2008 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 2008 Pontiac Vibe problems
The Pontiac Vibe, a compact car produced from 2003 to 2010, is known for its impressive crash test scores and great fuel economy across all model years. However, like any vehicle, issues may arise as the car racks up mileage. This article will focus on common problems with the 2008 Pontiac Vibe, based on complaints from owners of this car.
- Bearing Noise: Bearing noise is a common issue in the 2008 Pontiac Vibe, often caused by manufacturing defects, poor lubrication, or contamination. The noise is usually described as tapping or clicking, which tends to get louder over time whenever the clutch is activated. This issue can affect the drivability, quality, and safety of the vehicle.
- Transmission Failures: Transmission failures are a significant problem in the 2008 Pontiac Vibe. The transmission tends to fail early and often, sometimes without warning or the usual signs of transmission failure, such as bearing sounds. This issue can be particularly expensive to repair, as it may require replacing the transmission entirely. Some owners opt to replace the transmission, but the fix may not last as long as it should in the Pontiac Vibe years to avoid.
- Instrument Panel Not Working: The instrument panel is a critical component of any vehicle, providing essential information about the car's performance and condition. In the 2008 Pontiac Vibe, the instrument panel may stop working without warning, leaving drivers without crucial indicators such as speed and remaining fuel. This issue can be dangerous, as it may lead to speeding or running out of gas unexpectedly.
- Indicator Lights Failures: Individual indicator lights, such as the check engine light, may not come on when they should in the 2008 Pontiac Vibe. This issue can prevent drivers from being alerted to potential problems with the engine or other systems, leading to delayed repairs and potentially more severe issues down the line.
- Engine Failure: The 2008 Pontiac Vibe is also known for early engine failures, which can be unpredictable and sudden. Good maintenance may not prevent this kind of engine failure, making it a costly repair that many owners opt to avoid by purchasing a new vehicle instead.
- Difficult to Control Speed: Some users report that the 2008 Pontiac Vibe may accelerate more or less than intended, making it difficult to control speeds and potentially leading to dangerous driving conditions. This issue is likely a result of the combination of engine and transmission problems that affect the vehicle's performance and drivability.
In summary, the 2008 Pontiac Vibe has several common problems that owners should be aware of, including bearing noise, transmission failures, instrument panel and indicator light failures, engine failure, and difficulties controlling speed. These issues can affect the car's safety, performance, and overall reliability, making it important for owners to stay vigilant and address any problems as soon as they arise.
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.
How many miles can a 2008 Pontiac Vibe 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 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.
Does the 2008 Pontiac Vibe have a Toyota engine?
Powertrains available for this car are a Toyota-built 1.8 L straight-4 16-valve engine producing 126 hp (94 kW) on the base model (manual or automatic transmission), 118 hp on the all-wheel drive model (automatic only), or a version with VVTL-i producing 164 hp (122 kW) for the GT (manual 6-speed only).
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 many miles can a 2008 Pontiac Vibe 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.
Does the 2008 Pontiac Vibe have a Toyota engine?
Powertrains available for this car are a Toyota-built 1.8 L straight-4 16-valve engine producing 126 hp (94 kW) on the base model (manual or automatic transmission), 118 hp on the all-wheel drive model (automatic only), or a version with VVTL-i producing 164 hp (122 kW) for the GT (manual 6-speed only).
What is the fuel consumption of a Pontiac Vibe 2008?
Compare Side-by-Side
| 2008 Pontiac Vibe | |
|---|---|
| EPA Fuel Economy | Regular Gasoline |
| 27 MPG 25 31 combined city/highway city highway | |
| 3.7 gal/100mi | |
| 351 miles Total Range |
2008 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
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Steering problems
- Seat belts problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2008 Pontiac Vibe vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2008 Pontiac Vibe
The NHTSA has received 63 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2008 Pontiac Vibe. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2008 Pontiac Vibe vehicles.
