2004 Pontiac Vibe Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2004 Pontiac Vibe, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Airbags10434.9%
- Visibility7625.5%
- Body & structure248.1%
- Electrical134.4%
- Engine124.0%
- Driver assistance124.0%
- Interior & seats113.7%
- Powertrain (other)72.3%
- Tires & wheels72.3%
- Transmission51.7%
- Seat belts51.7%
- Steering51.7%
- Other / unspecified41.3%
- Brakes31.0%
- Suspension31.0%
- Exterior lighting31.0%
- Fuel system31.0%
- Heating & air conditioning10.3%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
See attached document for complaint.
As there is a NHTSA recall notice on the 2004 Toyota Matrix for a Takata air bag risk of explosion with shrapnel, should there also be a similar notice on the 2004 Pontiac Vibe, which is practically the same vehicle and was manufactured at the same plant in CA?
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 PONTIAC VIBE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING WITH THE REAR DEFROSTER ACTIVATED, THE REAR HATCH WINDOW SHATTERED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LUPIENT BUICK/GMC (7100 WAYZATA BLVD, GOLDEN VALLEY, MN 55426) WHERE IT WAS CURRENTLY BEING DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 9-5481767211. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 210,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 PONTIAC VIBE. WHILE THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW WAS GOING DOWN, A CLUNKING SOUND WAS HEARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER (H&H BUICK, 3400 S. EXPRESSWAY ST., COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA, 844-879-6715) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WINDOW REGULATOR WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,500. *TT CONSUMER STATED THE PREVIOUS RECALL NOTICE WAS ACCOMPLISHED IN MAY OF 2017 BUT WINDOW PROBLEMS WERE PRESENT AFTER THAT WAS DONE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE WINDOW REGULATOR BUT IT DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. MY DRIVERS SIDE STILL CLUNKS WHEN WINDOW IS ROLLED DOWN AND IT SOUNDS LIKE WINDOW COULD BREAK AT SOME POINT, THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN AND IS DANDEROUS. REPLACING THE BELTS ON THE ORIGINAL RECALL WORKED FOR A TIME BUT IT CAME BACK. I WAS TOLD A NEW REGULATOR FOR THE WINDOW WOULD SOLVE THE PROBLEM. AFTER WINDOW REGULATOR WAS REPLACED THE CLUNKING SOUND STILL HAPPENS. UPDATED 10/18/18*JB
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
ALL 4 DOOR HANDLES ARE BROKEN OFF. I HAVE TO USE A PAIR OF PLIERS TO OPEN THE DOOR. IVE NOTICED ALMOST EVERY PONTIAC VIBE HAS DOOR HANDLES BROKEN OFF. TO ME THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE IF I WERE TO BE IN A WRECK AND BECOME UNCONSCIOUS OR TRAPPED. THERE'S NO WAY FOR ANYONE TO GET INTO THE CAR TO HELP ME.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 PONTIAC VIBE. WHILE THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW WAS GOING DOWN, A CLUNKING SOUND WAS HEARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER (H&H BUICK, 3400 S. EXPRESSWAY ST., COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA, 844-879-6715) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WINDOW REGULATOR WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,500. *TT CONSUMER STATED THE PREVIOUS RECALL NOTICE WAS ACCOMPLISHED IN MAY OF 2017 BUT WINDOW PROBLEMS WERE PRESENT AFTER THAT WAS DONE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE WINDOW REGULATOR BUT IT DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. MY DRIVERS SIDE STILL CLUNKS WHEN WINDOW IS ROLLED DOWN AND IT SOUNDS LIKE WINDOW COULD BREAK AT SOME POINT, THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN AND IS DANDEROUS. REPLACING THE BELTS ON THE ORIGINAL RECALL WORKED FOR A TIME BUT IT CAME BACK. I WAS TOLD A NEW REGULATOR FOR THE WINDOW WOULD SOLVE THE PROBLEM. AFTER WINDOW REGULATOR WAS REPLACED THE CLUNKING SOUND STILL HAPPENS. UPDATED 10/18/18*JB
