Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 58 | −52% | 8 | Airbag | Good |
| 2009 | 528 | 4.3× | 9 | Airbag | Avoid |
| 2008 | 63 | −61% | 4 | Airbag | Good |
| 2007 | 172 | typical | 5 | Airbag | Average |
| 2006 | 177 | −54% | 5 | Airbag | Good |
| 2005 | 301 | typical | 5 | Airbag | Average |
| 2004 | 266 | typical | 7 | Airbag | Average |
| 2003 | 298 | 1.8× | 8 | Window & Wiper | Caution |
* Complaints compared with the median Vibe year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Pontiac Vibe problems
Latest Pontiac Vibe recalls
Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module
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.
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.
Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module
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.
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.
Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module
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.
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,…
Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module
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.
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…
Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module
On January 9, 2018, Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) notified NHTSA that they are recalling 14,585 model year 2010-2012 Yaris vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine,…
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag assemblies with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began on January 29, 2018.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Pontiac Vibe should you avoid?
2009 and 2003 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Vibe years at the same age, led by air bags problems in the 2009.
What is the best year for the Pontiac Vibe?
2008 has the fewest complaints compared with other Vibe years at the same age, followed by 2006 and 2010. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Pontiac Vibe problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the air bags (1,009), windows, wipers & sunroof (192) and engine & cooling (165). Airbag complaints peak in the 2009 model year.
How many recalls has the Pontiac Vibe had?
22 recalls across 2003–2010. The model year with the most is 2009. See all Pontiac Vibe recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.