2002 Pontiac Vibe problems
The Pontiac Vibe is a compact car that was sold by Pontiac from 2002 to 2010. It was jointly developed by General Motors along with Toyota, which manufactured the mechanically similar Toyota Matrix. Manufactured by the Toyota-GM joint venture NUMMI in Fremont, California, the Vibe succeeded the Chevrolet Prizm in production at NUMMI and like the Prizm, it was derived from the Toyota Corolla, making it the last of the GM and Toyota developed S-body cars.
From 2002 to 2004, a rebadged right-hand drive variant of the Vibe was exported as the Toyota Voltz to the Japanese domestic market. The Voltz did not sell well in Japan and was discontinued after two model years.
Production of the Vibe ended in 2009 with the discontinuation of the Pontiac brand and the closing of NUMMI under the General Motors Chapter 11 reorganization. Its twin, the Toyota Matrix, was in production for another three years for the American market and four years for the Canadian market, as the Matrix was manufactured by Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada in Cambridge, Ontario and was unaffected by NUMMI closing down operation.
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Common 2002 Pontiac Vibe problems
The Pontiac Vibe, produced between 2002 and 2010, is known for its impressive crash test scores and great fuel economy. However, like any vehicle, issues may arise as the car racks up mileage. Here are some common problems with the 2002 Pontiac Vibe, based on complaints from owners:
- Engine misfires: Engine misfires are a common problem in the 2002 Pontiac Vibe. They can be caused by various factors, including faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, and fuel injectors. Misfires can lead to decreased engine performance and fuel economy and may also cause damage to the engine over time.
- Excessive oil consumption: Another common issue reported by Vibe owners is excessive oil consumption. This problem can be caused by worn piston rings, faulty PCV valves, and engine design flaws. Excessive oil consumption can lead to engine damage and decreased fuel economy, and may require a costly engine repair or replacement.
- Water pump failure: The water pump is responsible for circulating coolant through the engine to prevent overheating. A faulty water pump can cause the engine to overheat, which can lead to engine damage and costly repairs. Water pump failure is a common issue reported by Pontiac Vibe owners.
- Hard shifting: Hard shifting is a common problem faced by Pontiac Vibe owners with automatic transmissions. Hard shifting can be caused by a variety of factors, including low transmission fluid, worn clutch plates, and faulty shift solenoids. Hard shifting can cause increased wear and tear on the transmission and may require a costly repair or replacement.
- Power window failure: Power window failure is a common issue reported by Pontiac Vibe owners. Power window failure can be caused by a variety of factors, including faulty window regulators, switches, and motors. Power window failure can be frustrating and inconvenient, and may require a costly repair or replacement.
If you own a 2002 Pontiac Vibe and are experiencing any of these issues, it is important to have your car inspected by a qualified mechanic. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent these problems from occurring and can help extend the life of your vehicle.
What is the most common problem with the Pontiac Vibe?
Common problems of the Pontiac Vibe include a loose gas cap, pulsating brake pedal, and loose wheel center caps.
Is Pontiac Vibe a reliable car?
Overall the Pontiac Vibe is neither exceptionally reliable nor unreliable outside of the years you should avoid it. Given a 7-year run, you really only need to avoid the 2003 and 2009 models, and the others should be relatively consistent if you want to buy them used.
What is the average lifespan of a Pontiac Vibe?
The Pontiac Vibe is basically a rebranded Toyota under the hood, so you can expect a typical lifespan of around 250,000 miles with adequate maintenance. You might be able to squeeze a few more road trips out of it after that, but a quarter million is when you should start shopping around for a replacement.
Do Pontiac Vibes have Toyota engines?
Pontiac Vibe (2002-2010)
Jointly developed by General Motors and Toyota, this Pontiac hatchback came with two different options: the 1.8L 1ZZ-FE engine and the 2ZZ-GE engine, both of which belong to the Toyota ZZ Series.
What is the common problem with Pontiac Vibe?
Common problems of the Pontiac Vibe include a loose gas cap, pulsating brake pedal, and loose wheel center caps.
How long does a Pontiac Vibe engine last?
The Pontiac Vibe is basically a rebranded Toyota under the hood, so you can expect a typical lifespan of around 250,000 miles with adequate maintenance. You might be able to squeeze a few more road trips out of it after that, but a quarter million is when you should start shopping around for a replacement.
Is a Vibe a good car?
Practical, efficient, well-priced, and well-equipped, it set a standard that few small utility vehicles have lived up to. Even Toyota seems like it can't make this sort of vehicle again. Thankfully, although it took more than a decade, GM seems to have learned from the success of the Vibe.
Do Pontiac Vibes have Toyota engines?
Pontiac Vibe (2002-2010)
Jointly developed by General Motors and Toyota, this Pontiac hatchback came with two different options: the 1.8L 1ZZ-FE engine and the 2ZZ-GE engine, both of which belong to the Toyota ZZ Series.
2002 Pontiac Vibe car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Pontiac Vibe problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Air bags problems
- Seat belts problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2002 Pontiac Vibe vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2002 Pontiac Vibe complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2002 Pontiac Vibe.
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-12-30
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 5Y2SL62833Z
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 3 TO 5 MPH THE VEHICLE WAS HIT HEAD ON AND NEITHER FRONTAL AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THERE WAS PRE BRAKING PRIOR TO THE IMPACT. THE SEAT BELTS WERE WORN; HOWEVER THE SEAT BELT DID NOT SECURE THE DRIVER. INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED TO THE HEAD AND BACK. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AT THE SCENE. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN INSPECTED BY THE PONTIAC DEALERSHIP. UPDATED 03/09/06. *JB
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2002 Pontiac Vibe problems:
Known Vibe issues - GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe ...
Known Vibe issues · 1) Door Catch worn out = doors swing wide open (possibly hitting other cars in parking lot or door damage in high winds) · 2) ...
2009 Pontiac Vibe - worth it? : r/whatcarshouldIbuy
Dec 14, 2022 ... Other than the engine oil issue, it's a very solid car reliability wise. I've kept up with normal maintenance and haven't had any major issues ...
DTC P0420 - No Driveability Issues - GenVibe - Community for ...
GenVibe.Com - The Online Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts ... Born 10/14/2002 06:07 AM Auto, Moon & Tunes ... Return to “Problems & Warranty ...
Pontiac Vibe Electrical/Lighting Issues — Car Forums at Edmunds.com
Sep 18, 2006 ... We didn't get a recall notice for the headlights turning themselves on in the middle of cold nights. Ours was bought in August 2002, so I hope ...
Is Something wrong with the pontiac Vibe? : r/cars
Jan 31, 2016 ... Is Something wrong with the pontiac Vibe? · Intake manifold gasket leak. · P0171 system too lean code. · Rough idle. · Drive belt Tensioner (causes ...
Other years of Pontiac Vibe
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