2020-09-08
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-08-15
- VIN: 5Y2SL65858Z
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 PONTIAC VIBE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V627000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO WUERFLEIN CHEVROLET BUICK GMC (2527 BRIDGE AVE, ALBERT LEA, MN 56007) TO BE REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL. UPON RETURN OF THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED DESPITE THE REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED THE SAME DEALER BACK AND WAS INFORMED SHE HAD TO PAY A DIAGNOSTIC FEE TO HAVE THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS PROVIDED A CASE NUMBER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. *BF *TR
2020-07-21
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-08-28
- VIN: 5Y2SL65898Z
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 PONTIAC VIBE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V627000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. HONOLULU BUICK GMC LOCATED AT 2945 N NIMITZ HWY, HONOLULU, HI 96819, WAS CONTACTED AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. *BF *JS
2020-07-06
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-10-01
- VIN: 5Y2SL67898Z
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: I RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL LETTER FROM PONTIAC IN MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN DATED OCTOBER 2019 STATING THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG ASSEMBLY CONTAINING AN INFLATOR IS DEFECTIVE. THE AIR BAG MAY NOT UNFOLD AS DESIGNED DURING INFLATION DURING HIGH TEMPERATURE CONDITIONS .WHAT COULD HAPPEN IS THAT A PORTION OF THE AIR BAG MATERIAL COULD BE TORN DURING DEPLOYMENT, OR THE BAG PLATE COULD BE DAMAGED. SUCH DAMAGE DURING DEPLOYMENT COULD CAUSE THE AIR BAG NOT TO PROPERLY INFLATE, AND THIS COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF OCCUPANT INJURY IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH. THE LETTER FURTHER STATES THAT PARTS ARE NOT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE. A RECENT CALL TO THE PONTIAC CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS ARE STILL NOT AVAILABLE TO REPAIR THIS VEHICLE. DUE TO THIS POTENTIAL HAZARD I HAVE NOT HAD ANYONE SIT IN THE PASSENGER SIDE OF MY VEHICLE SINCE THE SAFELY RECALL LETTER WAS SENT TO ME ALMOST NINE MONTHS AGO. IN FACT THERE WAS ALREADY ONE OTHER SAFETY RECALL ON THIS SAME AIRBAG SOME TIME AGO THAT I HAD REPLACED AT MY LOCAL GM DEALER IN KINGMAN, AZ. I AM REPORTING THIS TO YOU BECAUSE I FEEL THAT WAY TOO MUCH TIME HAS GONE BY WITHOUT ANY PART REPLACEMENT AVAILABLE FOR THIS AIRBAG .SINCE THIS DEFECT COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF OCCUPANT INJURY IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, I FEEL THAT THIS COMPANY HAS BEEN UNDULY NEGLIGENT IN NOT PROVIDING A REPLACEMENT PART SINCE THE SAFETY RECALL NOTICE WAS SENT TO ME IN OCTOBER 2019. CAN ANYTHING BE DONE ABOUT THIS? THE GM SAFETY RECALL # IS N192273760.
2020-06-08
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-08-18
- VIN: 5Y2SL67898Z
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 PONTIAC VIBE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V627000 (AIRBAG) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER KINGMAN CHEVROLET BUICK (ADDRESS: 3730 STOCKTON HILL RD, KINGMAN, AZ 86409; PHONE: (928) 757-4041) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
2020-06-03
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-09-19
- VIN: 5Y2SL67808Z
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 PONTIAC VIBE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER :19V627000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
2020-05-23
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-08-20
- VIN: 5Y2SL658X8Z
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: I CONTACTED GM ABOUT THE RECALL AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY DON'T HAVE THE PART YET AND WHEN THE GET THE PART IN THEY WOULD CONTACT ME TO REPLACE IT BUT THAT WAS IN 2019 AND NEVER HERD FROM THEM THIS VERY DAY. *TR
2020-05-21
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-10-21
- VIN: 5Y2SL67868Z
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: RECEIVED LETTER FROM PONTIAC DATED OCT 2019 THAT FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG IS DEFECTIVE AND MIGHT NOT INFLATE AND COULD INJURE PERSON IN A CAR CRASH. REPAIR PARTS WERE NOT READY IN OCT 2019. IT IS NOW SEVEN MONTHS LATER. ARE THE PARTS STILL NOT READY? WHEN WILL THEY BE READY? NOTHING HAS HAPPENED YET, BUT THIS IS WORRISOME. I RECEIVED THE LETTER 10/21/2019. THE DEALER HAS NO REPAIR PARTS. IT IS SEVEN MONTHS LATER. *TR
2020-05-07
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-08-28
- VIN: 5Y2SL65838Z
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 PONTIAC VIBE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V627000 (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. SULLIVAN BUICK GMC, INC (777 W DUNDEE RD, ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL 60004, (847) 505-0435) WAS CONTACTED AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. *JS
2020-04-22
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-10-14
- VIN: 5Y2SL67838Z
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 PONTIAC VIBE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V627000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. AN UNKNOWN DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED SEVERAL TIMES AND WAS UNABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PART WOULD BE AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. *BF*JB
2020-03-03
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-11-01
- VIN: 5Y2SL65878Z
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 PONTIAC VIBE. THE CONTACT STATED RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V627000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. A DEALER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.*DT*JB
2020-03-02
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-10-01
- VIN: 5Y2SL65868Z
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 PONTIAC VIBE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V627000(AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. SCHUKEI CHEVROLET INC LOCATED AT (721 S MONROE AVE, MASON CITY, IA 50401) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT BEING ILLUMINATED BRIEFLY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
2020-01-28
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-10-16
- VIN: 5Y2SL65848Z
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 PONTIAC VIBE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V627000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCE A FAILURE.
