2009 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 2009 Pontiac Vibe problems
The Pontiac Vibe, despite its reputation for reliability, has had some common problems across both its first and second generations. In the first generation, issues with the engine, transmission, and electrical systems were common. Excessive oil consumption was a significant problem, caused by factors such as worn piston rings, faulty PCV valves, and engine design flaws. This issue could lead to engine damage and decreased fuel economy, potentially requiring costly engine repairs or replacements.
In the second generation, excessive oil consumption remained a problem, along with engine stalling and ignition coil failure.
In addition to these issues, bearing noise, transmission failures, instrument panel not working, and indicator lights failures have been reported as common problems in the Pontiac Vibe.
The 2003 and 2009 model years of the Pontiac Vibe have been identified as years to avoid due to these common problems.
To maintain a Pontiac Vibe and prevent these common problems, regular maintenance and inspections are essential. Keeping track of the vehicle's maintenance schedule and addressing any issues promptly can help ensure the vehicle's longevity and reliability.
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.
What is the life expectancy of a 2009 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.
Are there any recalls on 2009 Pontiac Vibe?
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 AND 2010 PONTIAC VIBE PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CAN GET STUCK IN THE WIDE OPEN POSITION DUE TO ITS BEING TRAPPED BY AN UNSECURED OR INCOMPATIBLE DRIVER'S FLOOR MAT. Tip: Recalls don't affect every vehicle of the same year, make and model.
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 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 life expectancy of a 2009 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.
Are there any recalls on 2009 Pontiac Vibe?
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 AND 2010 PONTIAC VIBE PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CAN GET STUCK IN THE WIDE OPEN POSITION DUE TO ITS BEING TRAPPED BY AN UNSECURED OR INCOMPATIBLE DRIVER'S FLOOR MAT. Tip: Recalls don't affect every vehicle of the same year, make and model.
2009 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
- Steering problems
- Engine problems
- Service brakes problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2009 Pontiac Vibe vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2009 Pontiac Vibe
The NHTSA has received 526 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2009 Pontiac Vibe. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2009 Pontiac Vibe vehicles.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-09
- VIN: 5Y2SP67889Z
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: The contact called on behalf of her sister who owns a 2009 Pontiac Vibe. The contact stated that while her sister was driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle was making an abnormal noise and the steering wheel was shaking abnormally. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the steering rack needed to be replaced. The contact was notified of an unknown recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact drove the vehicle to the dealer and was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 64,000.
AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-09-17
- VIN: 5Y2SP67059Z
- Components: AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: I been trying to get the recalls to be fix but both the dealers and GM haven’t been able to help due to parts discontinued, I been trying to get this issued resolve for a year or so. I need help please, they just keep saying that all recalls on this vehicle don’t have the parts for it and don’t know what else to do.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-11-29
- VIN: 5Y2SR67059Z
