MotorDeets

Pontiac Vibe problems, recalls & best years

The deets on every Vibe from 2000 to 2014: 1,866 owner complaints and 51 recalls across 12 model years.

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2009 (528), 2005 (301), 2003 (298). Best fuel economy: 29 mpg combined (2008).

Pontiac Vibe
Photo: IFCAR · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Problem areas across all years

Airbags1012
Visibility (wipers, glass)176
Transmission & drivetrain136
Speed control / throttle118
Engine & cooling101
Electrical96
Engine65
Body & structure63

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
200001–
200101–
200201–
2003829828
2004726628
2005530129
2006517729
2007517129
200846329
2009952828
201085828
201401–

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the Pontiac Vibe.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
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FAQ

What is the worst year for the Pontiac Vibe?

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2009 (528), 2005 (301), 2003 (298).

How many recalls has the Pontiac Vibe had?

Across 2000–2014, NHTSA lists 51 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).