AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
2006 Pontiac Vibe
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 177 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2006 Pontiac Vibe, most frequently naming the airbags, engine and electrical categories. 5 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 2 NHTSA investigations name it; and 641 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| May 2010 | 1 | 20 |
| Aug 2010 | 4 | 24 |
| Sep 2010 | 8 | 32 |
| Oct 2010 | 2 | 34 |
| Dec 2010 | 2 | 36 |
| Jan 2011 | 3 | 39 |
| Mar 2011 | 1 | 40 |
| May 2011 | 1 | 41 |
| Aug 2011 | 1 | 42 |
| Sep 2011 | 1 | 43 |
| Oct 2012 | 1 | 44 |
| Nov 2012 | 1 | 45 |
| Aug 2013 | 1 | 46 |
| May 2014 | 1 | 47 |
| Aug 2014 | 1 | 48 |
| Sep 2014 | 1 | 49 |
| Oct 2014 | 1 | 50 |
| Nov 2014 | 1 | 51 |
| Apr 2015 | 1 | 52 |
| Jun 2015 | 1 | 53 |
| Jul 2015 | 4 | 57 |
| Aug 2015 | 5 | 62 |
| Sep 2015 | 7 | 69 |
| Oct 2015 | 16 | 85 |
| Nov 2015 | 8 | 93 |
| Dec 2015 | 9 | 102 |
| Jan 2016 | 6 | 108 |
| Feb 2016 | 2 | 110 |
| Apr 2016 | 2 | 112 |
| May 2016 | 1 | 113 |
| Jun 2016 | 1 | 114 |
| Jul 2016 | 1 | 115 |
| Aug 2016 | 1 | 116 |
| Sep 2016 | 2 | 118 |
| Feb 2017 | 1 | 119 |
| Jun 2017 | 1 | 120 |
| Oct 2017 | 1 | 121 |
| Feb 2018 | 1 | 122 |
| Oct 2018 | 2 | 124 |
| Jan 2019 | 1 | 125 |
| May 2019 | 1 | 126 |
| Jun 2019 | 1 | 127 |
| Sep 2019 | 1 | 128 |
| Oct 2019 | 4 | 132 |
| Nov 2019 | 1 | 133 |
| Dec 2019 | 4 | 137 |
| Jan 2020 | 7 | 144 |
| Feb 2020 | 5 | 149 |
| Mar 2020 | 2 | 151 |
| Apr 2020 | 3 | 154 |
| May 2020 | 2 | 156 |
| Jun 2020 | 6 | 162 |
| Jul 2020 | 8 | 170 |
| Oct 2020 | 1 | 171 |
| Nov 2020 | 1 | 172 |
| Dec 2020 | 1 | 173 |
| Jan 2021 | 1 | 174 |
| Jan 2023 | 1 | 175 |
| Dec 2024 | 1 | 176 |
| Dec 2025 | 1 | 177 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Airbags11960.4%
- Engine3015.2%
- Electrical115.6%
- Visibility63.0%
- Driver assistance63.0%
- Powertrain (other)63.0%
- Transmission63.0%
- Brakes31.5%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
5 campaigns cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govAIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS
Safety investigations
NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.
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.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
Engine Stall
On August 26, 2010, Toyota submitted a Defect Information Report to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regarding problems with Engine Control Modules that could result in engine stall while driving in certain model year (MY) 2005 through 2008 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix and Pontiac Vibe vehicles equipped with the 1ZZ-FE engine and two-wheel drive and manufactured between April 19, 2004 and January 2, 2008.Toyota's report indicated that cracks may develop at certain solder point or on varistors on the ECMs.According to Toyota, such cracks generally resulted in engine warning lamp illumination, harsh shifting or engine no-start.In some cases, if the cracking occurs on particular solder points or varistors, the engine could stop while the vehicle is being driven.Toyota will notify owners of subject vehicles that they should return their vehicles to a Toyota or Pontiac dealer.Dealers will be instructed to inspect the production number of the ECM for each vehicle and replace the ECM if necessary.On November 30, 2009, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE09-054) to investigate alleged engine stall while driving in model year (MY) 2006 Toyota Corolla and Corolla Matrix vehicles.In its response to ODI's information request, submitted on March 2, 2010, Toyota indicated that it had identified two possible conditions with ECMs used in MY 2005 through 2007 Toyota Corolla and Matrix vehicles:1) cracks forming between the IC and the board caused by an improperly cured conformal coating applied to the circuit boards after the soldering process is completed; and 2) cracks occurring in a variable resistor (varistor) due to overheating.During the manufacturing process a glass coating is created on the surface of the varistor.Between March and August 2010, Toyota began collecting ECMs from the field to further investigate failure modes that may result in engine stall.Toyota also conducted durability testing on ECMs collected from in-use vehicles to assess whether the problems may be a continuing trend. In addition, they conducted durability testing in order to assess whether this problem was a continuing trend.Toyota found that 4 of 32 collected ECMs malfunctioned after thermal shock testing.Toyota also confirmed that cracking could develop at solder points on the ECM circuit board that could lead to engine stall while driving and that this trend was likely to continue.The manufacturer failure data in this resume is limited to MY 2005 through 2007 Toyota Corolla and Corolla Matrix vehicles.Based on Toyota's recall, this Engineering analysis has been closed.