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: TSB 0158-14 IS a Toyota engine that was also used in General Motors Pontiac vibe in 2009 and 2010 The tsb has to do with oil consumption and a tsb was made for Toyota. Not for Pontiac as a result my Pontiac is now consuming oil every 1000kms As they both used the 2Az-FE 2.4 engine
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-05-31
- VIN: 5Y2SP670X9Z
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: I was driving no warnings lights to shutting down on the road to black smoke came out of the back luckily a guy was going by and helped me move my car
STEERING,SUSPENSION,WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-07-30
- VIN: 5Y2SR67059Z
- Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION,WHEELS
- Summary: The steering rack and intermediate shaft in the steering wheel Go bad and what happens is it makes having an alignment impossible Not only that but the vehicle clunks with every turn [XXX] Being a Pontiac it was a joint venture between Toyota And GM Thus Affecting many Toyota Corolla Prius and matrix As Toyota got a recall Pontiac did not INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-06-22
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 5Y2SN67079Z
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE
- Summary: Air bags failed to deploy and vehicle is not available for inspection. Vehicle was a total loss and is in the proces of becoming proprty of Copart.com for auction (I assume). I hit my head very hard from the T-bone type of collision and my side airbags did not deploy. I have a severe concussion and internal brain bleed. ICU stay was required. Problem was confirmed by the police report, etc. Nothing has been inspected to the best of my knowledge in any great detail (I assume). No warning lamps, messgaes, or other symptoms prior to the failure.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-04-24
- VIN: 5Y2SM67039Z
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
- Summary: Accelerates on its own from idle or low speeds. Was recalled on 2/8/2010 #2010018..and repaired on 6/21/ 2010. Approx. 2 years ago it started to "take off again". Grand Buick... Grandville MI advised there was no current recall. I'm waiting for GM to advise of a no charge to owner recall.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-06-02
- VIN: 5Y2SP67089Z
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The restraint system appears to have failed and cannot be repaired. Nobody appears to know why
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-08-11
- VIN: 5y2sp67849z
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: The contact owns a 2009 Pontiac Vibe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the vehicle speed control (VSC), ABS, and check engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who was unable to duplicate the failure; however, the independent mechanic replaced the heat shield. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-08-01
- VIN: 5Y2SP67899Z
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: PONTIAC VIBE 2009: ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, DUE TO FAT MISAPPLIED THE MAIN SWITCH TO CONTROL ELECTRIC WINDOW ON THE DRIVER SIDE COULD GET STUCK OR STOP WORKING. IF WE TRIED TO LUBRICATE THE SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT AND MELT. A SWITCH THAT COULD MELT PRODUCE SMOKE AND CAUSE A FIRE DAMAGING PROPERTY OR INJURING SOMEONE. CORRECTION: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE MASTER SWITCH TO CONTROL ELECTRIC WINDOW ON THE DRIVER SIDE AND APPLY SPECIAL GREASE THAT PREVENTS HEAT BUILDUP, OR REPLACE THE CIRCUIT BOARD OF THE SWITCH, IF NECESSARY. NUMBER OF VEHICLES AFFECTED: 16,724.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-07-02
- VIN: 5Y2SP67849Z
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 PONTIAC VIBE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL SOUND COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED SHE CONTINUED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO ED SCHMIDT GMC (26875 N DIXIE HWY, PERRYSBURG, OH 43551) WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A POWER STEERING FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 30,000. *BF *AS
