FaultScore

FaultScore report

2009 Pontiac Vibe problems

Owners have filed 600 complaints about the 2009 Pontiac Vibe with NHTSA between 2008 and 2025. The largest single group is the airbags. Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 8 worst.

D

FaultScore 74/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Pontiac Vibe.

How this is worked out

The numbers

600

Complaints

26

Crashes reported

4

Fires reported

11

Injuries reported

55,500 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

40%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

Complaint volume 100 vs 50 Severity 35 vs 50 Early failure 68 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 100
Against the median year of the Pontiac Vibe. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 35
6.8% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 68
40% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2009 compares with every other Pontiac Vibe

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2009 Pontiac Vibe

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Airbags 352 58.7%

6 crashes, 0 fires · median 93,000 mi

13 crashes, 0 fires · median 20,250 mi

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 83,654 mi

Steering 35 5.8%

Median failure at 38,000 miles

Brakes 23 3.8%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 20,500 mi

1 crashes, 2 fires · median 74,000 mi

1 crashes, 1 fires · median 26,750 mi

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 48,500 mi

Median failure at 59,250 miles

Other & Unspecified 9 1.5%

Median failure at 125,000 miles

Wheels 7 1.2%

Median failure at 30,000 miles

Fuel & Propulsion 6 1.0%

Median failure at 32,500 miles

Suspension 6 1.0%

Median failure at 33,000 miles

Body & Structure 5 0.8%

2 crashes, 1 fires · median 47,451 mi

Equipment & Accessories 3 0.5%

Median failure at 45,201 miles

Tires 2 0.3%

Median failure at 32,000 miles

Seats 1 0.2%

Median failure at 9,857 miles

Seat Belts 1 0.2%

Median failure at 154,000 miles

Exactly what failed

NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.

Accelerator Pedal 19 51.4%
Automatic Transmission 5 13.5%
Body 3 8.1%
Exhaust System 3 8.1%
Power Window Devices AND Controls 3 8.1%
Vacuum 2 5.4%
Pressure Monitoring AND Regulating Systems 1 2.7%
ABS Warning Light 1 2.7%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

Under 1,000 miles 9 3.7%
1,000 – 9,999 miles 29 12.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 34 14.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 41 16.9%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 38 15.7%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 39 16.1%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 37 15.3%
150,000+ miles 15 6.2%

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Nov 2008 peak 49 Feb 2025

NHTSA investigations into the 2009 Pontiac Vibe

An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.

1 investigation is still open.

EA21002 Opened 17 Sep 2021 Still open AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.C...

AQ10001 Opened 18 Nov 2010 Closed 28 Dec 2015 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Fleet Vehicle Recall Completion Audit

On November 18, 2010, NHTSA's Recall Management Division (RMD) opened an audit query (AQ10-001) to investigate recall remedy completion by rental car companies on safety recall campaigns.It was expected to provide the agency an indication of how completely and how quickly rental car fleets perform necessary recall-related remedies on the vehicles owned and then rented/leased for use on the roadways.RMD queried three (3) major motor vehicle manufacturers (Ford, Chrysler, and General Motors) and requested data regarding completion figures for fifteen (15) discreet safety recalls.Analysis of this...

Recalls on the 2009 Pontiac Vibe

A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.

United States — NHTSA

18V024000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2013 Scion xB, Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sienna, 4Runner, Lexus IS250, IS350, IS250C, IS350C, IS-F, and GX460 vehicles sold, ever registered, in the states of AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, PR, AS, GU, the MP (Saipan), and the U.S. VI or "Zone A." Toyota is also recalling certain 2010 Scion xB, Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Yaris, 4Runner, Lexus IS250, IS350, IS250C, IS350C, ES350, IS-F, GX460, and Pontiac Vibe vehicles sold, ever registered, in the states of AZ, AR, DE, DC, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV or "Zone B." Toyota is also recalling certain 2009 Scion xB, Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Yaris, Lexus IS250, IS350, ES350, IS-F, and Pontiac Vibe vehicles ever registered in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

