Vehicles / Pontiac / Vibe / 2005

2005 Pontiac VibeUNDER FEDERAL INVESTIGATION

301 federal complaints (337 component records) · 5 recall campaigns on file · 4 federal investigations · 457 service bulletins · 5 Canadian recalls
See all 12 model years of the Pontiac Vibe →
Engine
1.8L 4-cyl
Fuel
Premium, Regular
Drive
FWD
EPA economy
25 city / 31 hwy
Federal complaints
301
Recall campaigns
5
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Air bags
174
Engine & cooling
46
Power train
35
Glass & wipers
18
Electrical system
15
Speed control
8
Tires
6
Body & structure
6
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 19 complaints01 years old: 8 complaints2 years old: 11 complaints3 years old: 12 complaints4 years old: 13 complaints5 years old: 29 complaints56 years old: 13 complaints7 years old: 1 complaints8 years old: 6 complaints9 years old: 17 complaints10 years old: 96 complaints1011 years old: 12 complaints12 years old: 7 complaints13 years old: 7 complaints14 years old: 28 complaints15 years old: 13 complaints1516 years old: 2 complaints17 years old: 1 complaints18 years old: 0 complaints19 years old: 4 complaints20+ years old: 0 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 299 of 301 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 12 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 16 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 15 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 17 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 23 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 12 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 10 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 9 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 9 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 8 complaints200,000+ miles: 9 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 140 of 301 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Air bags

174 complaint records9 crash reports
"CAR CRASH WHICH MY VEHICLE CRASHED INTO REAR OF VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. SPEED WAS ABOVE 20MPH. MY CAR IS TOTALED AND AIR BAGS DIDNT DEPLOY...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse air bags parts in the directory →

Engine & cooling

46 complaint records
"I BOUGHT A NEW 2005 VIBE IN SEPTEMBER 2004. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, I WILL GO TO START THE CAR AND IT WILL NOT START, JUST TURNS OVER. *JB..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →

Power train

35 complaint records
"2005 PONTIAC VIBE- PCM UNIT GOES BAD, LEADING TO AUTO TRANSMISSION ERROR CODE P2716, FIRST REPLACED BATTERY THEN ALTERNATOR WITH DELCO/GMC PART NOW ELECTRICAL SYSTEM ERRORS AND TRANS PROBLEMS DUE TO FAULTY PCM - SOLENOID D FAILURE. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →

Federal defect investigations

Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
EA21002
opened Sep 2021
OPENAir BagsDesiccated 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.
EA15001
opened Feb 2015
OPENAir BagsAir Bag Inflator Rupture - led to recall 22V945
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the...
PE14016
opened Jun 2014
closed Mar 2015Air BagsAir Bag Inflator Rupture - led to recall 15V226000
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the...
EA10006
opened Aug 2010
closed Sep 2010Engine And Engine CoolingEngine Stall - led to recall 10V387000
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...

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
19V627000Air BagsToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2003-2008 Corolla, 2005-2008 Corolla Matrix, and Pontiac Vibe vehicles equipped with a front passenger air bag assembly replaced under a prior...Normally free
18V883000Air BagsToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2002-2005 Lexus SC and Toyota Sequoia, 2003-2005 Toyota Corolla and Tundra, and 2003-2007 Pontiac Vibe vehicles.Normally free
15V286000Air BagsToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) notified the agency on May 13, 2015, that they are recalling 2005-2007 Lexus SC, Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sequoia, and Pontiac Vibe, and 2005-2006 Toyota Tundra...Normally free
15V285000Air BagsToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) notified the agency on May 13, 2015 that they are recalling certain model year 2004 Sequoia vehicles manufactured August 18, 2003, to August 19, 2004, and 2003-2004...Normally free
10V387000Engine And Engine CoolingGM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2008 PONTIAC VIBE VEHICLES. 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.Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2019436
2019-08-28
Airbag19,620Issue: On certain cars, the passenger-front airbag that was installed during prior recall repair must be replaced. The airbag may not unfold properly when it deploys. This could cause the airbag to tear or not inflate properly in a crash.
2018707
2018-12-13
Airbag29,827On 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.
2016106
2016-03-03
Airbag60,672On certain vehicles, the passenger (frontal) airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment.
2015272
2015-06-18
Airbag55,595On certain vehicles, the passenger (frontal) airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment.
2010287
2010-08-26
Engine37,412On certain vehicles equipped with a 1.8L MFI engine and a two-wheel drive transmission, the Engine Control Module (ECM) may have been improperly manufactured.

