Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2009 Pontiac Vibe owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
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 [redacted] 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
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Pontiac Vibe. While driving approximately 30 MPH, there was a rattling noise that came from the steering column without warning. The failure recurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed that the intermediate steering shaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and was diagnosed that the intermediate steering shaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and was diagnosed that a knuckle on the lower end of the steering column was uncharacteristically enlarged and the entire steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 79,500. Updated 1/13/16 ln
Sometimes when accelerating, it's slow to move, then a sudden jerk happens if I put pressure on the gas pedal. This happens when driving at lower speeds, I can be entering my garage or accelerating after a stop light or sign. Can be scary when it jerks during acceleration. The steering column is beginning to rattle and shake at about 45 miles sometime at lower speeds as well,a very rough ride on smooth pavement,feels like it's falling apart. The third issue has to do with the airbag indicator light staying on in both drivers and passenger sides while driving. When I went to dealer for an appointment it didn't happen but getting a diagnostic tomorrow for that. Bought the car used last year with about 37,000 miles,always serviced at the dealer where I purchased it. I now have a little over 53,000 miles on it at this time,just local diving.
Steering - my 2009 Pontiac Vibe has serious manufacturer's defect steering issues that makse it feel very unsafe to drive. Even at low speeds there is a rattle that comes from the intermediate shaft, it rattles feels loose, and gives an uncontrolled feeling. My 2009 has only 59,300 miles on it. (aprox. 6,500 a year) this car has not been driven hard, all routine maintenance has been done on the car. There is something going on when there are so many complaints. They claim its not a safety issue. Are they waiting till people die from the issue? It most definitely feels unsafe, when it feels loose it does cause steering and safely issues at all speeds.
Was driving down the road and without notice my steering had no power, really scared because I could barely steer the car, so glad I was in a 45 mile zone. I looked at my dash lights, there was showing a red battery light, several brake symbols, something about the traction loss. I need my car so badly, I don't know if GMC will cover this. If I had not pulled off road and called my husband I would of wrecked because of it being so hard to steer. He came and slowly drove it home and I followed him in his car. No notice and no warning at all.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Pontiac Vibe. While driving 15 MPH, the power steering failed and the power steering warning indicator illuminated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle home. When she turned off and restarted the vehicle, it operated normally. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 30,400. Updated 01/04/17 updated 01/17/17.
Took my car to [redacted] because power steering control module went out the same part that they been recalling on there other cars. When I called Chevrolet they said that there is no recall on my car and that there was nothing that they can do for me but work with the pricing.
My 2009 Pontiac Vibe base 1.4l has serious manufacturer's defect steering issues that make it feel very unsafe to drive. At around 30 MPH and then again at 70 MPH there is a rattle that comes from the steering motor and intermediate shaft (2 separate issues which are expensive to fix and no longer covered under warranty). Currently over 100,000 as an original owner.
Steering complaints in other Vibe years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2009 Pontiac Vibe?
NHTSA has 35 complaints about the steering of the 2009 Pontiac Vibe, 7% of the model year's 528 complaints. The component named most often is column (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2009 Pontiac Vibe steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2009 Pontiac Vibe, though it has 9 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 2009 Pontiac Vibe steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 38,000 miles, and 24% 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.