17V006000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2012 Toyota 4Runner, Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sienna, Yaris, Scion xB, Lexus ES350, GX460, IS-F, IS250, IS350, IS250C, IS350C, and Lexus LFA vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Toyota is recalling certain 2009 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Yaris, Yaris HB, Scion xB, Pontiac Vibe, Lexus, ES350, IS250, IS350, and IS-F vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Toyota is recalling certain 2006-2008 Lexus IS250 and IS350, 2007-2008 Lexus ES350, Toyota Yaris, Yaris HB, and 2008 Lexus IS-F and Scion xB vehicles originally sold, or ever reg

Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

16V340000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Scion xB and Lexus IS F, 2009-2011 Toyota Corolla and Corolla Matrix, 2006-2011 Toyota Yaris, Lexus IS250 and Lexus IS350, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, Lexus IS250C, Lexus IS350C and Lexus GX460, 2011 Sienna, 2007-2011 Lexus ES350, and 2009-2010 Pontiac Vibe vehicles, originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 Scion xB and Lexus IS F, 2007-2008 Toyota Yaris, 2006-2008 Lexus IS250 and Lexus IS350 and 2007-2008 Lexus ES350 vehicles, originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Vehicles of these model years and models that were not originally sold or ever register

Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

15V689000

VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

Toyota Motor Company (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Tundra, Sequoia, Corolla, Corolla Matrix and Scion xB, 2008-2011 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2007 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2009 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2006-2011 RAV4, 2006-2010 Yaris, and 2009-2010 Scion xD and Pontiac Vibe vehicles. During the manufacturing of the Power Window Master Switch (PWMS), grease lubricant may have been inconsistently applied to the sliding electrical contacts.

Risk: If the sliding electrical contacts are not protected by lubricant, debris and moisture that get into the switch may cause a short circuit and the switch assembly may overheat and melt, increasing the risk of a fire.

14V168000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006-2008 RAV4, 2006-2010 Yaris, 2008-2010 Highlander, and 2009-2010 Tacoma, Corolla, Corolla Matrix and General Motors Pontiac Vibe vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the steering column assembly contains electrical connections to the driver's airbag module housed in a spiral cable assembly, which includes a Flexible Flat Cable (FFC). Due to the shape and location of the FFC's retainer, the FFC could become damaged when the steering wheel is turned.

Risk: If the FFC is damaged, connectivity to the driver's air bag module could be lost and the air bag deactivated. The failure of the driver's air bag to deploy in the event of a crash that typically necessitates deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver.

12V491000

VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 Camry, Camry Hybrid, RAV4, Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Tundra, Sequoia, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Yaris, Scion xB, Scion xD and Pontiac Vibe vehicles. The power window master switch assemblies in some of these vehicles were built using a less precise process for lubricating the internal components of the switch assemblies. Irregularities in this lubrication process may cause the power window master switch assemblies to malfunction and overheat.

Risk: If the switch overheats, it may melt, possibly resulting in a fire.

10V024000

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL

GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 AND 2010 PONTIAC VIBE PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CAN GET STUCK IN THE WIDE OPEN POSITION DUE TO ITS BEING TRAPPED BY AN UNSECURED OR INCOMPATIBLE DRIVER'S FLOOR MAT.

Risk: A STUCK OPEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY RESULT IN VERY HIGH VEHICLE SPEEDS AND MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO STOP THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH, SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

10V018000

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL

GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 AND 2010 PONTIAC VIBE VEHICLES. DUE TO THE MANNER IN WHICH THE FRICTION LEVER INTERACTS WITH THE SLIDING SURFACE OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL INSIDE THE PEDAL SENSOR ASSEMBLY, THE SLIDING SURFACE OF THE LEVER MAY BECOME SMOOTH DURING VEHICLE OPERATION. IN THIS CONDITION, IF CONDENSATION OCCURS ON THE SURFACE, AS MAY OCCUR FROM HEATER OPERATION (WITHOUT A/C) WHEN THE PEDAL ASSEMBLY IS COLD, THE FRICTION WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS OPERATED MAY INCREASE, WHICH MAY RESULT IN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECOMING HARDER TO DEPRESS, SLOWER TO RETURN, OR, IN THE WORST CASE, MECHANICALLY STUCK IN A PARTIALLY DEPRESSED POSITION.

