Engine complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Unpredictable behavior, including erratic shifting, an engine that won't start, illumination of the check-engine light, or stalling while in motion while city driving usually occurring between 7-12 miles of travel. Same issue the 2004-2008 recall was issued for.
Tl contact owns a 2010 Pontiac Vibe. While traveling 70 MPH the contact noticed that the vehicle had suddenly shut off without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealership where the contact was informed that the failure could not be reproduced; however, the contact continued to experience the failure. The failure mileage was 14000 and the current mileage was 17000.
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.
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
While pulling into a driveway the vehicle accelerated on its own continuing forward with brake applied even leaving skid marks until running into a stone column. Would have crashed into the house instead the column if hadn't steered hard to the right.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Pontiac Vibe. The contact was driving approximately 65 MPH, and suddenly there was a reduction in the engine power. When at a complete stop the engine would stall while the warning indicator illuminated on the instrument panel and within a few minutes the engine would restart. NHTSA recall campaign id number 10V387000 (engine and engine cooling) was related to the failure. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where they stated the part did not require replacement and refused to repair the vehicle, even though the contact experienced the consequence mentioned in the recall. The contact will notify the manufacturer of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 30,000.
The contact owns a 2007 Pontiac Vibe. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V387000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The approximate failure mileage was 139,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
There were two incidents. 1. I was pulling into a parking spot at a Walmart driving very slowly, to almost reach the parking sign when the vehicle revved and lurched forward. I had to put my full pressure on the brake pedal, and eventually shifted to neutral and the revving subsided. I turned the car off and looked at the floor mat, which was in its usual position, and did not seem to be interfering with the pedal. Since this had not happened before, I rationalize that perhaps my foot had been on both the brake and accelerator. But I did not notice that my foot had slipped at all, and it was definitely on the brake when the revving occurred. 2. Today, my wife called me to tell me she had experienced the same revving while she was parking.
Related recalls (1)
Engine and engine cooling
GM is recalling certain model year 2005-2008 Pontiac vibe vehicles. The engine control module (ECM) for the subject models equipped with the 1zz-fe (lv6) engine and two-wheel drive May have been improperly manufactured. There is a possibility that a crack May develop at certain solder points or on varistors on the circuit board.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the production number of the ECM and replace the ECM if necessary. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on February 8, 2011. Owners May contact GM at 1-800-620-7668.
NHTSA investigations
Engine Stall
On August 26, 2010, Toyota submitted a Defect Information Report to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regarding problems with Engine Control Modules that could result in engine stall while driving in certain model year (MY) 2005 through 2008 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix and Pontiac Vibe vehicles equipped with the 1ZZ-FE engine and two-wheel drive and manufactured between April 19, 2004 and…
Frequently asked questions
Which Pontiac Vibe years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2005 (43), 2009 (37), 2006 (30), 2007 (23) and 2004 (12) model years. Engine complaints make up 14% of all complaints for the 2005.
Is there a recall for Pontiac Vibe engine problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 10V-387 (engine and engine cooling, Aug 26, 2010). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Pontiac Vibe engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 82,000 miles; 28% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine (21 mentions), followed by the exhaust system (6).
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.