The 2005 Pontiac Vibe has 7 recalls, the most serious being a passenger-side frontal airbag inflator that can rupture in a crash and send metal fragments into the cabin, posing a risk of serious injury or death.
The airbag issue spans multiple filings. Some vehicles that already had the airbag replaced under an earlier recall received a replacement that can fail to unfold correctly during deployment, particularly in high heat conditions, leaving occupants without adequate protection in a crash. Note that certain geographic areas with high heat and humidity, including Florida, Gulf Coast states, Hawaii, and U.S. territories, are specifically named in one of the filings.
On the mechanical side, this vehicle also has recalls covering the engine control module on 1.8L two-wheel-drive models. The circuit board inside the module can develop cracks, which can produce a range of warnings and engine management problems depending on where the failure occurs.
At a glance
What can fail
The front passenger air bag may not unfold properly during inflation in high temperature conditions, potentially failing to inflate as designed.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag assembly or sub-assembly at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The passenger-front airbag installed during a previous recall repair may not unfold correctly when it deploys, risking tears or incomplete inflation during a crash.
What the fix does
General Motors will mail instructions to owners to bring their vehicle to a dealer, where the passenger-front airbag assembly will be replaced.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator can explode during a crash due to propellant breakdown over time.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator or the entire air bag assembly with a new one, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front passenger air bag inflator can rupture during a crash when the air bag deploys, potentially causing injury.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger side front air bag inflator may develop excessive internal pressure, causing it to rupture when the air bag deploys.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag with a corrected unit.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine control computer may have manufacturing defects causing cracks at solder joints or varistors on its circuit board. This can trigger the check engine light, cause rough transmission shifts, prevent engine starting, or make the engine shut off while driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the engine control computer and replace it if defects are found.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine control module may have manufacturing defects that cause cracks to develop in solder joints or on circuit board components, affecting 2005-2008 Pontiac Vibes with the 1ZZ-FE engine and two-wheel drive.
What the fix does
Dealers will check the engine control module's production number and replace it if needed, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