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 PONTIAC VIBE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT REAR DRIVER SIDE DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN OR LOCK UNLESS THE MASTER SWITCH WAS PRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS BROKEN INTO DUE TO THE DOOR NOT AUTOMATICALLY LOCKING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000. UPDATED 05/20/16*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED ALL THE DOORS OPENED AND CLOSED AUTOMATICALLY, EXCEPT THE REAR DOOR BEHIND THE DRIVERS SEAT. UPDATED 06/01/16.*JB
A RECALL WAS DONE ON THE DOOR MODULE CONTROLS BUT AFTER THE REPAIR, THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT LIT UP. THE HEADLIGHTS BLOW ONE AT A TIME WITH IN 2 MONTHS. ONE TALE LIGHT AND THE THIRD TALE LIGHT BAR ON THE WINDOW ALSO FAILED. I DON'T KNOW IF IT IS INSTALLATION ISSUES OR THE MODULE CAUSED AN ELECTRICAL OVERLOAD. NO ONE IS WILLING TO ADMIT ERROR. *TR
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
TAKATA RECALL I'M A DISABLED VETERAN RESIDING IN GEORGIA AND I'M HAVING A HARD TIME FINDING A GM DEALER TO REPAIR MY TWO OPEN RECALLS ON MY 2004 PONTIAC VIBE. I'M AFRAID THAT I COULD GET SERIOUSLY INJURED IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 PONTIAC VIBE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE CONTACT SUSTAINED UNKNOWN INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND DEEMED DESTROYED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 15V043000 (AIR BAGS) AND 15V285000 (AIR BAGS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
ON APRIL 5, 2014, I ROLLED DOWN MY DRIVER SIDE POWER WINDOW AS I WAS DRIVING AT 15 MPH IN A RESIDENTIAL AREA. WHEN I WENT TO ROLL UP THE WINDOW I HEARD A GRINDING SOUND AND THE WINDOW SLIP AND TILTED TO THE RIGHT SIDE. THE UNSECURED POWER WINDOW REMAINS OPENED. I FEAR THE WINDOW WILL SHATTER AGAIN LIKE IT DID IN SEPTEMBER 2007. I TAPED THE WINDOW TO THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR FRAME FOR FEAR OF IT FALLING ON ME WHILE DRIVING. THIS IS AN URGENT AND SERIOUS MATTER THAT NEEDS TO BE HANDLED AND REPAIR IMMEDIATELY FREE OF CHARGE TO THE OWNER. THERE WAS A RECALL IN 2008 REGARDING THE REPLACEMENTS OF WINDOW REGULATORS BOLTS FOR 2004-2005 , PONTIAC VIBES. THERE SHOULD BE A SECOND RECALL AGAIN ON THE POWER WINDOW REGULATORS BOLTS. PLEASE, INFORM ME ASAP WHERE I MAY TAKE MY VEHICLE FOR REPAIR. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 PONTIAC VIBE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN APPLYING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE WOULD SPORADICALLY BECOME UNRESPONSIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 PONTIAC VIBE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT REAR DRIVER SIDE DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN OR LOCK UNLESS THE MASTER SWITCH WAS PRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS BROKEN INTO DUE TO THE DOOR NOT AUTOMATICALLY LOCKING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000. UPDATED 05/20/16*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED ALL THE DOORS OPENED AND CLOSED AUTOMATICALLY, EXCEPT THE REAR DOOR BEHIND THE DRIVERS SEAT. UPDATED 06/01/16.*JB
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 PONTIAC VIBE. THE DOOR HANDLE MALFUNCTIONED AND ALL OF THE DOORS COULD ONLY BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE, EXCEPT THE DRIVERS OUTSIDE DOOR. THE MANUFACTURER FILED REPORT 71-875-784-739 AND ADVISED THAT THEY HAVEN'T RECEIVED REPORTS CONCERNING THE FAILURE AND WILL NOT ASSIST WITH THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
PREMATURE TRANSMISSION ISSUES, TRANSMISSION STOPPER WORKING AROUND 80K, MULTIPLE REPORTS OF ISSUES FOUND FROM THE SAME VEHICLE MODELS.
WE PURCHASED A USED 2004 PONTIAC VIBE GT WITH A 6-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION. WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 70MPH, THE GEAR STICK POPPED OUT OF GEAR. WAS ABLE TO PUT IT BACK INTO GEAR BUT ONLY FOR A FEW SECONDS BEFORE THE GEAR STICK POPPED AGAIN. CAR AND TRANSMISSION ONLY HAVE 80,000 MILES ON THEM. READING FORUMS ONLINE, TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS SEEM TO BE THE NORM FOR PONTIAC VIBES. WHAT CAN BE DONE TO CORRECT THE ISSUE?