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
PIP5601C
Jul 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
PIT5074R
May 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis 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.
PIP5358D
Feb 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis 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.
PIT5074Q
Dec 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
PIP4723J
Oct 2024
Electrical SystemThis Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving...
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
PIT5099H
Sep 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air.
02-00-89-002X
Sep 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only).
PIT3271P
Sep 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles.
General Communication
Aug 2024
SERVICE CAMPAIGNElectrical SystemVehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions).
01-06-01-011P
Aug 2024
EngineThis service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
18-NA-099
Jun 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
24-NA-098
Jun 2024
Electrical SystemThis service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
08-07-30-035H
May 2024
Power TrainThis bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
09-00-89-008G
May 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis Warranty Administration bulletin provides retail and wholesale service personnel with the policies/procedures and the warranty transaction submission procedures that support the Personal Property Damage process.
13-08-116-001J
Apr 2024
Electrical SystemThe intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other diagnostic methods to identify them.
18-NA-094
Apr 2024
Air BagsThis service bulletin provides information on Takata Air Bag Courtesy Transportation Reimbursement Program - Applicable to GM Recalls listed in bulletin.
10-08-45-001H
Mar 2024
Electrical SystemThis bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
16-NA-383
Mar 2024
Engine And Engine CoolingThis technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
18-NA-094
Feb 2024
Air BagsThis service bulletin provides information on Takata Air Bag Completion Rate Improvement Program - Applicable to GM Recalls 14491, 14735,15040, 15041, 15043,15044, 15045, 15046, 15406,15438, 15442, 15815, 15816,15817, 15818, 15826, 17009, 17476, 17477, 28810, 28811,17478, 18015,...
22-NA-074
Feb 2024
Engine And Engine CoolingThis service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
02-08-42-001J
Jan 2024
Exterior LightingThis informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
PI1394B
Jan 2024
Power TrainThis PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
PIP5601B
Jan 2024
EquipmentThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vibration complaints that are one of the most challenging complaints to accurately diagnose and repair.
PIT5074P
Dec 2023
EquipmentThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
03-00-91-001I
Nov 2023
SteeringThis service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing vibration concerns.
01-06-01-011O
Oct 2023
Engine And Engine CoolingThis service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
17-NA-170
Oct 2023
WheelsThis service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.
02-00-89-002W
Sep 2023
EquipmentThis service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only).
10-00-89-006J
Sep 2023
EquipmentThis service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only).
PIT5099G
Sep 2023
VisibilityThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air.
07-08-49-020R
Sep 2023
Electrical SystemThis informational bulletin provides information for the IPC odometer programming method quick reference guide.
18-NA-073
Aug 2023
Engine And Engine CoolingThis service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and prevent unnecessary engine replacement.
PIP5628G
Aug 2023
EngineThis Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D
PIP5358C
Jul 2023
EquipmentThis 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.
01-06-01-011N
Jun 2023
Engine And Engine CoolingThis service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
13-08-116-001I
Jun 2023
Electrical SystemThe intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other diagnostic methods to identify them.
02-00-89-002V
Jun 2023
EquipmentThis service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. Dealers Only).
17-NA-170
Apr 2023
WheelsThis service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.
PIP5628F
Apr 2023
Engine And Engine CoolingThis Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D
08-07-30-035G
Apr 2023
Power TrainThis bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
19-NA-219
Mar 2023
Engine And Engine CoolingThis diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
22-NA-009
Mar 2023
Engine And Engine CoolingThis service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
17-NA-073
Feb 2023
EquipmentThis warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
01-08-42-001O
Feb 2023
Exterior LightingThis service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
PIP5628E
Feb 2023
EquipmentThis Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D
02-00-89-002U
Jan 2023
EquipmentThis service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. Dealers Only).
09-00-89-008F
Dec 2022
EquipmentThis Warranty Administration bulletin provides retail and wholesale service personnel with the policies/procedures and the warranty transaction submission procedures that support the Personal Property Damage process.
PIP5540J
Dec 2022
VisibilityThis Preliminary information communicates to the technician the need to inspect the induction system for potential icing issues in very cold ambient temperatures. To allow the ice to melt so that it can be drained from the related components.
PIT3271N
Nov 2022
TiresThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles.
22-NA-074
Nov 2022
Engine And Engine CoolingThis service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
10-00-89-006I
Oct 2022
EquipmentThis service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only).
PIC5453D
Sep 2022
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician that General Motors and General Motors of Canada Company do not support cross border sales.
06-00-89-031H
Sep 2022
Power TrainThis service bulletin provides information on OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification.
13-08-116-001H
Sep 2022
Electrical SystemThe intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other diagnostic methods to identify them.
22-NA-009
Sep 2022
Engine And Engine CoolingThis service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
01-06-01-011M
Sep 2022
Engine And Engine CoolingThis service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
PIP5640A
Sep 2022
Power TrainThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician to not remove the torque converter bolts and start the engine as this may cause damage to the torque converter of the crankshaft on vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission.
PIC5260F
Jun 2022
VisibilityThis Preliminary Information communication advises the technician the steps on diagnosing the concern. Customer's sunroof operation intermittent, bind, noise, auto-reverse, and/or water leaks.
22-NA-009
Jun 2022
Engine And Engine CoolingThis service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
PIT5099F
Jun 2022
VisibilityThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air.

Showing 60 of 457 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Watch the airbag warning light through a full key cycle.It should light on start and go out within seconds. A light that stays on, or never lights at all, means the system needs attention. Run the VIN for inflator recalls specifically.
  2. Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
  3. Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 5 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Pontiac Vibe →