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-02-11
- VIN: 5Y2SP67069Z
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: MY VEHICLE WAS TURNED IN FOR THE AIRBAG RECALL. WE RECEIVED A CALL SAYING IT WAS DONE. WE ARE STILL RECEIVING NOTICES FROM THE ESTABLISHMENT WE DROPPED THE CAR OFF TO GET IT COMPLETED AND PENDOT STATING THE RECALL HAS NOT BEEN COMPLETED. *TR
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-04-06
- VIN: 5Y2SP67049Z
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: I BOUGHT A 2009 PONTIAC VIBE WITH A 2.4L ENGINE A LITTLE OVER A YEAR AGO WITH AROUND 80K MILES. I NOTICED RIGHT AWAY THAT IT WAS USING ABOUT A QUART OF OIL AROUND EVERY 1K MILES. IT NOW HAS A LITTLE OVER 90K MILES AND USES ABOUT 1.25 QUARTS OF OIL PER 1K MILES. I FOUND THAT TOYOTA ADMITTED TO A PROBLEM WITH THE 2AZ-FE ENGINES THAT ARE IN THEIR MATRIX AND CAMRYS, AS WELL AS THE PONTIAC VIBE, AND HAVE OFFERED THE ZE7 WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM TO REPLACE THE PISTONS AND RINGS IN THESE PRODUCTS TO CORRECT THE EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION ISSUE. I CONTACTED GM SERVICE TO SEE IF THEY WERE GOING TO OFFER THE SAME PROGRAM FOR THESE ENGINES SINCE THEY PURCHASED THESE DEFECTIVE ENGINES FROM TOYOTA. THEY RESPONDED BY SAYING THAT THERE WERE NO OPEN SERVICE PROGRAMS OPEN FOR THIS CAR. I ASKED THEM WHY GM WOULDN'T ADMIT TO THE PROBLEM AS TOYOTA DID, AND OFFER A PROGRAM SIMILAR TO THE TOYOTA PROGRAM TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES WITH THIS ENGINE. THEY RESPONDED AGAIN BY SAYING THAT THERE WERE NO OPEN SERVICE ISSUES FOR THIS VEHICLE. I THINK IT'S VERY IRRESPONSIBLE OF GM TO NOT ACKNOWLEDGE A PROBLEM WITH THESE ENGINES AND OFFER THE SAME SUPPORT FOR THEM AS DID TOYOTA WHO SUPPLIED THE ENGINES TO GM. I GREW UP AS PART OF A GM FAMILY, BUT WON'T PLAN TO BUY ANY FUTURE GM PRODUCTS DUE TO THEIR LACK OF SUPPORT FOR THEIR CUSTOMERS WITH AN OBVIOUS PRODUCT QUALITY ISSUE AS IS FOUND HERE. IF TOYOTA ACKNOWLEDGES A PROBLEM WITH THESE ENGINES AND PROVIDES SUPPORT TO THEIR CUSTOMERS, WHY DOESN'T GM OFFER SIMILAR SUPPORT SINCE TOYOTA SUPPLIED THE IDENTICAL ENGINES TO THEM? DOESN'T MAKE FOR GOOD CUSTOMER PUBLIC RELATIONS AND DOESN'T PROVIDE ANY INCENTIVE TO BUY FUTURE GM VEHICLES.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-10-16
- VIN: 5Y2SN67019Z
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: DUE TO A MANUFACTURING DEFECT WITH THE ENGINE, THE VEHICLE BURNS OVER A QUART OF OIL EVERY 1000 MILES. THIS MEANS IT REQUIRES A WAIVER TO PASS INSPECTION. THE 2009 TOYOTA MATRIX, WHICH SHARES THE SAME ENGINE, HAD A RECALL ISSUED. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A HIGHWAY. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND ABS WARNING ILLUMINATED, DISTRACTING THE DRIVER. THERE WAS NO COLLISION, BUT A NEAR MISS.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-01-29
- VIN: 5Y2SL67069Z
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: THIS CAR HAS THE 2.4L TOYOTA 2AZ-FE ENGINE, WHICH HAS A KNOWN DEFECT IN THE PISTON RINGS, LEADING TO EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. THOSE OF US WITH PONTIAC VIBES APPARENTLY HAVE NO RECOURSE THROUGH EITHER TOYOTA OR GM.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-12-10
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 5Y2SP67009Z
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: POWER WINDOW MASTER SWITCH FAILURE. SHORTED AND CAUGHT ON FIRE. FIRE WAS ISOLATED TO SWITCH AND DOOR PANEL, HOWEVER INTERIOR OF CAR DID FILL UP WITH SMOKE. POWER WINDOW MASTER SWITCH WAS PREVIOUSLY ADDRESSED AS PER BULLETIN 15791A HOWEVER RECALL DID NOT REMEDY DEFECTIVE PART/HAZARD.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-11-25
- VIN: 5Y2SP67079Z
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: AT STOP, VEHICLE ATTEMPTED ACCELERATING. MUCH PRESSURE ON BRAKE PEDAL NEEDED TO KEEP CAR FROM MOVING. AFTER SHUTTING OFF ENGINE AND RESTART, SEEMED OK. THIRD AND MOST SIGNIFICANT OCCURANCE. *LN*JB