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
p 185/75r15 (?) copy of email sent to Kost Tires Pa, BBB, State Attorney General's office: Sirs, Please forward to your corporate office. Two months ago, I replaced my entire front end (hubs, bearings, lower ball joints and outer ties rod ends) because the excessive noise these tires generated sounded a lot like bad bearings. The bearings themselves turned out to be fine. This tire blew out on me at 65-70 mph yesterday and almost killed me - the other front tire was almost just as bad. This manufacturer's quality control department should be notified asap, or steps should be taken to recall any of this brand that you've sold in order to limit your company's liability in case of an accidental death as a result of inadequate or insufficient safety standards. Again, this is after 4K miles on a "Kendra" tire rated for 60K - manufactured in Malaysia, Thailand or Vietnam (?). Thank you, [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
ON JUNE 4, 2011 MY WIFE WAS DRIVING A 2004 PONTIAC VIBE ON RT. 83 FROM PENNSYLVANIA INTO MARYLAND WHERE APPROXIMATELY 1/2 MILE FROM THE PARKTON, MD EXIT, THE CAR BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY IN THE RIGHT LANE OF THE HIGHWAY. THE DRIVER FRONT TIRE POPPED LOOSE AS IT SEVERED ITSELF FROM THE SIDEWALL AND LITERALLY ROLLED DOWN THE BREAKDOWN LANE AS THE CAR WAS PULLING TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I HAVE PICTURES OF THE TIRE. NO DEBRIS WAS IN THE ROADWAY AND NO OBJECTS WERE STRUCK DURING THIS EVENT. THE APPROXIMATE SPEED OF THE VEHICLE WAS 65-70 MPH. THE PROBLEM IS THAT THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME. IN LATE NOVEMBER 2010, MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THE SAME VEHICLE IN REHOBOTH BEACH, DE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH ON RT. 1. THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE SUDDENLY BURST AND SEPARATED AT THE SIDEWALL. THE TIRES HAVE BEEN REPLACED. THE LATEST TIRE WAS REPLACED BY SEARS AUTO CENTER IN YORK, PA WHERE THE OLD TIRE IS BEING SHIPPED BACK TO GOODYEAR (IN RESPONSE TO ROADSIDE WARRANTY). THE TIRE SIDEWALL RUBBER COMPOUND APPEARED VERY HARD AND BRITTLE. THE GOODYEAR TRIPLE TREAD TIRES WERE PURCHASED IN 2008 AND HAD APPROXIMATELY 30,000 MILES ON THEM. 2 OUT OF 4 TIRES HAD THIS UNEXPLAINED SIDEWALL BLOW OUT, ANOTHER TIRE WAS REPLACED EARLIER BECAUSE OF A NAIL PUNCTURE. WE DECIDED TO REPLACE ALL TIRES WITH ANOTHER MODEL AND GET RID OF OUR TRIPLE TREADS. WE BELIEVE THE TIRES TO BE UNSAFE AND ARE CONCERNED THAT OTHERS MAY BE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS. THESE ARE HIGH END TIRES THAT ARE SUPPOSED LAST 80,000 MILES WITH SUPERIOR TRACTION. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE MANUAL TRANSMISSION ON MY 2004 PONTIAC VIBE SEIZED UP AT ABOUT 140,000 MILES. AT FIRST IT MADE A HIGH PITCH WHIRRING NOISE THEN ALMOST IMMEDIATELY FAILED AS I WAS ON THE FREEWAY THUS SLOWING MY SPEED DOWN CONSIDERABLY TO THE POINT WHERE THE WHEELS BECAME LOCKED AT ONE POINT (TRANSMISSION FROZE WHILE ENGAGED). EVEN WHEN I FULLY DEPRESSED THE CLUTCH IT STAYED ENGAGED. I HAVE READ FROM OTHERS (AFTER THIS OCCURRED TO ME) THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAS A FAULTY DESIGN. IT USES A PLASTIC MASTER BALL BEARING THAT CAN SHATTER AND CAUSE THE TRANSMISSION TO SUDDENLY SEIZE. A PLASTIC BALL BEARING IS USED INSTEAD OF USING A MORE DURABLE ONE LIKE A METALLIC BALL BEARING THAT WOULD ONLY COST OF FEW BUCKS MORE. THIS APPARENTLY HAS TO DO WITH MANUFACTURE PROFIT. THIS IS HAPPENED ABOUT A WEEK AFTER CHRISTMAS 2009 AND I HAVE BEEN THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THE CAR. THIS IS DANGEROUS FOR MYSELF AND FOR OTHERS ON THE ROAD. FOR THE SAFETY OF OTHERS, A TOTAL RECALL OF THE PONTIAC VIBE'S MANUAL TRANSMISSION SHOULD OCCUR. *TR