Risk: THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY BECOME HARD TO DEPRESS, SLOW TO RETURN TO IDLE, OR, IN THE WORST CASE, MECHANICALLY STUCK IN A PARTIALLY DEPRESSED POSITION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 2018016 21,632 units in Canada

Airbag

On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, could eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger frontal airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. As a result, if the vehicle were involved in a collision that warrants airbag deployment, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants, and the airbag assembly could be damaged, preventing proper function. These issues could increase the risk of injury. Correction: Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will either replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator, or replace the airbag assembly. Note: Canadian climate results in the propellant degrading slowly. The recall is being conducted as a precaution to address future risk, and is expected to replace airbag inflators before their function would be affected. Additional note: The 2010 model year vehicles involved in this campaign have been identified as having once being registered in “Zone B” in the USA.

Recall 2017134 150 units in Canada

Airbag

General Motors Canada is conducting a voluntary Safety Improvement Program involving the passenger airbag inflator in certain vehicles that were originally sold or ever registered in certain high humidity areas of the United States equipped with Takata airbags. General Motors will replace the passenger inflator on affected vehicles, depending on the vehicle involved. Owners who believe their vehicles may have been originally purchased or registered in the states of New Jersey, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Missouri, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, North Carolina, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, California, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, Florida, Hawaii, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands should contact a General Motors dealer. This action is not being conducted under the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Note: This Safety Improvement Campaign is superseded by recall 2018-016 (GM Recall 17476). Please see <a href="http://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/7/VRDB-BDRV/search-recherche/detail.aspx?lang=eng&&rn=2018016">recall 2018016</a> for more information.

Recall 2015496 8,751 units in Canada

Electrical

On certain vehicles, inconsistent application of grease during the manufacturing process could cause the driver's side power window master switch to stick or become inoperative due to electrical contact point wear. This could cause debris to accumulate between the contact points, potentially resulting in an electrical short circuit. If a short circuit occurs, the switch assembly may overheat, produce smoke, melt and/or potentially lead to a fire causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will inspect the driver's power window master switch and apply a specialized grease that inhibits heat build-up, or replace the power window master switch circuit board, as necessary. Note: This is an expansion of recall 2012-342.

Recall 2014145 26,690 units in Canada

Airbag

On certain vehicles, electrical circuitry in the steering wheel assembly may become damaged. As a result, the driver's airbag may not function as intended, causing the instrument panel airbag warning lamp to illuminate. Failure of the driver's airbag to deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of injury to the seat occupant. Correction: Dealers will replace the spiral cable assembly.

Recall 2012342 16,724 units in Canada

Electrical

On certain vehicles, due to improperly applied grease, the driver's side power window master switch could stick or become inoperative. If attempts are made to lubricate the switch, the switch assembly could overheat and melt. A melting switch may produce smoke and potentially lead to a fire causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will inspect the driver's power window master switch and apply a specialized grease that inhibits heat build-up, or replace the power window master switch circuit board, as necessary.

Recall 2010034 28,488 units in Canada

Other

On certain vehicles, the accelerator pedal may become stuck in the wide open position due to an unsecured or incompatible driver's floor mat. A stuck open accelerator pedal may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or death. Correction: Owners will be notified by first class mail to remove any unsecured driver's floor mat until further notice by the manufacturer.

Recall 2010015 28,488 units in Canada

Engine

On certain vehicles the accelerator pedal movement may become rough, slow to return, or stick in a depressed position. This problem is caused by either wear or high humidity and could result in a loss of control leading to a vehicle crash causing property damage, personal injury or death. Correction: Dealers will install a steel reinforcement bar to the accelerator pedal assembly. With this reinforcement in place, the excess friction that can cause the pedal to stick is eliminated.

