2004 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 2004 Pontiac Vibe problems
The Pontiac Vibe, a compact car known for its impressive crash test scores and great fuel economy, has had its fair share of common problems across its model years. While the 2010 model received a high consumer rating from Kelley Blue Book, other model years have had their share of issues.
One common problem reported by many owners of the 2003 Vibe redesign is bearing noise. This issue is often characterized by tapping and clicking noises that get louder over time whenever the clutch is activated. The root cause of this problem can be manufacturing defects, poor lubrication, or contamination. It's essential to address this issue promptly to prevent further damage to the transmission and avoid costly repairs.
Another issue that has affected multiple model years of the Pontiac Vibe is transmission failures. Transmissions in these vehicles tend to fail early and often, sometimes without warning or the bearing sounds and other issues that typically indicate a problem. This issue can be particularly expensive to fix, making it a significant concern for many owners. The transmission failures can be caused by various factors, including manufacturing defects and wear and tear.
The instrument panel not working is a common problem in some Pontiac Vibe years to avoid. The instrument panel is crucial for monitoring the vehicle's inner workings and critical indicators. When it stops working, it can lead to various issues, including speeding, running out of gas, and being unaware of repair or maintenance codes. This problem can happen without warning, making it a significant concern for many drivers.
Indicator lights failures are another issue that has affected some Pontiac Vibe years to avoid. This problem can occur without warning and can make it difficult to diagnose and fix issues with the vehicle. If individual indicator lights fail, it can lead to a lack of awareness of repair or maintenance codes, making it challenging to address underlying problems.
Lastly, engine failures have been a common problem in some Pontiac Vibe years to avoid. These failures can be unpredictable and sudden, making them a significant concern for many owners. Good maintenance may not prevent this kind of engine failure, but it can help protect the vehicle's other systems and extend their lifespan.
In summary, the Pontiac Vibe has had several common problems across its model years, including bearing noise, transmission failures, instrument panel not working, indicator lights failures, and engine failures. While the 2010 model received a high consumer rating, other model years have had their share of issues. It's essential to be aware of these common problems and address them promptly to prevent further damage and avoid costly repairs.
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.
Are there any recalls on a 2004 Pontiac Vibe?
Owners may contact Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. GM's number for this recall is N192278940. Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2003-2004 Pontiac Vibe vehicles equipped with a front passenger air bag assembly replaced under a prior recall.
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.
How many miles can you expect to get out 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.
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.
Is Pontiac Vibe expensive to maintain?
The annual maintenance cost of a Pontiac Vibe is $391. Repair and maintenance costs vary depending on age, mileage, location and shop.
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.
Are there any recalls on a 2004 Pontiac Vibe?
Owners may contact Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. GM's number for this recall is N192278940. Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2003-2004 Pontiac Vibe vehicles equipped with a front passenger air bag assembly replaced under a prior recall.
2004 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
- Visibility problems
- Structure problems
- Power train problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2004 Pontiac Vibe vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2004 Pontiac Vibe
The NHTSA has received 265 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2004 Pontiac Vibe. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2004 Pontiac Vibe vehicles.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-05
- VIN: 5Y2SL62814
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: See attached document for complaint.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-30
- VIN: 5Y2SL62894Z
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: As there is a NHTSA recall notice on the 2004 Toyota Matrix for a Takata air bag risk of explosion with shrapnel, should there also be a similar notice on the 2004 Pontiac Vibe, which is practically the same vehicle and was manufactured at the same plant in CA?