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-09-15
- VIN: 5Y2SP67859Z
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 PONTIAC VIBE. WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE ABOVE 20 MPH. ADDITIONALLY, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS APPLIED, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO MOVE. THE CHECK ENGINE AND VSC OFF WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REFERRED THE CONTACT TO GENERAL MOTORS (300 ACME DR, MONROE, NC, 704-283-8175). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS SIMILAR TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V018000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 167,000.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-01-01
- VIN: 5Y2SR67039Z
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: 2.4L ENGINE W/ 150000 MILES BURNING EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF OIL; APPX. 1 QT PER 1000 MILES
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-05-29
- VIN: 5Y2SP67839Z
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 PONTIAC VIBE. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 45-50 MPH, THE CONTACT LOST CONTACT OF THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE CONTACT QUICKLY SHIFTED INTO THIRD GEAR, BUT IT DID NOT SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN. THE CONTACT THEN SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND THE MOTOR REVVED UP TO 7,000 RPMS. THE CONTACT SHIFTED BACK INTO DRIVE, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS STILL ACCELERATING. THE CONTACT POWERED OFF THE ENGINE AND COASTED THE VEHICLE INTO A DRIVEWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND THE ENGINE REVVED BACK UP TO 7,000 RPMS. THE CONTACT POWERED OFF THE VEHICLE A SECOND TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-04-14
- VIN: 5Y2SP67039Z
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I AM HAVING ISSUE WITH EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION FOR THE LAST 6-9 MONTHS. BEFORE I HIT 3000 MILES THE OIL HAS BURNED UP AND THERE IS NOTHING ON THE DIP STICK. I TOOK IT TO GOODYEAR AND THEY SAID TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. I TOOK IT TO ED RINKE IN CENTERLINE MI, WHERE I PURCHASED MY CAR AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO FIND WHY IT WAS HAPPENING. WHEN I TOOK IT FOR MY LAST OIL CHANGE AT GOODYEAR IN WARREN MI THEY SAID THERE MIGHT BE A RECALL. I HAVE FOUND A FORUM WERE OTHERS WERE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE AND UPON RESEARCHING IT APPEARS TO BE AN ISSUE WITH SOME OF THE TOYOTA'S AS WELL. I OCCASIONALLY NOTICE A BURNING SMELL WHEN I AM DRIVING BUT IT'S NOT ALL THE TIME. I ALSO SOMETIMES EXPERIENCE MY CAR CATCHING WHEN IT'S SHIFTING OR SHAKING WHEN IDLING. I'M NOT SURE IF THESE ISSUES ARE RELATED, BUT WHEN I TAKE IT FOR SERVICE THEY CANNOT SEEM TO FIND WHAT IS CAUSING THE ISSUES. I TOOK IT IN THIS PAST SUNDAY FOR MY LATEST OIL CHANGE BUT THIS HAS BEEN ONGOING SINCE LAST YEAR IN APRIL 2018 WHEN I TOOK IT IN TO THE DEALER FOR THE AIRBAG RECALL.
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-03-08
- VIN: 5Y2SP67029Z
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
- Summary: CAR SHUTS OFF COMPLETELY WHILE DRIVING. HAPPENS COMPLETELY AT RANDOM. AFTER PLACING IN PARK, REMOVING KEY, RE-INSERTING KEY, RESTARTING, ALL IS FINE FOR A WHILE. PROBABLY FAULTY ECM.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-01-01
- VIN: 5Y2SM67099Z
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: RATTLE FROM STEERING COLUMN WHEN BRAKING FROM HIGH SPEEDS OR DRIVING OVER SLIGHTLY UNEVEN PAVEMENT.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-01-07
- VIN: 5Y2SM67039Z
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: GM IS GREAT AT SENDING OUT LETTERS TO GET THE AIRBAG PROBLEM FIXED, BUT THE GM DEALERSHIPS DON'T SEEM SO WILLING TO DO THE WORK. I CONTACTED FELDMAN CHEVROLET A FEW WEEKS AGO TO GET IT FIXED. THEY INDICATED THAT THEY WOULD NEED TO ORDER PARTS, THEN THEY WOULD CALL ME TO SCHEDULE THE REPAIR. I NEVER HEARD FROM THEM AGAIN!