2019-12-26
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-09-17
- VIN: 5Y2SL65828Z
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: WE RECEIVED MULTIPLE NOTICES TELLING US THE CAR HAS A RECALL ON THE AIRBAG. WE TOOK IT TO A DEALER, THAT THE RECALL NAMED, AND THEY TOLD US THAT RECALL # N150815 IS PENDING THROUGH GENERAL MOTORS AND THERE IS NO REMEDY AT THIS TIME. WHEN I SPOKE TO GENERAL MOTORS THEY SAID THEY WOULD CONTACT US WHEN A FIX IS READY, AND NO ONE SHOULD RIDE IN THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CAR.
2019-11-25
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-10-01
- VIN: 5Y2SL65808Z
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 PONTIAC VIBE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION IN THE MAIL FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V627000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH LUTHER HUDSON CHEVROLET GMC (1220 CREST VIEW DR, HUDSON, WI 54016, (715) 690-1809) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
2019-11-18
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-10-01
- VIN: 5Y2SL67808Z
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 2008 PONTIAC VIBE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG SAFETY RECALL. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME COMPLETING THE RECALL REPAIR. *JS
2019-11-06
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-10-22
- VIN: 5Y2SL65838Z
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 PONTIAC VIBE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION IN THE MAIL FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V627000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH TURNER CHEVROLET (21001 CROSBY FWY, CROSBY, TX 77532 (281) 328-4377) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
2019-03-22
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-03-01
- VIN: 5Y2SL65828Z
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 PONTIAC VIBE. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. SHELDON BUICK (855 ROCHESTER RD, ROCHESTER HILLS, MI) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.
2017-08-14
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-08-09
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 5Y2SL65888Z
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: WHILE PULLING INTO A DRIVEWAY THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN CONTINUING FORWARD WITH BRAKE APPLIED EVEN LEAVING SKID MARKS UNTIL RUNNING INTO A STONE COLUMN. WOULD HAVE CRASHED INTO THE HOUSE INSTEAD THE COLUMN IF HADN'T STEERED HARD TO THE RIGHT.
2017-06-13
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-05-07
- VIN: 5Y2SL65828Z
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 PONTIAC VIBE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V127000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER (IDAHO CENTER AUTO MALL IN CALDWELL, ID, (208)467-7000) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE REMEDY PART FOR THE REPAIR WAS BEING ORDERED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
2017-06-02
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-06-02
- VIN: 5Y2SP67099Z
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 PONTIAC VIBE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V006000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE LOCAL DEALER (STYKEMAIN CHEVROLET PONTIAC LOCATED AT 211 E PERRY ST PAULDING, OH 419- 399- 2071) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE REMEDY PARTS WERE ON BACKORDER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
2016-11-30
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-07-28
- VIN: 5Y2SL67828Z
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TAKATA RECALL: MY PONTIAC VIBE IS PART OF THE AIRBAG RECALL THROUGH GM. MY FIRST APPOINTMENT WITH KING O'ROURKE IN SMITHTOWN, NY, WAS JULY 28, 2016. AFTER WAITING 90 MINUTES, I WAS TOLD THEY DID NOT HAVE THE RIGHT PART. I DO NOT KNOW WHY THEY DID NOT KNOW THIS WHEN THEY MADE THE APPOINTMENT OR WHEN I CHECKED IN (THE KING O'ROURKE CHECK-IN PROCESS CAN TAKE UP TO 20 MINUTES). THEY SAID THEY WOULD ORDER THE PART AND CALL ME WHEN IT WAS AVAILABLE. THEY NEVER CALLED ME. I CALLED THEM IN EARLY NOVEMBER 2016 AND THEY SAID THEY HAD THE PART AND SET UP AN APPOINTMENT FOR NOV. 30, 2016. I ARRIVED AT 7:45 A.M. AND WENT THROUGH CHECK-IN AND WAS TOLD AT 8:45 THAT THEY DID NOT HAVE THE PART. AGAIN, I DON'T KNOW WHY THEY WOULD NOT KNOW THIS WHEN THEY MADE THE APPOINTMENT OR WHEN I FIRST CHECKED IN. SO THE LATET PLAN IS THEY SAY THEY HAVE TO REORDER THE PROPER PART AND THEY WILL CONTACT ME WHEN IT ARRIVES. I HAVE NOT HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITH MY AIRBAGS. JUST A BIG PROBLEM GETTING THE RECALL COMPLETED WITH KING O'ROURKE.