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-10-05
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact’s father owns a 2004 Pontiac Vibe. The contact stated that after her father started the vehicle, the air bag inadvertently deployed without warning. As a result, the contact’s father sustained a mild concussion, and burns to the left and right arms that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the contact’s residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer nor the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. The VIN was not available.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-09-12
- VIN: 5Y2SL64844Z
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: p 185/75r15 (?) copy of email sent to Kost Tires Pa, BBB, State Attorney General's office: Sirs, Please forward to your corporate office. Two months ago, I replaced my entire front end (hubs, bearings, lower ball joints and outer ties rod ends) because the excessive noise these tires generated sounded a lot like bad bearings. The bearings themselves turned out to be fine. This tire blew out on me at 65-70 mph yesterday and almost killed me - the other front tire was almost just as bad. This manufacturer's quality control department should be notified asap, or steps should be taken to recall any of this brand that you've sold in order to limit your company's liability in case of an accidental death as a result of inadequate or insufficient safety standards. Again, this is after 4K miles on a "Kendra" tire rated for 60K - manufactured in Malaysia, Thailand or Vietnam (?). Thank you, [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-06-29
- VIN: 5Y2SN62L64Z
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Takata recall. The contact owns a 2004 Pontiac Vibe. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V285000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-12-12
- VIN: 5Y2SL62854Z
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 PONTIAC VIBE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V883000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE BAKER CADILLAC OF CHARLESTON DEALER, LOCATED AT 1621 SAVANNAH HWY, CHARLESTON, SC 29407) AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-01-21
- VIN: 5Y2SL62844Z
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 PONTIAC VIBE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 15V285000 (AIR BAGS) AND 15V043000 (AIR BAGS) THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE JOHN HIESTER CHEVROLET DEALER (919-552-4942, LOCATED AT 3100 N MAIN ST, FUQUAY-VARINA, NC 27526) WHERE THE RECALLS WERE REPAIRED. HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG 'WAS HIGH PRESSURED' AND NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT COVERED BY THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT PROVIDED.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-12-13
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 5Y2SL62864Z
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: THIS VEHICLE'S AIR BAGS WERE NOT PROPERLY DEPLOYED IN THE FATAL ACCIDENT TOTALLING THE CAR, AND MY INJURIES WERE MORE PRONOUNCED.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-11-14
- VIN: 5Y2SL64884Z
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 PONTIAC VIBE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED RECALL NOTICES FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 15V285000 (AIR BAGS) AND 15V043000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. AN UNKNOWN DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-09-10
- VIN: 5Y2SL628X4Z
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 PONTIAC VIBE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING WITH THE REAR DEFROSTER ACTIVATED, THE REAR HATCH WINDOW SHATTERED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LUPIENT BUICK/GMC (7100 WAYZATA BLVD, GOLDEN VALLEY, MN 55426) WHERE IT WAS CURRENTLY BEING DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 9-5481767211. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 210,000.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-12-18
- VIN: 5Y2SM62894Z
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 PONTIAC VIBE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V883000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. LINDSAY BUICK GMC (250 W SHIRLEY AVE, WARRENTON, VA 20186, (540) 987-2082) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE AVAILABLE; HOWEVER, NO ACTION WAS TAKEN. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-05-28
- VIN: 5Y2SN64LX4Z
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TAKATA RECALL. MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS TO UPDATE INFO AT GM 'UPDATE YOUR INFO ' PAGE ON WEBSITE FAIL, CLAIMING PIN AND NAME ENTERED PROPERLY 'DOES NOT EXIST'. ATTEMPTS TO REPORT ARE PER THE INSTRUCTIONS ON MAILER FROM GM. I CALLED GM, TOLD ME TO GO TO WEBSITE. CALLED DEALER, TOLD ME TO CALL GM. ENDLESS DYSFUNCTIONAL LOOP. I SOLD THE SUBJECT VEHICLE TO WOBURN TOYOTA IN WOBURN, MA 3 YEARS AGO. OBVIOUSLY GM FAILS TO UPDATE OWNERSHIP SEARCHES, FAILS TO OPERATE REPORTING MECHANISMS PROPERLY (SUBJECT WEBSITE AND PHONE SERVICE).