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-12-20
- VIN: 5Y2SP67019Z
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TAKATA RECALL. MY RECALL WAS COMPLETED. HOWEVER, WHEN I PICKED MY CAR UP AFTER THE REPAIR, MY AIRBAG LIGHT WAS ON. I PICKED IT UP AT CLOSE AND NOTICED THE LIGHT WAS ONE WHEN I GOT TO THE LIGHT BASICALLY NEXT DOOR FROM THE DEALERSHIP. I CALLED IMMEDIATELY AS I COULDN'T TURN AROUND AS THEY HAD CLOSED. I LEFT A MESSAGE FOR JEREMY WHO TOOK CARE OF THE PAPERWORK LESS THAN 5 MINS AFTER LEAVING. NO RETURN CALL. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP THE NEXT WEEK AS LEFT A MESSAGE FOR THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT. STILL NO RETURN CALL. I DON'T KNOW IF MY RECALL WAS ACTUALLY COMPLETED CORRECTLY AS THE LIGHT IS STILL ON. AN INDEPENDENT GARAGE CHECKED MY CAR'S COMPUTER AND CONFIRMED THE LIGHT IS ON DUE TO THE AIRBAG. I JUST WANT THE LIGHT OFF AND TO KNOW THE RECALL WAS COMPLETED CORRECTLY. I'VE TRIED CALLING SINCE, BUT I ALWAYS GET VOICEMAIL AND WELL THEY NEVER RETURNED CALLS EVEN WHEN I TRIED TO SCHEDULE THE INITIAL RECALL REPAIR. RECALL REPAIR WAS COMPLETED BY COYLE CHEVROLET IN CLARKSVILLE INDIANA. HOWEVER IT WASN'T DONE CORRECTLY.
2009 Pontiac Vibe recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 9 recalls for different components of the 2009 Pontiac Vibe.
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2013 Scion xB, Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sienna, 4Runner, Lexus IS250, IS350, IS250C, IS350C, IS-F, and GX460 vehicles sold, ever registered, in the states of AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, PR, AS, GU, the MP (Saipan), and the U.S. VI or "Zone A." Toyota is also recalling certain 2010 Scion xB, Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Yaris, 4Runner, Lexus IS250, IS350, IS250C, IS350C, ES350, IS-F, GX460, and Pontiac Vibe vehicles sold, ever registered, in the states of AZ, AR, DE, DC, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV or "Zone B." Toyota is also recalling certain 2009 Scion xB, Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Yaris, Lexus IS250, IS350, ES350, IS-F, and Pontiac Vibe vehicles ever registered in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY or "Zone C." 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 occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
- 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, Scion and Lexus owners. General Motors will contact the Pontiac owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, or replace the air bag assembly. The recall began on January 29, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331, or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. Toyota's numbers for this recall are "Zone A" Toyota: G0P, Lexus: GLG; "Zone B" Toyota: G0R, Lexus GLH; "Zone C" Toyota: H0A, and Lexus: HLA.
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2012 Toyota 4Runner, Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sienna, Yaris, Scion xB, Lexus ES350, GX460, IS-F, IS250, IS350, IS250C, IS350C, and Lexus LFA vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Toyota is recalling certain 2009 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Yaris, Yaris HB, Scion xB, Pontiac Vibe, Lexus, ES350, IS250, IS350, and IS-F vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Toyota is recalling certain 2006-2008 Lexus IS250 and IS350, 2007-2008 Lexus ES350, Toyota Yaris, Yaris HB, and 2008 Lexus IS-F and Scion xB vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming. 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 rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
- Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Toyota will notify the Toyota, Scion and Lexus owners. General Motors will contact the Pontiac owners. Depending on the model, dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator or the air bag assembly, free of charge. The recall began on February 1, 2017. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331, or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. Toyota's numbers for final remedy for this campaign are G0P (Toyota Zone A), G0R (Toyota Zone B), H0A (Toyota Zone C), GLG (Lexus Zone A), GLH (Lexus Zone B) and HLA (Lexus Zone C).
