2008 Pontiac Vibe: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2008 Pontiac Vibe: 4 recalls, 63 owner complaints and up to 29 mpg combined.
Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #10V387000 · 2010 · 161,754 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: There are a variety of warnings and consequences associated with the defect. The engine warning lamp could be illuminated, harsh shifting could result, the engine May not start, or the engine could shut off while the vehicle is being driven. An engine shutoff while the vehicle is being driven…
The fix: 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.
Airbags Vehicle recall #16V128000 · 2016 · 71,163 vehicles
What's wrong: S. Virgin islands, guam, saipan, american samoa, georgia, alabama, louisiana, mississippi and texas. The affected vehicles have a passenger side frontal air bag that May be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture upon its deployment.
Why it matters: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: The recall began on March 25, 2016 for Toyota and Lexus vehicle owners. The recall began on June 8, 2016 for gm owners. The respective dealers will either replace the front passenger air bag inflator or the entire front passenger air bag assembly depending on the model.
Airbags Vehicle recall #16V127000 · 2016 · 147,242 vehicles
What's wrong: This is to address a safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag inflator which May produce excessive internal pressure causing the inflator to rupture upon deployment of the air bag. This recall addresses both the passenger side frontal air bags that were originally installed in the vehicles, as well as replacement air bags that May have been installed as replacement service parts. A replacement air bag May…
Why it matters: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: The recall began on March 25, 2016 for Toyota and Lexus vehicle owners. The recall began on June 23, 2016 for gm owners. The respective dealers will either replace the front passenger air bag inflator or the entire front passenger air bag assembly depending on the model.
Airbags Vehicle recall #19V627000 · 2019 · 229,460 vehicles
What's wrong: The air bag May not unfold as designed during inflation under high temperature conditions, possibly resulting in the air bag not inflating properly.
Why it matters: An improperly inflated air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Toyota will notify their owners. Pontiac vibe owners will be notified by gm. Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag assembly or sub-assembly, free of charge. Toyota
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 4 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (48): the most common themes are warning light on (4), fails to deploy (2).
- Speed control / throttle (4): the most common themes are sudden acceleration (2).
- Engine & cooling (3): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (2).
- Seat belts (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2008 Pontiac Vibe has 63 owner complaints, ranking #7 of 12 Vibe model years for complaints (well below the 156 average). Complaints peaked in 2016 (25 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 8 years old, at a median of 59,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2007 (171 complaints, 5 recalls), 2009 (528 complaints, 9 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 | 33 | 29 | Regular |
| 1.8 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 31 | 27 | Regular |
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 2008 Pontiac Vibe.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2008 Pontiac Vibe have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 2008 Pontiac Vibe. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2008 Pontiac Vibe problems?
Owners have filed 63 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (48), speed control / throttle (4), engine & cooling (3).
What gas mileage does the 2008 Pontiac Vibe get?
EPA ratings run up to 29 mpg combined (1.8 L, Manual 5-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2008 Pontiac Vibe repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.