Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2005 Pontiac Vibe owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Pontiac Vibe. The contact stated that the check engine indicator illuminated when the vehicle was started. Also, while driving approximately 75 MPH, the vehicle shut off without warning. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle later restarted and was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the control module was faulty. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that there was no recall. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired per NHTSA campaign number: 15V285000 (air bags) by an unknown Pontiac dealer in dallas, tx two years ago. The vehicle was not repaired for the recent failure. The failure mileage was approximately 132,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Pontiac Vibe. While driving 65 MPH, the vehicle shuttered, vibrated, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the torque converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, after the vehicle was started, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 291,561.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Pontiac Vibe. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle failed to shift gears, including the reverse position. The vehicle was taken to the fred anderson Toyota of charleston dealer location on 2100 savannah hwy in charleston, sc where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 170,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Pontiac Vibe. While driving approximately 37 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning after the brakes were depressed. The vehicle restarted after ten minutes and the air bag warning indicator illuminated. The failure occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the PCM was faulty. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Pontiac Vibe. Upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The contact drove to an independent mechanic and was informed that a torque converter sensor inside the transmission failed. There were no recalls related to the failure. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 140,000.
The torque converter clutch switch is stuck off. Car is losing power not shifting up or down as it should. Oxygen sensor bank 1 says lean. Its as if its not pulling in enough air. To push power. Idles rough. Electrical issue or computer issue. Not sureas if im at stop light it shakes badly while slowing down leting off the gas. Or braking.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Pontiac Vibe. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign id number: 10V387000 (engine and engine cooling) and the vehicle was taken to the dealer for repairs. The contact stated that the dealer replaced the power train control module instead of the ECM as stated in the recall. After repairs, the vehicle would shutter and shake abnormally and often times, would stall when shifting from reverse to drive with the illumination of the entire instrument panel. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the contact was advised that the transmission would need replacing. The contact spoke with the manufacturer and was informed that they could make one repair under the recall and any further repairs would be at his expense. …
No warning lights - no problems with car - middle of intersection - very loud noise and car froze. Towed to dealer - quoted $4800.00 to replace transmission. No other alternative available according to dealer. Called GM who agreed transmission should not fail with a well maintained - low mileage Vibe but since there is no recall there is nothing they can do other than "support the dealer's decisions." I expected this car to last for several more years. The trade in price is not much more than this repair price. Driver was on their way to the highway and if this would have happened a few miles beyond where it did there could have been fatal consequences. With the current ignition recall issue that GM handled so poorly I am concerned that there could be an issue here that they just don't want to look at.
2005 Pontiac Vibe PCM failure. Engine light came on, and the transmission began shifting very hard. Engine code p2716. I have read numerous reports where people are told by dealerships to replace the transmission, and after doing so the symptoms still occur. After finally replacing the PCM, the issues were resolved. That means $4000 in wasted repairs. I have contacted GM with case 71-902887626. The car only shifts poorly when the engine light is on, so it seems logical that the issue is electrically related. (PCM) so far GM has denied that the PCM in this car is affected by the "current" recall. A monkey can put two and two together in this situation. I writing this for other Vibe owners who get the run around with GM and their dealership.
Tl contact owns a 2005 Pontiac Vibe. The contact was driving on the interstate and the vehicle started making a grinding noise. The contact tried to drive onto the emergency lane but the vehicle stopped moving. A passerby pushed the vehicle to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to a GM dealer who inspected the vehicle and stated that the transmission could not be repaired. The dealer did not inspect the transmission; the diagnosis came from how the transmission sounded. The manufacturer stated that the transmission was not under warranty and that transmission for that vehicle was no longer being made. The contact was able to find a used transmission to replace the failed one. The failure mileage was 123,000 and the current mileage was 130,000.
Transmission complaints in other Vibe years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2005 Pontiac Vibe?
NHTSA has 34 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2005 Pontiac Vibe, 11% of the model year's 301 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (13 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Pontiac Vibe transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2005 Pontiac Vibe, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2005 Pontiac Vibe transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 102,000 miles, and 4% before 25,000 miles.
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.