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Scion xB and Lexus IS F, 2009-2011 Toyota Corolla and Corolla Matrix, 2006-2011 Toyota Yaris, Lexus IS250 and Lexus IS350, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, Lexus IS250C, Lexus IS350C and Lexus GX460, 2011 Sienna, 2007-2011 Lexus ES350, and 2009-2010 Pontiac Vibe vehicles, originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 Scion xB and Lexus IS F, 2007-2008 Toyota Yaris, 2006-2008 Lexus IS250 and Lexus IS350 and 2007-2008 Lexus ES350 vehicles, originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Vehicles of these model years and models that were not originally sold or ever registered in either Zones A or B are not subject to this safety recall. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
- Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Toyota will notify the Toyota and Lexus owners. General Motors will contact the Pontiac owners. Depending on the model, dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator or the air bag assembly, free of charge. The recall began on December 6, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for interim notification for this campaign are G1P (Toyota Zone A), G1R (Toyota Zone B), G2G (Lexus Zone A), and G2H (Lexus Zone B). Toyota's numbers for final remedy for this campaign are G0P (Toyota Zone A), G0R (Toyota Zone B), GLG (Lexus Zone A), and GLH (Lexus Zone B).
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
- Summary: Toyota Motor Company (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Tundra, Sequoia, Corolla, Corolla Matrix and Scion xB, 2008-2011 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2007 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2009 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2006-2011 RAV4, 2006-2010 Yaris, and 2009-2010 Scion xD and Pontiac Vibe vehicles. During the manufacturing of the Power Window Master Switch (PWMS), grease lubricant may have been inconsistently applied to the sliding electrical contacts.
- Consequence: If the sliding electrical contacts are not protected by lubricant, debris and moisture that get into the switch may cause a short circuit and the switch assembly may overheat and melt, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the switch, applying a lubricant if no abnormality is found. If abnormality is found, the PWMS circuit board will be replaced, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 20, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is C0M.
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006-2008 RAV4, 2006-2010 Yaris, 2008-2010 Highlander, and 2009-2010 Tacoma, Corolla, Corolla Matrix and General Motors Pontiac Vibe vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the steering column assembly contains electrical connections to the driver's airbag module housed in a spiral cable assembly, which includes a Flexible Flat Cable (FFC). Due to the shape and location of the FFC's retainer, the FFC could become damaged when the steering wheel is turned.
- Consequence: If the FFC is damaged, connectivity to the driver's air bag module could be lost and the air bag deactivated. The failure of the driver's air bag to deploy in the event of a crash that typically necessitates deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver.
- Remedy: Toyota will notify the Toyota vehicle owners, and General Motors will notify the Pontiac Vibe owners. Toyota sent owners an interim notification letter in May 2014 to advise owners of the recall. Toyota will mail owners a second letter when remedy parts are available. General Motors sent Pontiac Vibe owners an Interim letter on June 20, 2014 notifying them that parts are currently unavailable. General Motors sent notices to the Pontiac Vibe owners on September 15, 2014, that a remedy is available. The recall began on October 27, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-762-2737.
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
- Summary: Toyota is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 Camry, Camry Hybrid, RAV4, Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Tundra, Sequoia, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Yaris, Scion xB, Scion xD and Pontiac Vibe vehicles. The power window master switch assemblies in some of these vehicles were built using a less precise process for lubricating the internal components of the switch assemblies. Irregularities in this lubrication process may cause the power window master switch assemblies to malfunction and overheat.
- Consequence: If the switch overheats, it may melt, possibly resulting in a fire.
