118 of the 2,133 complaints filed about the Pontiac Vibe are about the throttle and cruise control — 6% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2009.
118
Complaints
6%
Share of all complaints
24
Crashes
0
Fires
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.
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.
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.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 PONTIAC VIBE. WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE ABOVE 20 MPH. ADDITIONALLY, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS APPLIED, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO MOVE. THE CHECK ENGINE AND VSC OFF WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REFERRED THE CONTACT TO GENERAL MOTORS (300 ACME DR, MONROE, NC, 704-283-8175). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS SIMILAR TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V018000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 167,000.
NHTSA complaint #11256574 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 PONTIAC VIBE. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 45-50 MPH, THE CONTACT LOST CONTACT OF THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE CONTACT QUICKLY SHIFTED INTO THIRD GEAR, BUT IT DID NOT SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN. THE CONTACT THEN SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND THE MOTOR REVVED UP TO 7,000 RPMS. THE CONTACT SHIFTED BACK INTO DRIVE, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS STILL ACCELERATING. THE CONTACT POWERED OFF THE ENGINE AND COASTED THE VEHICLE INTO A DRIVEWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND THE ENGINE REVVED BACK UP TO 7,000 RPMS. THE CONTACT POWERED OFF THE VEHICLE A SECOND TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.
NHTSA complaint #11217508 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
THE TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH SWITCH IS STUCK OFF. CAR IS LOSING POWER NOT SHIFTING UP OR DOWN AS IT SHOULD. OXYGEN SENSOR BANK 1 SAYS LEAN. ITS AS IF ITS NOT PULLING IN ENOUGH AIR. TO PUSH POWER. IDLES ROUGH. ELECTRICAL ISSUE OR COMPUTER ISSUE. NOT SUREAS IF IM AT STOP LIGHT IT SHAKES BADLY WHILE SLOWING DOWN LETING OFF THE GAS. OR BRAKING.
NHTSA complaint #11141741 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 PONTIAC VIBE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED RECALL NOTIFICATIONS FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 10V024000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL), 12V491000 (VISIBILITY), 14V168000 (AIR BAGS), AND 16V340000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS NEEDED FOR THE REPAIRS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE CONTACT CALLED HI-WAY CHEVROLET BUICK INC AT (712) 476-5309 (LOCATED AT 1427 10TH ST, ROCK VALLEY, IA, 51247) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA complaint #11101230 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 PONTIAC VIBE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 12V491000 (VISIBILITY), 10V024000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL), 14V168000 (AIR BAGS), AND 17V006000 (AIR BAGS). THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER (PAT OBRIEN IN WILLOBY, OH) DID NOT GIVE A SPECIFIC DATE FOR WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND COULD NOT PROVIDE AN ESTIMATED DATE FOR WHEN THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WOULD RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT WAS NOT EXPERIENCING A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11005267 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 PONTIAC VIBE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 17V006000 (AIR BAGS) AND 10V024000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE PARTS NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10994022 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
PEDAL ACCELERATOR - WHEN DRIVING, THE CAR ACCELERATES ON THIS OWN EVEN WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS NOT DEPRESSED. THE RESULT IS INCREASED SPEEDS, AND WHEN REACHING A STOP, THE CAR HAS TO QUICKLY BE PLACED IN NEUTRAL OR PARK TO STOP THE CAR, ELSE, IT WILL CONTINUE TO MOVE. THERE WAS A PREVIOUS RECALL FOR THIS SITUATION WITH GMC AND THERE WAS AN ATTEMPT TO FIX THIS ISSUE WITH MY VEHICLE. HOWEVER, IT HAS BECOME AN ISSUE AGAIN. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES, AND IT POSES A SAFETY HAZARD.