1. CLATTERING/GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM 5-SP. MANUAL TRANSMISSION, SLOWLY GROWING LOUDER. SUDDEN CHANGE IN SOUND AND 35 MILES LATER... 2. ... TRANSMISSION LOCKS UP AT INTERSECTION. VEHICLE COULD NOT BE PUSHED; HAD TO BE TOWED. 3. NEW TRANSMISSION AND CLUTCH INSTALLED. OLD PARTS STILL AVAILABLE. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
THERE ARE TWO RECALLS ON OUR CALL FOR THE SRS AND AIRBAGS BUT WHEN WE BROUGHT IT IN THERE WERE NO PARTS AVAILABLE, SO THEY ARE UNABLE TO FIX THE PROBLEM. IT IS OUR ONLY CAR SO WE JUST HAVE TO KEEP DRIVING IT WITH THESE POTENTIAL DANGERS TO OURSELVES AND OTHER DRIVERS ON THE ROAD.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 PONTIAC VIBE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT BECAME LOOSE AND FAILED TO RETRACT. IN ADDITION, THE REAR SEAT SAFETY BELTS FAILED TO LATCH TO THE BUCKLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owned a 2004 Pontiac Vibe. The contact stated that the wife was driving approximately 70 MPH when suddenly the vehicle erroneously turned to the right and drove across multiple lanes of traffic before crashing into a curb and flipping over, landing back on its wheels and stopping. The Highway Patrol was called to the scene. The wife was unable to exit the vehicle due to the damage to the front driver's door from the crash. They had to be forcefully opened by the emergency personnel. During the incident, the wife sustained bruising to both hands while attempting to forcefully turn the steering wheel and regain control of the vehicle. The wife was transported to the hospital and treated. A police report was taken at the scene, and the vehicle was towed away and later deemed destroyed by the insurance company. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 128,000.
GM RECALL #15406 GM KEEPS SENDING ME REMINDER LETTERS TO HAVE MY CAR FIXED BUT GM IS DRAGGING THEIR FEET ON MAKING THE PART TO HAVE THE CAR FIXED . SINCE I LIVE IN A HOT HUMID STATE (GA) I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THE CAR FIXED. -THX-
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE RECALL IS ON THE BOLTS OF THE WINDOW AND SO AS I WAS TRYING TO GET THE WINDOW TO CLOSE IT JUST SHATTERED...THERE ARE 2 OTHER RECALLS ON IT ....THEY HAD THE CAR FOR 2 DAYS AND THEY HAVEN'T DONE NOTHING TO IT YET...AND AS I UNDERSTAND THEY WONT FIX THE WINDOW..CAN YOU HELP. *TR
ON APRIL 5, 2014, I ROLLED DOWN MY DRIVER SIDE POWER WINDOW AS I WAS DRIVING AT 15 MPH IN A RESIDENTIAL AREA. WHEN I WENT TO ROLL UP THE WINDOW I HEARD A GRINDING SOUND AND THE WINDOW SLIP AND TILTED TO THE RIGHT SIDE. THE UNSECURED POWER WINDOW REMAINS OPENED. I FEAR THE WINDOW WILL SHATTER AGAIN LIKE IT DID IN SEPTEMBER 2007. I TAPED THE WINDOW TO THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR FRAME FOR FEAR OF IT FALLING ON ME WHILE DRIVING. THIS IS AN URGENT AND SERIOUS MATTER THAT NEEDS TO BE HANDLED AND REPAIR IMMEDIATELY FREE OF CHARGE TO THE OWNER. THERE WAS A RECALL IN 2008 REGARDING THE REPLACEMENTS OF WINDOW REGULATORS BOLTS FOR 2004-2005 , PONTIAC VIBES. THERE SHOULD BE A SECOND RECALL AGAIN ON THE POWER WINDOW REGULATORS BOLTS. PLEASE, INFORM ME ASAP WHERE I MAY TAKE MY VEHICLE FOR REPAIR. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
