A/C vent was clogged — dealer unclogged it and dried out the mat. |
| Oct | 2012 | 48300 | 44 | Check engine light went on |
| Mar | 2013 | 52000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2010 Pontiac Vibe 4dr Hatch
132-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| Pontiac Vibe in Maryland, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2010 | 0 | Adjusted driver's window to fix rattle when fully rolled up. | |
2009 Pontiac Vibe 4dr Hatch
158-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| Pontiac Vibe in Ontario, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2008 | 620 | First odometer entry | |
| Jul | 2009 | 4960 | 0 | Harsh downshift when coming to a stop |
| Mar | 2013 | 27900 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Pontiac Vibe in West Virginia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2009 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Jul | 2009 | 1000 | 0 | Interior trim below "B" pillar was pulled away from the door frame. On both sides. |
| Nov | 2011 | 17000 | 0 | Interior trim panels at "B" pillar (covers seat belt storage from door sill up to where belt comes out of "B" pillar) replaced on both sides due to poor fit. Right front interior door panel (where glass goes down into door) had abnormal wear/loss of finish. This was near rear of door panel where if the window was down, your elbow might rest. Right side tire kept leaking (slow) air. They took off tire & found corrosion on wheel. They cleaned wheel, sealed rim & remounted. |
| Apr | 2012 | 20000 | 0 | Rpl. driver side threshold plastic trim(that you step over to sit behind the wheel). Clip that held plastic part in place was broken. Had ordered part a few days prior. Everything under warranty. |
| Mar | 2013 | 25000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Pontiac Vibe in Minnesota, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2008 | 1000 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2008 | 2000 | 0 | Center wheel caps on alloy wheels fell out. |
| Dec | 2008 | 3000 | 0 | Short in dome light/sun roof switch unit. |
| Feb | 2010 | 24000 | 0 | paint chips caused by spoiler seals positioned wrong |
| May | 2012 | 82000 | 180 | Corroding sunroof frame Doing an oil consumption check because of increased oil consumption. |
| Pontiac Vibe in Michigan, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2009 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2009 | 1000 | 0 | A surge when downshifting. I took it in to have the first TSB performed. It changed the problem a little, but didn't make it better. I took my Vibe to the dealer to have TSB #2 performed to correct the surge problem. It seems to have made it better, but did not eliminate it. |
| Oct | 2010 | 4000 | 0 | The lighter didn't work - wouldn't stay in when pushed in. They repaired the part that is supposed to hold in the lighter when it's pushed. |
| Mar | 2013 | 9000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2009 Pontiac Vibe 4dr Hatch
132-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| Pontiac Vibe in Illinois, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2009 | 14000 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2009 | 15000 | 0 | The steering wheel linkage was defective. Part was orderded and was on a two week back-order from OEM. |
| Nov | 2009 | 17000 | 0 | Steering linkage replaced at dealership. |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2008 Pontiac Vibe
Engine not specified
| Pontiac Vibe in Nova Scotia, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2012 | 51460 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2012 | 52460 | 300 | brake calipers wheel bearing |
| Mar | 2013 | 52700 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2008 Pontiac Vibe 4dr Hatch
126-horsepower 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| Pontiac Vibe in Wisconsin, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2012 | 54000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2013 | 64000 | 4 | Check Engine light came on in below zero temperature. Used code reader and found code P0101 MAF sensor. Pulled the MAF sensor and cleaned using sensor cleaner solution. Car ran and idled smoother after the cleaning. |
| Mar | 2013 | 66000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2008 Pontiac Vibe 4dr Hatch
126-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| Pontiac Vibe in Iowa, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2011 | 67000 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2012 | 81000 | 280 | Needed new rotors and pads. |
| Mar | 2013 | 96000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Pontiac Vibe in Ontario, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2011 | 27900 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2013 | 55180 | 0 | Engine light |
2007 Pontiac Vibe 4dr Hatch
126-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| Pontiac Vibe in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2009 | 32000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jul | 2009 | 36000 | 0 | Hatchback liftgate shock tubes were replaced due to inability to hold up open liftgate. |