NHTSA complaint #10935343 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 PONTIAC VIBE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK IN THE DEPRESSED POSITION. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY SERVICED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V024000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL), BUT THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10929568 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
SOMETIMES WHEN ACCELERATING, IT'S SLOW TO MOVE, THEN A SUDDEN JERK HAPPENS IF I PUT PRESSURE ON THE GAS PEDAL. THIS HAPPENS WHEN DRIVING AT LOWER SPEEDS, I CAN BE ENTERING MY GARAGE OR ACCELERATING AFTER A STOP LIGHT OR SIGN. CAN BE SCARY WHEN IT JERKS DURING ACCELERATION. THE STEERING COLUMN IS BEGINNING TO RATTLE AND SHAKE AT ABOUT 45 MILES SOMETIME AT LOWER SPEEDS AS WELL,A VERY ROUGH RIDE ON SMOOTH PAVEMENT,FEELS LIKE IT'S FALLING APART. THE THIRD ISSUE HAS TO DO WITH THE AIRBAG INDICATOR LIGHT STAYING ON IN BOTH DRIVERS AND PASSENGER SIDES WHILE DRIVING. WHEN I WENT TO DEALER FOR AN APPOINTMENT IT DIDN'T HAPPEN BUT GETTING A DIAGNOSTIC TOMORROW FOR THAT. BOUGHT THE CAR USED LAST YEAR WITH ABOUT 37,000 MILES,ALWAYS SERVICED AT THE DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED IT. I NOW HAVE A LITTLE OVER 53,000 MILES ON IT AT THIS TIME,JUST LOCAL DIVING.
NHTSA complaint #10894668 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC VIBE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED UNCONTROLLABLY DISABLING THE BRAKES. IN ADDITION, THERE WAS RUBBER BURNING FROM THE TIRES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 114,217.
NHTSA complaint #10816808 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
MY WIFE WAS THE DRIVER. SHE HAD STOPPED TO BACK UP AND SWING INTO HER NORMAL PARKING SPOT. SHE HAD BEEN PARKING IN THIS SPOT FOR ALMOST 5 YEARS. THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED FROM THE STOP AND THOUGH SHE APPLIED THE BRAKES AND PARKING BRAKE, THE CAR ACCELERATED 40' THROUGH OUR BUSHES AND KNOCKED DOWN THE NEIGHBORS CHAIN LINK FENCE BEFORE STOPPING. IT STOPPED MOVING BECAUSE THE FWD WHEELS WERE OFF THE GROUND AS THE KNOCKED OVER BUSHES RAISED THE CAR BODY UP. I WAS TAKING A SHOWER AND HEARD THE ENGINE REV UNCONTROLLABLY AND GRAVEL SPRAYING EVERYWHERE. IT WAS LOUD. WE ARE AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR AND CANNOT IN GOOD CONSCIENCE TRADE IT IN OR SELL IT. NO ONE WAS HURT THIS TIME, BUT IF IT DOES IT AGAIN SOMEONE OR MORE COULD BE SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED. SHE DID NOT STEP ON THE GAS. SHE WAS STOPPED IN DRIVE AND ABOUT TO PUT IT INTO REVERSE WHEN IT JUST TOOK OFF LIKE IT WAS POSSESSED. MAUI POLICE REPORT #15-049974. 12/4/2015 OFFICER J. BURHETT 808-244-6355 AAA-HAWAII CLAIM #012-137620