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
Hello, My drivers side front left window goes up and down awkwardly, almost like it's going to brake the glass when I use it. If there's a recall on this I will gladly like to know. Thank you.
- NHTSA ID
- 11703323
- Incident
- Nov 25, 2025
RainX Weatherbeater 21" wiper blade purchased on or about 12/13/24 at this location: Meijers 1703 Haggerty Rd Commerce, MI 48390 Wiper is supposed to come with a small clip pre-attached to the blade assy and a large clip loose in the packaging for those applications needing the large clip. My car needs the smaller clip This wiper was packaged with the large clip pre-attached and no loose parts in the package. Not knowing any better at the time I attached the wiper using the large clip. Seemed OK but something didn't seem right so I double checked and realized the wiper was mis-packaged. Obviously if I hadn't double checked it would have set up the potential for the wiper to detach during normal usage as it doesn't "click" into place as it should.
- NHTSA ID
- 11630692
- Incident
- Dec 14, 2024
I had my valve cover gasket replaced fuel injectors serviced and transmission serviced on 12/26/2022. When I picked my car up on 12/29/2022, I was checking my brake lights when the car started Idling up and down on it's own and the check engine light came on. I called the dealer and was asked to bring the car in and they would check it out. I returned on Jan. 2nd 2023 to address the concerns with my car. I arrived at approximately 0730 am. I WAS IN FORMED THAT MY ECM/PCM WERE FAULTY AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. I was my understanding that the 2005-2008 Pontiac Vibes were under recall for this issue. Would like confirmation on this subject. Concerned Owner.
- NHTSA ID
- 11500394
- Incident
- Dec 29, 2022
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 PONTIAC VIBE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE HAD EXPERIENCED SEVERAL ELECTRICAL FAILURES WITH THE COMPUTER SYSTEM INTERMITTENTLY STOPPING OPERATION WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE AND TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LIGHTS WOULD ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS HOWEVER, DESPITE EACH REPAIRS, THE WARNING LIGHTS WOULD RETURN. THE MANUFACTURER HAD YET TO BE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD YET TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
- NHTSA ID
- 11390277
- Incident
- Sep 1, 2017
RECALL NOTICE RECEIVED 10/2019, AND NO ONE HAS AGREED TO RESOLVE THE AIRBAG ISSUE
- NHTSA ID
- 11383678
- Incident
- Oct 19, 2019
MY VEHICLE WAS PARKED, I CRANKED MY ENGINE UP, AND IT RAN FOR A FEW MINUTES AND THEN SHUT OFF. I AM UNABLE TO CRANK MY VEHICLE UP AT ALL NOW. LIGHT PINK FLUID IS LEAKING OUT OF THE THROTTLE BODY.
- NHTSA ID
- 11374316
- Incident
- Nov 5, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 PONTIAC VIBE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHILE THE SEAT WAS OCCUPIED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO APPLE CHEVROLET (8585 W 159TH ST, TINLEY PARK, IL 60487, (708) 429-3000) WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL AIR BAG WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO NHTSA TO FILE A COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 81,350.
- NHTSA ID
- 11365730
- Incident
- Sep 14, 2020
- Mileage
- 81,350 mi
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 PONTIAC VIBE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V883000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED SEVERAL UNKNOWN DEALERS AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT YET 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. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
- NHTSA ID
- 11340397
- Incident
- Dec 12, 2018
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment by engineering. Technician will need to call General Motors Technical Assistance Center for further assistance.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. The J-35616-64B is the latest test probe released for checking tension or probing the .64 series terminals. The test probe terminal has been released in the terminal repair kit (J-38125-620H) located in Lear Tray 7 part number 963716-2. There are 5 terminated leads in a package part number is 13505346, which can be ordered through your normal General Motors Customer Care and Aftersales parts channel.
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.