| Jan | 2011 | 52000 | 0 | Check engine light lead to dealership determining PCM was bad, and they decided to cover it at no charge since there is an upcoming recall. |
| Mar | 2013 | 76000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Pontiac Vibe in Texas, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2009 | 11000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2010 | 30000 | 0 | Car completely lost power on the freeway. Dealer said entire computer was defective and replaced it. |
| Jan | 2013 | 48000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Pontiac Vibe in Ontario, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2010 | 46500 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2010 | 48360 | 326 | We had another ignition coil replaced. Symptoms were hesitation in the motor. |
| Jul | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Pontiac Vibe in Louisiana, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2009 | 11000 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2010 | 20000 | 0 | ECM died |
| Mar | 2013 | 55000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Pontiac Vibe in Ontario, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2009 | 36580 | First odometer entry | |
| Nov | 2009 | 47740 | 100 | A retaining stud snapped on the front passenger side of the car. I believe that the dealer snapped it when rotating the wheels at the prior service but they denied that it could have happened in their shop. I had to pay for new stud and installation. |
| Sep | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2006 Pontiac Vibe 4dr Hatch
126-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| Pontiac Vibe in New York, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2007 | 12000 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2008 | 24500 | 0 | Bad PCM (Powertrain Control Module). Module was replaced under warranty by a Pontiac dealer. |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Pontiac Vibe in Indiana, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2007 | 11000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2008 | 26000 | 0 | Check engine light came on although car ran OK. Dealer diagnosed and ordered an Oxygen sensor, which was backordered. I will have to take the car back when the part comes in. |
| Jan | 2009 | 27000 | 0 | Check engine light came on in December (previously reported here). Dealer had to order an oxygen sensor. The sensor was successfully installed in January. |
| Feb | 2009 | 27000 | 0 | Check engine light came on. The dealer said an intake gasket was "sucking air", causing dirty air to make the check engine light come on. They replaced the gasket under the factory warranty. |
| Jul | 2009 | 32000 | 0 | The factory 6-disc CD changer occasionally scratched discs badly. Dealer replaced it under the GM extended warranty with a factory refurb unit. |
| Aug | 2011 | 51000 | 0 | Check engine light came on. Dealer said they need to replace the PCM (Powertrain Control Module). They said it could also be a transmission problem (the code indicated that.) They replaced the PCM as a first step and said to monitor it. |
| Nov | 2011 | 54000 | 0 | Check engine light came on. Same code as previous visit in which they replaced the PCM. This time they ordered and installed a torque converter part. Cost was covered 100% under GM extended warranty, including use of a loaner car. The same check-engine code showed up again (3rd time). 1st time they replaced the PCM, 2nd time a solenoid in the torque converter. This time they replaced the torque converter. Ext. warranty paid for it. Hopefully this finally fixes it. |
| Feb | 2012 | 55500 | 0 | Check Engine Light code P0741 for the 4th time in 9 months. In 3 previous attempts to fix, they replaced the PCM, then a valve in the torque converter and then the torque converter. This time they replaced the transmission. Hope that's it. |
| Mar | 2013 | 67000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Pontiac Vibe in Alberta, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2007 | 11160 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2007 | 17980 | 0 | Engine not heating properly on cold winter days (-15C or below). Looks like a weak thermostat to me as the temp gauge hovers for several miles / minutes before finally reaching normal operating temp. Dealer tested on a warm winter day and said "no probl |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Pontiac Vibe in Illinois, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2007 | 5000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2008 | 17000 | 0 | SES Light stayed on. Trans was banging into gear esp. Reverse. Checked codes P2716 stored and current. PIP4154A States to replace PCM if ckts check ok. Checked PC Solenoid ckts - ok. Replaced PCM and programmed. CODE FDFD4 (under warranty). |