NHTSA complaint #10808609 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
LEAVING A STOP LIGHT IN ALPENA MICHIGAN, THE GAS PEDAL BEGAN TO GO DOWN AND SPED UP THE CAR BY ITSELF. I IMMEDIATELY TURNED OFF THE KEY AND LET IT SLOW DOWN. THEN TURNED THE KEY ON AND IT SPED UP BY ITSELF AGAIN!. THIS TIME I PUT IT IN NEUTRAL AND THE ENGINE SPED UP RAPIDLY TO 4 TO 5 THOUSAND RPM. ONCE AGAIN I TURNED OFF THE KEY AND THEN ON AGAIN AND IT SEEMED NORMAL AFTER THAT. THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS OFF. THE ONLY THING THAT WOULD CAUSE THIS TYPE OF DEFECT IS A FAULTY CRUISE CONTROL!! NO, THE FLOOR MAT WAS NOT INVOLVED!! I PURCHASED THIS AUTO FROM SCHAFER CHEVY OF PINNCONING MICHIGAN ON 1/22/15. I FEEL THESE CARS SHOULD BE RECALLED IMMEDIATELY, AS TO HOW DANGEROUS THEY REALLY ARE. IF MY WIFE HAD BEEN DRIVING THIS CAR, I AM SURE SHE WOULD HAVE PANICKED AND I HATE TO THINK OF THE RESULT!!. I AM STUCK WITH THIS CAR, AND WILL BE THE ONLY DRIVER SINCE I KNOW WHAT TO DO IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN. I REFUSE TO SELL TO SOMEONE ELSE. WITH ABS BRAKING, THEY WILL NOT STOP REGARDLESS HOW HARD YOU PUSH, THEREFORE I HAVE DISCONNECTED THE ABS SYSTEM. I AM FROM THE OLD SCHOOL AND KNOW HOW TO "PUMP" MY OWN BRAKES. I SURE HOPE YOU PEOPLE WOULD DO SOMETHING, INSTEAD OF PASSING THE BUCK AND BLAMING SOMETHING ELSE! BUT AS USUAL, I DON'T EXPECT ANYTHING SPEEDY FROM OUR SO CALLED GOVERNMENT.
NHTSA complaint #10721308 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK THIS EVENING, WHICH IS ABOUT 25 MINUTES AWAY FROM HOME, WHEN MY VSC, ENGINE, AND BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON. I WAS AT A RED LIGHT AND WAS GOING TO PULL INTO TO A GROCERY STORE LOT. MY CAR WOULD NOT GO INTO GEAR. I TRIED SEVERAL TIMES WITH NO RESULT. I WAS STUCK IN THE TURNING LANE OF THE INTERSECTION. I SHUT OFF THE CAR AND RESTARTED IT. I WAS ABLE TO TURN INTO THE PARKING LOT AND WENT AROUND TO TURN BACK TO MY WORK PARKING LOT, AS SOON AS I STOPPED FOR A COUPLE SECONDS, THE CAR WOULD NOT GO INTO GEAR ONCE AGAIN. I HAD TO LEAVE IT IN THE LOT OVERNIGHT. WHEN MY FRIEND CAME TO TOW IT, HE WAS ABLE TO PUT THE CAR INTO GEAR WITH NO ISSUE. HE TOOK IT TO A LOCAL AUTO PARTS STORE AND THEY RAN THE DIAGNOSTIC CODES. THE CODES STATED THAT IT WAS THE TRANSMISSION SOLENOID. I HAD THAT CHANGED OUT AND THEN ON THE DAY I GOT IT BACK, THE BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON, IT WOULD COME ON AND THEN GO OFF. ON THE WAY HOME AFTER RUNNING ERRANDS, THE LIGHT CAME BACK ON, WHEN I PARKED THE CAR AT HOME, THE LIGHT WAS ON. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND TRIED TO RESTART IT AND NOTHING. I LET IT SET FOR A FEW MINUTES AND TRIED TO RESTART IT. IT STARTED BACK UP, I CHECKED THE ALTERNATOR BELT TO MAKE CERTAIN IT DID NOT COME OFF, AND SHUT OFF THE CAR AGAIN. I TRIED TO RESTART IT AND NOTHING.