Recall 2009252 15,948 units in Canada

Brakes

On certain vehicles, when driven in extremely low ambient temperatures, the intake manifold suction port for the brake vacuum can become blocked due to the freezing of condensation emanating from Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV). Should the suction port become blocked, vacuum assist to the brakes would be insufficient and the increased pedal pressure required could lead to an increase in vehicle stopping distance. Extended stopping distances may result in a vehicle crash causing property damage, personal injury or death. Correction: Dealers will install a newly designed intake air connector which will relocate the brake system vacuum port.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

Bluffton, OH Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

Air bags failed to deploy and vehicle is not available for inspection. Vehicle was a total loss and is in the proces of becoming proprty of Copart.com for auction (I assume). I hit my head very hard from the T-bone type of collision and my side airbags did not deploy. I have a severe concussion and internal brain bleed. ICU stay was required. Problem was confirmed by the police report, etc. Nothing has been inspected to the best of my knowledge in any great detail (I assume). No warning lamps, messgaes, or other symptoms prior to the failure.

NHTSA complaint #11535214 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Bluffton, OH Crash 1 injured

STRUCTURE:BODY

Air bags failed to deploy and vehicle is not available for inspection. Vehicle was a total loss and is in the proces of becoming proprty of Copart.com for auction (I assume). I hit my head very hard from the T-bone type of collision and my side airbags did not deploy. I have a severe concussion and internal brain bleed. ICU stay was required. Problem was confirmed by the police report, etc. Nothing has been inspected to the best of my knowledge in any great detail (I assume). No warning lamps, messgaes, or other symptoms prior to the failure.

NHTSA complaint #11535214 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Bluffton, OH Crash 1 injured

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Air bags failed to deploy and vehicle is not available for inspection. Vehicle was a total loss and is in the proces of becoming proprty of Copart.com for auction (I assume). I hit my head very hard from the T-bone type of collision and my side airbags did not deploy. I have a severe concussion and internal brain bleed. ICU stay was required. Problem was confirmed by the police report, etc. Nothing has been inspected to the best of my knowledge in any great detail (I assume). No warning lamps, messgaes, or other symptoms prior to the failure.

NHTSA complaint #11535214 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 101,000 miles Alamo, CA Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

POWER WINDOW MASTER SWITCH FAILURE. SHORTED AND CAUGHT ON FIRE. FIRE WAS ISOLATED TO SWITCH AND DOOR PANEL, HOWEVER INTERIOR OF CAR DID FILL UP WITH SMOKE. POWER WINDOW MASTER SWITCH WAS PREVIOUSLY ADDRESSED AS PER BULLETIN 15791A HOWEVER RECALL DID NOT REMEDY DEFECTIVE PART/HAZARD.

NHTSA complaint #11289065 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 153,000 miles Princeville, NC Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 PONTIAC VIBE. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 50-55 MPH, THE CONTACT STRUCK A DEER. THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY, BUT THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED IN THE CRASH. THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER SUSTAINED MINOR BURNS AND INJURIES FROM THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE FROM THE SCENE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V006000 (AIR BAGS). A LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 153,000. *TT

NHTSA complaint #11057109 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 96,500 miles Norcross, GA Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

RECALL MANUFACTURER FAILURE TO COMPLY

NHTSA complaint #11044047 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

Pembina, ND

ENGINE

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The Toyota 2.4L 2AZ-FE engine in my 2009 Pontiac Vibe GT suffers from excessive oil consumption due to a known piston ring defect. The rapid oil loss between changes puts the engine at risk of failure. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? This issue poses a serious safety risk because: 1.Oil levels drop unpredictably, increasing the risk of sudden engine failure while driving, which could lead to accidents. 2.No dashboard warning appears when oil is low, making it difficult to detect before damage occurs. 3.Toyota acknowledged this defect under Warranty Enhancement ZE7, but Pontiac Vibe owners were excluded, despite having the same Toyota-manufactured engine. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. Independent mechanics have confirmed the excessive oil consumption, consistent with the known Toyota 2AZ-FE defect. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? •Toyota acknowledged the issue in their vehicles but refused assistance for the Pontiac Vibe GT. •GM has not inspected the vehicle, even though they marketed and sold it. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? •No warning lights indicate low oil levels. •Symptoms include rapid oil loss, increased engine noise, and potential knocking if oil is not constantly monitored. Summary for NHTSA The Pontiac Vibe GT uses the Toyota 2AZ-FE engine, which Toyota admitted has a piston ring defect. Toyota extended warranties for their vehicles but excluded Pontiac Vibe owners, leaving us with a known defective engine. This creates a safety risk that should be investigated.

