2006 Pontiac Vibe Engine Problems

Which parts fail

• Engine
  3
• Exhaust system
  2
• Cooling system
  1

Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  210%
• 25k–50k
  315%
• 50k–75k
  210%
• 75k–100k
  630%
• 100k–150k
  630%
• 150k+
  15%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 Pontiac Vibe owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Pontiac Vibe. The contact stated that the check engine light would illuminate when driving at speeds higher than 50 MPH. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who stated that the transmission fluid was burned. The mechanic diagnosed that the transmission gears failed. The contact stated that the failures related to NHTSA campaign number: 10V387000 (engine and engine cooling). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.

Tl* the contact owned a 2006 Pontiac Vibe. The contact was driving 15 MPH and attempting a left turn when the vehicle stalled without warning. Another vehicle crashed into the front of the contact's vehicle. A passenger sustained a pulled muscle. A police report was available. The vehicle was destroyed. The contact stated the vehicle had stalled once before the crash ,but was not taken for diagnostic testing or repairs. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 78,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Pontiac Vibe. While driving at approximately 40 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed and the vehicle hesitated and back fired. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 10V387000 (engine and engine cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 117,000. Ma 09/25

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Pontiac Vibe. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle over heated and the engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was turned off and allowed to cool down. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 190,000.

I was coming up my driveway and my engine light came on. I had a guy check to see what was causing the light to be on and it's my ECM. I see where there is/was a recall on the engine control modules on my vehicle and I have never been sent this recall. Just wondering if this is why my light came on....due to a bad module that was never recalled.

My 2006 Pontiac Vibe began shifting harshly and the check engine light came on. This occurred beginning before thanksgiving. I received a recall notice on the vehicle earlier in November, stating these were 2 of the signs of the defective part. I called the 800 number on the recall notice and the Pontiac representative told me the repair work had not begun on the recall, the representative also told me my car was not one being recalled. I asked why I received the recall notice and she told me all Vibe owners got the notice and I would receive another notice when the parts were available. I called a local Pontiac dealership and was informed this condition was not unsafe or detrimental to the vehicle. My vehicle has not stalled, nor has the engine died. I have not driven the car of the past week - I own an extra car. …

I own a 2006 Pontiac Vibe I purchased from a dealer in 2009. I started having issues with it shifting harshly,rolling backward on hills at a stop as a manual would within approximately 2 months after I purchased it. I had it looked at a local dealer but they could not find the problem so I just have been driving it as it is. Now yesterday I was driving up a hill and the car completely stalled so I quickly put it in park, turned it off and back on put it in gear and it took off. I was fortunate there was no traffic in those few minutes. I did receive an advisory letter last fall so I called GM on the issue and they proceeded to tell me that everyone that owns a Vibe got those letters and my car was not one under recall but since I was having issues I was to take it into a dealer to be fixed at my own expense and fill out a reimbursement form. …

I bought this car couple years ago. I am at about 150000 miles . My check engine light has been turning on and off this whole year. Couple weeks ago I got 2 opinions to.get it chevked.out. The first spot gave me a estimate of about 2500 & second place about the same. They told me that there was a glitxh in the 2006 Pontiac Vibe transmissuon & computer. I drive about an hour to work everyday. I do not feel any difference when I drive but I definitely do not feel safe with the check engine light. Sometimes it will turn off but it is currently on again. I have checked gas cap & it secure. I have not even had this car for a long time. The check light should not be coming on at 150000. This is the only car that my.mother and I have & we definitely can not afford to buy or fix. …

No warning. Driving on hwy. When I thought I seen the dash flash, went over hill lost all power & ability to maneuver vehicle on icy hwy. Vehicle had shut down. Was able to use four ways to signal traffic I was having an emergency & coaxed car to side of the road with my vehicle still in the lane of traffic. Needed to be towed. Totally inoperable. I found out the problem is a powertrain control module (PCM) which has a service bulletin out on it, #050604074; NHTSA item # 10020810. This is a safety hazard as if this would have happened further into my trip to work I would have been in heavy volume traffic with no chance at evasive driving. The vehicle becomes unable to be drove while moving. A person with less driving ability would probably crashed due to not being able to turn wheel, etc. This needs to be addressed before someone gets killed.

Tl* Takata recall. The contact owns a 2006 Pontiac Vibe. The contact stated that the service engine indicator flashed and remained illuminated. An independent mechanic diagnosed that the catalytic converter and o2 sensor failed. Additional testing was required to further inspect the vehicle. In addition, the VIN was included but not notified of NHTSA campaign number: 15V286000 (air bags). The contact called the manufacturer to address being referred to a dealer to diagnose the failure and to determine when a dealer would be able to schedule the recall repair. The contact was uncertain of when the vehicle would be repaired. The failure mileage was not available. Parts distribution disconnect.

Related recalls

NHTSA investigations

Engine complaints in other Vibe years