| May | 2011 | 27000 | 250 | During routine inspection and 30,000 mile maintenance, mechanic spotted an oil leak which led to needing a new oil pan gasket. |
| Jun | 2011 | 27000 | 335 | Needed blower motor due to terrific loud noise when fan was put on High. |
| Mar | 2013 | 37000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2006 Pontiac Vibe 4-door
4-cylinder automatic 2WD
| Pontiac Vibe in Florida, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2007 | 16000 | First odometer entry | |
| May | 2007 | 17000 | 0 | issues with transmission, and MAF sensor, cleaned air sensor myself |
| Nov | 2007 | 23000 | 0 | Had another shop check the transmission, although the fluid was somewhat of a darker color, it was signs of normal city/highway use versus what the dealer informed me of. So the transmission didn't need a fluid change as of yet. I will probably have this |
| Jan | 2009 | 45000 | 0 | I replaced my Car Radio from the stock to a Sony because of a burnt out display and audio issues with the already replaced stock radio from 2008. And i know that others have had past issues with the stock head units. |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2005 Pontiac Vibe 4dr Hatch
126-horsepower 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| Pontiac Vibe in Alberta, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2008 | 44640 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2008 | 45260 | 0 | Vibe has significant rock chips in white paint on black undercoating. GM believes the rock chips are not abnormal. The owner believes the rocks chipping are significantly more than other GM vehicles owned. GM will not do anything. |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2005 Pontiac Vibe 4dr Hatch
126-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| Pontiac Vibe in Oregon, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2008 | 31000 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2008 | 32000 | 0 | Driver's window seal was warped and possibly leaking. |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Pontiac Vibe in New Hampshire, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2007 | 25000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2007 | 32000 | 0 | Rear wiper would not operate correctly. The connection between the wiper arm and wiper motor had to be tightened. This issue may have started when ice and snow slid off the roof and down onto the wiper arm causing it to be dislocated. Dealer successfully |
| Nov | 2008 | 41000 | 280 | Tie rod end was found to have too much play in it when the shop attempted to align the front end after installing new tires |
| Aug | 2012 | 73000 | 80 | Airbag light on dash remained on after start. Diagnosed by dealer as faulty clock spring. Part will be ordered. Cost to replace estimated at $310. |
| Mar | 2013 | 76000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Pontiac Vibe in Pennsylvania, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2007 | 19000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jul | 2007 | 19000 | 0 | Engine has a "hot start" clatter when sitting for 15-25 min. Dealer could not duplicate because they didn't let it sit for the 15-25 Min. time reguired. |
| Aug | 2007 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Pontiac Vibe in Washington, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2007 | 24000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2008 | 32000 | 15 | New cover to the a/c plug (it wobbled loose). |
2004 Pontiac Vibe 4dr Hatch
130-horsepower 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| Pontiac Vibe in Ontario, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2007 | 18600 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2007 | 22320 | 50 | Hose to rear windshield washer had split, causing the fluid reservoir to drain. |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2004 Pontiac Vibe 4dr Hatch
130-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| Pontiac Vibe in Virginia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2008 | 62000 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2008 | 68000 | 0 | No cabin heat just blew cold air!! Blowers & a/c ok. Coolant low-added 3cps & some heat. Hard to check coolant lvl (no dipstick).Shop back flushed it twice. Tried everything. Mystery difficulty getting air out of engine had to burp it…maybe air bubble?? |
| Jun | 2010 | 78000 | 227 | Knocking sound coming from passenger side dash when Air Cond & Recirculator fan were on. Had to remove dash to work. Reecirculator door activator (part #88970277 $86.00 + lbr). Plastic gear teeth broke. Should be made of metal not plastic Driver side door not closing properly. Examined and discovered that 2 of 3 screws holding door to strike plate were MISSING (fallen off?). Ordered screws from dealer and replaced myself. Other three doors remained fine. |
| May | 2012 | 90500 | 160 | Needed set of front brake pads (rear were still ok). Discovered during annual, state mandated, inspection. Chose |