NHTSA complaint #10706553 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 PONTIAC VIBE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED EXCESSIVELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN REPAIRED THE VEHICLE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 10V024000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) AND 10V018000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL); HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MULTIPLE INDEPENDENT MECHANICS, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 5/29/15*CN UPDATED 10/06/2017
NHTSA complaint #10706335 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I HAD BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH ACCELERATION ON MY 2003 PONTIAC VIBE AND I WAS LEAVING MY PLACE OF BUSINESS A FEW DAYS AFTER THE PROBLEM STARTED AND MY RPMS DROPPED TO 0 WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35MPH AND THEN IT SEEMED TO OF "CAUGHT" AND I DROVE TO WHERE I NEEDED TO GO, I TOOK MY CAR TO THE SHOP AND ONCE IT TURNED OFF IT WOULDN'T RESTART. THEY SEEMED TO THINK IT WAS THE FUEL PUMP AND RECOMMENDED I TAKE IT BACK TO WHERE I ORIGINALLY GOT THE VEHICLE 6 MONTHS AGO SINCE IT WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, SO I DID AND THEY AGREED IT WAS THE FUEL PUMP THEY CHANGED THE FUEL PUMP AND WAS STILL HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH NOT STARTING THEY TOOK IT TO A DEALER AND AFTER IT SAT THERE FOR 3 WEEKS LEAVING ME WITHOUT A CAR , I WAS THEN TOLD IT WAS THE MAIN COMPUTER FOR THE CAR AND WILL COST ME $1100 TO FIX. HOWEVER I STILL DON'T HAVE MY CAR BACK SINCE I DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO FIX IT. HOWEVER I JUST RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR MY CAR AND ONE OF THE 3 RECALLS IS FOR THE ECM. ISN'T THAT THE SAME AS THE 'MAIN COMPUTER' IN THE CAR AND SHOULDN'T THE DEALER FIXED IT AT NO CHARGE AND BEEN MADE AWARE OF THIS. SO NOW I HAVE BEEN WITHOUT A CAR FOR A MONTH FOR WHAT SHOULD OF BEEN FIXED BEFORE I EVEN BOUGHT THE CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10660108 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
MY 2009 PONTIAC VIBE BASE 1.4L HAS SERIOUS MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT STEERING ISSUES THAT MAKE IT FEEL VERY UNSAFE TO DRIVE. AT LOW SPEEDS THERE IS A RATTLE THAT COMES FROM THE STEERING MOTOR AND INTERMEDIATE SHAFT (2 SEPARATE ISSUES WHICH ARE EXPENSIVE TO FIX AND NO LONGER COVERED UNDER WARRANTY) WHICH MAKES THE CAR FEEL LIKE IT'S BROKEN AND FALLING APART. AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS THE STEERING IS UNPREDICTABLE, IT OVERCORRECTS AND FISHTAILS BACK AND FORTH. THIS CAR FEELS LIKE A DEATH TRAP, I COMPLETELY REGRET MY PURCHASE AND FEEL AS THOUGH IT IS UNSAFE FOR THE LONG TERM. THESE ISSUES ARE DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE TOYOTA MATRIX AS THEY WERE MADE IN THE SAME PLANT WITH THE SAME PARTS.
NHTSA complaint #10652934 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
VARIOUS LIGHTS COME ON IN THE DASHBOARD, I FORGET NOW EXACTLY WHICH LIGHTS, BUT I THINK IT WAS THE ABS LIGHT, THE VSC LIGHT, AND THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT. THIS HAPPENS ONLY FOR A FEW MINUTES IN A MONTH OR SO. WHEN IT HAPPENS, THE ABC, VSC, AND TRACTION CONTROL DO NOT WORK (I TESTED IT IN A SNOWY PARKING LOT). I WENT TO SALENTINE PONTIAC A COUPLE YEARS AGO, AND THEY SAID THAT SINCE IT IS SO INTERMITTENT, THEY ARE NOT REALLY LIKELY TO BE ABLE TO FIND THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM, NOR KNOW IF THEY WOULD HAVE FIXED IT. I CONTACTED PONTIAC VIA E-MAIL AND PHONE, AND WAS TOLD THEY HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THE PROBLEM IS, AND HAVE NEVER EVEN HEARD OF SUCH A THING. LOOKING ON THE INTERNET, I FOUND SEVERAL OTHER PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. NOW I SEE THERE IS A RECALL INVOLVING EXACTLY THIS ISSUE, BUT IT IS APPARENTLY ONLY FOR THE PONTIAC G6. IT SEEMS UNLIKELY THAT THE VIBE PROBLEM IS NOT RELATED. I WOULD HATE TO SEE G.M. GO BROKE, BUT THE THINGS THEY HAVE BEEN DOING ARE UNCONSCIONABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10592037 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.