The 2008 Pontiac Vibe has 4 recalls, the most serious being a front passenger airbag inflator that can rupture in a crash and send metal fragments into the cabin, posing a serious injury risk to occupants.
The airbag concern spans multiple filings. The core defect involves the passenger-side frontal airbag inflator, which can burst during deployment rather than inflate normally, turning the inflator housing into a source of metal shrapnel directed at anyone in the front passenger seat. A separate but related recall applies specifically to vehicles that already had the passenger airbag assembly replaced under an earlier recall: the replacement airbag may not unfold correctly in high-temperature conditions, leaving the passenger with insufficient cushioning in a crash. Taken together, these two issues mean the passenger airbag system on certain 2008 Vibes may either rupture violently or fail to inflate properly, depending on which part is installed.
On the mechanical side, vehicles equipped with the 1ZZ-FE engine and two-wheel drive have a recall covering the engine control module, where cracks can develop on the circuit board at solder points or on internal components. Depending on where the crack forms, this can produce a range of electrical and engine management failures, from warning lights and rough running to more significant drivability problems.
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 side front air bag inflator may build up excessive pressure inside, causing it to rupture when the air bag deploys.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the front passenger air bag inflator or the entire front passenger air bag assembly.
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 allow moisture inside over time, which could cause it to rupture when the air bag deploys.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the front passenger air bag inflator or the entire air bag assembly.
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.