2016-09-24
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-09-15
- VIN: 5Y2SM67079Z
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: POWER STEERING WOULD RANDOMLY QUIT WHILE DRIVING. NEEDED TO REPLACE POWER STEERING CONTROL MODULE.
2016-08-22
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-02-23
- VIN: 5Y2SL65808Z
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 PONTIAC VIBE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V127000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
2016-08-22
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-04-04
- VIN: 5Y2SL65848Z
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 PONTIAC VIBE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V128000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER DID NOT GIVE A SPECIFIC DATE FOR WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER COULD NOT PROVIDE AN ESTIMATED DATE FOR WHEN THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WOULD RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
2016-08-15
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-08-15
- VIN: 5Y2SL65888Z
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TAKATA RECALL. WE RECEIVED A LETTER IN JUNE THAT THE PARTS FOR THIS RECALL WERE AVAILABLE. WE MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALER FOR JULY 7TH TO HAVE THE REPAIRS MADE. WHEN WE ARRIVED THEY SAID THEY ONLY SOME OF THE PARTS. IT IS NOW AUG 15 AND THEY STILL DO NOT HAVE THE PARTS. WHAT IS THE DEAL? PONTIAC WAS NO HELP IN SOLVING THIS MATTER. WE CALLED THEM TODAY AND TOLD US PARTS WERE ON BACK ORDER. SOME ONE NEEDS TO CLEAR THIS UP. WE WILL BE LEAVING THE AREA IN ABOUT 6 WEEKS. WHY THE LETTER IF YOU DON'T HAVE THE PARTS?
2008 Pontiac Vibe recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 2008 Pontiac Vibe.
2019-08-28
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2003-2008 Corolla, 2005-2008 Corolla Matrix, and Pontiac Vibe vehicles equipped with a front passenger air bag assembly replaced under a prior recall. The air bag may not unfold as designed during inflation under high temperature conditions, possibly resulting in the air bag not inflating properly.
- Consequence: An improperly inflated air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
- Remedy: Toyota will notify their owners. Pontiac Vibe owners will be notified by GM. Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag assembly or sub-assembly, free of charge. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's numbers for this recall are K1Q and K0Q. Pontiac owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-762-2737. GM's number for this recall is N192273760.
2016-03-03
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Lexus SC vehicles manufactured August 3, 2007, to July 30, 2010, 2008 Toyota Corolla vehicles manufactured May 25, 2007, to December 21, 2007, 2008 Toyota Corolla Matrix vehicles manufactured June 1, 2007, to December 18, 2007, and 2008 Pontiac Vibe vehicles manufactured June 1, 2007, to January 2, 2008. 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: The recall began on March 25, 2016 for Toyota and Lexus vehicle owners. The recall began on June 23, 2016 for GM owners. The respective dealers will either replace the front passenger air bag inflator or the entire front passenger air bag assembly depending on the model. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331, or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. This recall expands recall 15V-285.
2016-03-03
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Lexus SC vehicles manufactured August 3, 2007, to July 30, 2010, 2008 Toyota Corolla vehicles manufactured June 1, 2007, to December 21, 2007, 2008 Toyota Corolla Matrix vehicles manufactured June 1, 2007, to December 18, 2007, and 2008 Pontiac Vibe vehicles manufactured June 1, 2007, to January 2, 2008 that were originally sold, or ever registered, in Florida, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, Saipan, American Samoa, Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. The affected vehicles have a passenger side frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture upon its deployment.
- 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: The recall began on March 25, 2016 for Toyota and Lexus vehicle owners. The recall began on June 8, 2016 for GM owners. The respective dealers will either replace the front passenger air bag inflator or the entire front passenger air bag assembly depending on the model. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331, or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. This recall expands recall 15V-286.
2010-08-26
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2008 PONTIAC VIBE VEHICLES. THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM) FOR THE SUBJECT MODELS EQUIPPED WITH THE 1ZZ-FE (LV6) ENGINE AND TWO-WHEEL DRIVE MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED. THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT A CRACK MAY DEVELOP AT CERTAIN SOLDER POINTS OR ON VARISTORS ON THE CIRCUIT BOARD.