- Remedy: Toyota will notify its owners, and dealers will inspect the switch and apply a special grease that inhibits heat build up or replace any switch damaged by the defect, free of charge. Toyota owners that experience a problem with a switch should not attempt to make repairs, but should contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331. General Motors will contact the Pontiac Vibe owners affected by this recall and GM dealers will inspect and repair switches as necessary. Those owners may contact Pontiac Customer Care at 1-800-762-2737.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
- Summary: GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 AND 2010 PONTIAC VIBE PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CAN GET STUCK IN THE WIDE OPEN POSITION DUE TO ITS BEING TRAPPED BY AN UNSECURED OR INCOMPATIBLE DRIVER'S FLOOR MAT.
- Consequence: A STUCK OPEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY RESULT IN VERY HIGH VEHICLE SPEEDS AND MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO STOP THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH, SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
- Remedy: GENERAL MOTORS WILL NOTIFY CUSTOMERS WHEN A RECALL REMEDY IS AVAILABLE FOR RECALL 10038: FLOOR MAT INTERFERENCE AND ACCELERATOR PEDAL. GM REQUESTS THAT CUSTOMERS TAKE OUT ANY REMOVABLE (CARPETED, ALL-WEATHER, OR OTHER) DRIVER'S FLOOR MAT AND NOT REPLACE IT WITH ANY OTHER FLOOR MAT, AND PLACE IT IN THE TRUNK UNTIL THE FLOOR MAT INTERFERENCE AND ACCELERATOR PEDAL RECALL REMEDY IS READY AND IMPLEMENTED. IN THE EVENT THAT OWNERS CHOOSE NOT TO TAKE OUT THEIR REMOVABLE FLOOR MAT, GENERAL MOTORS STRONGLY RECOMMENDS THAT OWNERS USE ONLY FLOOR MATS DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY FOR THE MODEL AND MODEL YEAR OF THEIR VEHICLE, AND THAT IT IS PROPERLY INSTALLED AND SECURED. DO NOT USE A MAT THAT IS FLIPPED OVER WITH THE BOTTOM-SIDE UP, AND DO NOT STACK ONE FLOOR MAT OVER ANOTHER. IN ADDITION, CHECK THE OPERATION OF THE ACCELERATOR, BRAKE, AND CLUTCH (IF APPLICABLE) PEDALS TO ASSURE THAT THE FLOOR MAT DOES NOT INTERFERE WITH THEM. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668 OR AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
- Summary: GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 AND 2010 PONTIAC VIBE VEHICLES. DUE TO THE MANNER IN WHICH THE FRICTION LEVER INTERACTS WITH THE SLIDING SURFACE OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL INSIDE THE PEDAL SENSOR ASSEMBLY, THE SLIDING SURFACE OF THE LEVER MAY BECOME SMOOTH DURING VEHICLE OPERATION. IN THIS CONDITION, IF CONDENSATION OCCURS ON THE SURFACE, AS MAY OCCUR FROM HEATER OPERATION (WITHOUT A/C) WHEN THE PEDAL ASSEMBLY IS COLD, THE FRICTION WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS OPERATED MAY INCREASE, WHICH MAY RESULT IN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECOMING HARDER TO DEPRESS, SLOWER TO RETURN, OR, IN THE WORST CASE, MECHANICALLY STUCK IN A PARTIALLY DEPRESSED POSITION.
- Consequence: THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY BECOME HARD TO DEPRESS, SLOW TO RETURN TO IDLE, OR, IN THE WORST CASE, MECHANICALLY STUCK IN A PARTIALLY DEPRESSED POSITION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REINFORCEMENT BAR IN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WHICH WILL ALLOW THE PEDAL TO OPERATE SMOOTHLY. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN EARLY FEBRUARY AND BE COMPLETED IN LATE APRIL 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668 OR AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM
- Summary: GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 PONTIAC VIBE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 1.8L ENGINE AND ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF ALASKA, COLORADO, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, IOWA, KANSAS, MAINE, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MONTANA, NEBRASKA, NEVADA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW YORK, NORTH DAKOTA, SOUTH DAKOTA, VERMONT, WISCONSIN, AND WYOMING. WHEN DRIVING UNDER CERTAIN UNIQUE CONDITIONS IN EXTREMELY LOW AMBIENT TEMPERATURES, THE INTAKE MANIFOLD SUCTION PORT FOR THE BRAKE VACUUM CAN BECOME LOCKED DUE TO THE FREEZING OF CONDENSATION RESULTING FROM POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION.