NHTSA complaint #11640704 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 64,000 miles Orlando, FL

STEERING

The contact called on behalf of her sister who owns a 2009 Pontiac Vibe. The contact stated that while her sister was driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle was making an abnormal noise and the steering wheel was shaking abnormally. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the steering rack needed to be replaced. The contact was notified of an unknown recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact drove the vehicle to the dealer and was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 64,000.

NHTSA complaint #11618100 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Houston, TX

AIR BAGS

I been trying to get the recalls to be fix but both the dealers and GM haven’t been able to help due to parts discontinued, I been trying to get this issued resolve for a year or so. I need help please, they just keep saying that all recalls on this vehicle don’t have the parts for it and don’t know what else to do.

NHTSA complaint #11597438 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Houston, TX

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I been trying to get the recalls to be fix but both the dealers and GM haven’t been able to help due to parts discontinued, I been trying to get this issued resolve for a year or so. I need help please, they just keep saying that all recalls on this vehicle don’t have the parts for it and don’t know what else to do.

NHTSA complaint #11597438 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Houston, TX

SERVICE BRAKES

I been trying to get the recalls to be fix but both the dealers and GM haven’t been able to help due to parts discontinued, I been trying to get this issued resolve for a year or so. I need help please, they just keep saying that all recalls on this vehicle don’t have the parts for it and don’t know what else to do.

NHTSA complaint #11597438 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Pembina, ND

ENGINE

TSB 0158-14 IS a Toyota engine that was also used in General Motors Pontiac vibe in 2009 and 2010 The tsb has to do with oil consumption and a tsb was made for Toyota. Not for Pontiac as a result my Pontiac is now consuming oil every 1000kms As they both used the 2Az-FE 2.4 engine

NHTSA complaint #11557432 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Parlier, CA

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

I was driving no warnings lights to shutting down on the road to black smoke came out of the back luckily a guy was going by and helped me move my car

NHTSA complaint #11543052 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Parlier, CA

ENGINE

I was driving no warnings lights to shutting down on the road to black smoke came out of the back luckily a guy was going by and helped me move my car

NHTSA complaint #11543052 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Parlier, CA

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I was driving no warnings lights to shutting down on the road to black smoke came out of the back luckily a guy was going by and helped me move my car

NHTSA complaint #11543052 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Pembina, ND

WHEELS

The steering rack and intermediate shaft in the steering wheel Go bad and what happens is it makes having an alignment impossible Not only that but the vehicle clunks with every turn [XXX] Being a Pontiac it was a joint venture between Toyota And GM Thus Affecting many Toyota Corolla Prius and matrix As Toyota got a recall Pontiac did not INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11535337 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Pembina, ND

STEERING

The steering rack and intermediate shaft in the steering wheel Go bad and what happens is it makes having an alignment impossible Not only that but the vehicle clunks with every turn [XXX] Being a Pontiac it was a joint venture between Toyota And GM Thus Affecting many Toyota Corolla Prius and matrix As Toyota got a recall Pontiac did not INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11535337 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Pembina, ND

SUSPENSION

The steering rack and intermediate shaft in the steering wheel Go bad and what happens is it makes having an alignment impossible Not only that but the vehicle clunks with every turn [XXX] Being a Pontiac it was a joint venture between Toyota And GM Thus Affecting many Toyota Corolla Prius and matrix As Toyota got a recall Pontiac did not INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11535337 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Bluffton, OH Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

Air bags failed to deploy and vehicle is not available for inspection. Vehicle was a total loss and is in the proces of becoming proprty of Copart.com for auction (I assume). I hit my head very hard from the T-bone type of collision and my side airbags did not deploy. I have a severe concussion and internal brain bleed. ICU stay was required. Problem was confirmed by the police report, etc. Nothing has been inspected to the best of my knowledge in any great detail (I assume). No warning lamps, messgaes, or other symptoms prior to the failure.