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-04-30
- VIN: 5Y2SL64874Z
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TOOK MY CAR TO KENNY ROSS IN NORTH HUNTINGDON, PENNSYLVANIA 5 YEARS AGO TO HAVE THE RECALLS DONE THEY HAD TO ORDER THE PARTS NEVER CALLED SAYING THE PARTS WHERE IN CALLED SEVERAL TIMES SAID THEY DIDN'T HAVE THE PART. TOOK THE CAR BACK TO KENNY ROSS CHEVY DEALERSHIP ON TUESDAY 4/30/2019 THEY SAID THEY WOULD ORDER THE PARTS AGAIN. THEY CALLED A FEW DAYS LATER SAYING THEY COULDN'T FIX THE SAFETY RECALL ON MY CAR CAUSE OF IT BEING AN OLDER CAR. I BELIEVE THIS IS WRONG IT IS A SAFETY RECALL THAT THEY REFUSE TO FIX CAUSE IT'S OLDER THE CAR IS STILL IN GOOD CONDITION LOWER MILES AND THEY WON'T FIX IT I DON'T THINK I SHOULD HAVE TO RIDE ALL OVER THE STATE TO FIND A DEALERSHIP TO FIX IT THEY CARRY THE GM NAME THE ARE SUPPOSEDLY A CERTIFIED SERVICE DEALERSHIP BUT THEY WILL NOT FIX A SAFETY RECALL THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR 5 YEARS I THINK THEY NEED TO BE SHUT DOWN AND NOT CARRY THE GM NAME TOTALLY RIDICULOUS.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-02-01
- VIN: 5Y2SL62834Z
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: I AM A 100% DISABLE SERVICE-CONNECTED VIETNAM VETERAN WITH A SER-CONNECTED NERVOUS CONDITION, AND GMC INCLUDING THE CEO HAS CAUSE NEGLIGENT INFLICTION OF EMOTIONAL DISTRESS DURING MY DEMAND FOR THEM TO ANSWER MY QUESTIONS! GMC HAS BEEN, WHAT I BELIEVE TO BE INTENTIONALLY & CRIMINALLY WITH-HOLDING DEMANDED INFORMATION THAT I REQUEST BY 10S + 10S EMAILS REQUESTED FOR THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY LIVES, TO REPLY TO THE QUESTION DOES MY CAR NOW HAVE A DRIVER OR PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG THAT CONTAIN AMMONIUM NITRATE WITH OR WITHOUT A DRYING AGENT! IN AN EMAIL I RECEIVED FROM [email protected] GENERAL MOTORS RECEIVED THE LETTER YOU SENT OUR CEO DATED FEBRUARY 1, 2019, AS WELL AS THE EMAILS YOU HAVE SENT THIS WEEK. I AM RESPONDING ON HER BEHALF. --IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT YOU CLAIM TO HAVE SUSTAINED EMOTIONAL DISTRESS PRESENTING YOUR VEHICLE FOR AIRBAG-RELATED SERVICE AT TWO DIFFERENT DEALERSHIPS. ACCORDING TO YOUR LETTER, YOU HAD A NEGATIVE EXPERIENCE AT BONES TOYOTA, FOLLOWED BY A NEGATIVE EXPERIENCE AT WHITE MOTORS. BASED UPON THESE NEGATIVE EXPERIENCES, YOU EXPRESSED CONCERN FOR YOUR SAFETY AND STATED YOUR INTENTION TO CONTACT ATTORNEYS ABOUT REPRESENTING YOU IN A LAWSUIT, AS WELL AS THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION. I WAS TOLD AT WHITE MOTORS GMC AND GMC THAT DID NOT AND WOULD REPORT MY CAR TO THE NHTSA, FOR ITS FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH WHERE THE IGNITION COMES OUT WHILE DRIVING AND IGNITION KEY DOES NOT UNLOCK THE DOOR OR HATCH, CREATING A DANGEROUS SITUATION, SUCH AS IN THE FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH ISSUE IN WHICH GMC WAS SEP 20, 2018 ... A U.S. JUDGE HAS DISMISSED A GM IGNITION SWITCH CRIMINAL CASE AFTER ... SAFETY OF ITS VEHICLES, LEADING TO 124 DEATHS FROM A FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH.!