- Consequence: THIS COULD LEAD TO AN INCREASE IN VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCE AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE BRAKE VACUUM LINE FREE OF CHARGE. A SPECIAL ADVISORY LETTER WILL BE SENT TO OWNERS OF VEHICLES REGISTERED IN ALL OTHER STATES IN THE SAME TIME FRAME. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE OCTOBER 23, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668 OR AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
Negative 2009 Pontiac Vibe car reviews
Positive 2009 Pontiac Vibe car reviews
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I've only had this car for a month and I absolutely love it! It's so much fun to drive and feels really sturdy on the road, even when taking turns. While it may not be as sporty as a Mazda 3, it still has a lot of practical applications. It's a shame that GM decided to discontinue this car instead of re-badging it to a Chevy or Buick nameplate. The cruise control may take a bit of getting used to, but overall it's a great feature. The engine is also really nice - it has a bit of torque on takeoff, but it's a solid engine that's perfect for quick merges.
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This car is fantastic! It has a snappy 2.4 L. engine that can get you to 60 in about 10 seconds (shifting manually). There's plenty of room for 2 adults and 2 kids in car seats, and the cargo area is amazing. Even at 6'8
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Congratulations on your new car purchase! The 2009 Pontiac Vibe GT sounds like an excellent choice. It's great to hear that you and your wife are enjoying it so much. The car offers fantastic value for money, with its impressive gas mileage and powerful 2.4 L GT engine. The 18
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This car is amazing! It can do a little bit of everything. You can haul a trailer, put the seats down, seat 4 adults who are 6 ft or taller, and still get great mileage. It's a real all-rounder! The pluses include the spacious interior, high ceiling, great acceleration, impressive mileage, and stylish design. The only downside is the road noise, but that's easily solved by turning up the XM radio. After a year and 2 months of ownership and 17,000 miles, all I've had to do is change the oil and rotate the tires. With mixed driving, I get an impressive 28-30 MPG, and the engine is so quiet! The seats are also really comfortable and fit taller people well - I'm 6'1 and can even wear a hat while driving. Overall, I'm really happy with this car!
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You have a very dependable car.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2009 Pontiac Vibe problems:
2009 Pontiac Vibe - worth it? : r/whatcarshouldIbuy
Dec 14, 2022 ... The engine is noisy & the sound deadening inside the cabin is awful. Driving on the highway can be noisy cause of these issues. Good. Other than ...
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 Problems and Complaints - 9 Issues
Top 2009 Pontiac Vibe Problems · Check Engine Light Due to Gas Cap Issue · Front Brake Rotor Wear Can Cause Pulsations · Excessive Oil Consumption · Rattle from ...
2009 2.4 oil usage - GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe ...
I have a 2009 Vibe with the 2.4 engine and it appears to have the common excessive oil usage issue. Car has about 95k miles on it. My wife ...
Common Problems with 2009 Pontiac Vibe - Q&A
Jun 10, 2021 ... very worn spark plugs can also cause an extended cranking/starting time, not to mention misfires and rough running, if you have not done a tune ...
Samir Pacocha 2024-05-29
After only 27K miles, we had to replace the water pump and we're currently experiencing some issues with the timing chain tension adjuster. However, the car is still meeting our needs and we're happy with it overall.
Harold Murray 2024-01-13
In less than 30,000 miles, we had to replace the water pump and rebuild parts of the timing chain tensioner components, which have been causing issues for the last three winters. Although we are disappointed with the quality and reliability of the car at such low mileage, we still like it otherwise...