NHTSA complaint #11535214 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Bluffton, OH Crash 1 injured

STRUCTURE:BODY

Air bags failed to deploy and vehicle is not available for inspection. Vehicle was a total loss and is in the proces of becoming proprty of Copart.com for auction (I assume). I hit my head very hard from the T-bone type of collision and my side airbags did not deploy. I have a severe concussion and internal brain bleed. ICU stay was required. Problem was confirmed by the police report, etc. Nothing has been inspected to the best of my knowledge in any great detail (I assume). No warning lamps, messgaes, or other symptoms prior to the failure.

NHTSA complaint #11535214 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Bluffton, OH Crash 1 injured

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Air bags failed to deploy and vehicle is not available for inspection. Vehicle was a total loss and is in the proces of becoming proprty of Copart.com for auction (I assume). I hit my head very hard from the T-bone type of collision and my side airbags did not deploy. I have a severe concussion and internal brain bleed. ICU stay was required. Problem was confirmed by the police report, etc. Nothing has been inspected to the best of my knowledge in any great detail (I assume). No warning lamps, messgaes, or other symptoms prior to the failure.

NHTSA complaint #11535214 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Byron Center, MI

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Accelerates on its own from idle or low speeds. Was recalled on 2/8/2010 #2010018..and repaired on 6/21/ 2010. Approx. 2 years ago it started to "take off again". Grand Buick... Grandville MI advised there was no current recall. I'm waiting for GM to advise of a no charge to owner recall.

NHTSA complaint #11518683 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Byron Center, MI

ENGINE

Accelerates on its own from idle or low speeds. Was recalled on 2/8/2010 #2010018..and repaired on 6/21/ 2010. Approx. 2 years ago it started to "take off again". Grand Buick... Grandville MI advised there was no current recall. I'm waiting for GM to advise of a no charge to owner recall.

NHTSA complaint #11518683 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Key West, FL

AIR BAGS

The restraint system appears to have failed and cannot be repaired. Nobody appears to know why

NHTSA complaint #11508061 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 117,000 miles Sylvania, OH

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

The contact owns a 2009 Pontiac Vibe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the vehicle speed control (VSC), ABS, and check engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who was unable to duplicate the failure; however, the independent mechanic replaced the heat shield. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.

NHTSA complaint #11478986 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 117,000 miles Sylvania, OH

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:ABS WARNING LIGHT

The contact owns a 2009 Pontiac Vibe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the vehicle speed control (VSC), ABS, and check engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who was unable to duplicate the failure; however, the independent mechanic replaced the heat shield. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.

NHTSA complaint #11478986 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 130,000 miles Whittier, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

PONTIAC VIBE 2009: ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, DUE TO FAT MISAPPLIED THE MAIN SWITCH TO CONTROL ELECTRIC WINDOW ON THE DRIVER SIDE COULD GET STUCK OR STOP WORKING. IF WE TRIED TO LUBRICATE THE SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT AND MELT. A SWITCH THAT COULD MELT PRODUCE SMOKE AND CAUSE A FIRE DAMAGING PROPERTY OR INJURING SOMEONE. CORRECTION: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE MASTER SWITCH TO CONTROL ELECTRIC WINDOW ON THE DRIVER SIDE AND APPLY SPECIAL GREASE THAT PREVENTS HEAT BUILDUP, OR REPLACE THE CIRCUIT BOARD OF THE SWITCH, IF NECESSARY. NUMBER OF VEHICLES AFFECTED: 16,724.