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-02-19
- VIN: 5S2SL62884Z
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TAKATA RECALL I HAVE A 2004 PONTIAC VIBE THAT WAS PART OF TWO TAKATA RECALLS, ONE WHICH WAS DONE BEFORE I PURCHASED THE CAR. RECENTLY AFTER THE GM DEALERSHIP WORKED ON IT AND REPLACED THE PASSENGER AIRBAG ON THE VEHICLE, THE RED AIRBAG LIGHT ON THE TACHOMETER STARTED GLOWING AND HAS GLOWED SINCE. I HAVE ANOTHER 2005 VIBE THAT HAS A SIMILAR ISSUE THAT I JUST REPORTED. GM AND THE DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO FIX THE ISSUE. THIS LIGHT WAS TRIGGERED AFTER THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED AT THE DEALERSHIP. WHY WOULDN'T THIS BE COVERED AND FIXED IF DURING THE RECALL? INSTEAD GM AND THEIR DEALERSHIP SAY THAT IT ISN'T UNDER WARRANTY AND THEIR WOULD BE A DIAGNOSTIC CHARGE OF $99 PLUS A COST TO FIX THE ISSUE. SEEMS LIKE A SAFETY ISSUE AND IT WAS CAUSED BY THE RECALL WORK.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-02-14
- VIN: 5Y2SL62834Z
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: MY GMC FACTORY INSTALLED IGNITION SWITCH KEY COMES OUT WHILE DRIVING! MY GMC FACTORY INSTALLED IGNITION SWITCH KEY DOES NOT OPEN THE DOOR OR HATCH THAT COULD PLACE MY FAMILY IN A DANGEROUS DEADLY SITUATION IN HAVE NEEDED TO GET IN MY CAR TO ESCAPE!
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-02-01
- VIN: 5Y2SL62824Z
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: PREMATURE TRANSMISSION ISSUES, TRANSMISSION STOPPER WORKING AROUND 80K, MULTIPLE REPORTS OF ISSUES FOUND FROM THE SAME VEHICLE MODELS.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-01-03
- VIN: 5Y2SM628X4Z
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TAKATA AIRBAG. I TOOK MY 2004 PONTIAC VIBE TO CAPITOL CHEV IN AUSTIN, TX TO HAVE THE AIRBAGS REPLACED IAC WITH THE RECALL. WHEN I GOT IT BACK, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS FLASHING. I ASKED THE SERVICE ADJUSTOR AND HE SAID IT CAME IN THAT WAY. WELL, I CONTACT GM CUSTOMER SERVICE AND EXPLAINED TO THEM THAT THE CAR HAS VERY BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT OR THE AIRBAGS HAVE EXPERIENCE ANY PROBLEMS TILL NOW. I ADVISED THEM I CAN PROVE IT AS THE CAR WAS SERVICED A MONTH PRIOR BY FIRESTONE. WELL THEY SAID THEY WILL CHARGE ME $75.00 TO DO A CHECK AND I SAID NO. FINALLY THEY DECIDED TO LOOK AT IT AGAIN. WELL, THEY COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. THE SERVICE ADJUSTOR SAID THE AIRBAG AND MODULE IS NOT CONNECTING TO THE CAR COMPUTER TO REPORT IT READY, ARMED, AND ON STAND BY. THEY FOUND SOME CORROSION ON SEVERAL PLUGS BUT THAT DID NOT CLEAR UP THE PROBLEM. WELL NOW THEY WANT 750.00 TO TEST THE WHOLE SYSTEM TO DETERMINE WHAT IS THE PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM DID NOT START UNTIL I TOOK IT IN FOR THE AIRBAG RECALL. I GOOGLE GM RECALL AND IT APPEARS THEY ARE ONLY COVERING THE AIRBAGS AND MODULES, NOTHING AFTER THAT IF ANY PROBLEM ARISES FROM THE INCOMPABILITY OF NEW PARTS INTERFACING WITH OLD COMPUTERS. SO I PICKED UP THE CAR AND PARKED IT. SO MUCH FOR GM DOING THE RIGHT THING.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-02-01