PLASTIC FOOTREST, FRONT FLOOR, LEFT SIDE HAS CRACKED AND BROKE FREE FROM IT'S RETAINER CLIPS TWICE. THE FIRST ONE WAS REPLACED AT 15,348 MILES ON 01/29/2007. THE SECOND OCCURANCE AT APPROX. 66400 MILES ON 01/16/2013. THIS FOOTREST HAS THE POTENTIAL TO GET JAMMED BENEATH THE CLUTCH, BRAKE, AND/OR ACCELERATOR PEDALS ONCE THE PLASTIC RETAINER CLIPS FAIL AND THE PEDAL BECOMES LOOSE ON THE FLOOR. CAUSING A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION IF THE PEDAL IS NOT IMMEDIATLEY REMOVED FROM THE FLOOR. *TR
AFTER LIGHTLY STRIKING A METAL POST WHILE BACKING UP IN A PARKING LOT, I PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE AND THE VIBE TOOK OFF. I HIT THE BRAKE BUT NO RESPONSE (LOOKED TO SEE IF FOOT ON BRAKE. IT WAS.) THE CAR SPED UP AND I COLLIDED WITH TWO CARS AND RAN INTO A MOTEL WALL. AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. CAR TOTALED. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
RIGHT REAR SUSPENSION CRADLE RUSTED CAUSING STRUT MOUNT TO DETACH FROM FRAME.
2004 PONTIAC VIBE ORIGINAL TIRES WORN OUT BY 24000 MILES, SECOND SET HAD SEVERE VIBRATION UNABLE TO FIX AND WORN OUT 38K, DEALER ALIGNED AND PUT IN SHIM, 3RD SET TIRES SAME PROBLEM SEVERE VIBRATION AND NOISE JUST UNDER 50K MILES. TIRE SHOP SAID PROB WITH CAR AND SUSPENSION, KEEPS CUPPING TIRES. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
A RECALL WAS DONE ON THE DOOR MODULE CONTROLS BUT AFTER THE REPAIR, THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT LIT UP. THE HEADLIGHTS BLOW ONE AT A TIME WITH IN 2 MONTHS. ONE TALE LIGHT AND THE THIRD TALE LIGHT BAR ON THE WINDOW ALSO FAILED. I DON'T KNOW IF IT IS INSTALLATION ISSUES OR THE MODULE CAUSED AN ELECTRICAL OVERLOAD. NO ONE IS WILLING TO ADMIT ERROR. *TR
I HAVE A 2004 PONTIAC VIBE , THE HEAD LAMPS AND BRAKE LAMPS HAVE STOPPED WORKING AND THE FUSES ARE FINE THE REAR CENTER BRAKE LIGHT STILL WORKS AND THE BRIGHTS OF THE HEAD LAMPS STILL WORK. I WAS WONDERING IF THERE HAVE BEEN ANY OTHER INCIDENTS? AND THE RADIO DISPLAY HAS STOPPED WORKING ALSO , I HAVE ALSO HEARD ABOUT THAT FROM OTHER PONTIAC OWNERS. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
NEW TO ME PURCHASE. FIRST TIME I FILLED THE FUEL TANK I GET A STRONG SMELL OF FUEL INSIDE THE VEHICLE.
A LEAK OCCURRED IN A FUEL LINE OVER NIGHT WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN OUR DRIVEWAY. IT HAS SINCE HAPPENED ON SIX ADDITIONAL OCCASIONS TO DATE--OCT. 2008, APRIL 2010, DEC. 2011, JULY 2012, NOV, 2012, AND APRIL 2014--NECESSITATING TOWING TO A SERVICE FACILITY. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 PONTIAC VIBE. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STARTED, IT MAKES A CLICKING SOUND. THE ONLY WAY TO STOP THE NOISE IS TO TURN ON THE AIR CONDITIONING TO THE MAXIMUM SETTING. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,260 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,250.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .