Pontiac Vibe Recalls

The Pontiac Vibe has 39 recalls spanning the 2003–2010 production run, with the most serious being a Takata passenger-side airbag inflator defect on 2009–2010 models where the inflator can rupture in a crash and send metal fragments into the cabin, causing serious injury or death.

The Takata inflator issue runs across nearly the entire production span and generated multiple recalls. On 2009–2010 models, particularly those registered in high-humidity states, the inflator rupture risk is the primary concern. The 2008 model year has the same inflator rupture risk. On 2003–2007 models, the same Takata inflator defect applies, with geographic scoping on some filings focused on high-humidity regions. Prior repair attempts on 2003–2008 and 2005–2008 vehicles did not fully resolve the issue, as replacement airbags installed under earlier recalls can fail to unfold properly at high temperatures, leaving the bag unable to protect occupants in a crash. The same inadequate-repair issue affected 2003–2004 models specifically.

Separate from the inflator rupture issue, 2003–2004 models have a supplemental restraint system circuit that can short internally, causing airbags or seatbelt pretensioners to fire without a crash, which can startle the driver and cause a collision. The 2003 model year also has a passenger airbag inflator that can produce excessive pressure on deployment and rupture, sending fragments toward occupants.

On 2009–2010 models, the accelerator pedal can wear smooth internally and become slow to return or stick in a partially depressed position, or it can be pinned wide open by an unsecured floor mat, both of which can make the vehicle difficult to slow or stop. The 2009 model year has a driver's side power window master switch that can overheat and melt due to inadequate lubrication, producing smoke and potentially starting a fire. The same switch issue extends to 2009–2010 models in a related filing. On 2009 models, the driver's airbag circuit in the steering wheel can be damaged, preventing the driver's airbag from deploying in a crash. Also on 2009 models, in extremely cold weather, condensation from the crankcase ventilation system can freeze and block the brake vacuum port, increasing stopping distances. That brake vacuum issue extends to 2010 models registered in cold-weather states.

The 2005–2008 model years have an engine control module that can develop cracked solder joints on its circuit board, producing a range of engine warnings and performance consequences. The same defect is noted separately for the 2005 model year on two-wheel-drive vehicles with the 1.8L engine.

Going back to the earliest production, 2003 two-wheel-drive models have hub-to-axle bolts that can loosen and break, allowing the wheel assembly to separate from the vehicle entirely. The 2003 model year also has a loose window regulator bolt that causes noise when the window is operated.