- VIN: 5Y2SL62854Z
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: ALL 4 DOOR HANDLES ARE BROKEN OFF. I HAVE TO USE A PAIR OF PLIERS TO OPEN THE DOOR. IVE NOTICED ALMOST EVERY PONTIAC VIBE HAS DOOR HANDLES BROKEN OFF. TO ME THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE IF I WERE TO BE IN A WRECK AND BECOME UNCONSCIOUS OR TRAPPED. THERE'S NO WAY FOR ANYONE TO GET INTO THE CAR TO HELP ME.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-08-15
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 5Y2S1628X4Z
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 PONTIAC VIBE. WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END COLLISION WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SALVAGE YARD WHERE IT WAS DEEMED DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 89,000. THE VIN WAS INVALID.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-08-08
- VIN: 5Y2SL62884Z
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: DRIVER SIDE WINDOW MADE A LOUD CLANKING NOISE WHEN USING THE POWER SWITCH TO LOWER IT WITH THE DRIVER DOOR CLOSED. THIS OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES BOTH DURING DRIVING AND WHILE IN PARK. DRIVER SIDE WINDOW WILL NOT RISE TO THE CLOSED POSITION, IT IS ALL THE WAY DOWN. WHEN DEPRESSING THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW SWITCH TO RAISE THE WINDOW THE MOTOR OF THE POWER WINDOW CAN BE HEARD RUNNING, WHILE THE WINDOW ITSELF REMAINS IN THE DOWN POSITION. AN EXAMINATION OF THE POWER WINDOW SYSTEM CONCLUDED THAT THE BOLTS THAT HOLD THE POWER WINDOW REGULATOR IN PLACE HAD BECOME LOOSE, TWO OF WHICH WERE MISSING. AS A RESULT, THE WINDOW HAD SLIPPED FROM ITS TRACK BECOMING A PROJECTILE INSIDE THE DRIVER DOOR.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-08-08
- VIN: 5Y2SL62844Z
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 08-08-2018> VEHICLE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW WHEN ROLLED DOWN MAKES A LOUD POPPING NOISE. TOOK IT TO GM DEALERSHIP H&H IN COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA. THEY SAID IT IS THE WINDOW REGULATOR WHICH IS WORN OUT. THE CAR HAS 95,500 MILES ON IT. IN READING OTHER OWNERS COMMENTS/COMPLAINTS THEY HAD A SIMILAR PROBLEM WHICH WAS NOT ASSOCIATED WITH THE RECALL FOR BOLTS. IN SEVERAL SITUATIONS THE WINDOW SHATTERED DUE TO THIS PROBLEM. THIS WOULD HAPPEN WHETHER THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY OR DRIVING ON THE ROAD. I TOOK IT IN FOR REPAIR AND THEY STATED IT WAS THE WINDOW REGULATOR WHICH NEEDED REPLACED AS IT WAS WORN OUT, COST $240.00 AND TOLD ME THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW WAS ALSO WORN BUT WAS NOT MAKING THE NOISE YET. WHEN VEHICLE GETS OUT OF REPAIR SHOP I HOPE THE PROBLEM IS CURED BUT FROM REVIEWING SIMILAR CUSTOMER COMMENTS I BELIEVE IT WILL HAPPEN AGAIN SOMETIME. I HAVE REPORTED THE PROBLEM TO NHTSA WITH REFERENCE#- 1260755.
VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-06-01
- VIN: 5Y2SL62844Z
- Components: VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 PONTIAC VIBE. WHILE THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW WAS GOING DOWN, A CLUNKING SOUND WAS HEARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER (H&H BUICK, 3400 S. EXPRESSWAY ST., COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA, 844-879-6715) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WINDOW REGULATOR WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,500. *TT CONSUMER STATED THE PREVIOUS RECALL NOTICE WAS ACCOMPLISHED IN MAY OF 2017 BUT WINDOW PROBLEMS WERE PRESENT AFTER THAT WAS DONE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE WINDOW REGULATOR BUT IT DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. MY DRIVERS SIDE STILL CLUNKS WHEN WINDOW IS ROLLED DOWN AND IT SOUNDS LIKE WINDOW COULD BREAK AT SOME POINT, THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN AND IS DANDEROUS. REPLACING THE BELTS ON THE ORIGINAL RECALL WORKED FOR A TIME BUT IT CAME BACK. I WAS TOLD A NEW REGULATOR FOR THE WINDOW WOULD SOLVE THE PROBLEM. AFTER WINDOW REGULATOR WAS REPLACED THE CLUNKING SOUND STILL HAPPENS. UPDATED 10/18/18*JB
STRUCTURE,VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-03-18
- Components: STRUCTURE,VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: HOOD LATCH FAILED AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS ALLOWING THE HOOD TO OPEN AND BEND BACKWARDS, BREAKING WINDSHIELD, FULLY OBSTRUCTING DRIVER'S VIEW, AND DAMAGING THE ROOF OF THE VEHICLE AS WELL AS THE HOOD, HINGES, AND BODY PANELS
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-12-18
- VIN: 5Y2SL62804Z
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 PONTIAC VIBE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED AN UNKNOWN RECALL NOTICE FOR THE AIR BAGS AND RECEIVED THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED A YELLOW LIGHT PRIOR TO THE RECALL REPAIR. AFTERWARDS, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED A RED LIGHT. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER THAT PERFORMED THE RECALL REPAIR (THURSTON AUTO PLAZA, 2800 N STATE STREET, UKIAH, CA 95482; 707-832-4106) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE REPAIR WAS COMPLETED AND THE WARNING INDICATOR MAY INDICATE A SEPARATE FAILURE. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO HAVE THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 145,000.
2004 Pontiac Vibe recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 7 recalls for different components of the 2004 Pontiac Vibe.
- Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2003-2004 Pontiac Vibe vehicles equipped with a front passenger air bag assembly replaced under a prior recall. The replacement air bag may not unfold as designed during inflation in high temperature conditions, possibly resulting in the air bag not inflating properly.
- Consequence: An air bag that does not inflate properly increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
- Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the passenger air bag module, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 19, 2020. Owners may contact Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. GM's number for this recall is N192278940.
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2002-2005 Lexus SC and Toyota Sequoia, 2003-2005 Toyota Corolla and Tundra, and 2003-2007 Pontiac Vibe vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation.
- Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Toyota will notify the Toyota and Lexus owners. General Motors will notify the Pontiac Vibe owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, or replace the air bag assembly that includes an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 23, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371, Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987 or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. Toyota's numbers for these recalls are J0A (Zone A Toyota), J0B (Zone B Toyota), J0C (Zone C Toyota), JLI (Zone A Lexus), JLJ (Zone B Lexus), and JLK (Zone C Lexus). Note: This recall includes vehicles that have had their air bag previously replaced under an earlier air bag campaign.
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) notified the agency on May 13, 2015, that they are recalling 2005-2007 Lexus SC, Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sequoia, and Pontiac Vibe, and 2005-2006 Toyota Tundra vehicles that were originally sold, or ever registered, in Florida, along the Gulf Coast, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, Saipan and American Samoa. On June 16, 2015 Toyota expanded the recall to cover an additional 769,055 vehicles, including certain model year 2002-2004 Lexus SC, Toyota Sequoia, 2003-2004 Toyota Corolla Matrix, Toyota Corolla, Pontiac Vibe, and Toyota Tundra vehicles, as well the vehicles covered by the May 13, 2015 notification in the portions of Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas that were not previously included. The inflators in the front passenger air bags are susceptible to rupture in the event of a crash necessitating the deployment of the front passenger air bag.
- Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: 2003-2004 Corolla and Corolla Matrix vehicles that are recalled under both 15V-043 and 15V-286 are under a Do Not Drive advisory. Owners of these vehicles are advised not to drive their vehicles until the recall remedy has been completed. Toyota will notify their owners. Pontiac Vibe owners will be notified by GM. Dealers will replace the passenger side front air bag, free of charge. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota began the recall on July 13, 2015. Pontiac Vibe owners may contact GM at 1-800-762-2737. GM began the recall on June 29, 2015. NOTE: This recacll supersedes recall 14V-655 in its entirety. For vehicles located in the U.S. states not listed above, please see Toyota recall 15V-285 which covers all other U.S. states.
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) notified the agency on May 13, 2015 that they are recalling certain model year 2004 Sequoia vehicles manufactured August 18, 2003, to August 19, 2004, and 2003-2004 Tundra vehicles manufactured March 18, 2003, to August 25, 2004. On June 16, 2015, Toyota expanded the recall to include an additional 1,270,468 vehicles, including model year 2002-2003 and 2005-2007 Sequoia, 2005-2006 Tundra, 2003-2007 Corolla, 2003-2007 Corolla Matrix, 2003-2007 Pontiac Vibe and 2002-2007 Lexus SC vehicles. This is to address a safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag inflator which may produce excessive internal pressure causing the inflator to rupture upon deployment of the air bag. This recall addresses both the passenger side frontal air bags that were originally installed in the vehicles, as well as replacement air bags that may have been installed as replacement service parts. A replacement air bag may have been installed, as one example, if a vehicle had been in a crash necessitating the replacement of the passenger side frontal air bag.
- Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: 2003-2004 Corolla and Corolla Matrix vehicles that are recalled under both 15V-043 and 15V-285 are under a Do Not Drive advisory. Owners of these vehicles are advised not to drive their vehicles until the recall remedy has been completed. Toyota will notify their owners. Pontiac Vibe owners will be notified by GM. Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag. The recall began on July 13, 2015. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Pontiac owners may call 1-800-762-2737. NOTE: This recall supersedes recall 14V-312 in its entirety.
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
- Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Toyota Corolla vehicles manufactured December 28, 2001, to May 2, 2004, 2003-2004 Toyota Corolla Matrix vehicles manufactured January 6, 2002, to April 29, 2004, 2003-2004 Avalon vehicles manufactured June 5, 2002, to December 20, 2004, and 2003-2004 Pontiac Vibe vehicles manufactured January 18, 2002, to April 27, 2004. Due to electrical noise, a component in the air bag control module may fail, causing the front air bags, side air bags, and/or seatbelt pretensioners to deploy inadvertently while the vehicle is being operated.
- Consequence: Inadvertent deployment of the air bags or the seat belt pretensioners increases the risk of an injury or crash.
- Remedy: Toyota will notify their owners. Pontiac Vibe owners will be notified by GM. Dealers will replace the air bag control module, free of charge. The recall began on August 24, 2015. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. GM issued an interim notification to owners on March 27, 2015. The recall began on August 24, 2015. Pontiac owners may call 1-800-620-7668. Note: This recall supersedes recalls 13V-029 and 14V-147. Vehicles that had a noise filter installed as the remedy for one of those campaigns need to have the air bag control module replaced under this campaign.
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Toyota is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Corolla and Corolla Matrix vehicles and 2003-2004 Pontiac Vibe vehicles. The supplemental restraint system (SRS) circuits are susceptible to internal shorting. The electrical short may create an abnormal current flow and increased heat which can damage the circuits. This could result in an inadvertent deployment of the front airbags and/or seat belt pretensioners.
- Consequence: Inadvertent deployment of the airbags or the seat belt pretensioners may increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.
- Remedy: Toyota will re-notify their owners who have already had their vehicles repaired with a noise filter, but did not receive a new airbag control module, and General Motors will re-notify theirs. Dealers previously installed a supplemental harness containing an electrical filter between the airbag control module and its wire harness, free of charge. Dealers will replace the airbag control module, free of charge. The recall began on March 13, 2013. The manufacturer has not yet provided a schedule for second notices. For more information, Toyota owners may call 1-800-331-4331 and Pontiac owners may call 1-800-620-7668.
- Manufacturer: TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.