- Consequence: THERE ARE A VARIETY OF WARNINGS AND CONSEQUENCES ASSOCIATED WITH THE DEFECT. THE ENGINE WARNING LAMP COULD BE ILLUMINATED, HARSH SHIFTING COULD RESULT, THE ENGINE MAY NOT START, OR THE ENGINE COULD SHUT OFF WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN. AN ENGINE SHUTOFF WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE PRODUCTION NUMBER OF THE ECM AND REPLACE THE ECM IF NECESSARY. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 8, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GM AT 1-800-620-7668.
Positive 2008 Pontiac Vibe car reviews
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2008 Pontiac Vibe problems:
2008 Pontiac Vibe Problems and Complaints - 9 Issues
https://repairpal.com/2008-pontiac-vibe/problems
Top 2008 Pontiac Vibe Problems · Check Engine Light Due to Gas Cap Issue · Front Brake Rotor Wear Can Cause Pulsations · Excessive Oil Consumption · Rough Idle ...
Common 2008 Pontiac Vibe Problems | Pontiac Vibe Q&A
https://www.justanswer.com/pontiac/82c80-pontiac-vibe-2008-pontiac-vibe-will-not-go-defrost.html
Oct 20, 2013 ... Was this answer helpful? up Yes. down No. Finish.
Vibe Transmission Problems / Recall information - GenVibe ...
https://forums.genvibe.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?t=35119
The auto's have made it to the 300k mile club and appear to be quite reliable. I run a 5 speed in my 03 base and so far so good over 100k miles.
2003-2008 Corolla, Matrix, Pontiac Vibe: Common Problems and ...
https://www.toyotanation.com/threads/2003-2008-corolla-matrix-pontiac-vibe-common-problems-and-potential-buyer-thread.1343825/page-2
Jul 28, 2023 ... Check out everything. Common problems include an intake gasket problem causing a check engine light and rough idle that is an easy cheap fix.
2009 Pontiac Vibe - worth it? : r/whatcarshouldIbuy
https://www.reddit.com/r/whatcarshouldIbuy/comments/zlr15w/2009_pontiac_vibe_worth_it/
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 ...
Other years of Pontiac Vibe
Are you having problems with your 2008 Pontiac Vibe?
Isom Bogisich 2024-11-06
I really like my Vibe! Although it doesn't have a lot of power and there is some road noise, it's still a pleasant car to drive. Plus, I get great mileage - I average 34 mpg on the highway with an automatic.
Rocio Jakubowski 2024-09-11
I paid $17,400 out the door for this car which has auto & power locks, keyless entry, and more. Although it doesn't have a sunroof, it's perfect for me as I needed a car that could haul a lot if needed and pull a small boat. So far, this car has been great! I even had a U-Haul hitch put on and it pulled my boat with ease. I was able to fit a beach cruiser bike in the back with no trouble, there was plenty of room and I didn't even have to put the front seat down! I also had an antenna iPod adapter installed so I can play my iPod, which is great! The only thing I'm not thrilled about is the color (a blue-green) which shows every speck of dust! Additionally, the Black-Charcoal interior draws heat and shows every hair, dirt, etc. However, I got cream seat covers which have made a difference.
Hoyt Terry 2024-09-01
This is well worth your investment. It keeps going and going. That said, that's all!
Daryl Luettgen 2024-08-17
I purchased this car with the intention of saving on gas mileage during my daily one-hour commute on the highway. However, I am disappointed to report that I am only achieving 25 miles per gallon, despite the sticker indicating a range of 26-31 mpg. Additionally, I was hoping to use a luggage carrier for travel purposes, but unfortunately, the car did not come with the necessary rails to hold the carrier, requiring an additional purchase. Furthermore, the placement of the radio antenna on the roof presents a challenge for the carrier's placement. Despite these issues, I do enjoy driving the car. I will need to evaluate whether it is worth keeping, given the poor gas mileage.
Johnnie O'Connell 2024-06-24
During my business trip to San Diego in 2006, I rented a Vibe and was pleasantly surprised. Despite being 6 foot 6 inches tall, I fit comfortably in the car and was impressed by its fuel efficiency. I was so impressed that I ended up purchasing a 2008 model, which averages 33-35 mpg in town and 36-39 mpg on the highway. The 5-speed transmission is also a joy to drive, especially around town. Thank you, Pontiac, for creating such a great little car!