| Feb | 2013 | 95500 | 0 | Check Engine Light warninglight came on. Mechanic said code was emission related oxygen sensors so I drove it for a few days and the light did not come back on. Still I had it replaced less than $100. No problems since. |
| Mar | 2013 | 96000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Pontiac Vibe in Michigan, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2008 | 110 | Blower Motor: HVAC blower motor stopped working - no heat, A/C, or defrost. Installed motor myself. Cost includes MI sales tax. | |
| Sep | 2008 | 315300 | 70 | Instrument Panel: '04 Vibe odometer stops working at 299,999. Bought used panel with 16,770 miles in June. Used tripometer on old panel to track miles June-Sept. to match up actual mileage (300k + odometer = actual mileage) |
| Jul | 2009 | 366300 | 208 | Wheel Bearings (front): Replaced "pressed in" type wheel bearings on both sides. The parts cost $58.00 and the labor cost $150.00. |
| Feb | 2010 | 405700 | 284 | Alternator: Re-manufactured alternator installed. Cost includes part, labor and MI sales tax. |
| Sep | 2010 | 440300 | 130 | Front right wheel bearing: $29.95 for genuine OEM part from dealer, $100.00 for labor/installation. |
| Jan | 2011 | 458000 | 37 | Replaced OEM starter. Replacement part purchased at salvage yard. Cost includes MI sales tax. |
| Mar | 2011 | 466500 | 136 | Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) malfunctioned. Purchased new part for $135.67, including MI sales tax. Part installed myself. |
| Jan | 2012 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2004 Pontiac Vibe 4dr Hatch
123-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic AWD
| Pontiac Vibe in Virginia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2007 | 19000 | First odometer entry | |
| May | 2008 | 30000 | 0 | Defective CD Player. Replaced under warranty. |
| Nov | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Pontiac Vibe in New York, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2009 | 27000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2009 | 28000 | 882 | Broken tailpipe at joint to muffler. |
| Jul | 2009 | 28000 | 1100 | The exhaust pipe sheared flush with the muffler clamp that holds the ball joint. This should be a $175 repair maximum on any car I've ever owned(as well as on the FWD Vibes). If you live where you need AWD prepare to pay $3K for exhausts by 100K |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2003 Pontiac Vibe 4dr Hatch
180-horsepower 1.8L I4 6-speed manual FWD
| Pontiac Vibe in Texas, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2008 | 50000 | First odometer entry | |
| Aug | 2008 | 53000 | 50 | Door opening handle broke. |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2003 Pontiac Vibe 4dr Hatch
130-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| Pontiac Vibe in Florida, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2007 | 37000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2008 | 40000 | 54 | Car wouldn't start. Called tow and he cleaned the foam leaking out of battery. Two days later it wouldn't start again & I had it towed & they fixed the battery cable end and I had the oil changed. This is the first problem I've ever had since purchase |
| Mar | 2013 | 51000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Pontiac Vibe in Ohio, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2006 | 25 | Replaced rear view mirror unit that includes map lights as one of the light switches would not work properly. Bought part on eBay for $25 - replaced it myself. Part at dealer about $65. | |
| Nov | 2008 | 32000 | 212 | Replaced defective HVAC Fresh Air Inlet Actuator. |
| Feb | 2009 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Pontiac Vibe in South Carolina, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2008 | 89000 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2008 | 90000 | 450 | Brake pads needed replacing, rotors needed resurfacing. Blower fan motor needed replacing. |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Pontiac Vibe in Indiana, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2007 | 53000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jul | 2007 | 56000 | 230 | Grinding noise in front-end on sharp left-hand turns. Diagnosed by service department as worn brake pads needing replacement. Loud clicking noise from front brakes when applying light pressure to brake pedal (as when slowing in city traffic). Service department re-surfaced rotors (2nd time in a week) and lubricated 'slides'. Noise returned again within a week. |
| Jun | 2008 | 64000 | 300 | Rattle in front suspension diagnosed as worn stabilizer bar mounts. Replaced. Rattle cured. |
| Aug | 2012 | 105500 | 0 | A/C cooling was greatly diminished. Dealer checked for leaks, none found, added refrigerant. |
| Dec | 2012 | 108000 | 280 | Starter failed, and was replaced. |
| Mar | 2013 | 109000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
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