- Components: VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
- Summary: TOYOTA IS RECALLING 662,178 MY 2003-2004 COROLLA, COROLLA MATRIX AND PONTIAC VIBE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH POWER WINDOWS. THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER DOOR GLASS BOLTS MAY LOOSEN AND COME OFF, CAUSING THE DOOR GLASS TO SEPARATE FROM THE WINDOW REGULATOR. DUE TO THE COMPONENTS BECOMING LOOSE AND POSSIBLY RATTLING, AN ABNORMAL NOISE MAY BE HEARD FROM THE DRIVER AND /OR FRONT PASSENGER DOOR WHEN OPERATING THE POWER WINDOWS.
- Consequence: THE DOOR GLASS MAY SEPARATE FROM THE WINDOW REGULATOR, BIND AND SHATTER DURING OPERATION OF THE POWER WINDOWS, CAUSING DRIVER DISTRACTION AND/OR INJURY.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER DOOR GLASS BOLTS WITH NEWLY DESIGNED BOLTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 16, 2008 TO TOYOTA OWNERS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 21, 2008, FOR PONTIAC OWNERS. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-888-270-9371 OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.
Negative 2004 Pontiac Vibe car reviews
Positive 2004 Pontiac Vibe car reviews
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I'm so glad to hear that you love your Vibe! It's great to know that the mileage is good and that there's enough space for your family of three. Toyota quality at a Pontiac price is definitely a great deal!
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86,000 miles and not a single issue! Just make sure to change the oil every 3,000 miles and it runs like it's brand new.
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This car is a blast to drive and gets great gas mileage, averaging 30 mpg in combined city and highway driving. With 55,000 miles on the clock, it has required only routine maintenance and has been trouble-free. The interior is comfortable and features plenty of small storage compartments, although one of them did suffer a broken latch during the first week and has remained broken. Despite this, there is still plenty of interior storage space for carrying things, and the roof rack is a handy addition.
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I purchased my 04 Vibe in July 04, just as the new 05's were coming out, and I got a great deal. Although I had a bad feeling when the car wouldn't start the day I had to pick it up, the issue was quickly resolved. The dealer had accidentally left the dome light on overnight, which drained the battery, but after a jump start and a night on the battery charger, no further problems occurred. The car gets great gas mileage, averaging 33mpg's. While the center console under the shifter used to constantly pop open, the service department recently addressed the issue and it now seems to be fine. I have taken the car on trips to FL, IA, and CA from TX, and it has performed admirably. It's a great car for a small family with 1 or 2 small kids, and has ample interior capacity for trips.
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I love this car and still love it after two years. I bought it used (9000mi) and have doubled the mileage without a single problem, other than having to replace the mirror because of my own mistake. It has room for anything - I've loaded dressers, trees, moved an apartment, and more in this car. It also has great gas mileage. Once this one gets to be too old, I'll definitely buy another!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2004 Pontiac Vibe problems:
Problems over 100K - GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe ...
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2004 Pontiac Vibe Problems and Complaints - 11 Issues
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Known Vibe issues - GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe ...
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my 2004 vibe - electrical issues — Car Forums at Edmunds.com
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Q&A: 2004 Pontiac Vibe Engine - Idle Issues Explained
Sep 6, 2009 ... Hello, and welcome. one of two things that will cause this. any type of vacuum leak. you will need to inpect all the vacuum hoses. make sure all ...
Other years of Pontiac Vibe
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Ferne Brakus 2024-06-07
Although I have experienced some issues with this car, I am confident that they can be resolved. I have noticed some water leaks, air conditioner problems, rattles and squeaks, and some missing finishing details from the factory. Additionally, the car wouldn't start the other day. Despite these challenges, I am confident that the car can be fixed and will perform well in the future. I believe that the GM service reps can provide the necessary support to address these issues. While I have encountered some challenges with the service reps, I am confident that they will be able to resolve the issues with the roof rack and interior. I am optimistic that the car will be fully functional soon and I am looking forward to enjoying it for many years to come.