NHTSA complaint #11343592 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 30,000 miles Perrysburg, OH

STEERING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 PONTIAC VIBE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL SOUND COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED SHE CONTINUED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO ED SCHMIDT GMC (26875 N DIXIE HWY, PERRYSBURG, OH 43551) WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A POWER STEERING FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 30,000. *BF

NHTSA complaint #11337174 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Taylor, PA

AIR BAGS

MY VEHICLE WAS TURNED IN FOR THE AIRBAG RECALL. WE RECEIVED A CALL SAYING IT WAS DONE. WE ARE STILL RECEIVING NOTICES FROM THE ESTABLISHMENT WE DROPPED THE CAR OFF TO GET IT COMPLETED AND PENDOT STATING THE RECALL HAS NOT BEEN COMPLETED.

NHTSA complaint #11327507 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 80,000 miles Corryton, TN

ENGINE

I BOUGHT A 2009 PONTIAC VIBE WITH A 2.4L ENGINE A LITTLE OVER A YEAR AGO WITH AROUND 80K MILES. I NOTICED RIGHT AWAY THAT IT WAS USING ABOUT A QUART OF OIL AROUND EVERY 1K MILES. IT NOW HAS A LITTLE OVER 90K MILES AND USES ABOUT 1.25 QUARTS OF OIL PER 1K MILES. I FOUND THAT TOYOTA ADMITTED TO A PROBLEM WITH THE 2AZ-FE ENGINES THAT ARE IN THEIR MATRIX AND CAMRYS, AS WELL AS THE PONTIAC VIBE, AND HAVE OFFERED THE ZE7 WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM TO REPLACE THE PISTONS AND RINGS IN THESE PRODUCTS TO CORRECT THE EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION ISSUE. I CONTACTED GM SERVICE TO SEE IF THEY WERE GOING TO OFFER THE SAME PROGRAM FOR THESE ENGINES SINCE THEY PURCHASED THESE DEFECTIVE ENGINES FROM TOYOTA. THEY RESPONDED BY SAYING THAT THERE WERE NO OPEN SERVICE PROGRAMS OPEN FOR THIS CAR. I ASKED THEM WHY GM WOULDN'T ADMIT TO THE PROBLEM AS TOYOTA DID, AND OFFER A PROGRAM SIMILAR TO THE TOYOTA PROGRAM TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES WITH THIS ENGINE. THEY RESPONDED AGAIN BY SAYING THAT THERE WERE NO OPEN SERVICE ISSUES FOR THIS VEHICLE. I THINK IT'S VERY IRRESPONSIBLE OF GM TO NOT ACKNOWLEDGE A PROBLEM WITH THESE ENGINES AND OFFER THE SAME SUPPORT FOR THEM AS DID TOYOTA WHO SUPPLIED THE ENGINES TO GM. I GREW UP AS PART OF A GM FAMILY, BUT WON'T PLAN TO BUY ANY FUTURE GM PRODUCTS DUE TO THEIR LACK OF SUPPORT FOR THEIR CUSTOMERS WITH AN OBVIOUS PRODUCT QUALITY ISSUE AS IS FOUND HERE. IF TOYOTA ACKNOWLEDGES A PROBLEM WITH THESE ENGINES AND PROVIDES SUPPORT TO THEIR CUSTOMERS, WHY DOESN'T GM OFFER SIMILAR SUPPORT SINCE TOYOTA SUPPLIED THE IDENTICAL ENGINES TO THEM? DOESN'T MAKE FOR GOOD CUSTOMER PUBLIC RELATIONS AND DOESN'T PROVIDE ANY INCENTIVE TO BUY FUTURE GM VEHICLES.

NHTSA complaint #11320294 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 101,200 miles Parkesburg, PA

ENGINE

DUE TO A MANUFACTURING DEFECT WITH THE ENGINE, THE VEHICLE BURNS OVER A QUART OF OIL EVERY 1000 MILES. THIS MEANS IT REQUIRES A WAIVER TO PASS INSPECTION. THE 2009 TOYOTA MATRIX, WHICH SHARES THE SAME ENGINE, HAD A RECALL ISSUED. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A HIGHWAY. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND ABS WARNING ILLUMINATED, DISTRACTING THE DRIVER. THERE WAS NO COLLISION, BUT A NEAR MISS.

NHTSA complaint #11311869 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.