2003 Pontiac Vibe

Above average

Owners filed 298 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the visibility. It has been recalled 8 times.

Not among the Pontiac Vibe years to avoid. Which Pontiac Vibe years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
62,000 milesMedian miles at failure

190 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 0–10,000 miles.

Most common 2003 Pontiac Vibe problems

71 of the 298 complaints (24%) are about the visibility.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags · airbags60
12015
Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear35
006
Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls22
001
Power Train › Manual Transmission · transmission18
000
Electrical System14
000
Power Train › Clutch Assembly · transmission13
000
Structure · body and frame12
000
Visibility9
000
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration9
402
Unknown or Other8
101

2003 Pontiac Vibe visibility problems

24% of all complaints

71 of the 298 complaints are about the visibility. This is what owners describe:

  • knocks, grinds or clunks7% · 5

Share of the 71 visibility complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
58,259 mi
median of 57 reports
Peak year of filing
2008
23 visibility complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
0 · 0 · 7
in these complaints
Recalls on the visibility
“I have owned this car since 2003, in 2008 I had failure of the power window on the passenger side, it was fixed by the dealer and I was told to return if problems occurred in the drivers side window. Yesterday I heard the familiar clunk of the window and know it is the same issue as the recall in 2008. I spoke to a representative at gmc (colin) via email and was told this recall is no longer valid.”
Owner complaint, filed Mar 31, 2012
“Tl*the contact owns a 2003 pontiac vibe. Whenever the contact rolls the front driver or passenger window up or down, the window appears loose. The windows also make a popping and rattling sound. The failure began when the vehicle was purchased and has since worsened.”
Owner complaint, filed May 12, 2008

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
2002: 9 complaints, 1 about the visibility'022003: 30 complaints, 3 about the visibility2004: 26 complaints, 1 about the visibility2005: 18 complaints, 4 about the visibility2006: 14 complaints, 3 about the visibility'062007: 28 complaints, 21 about the visibility2008: 36 complaints, 23 about the visibility2009: 17 complaints, 6 about the visibility2010: 15 complaints, 4 about the visibility'102011: 8 complaints, 2 about the visibility2012: 5 complaints, 1 about the visibility2013: 15 complaints, 1 about the visibility2014: 20 complaints, 1 about the visibility'142015: 21 complaints, 0 about the visibility2016: 8 complaints, 0 about the visibility2017: 10 complaints, 0 about the visibility2018: 2 complaints, 0 about the visibility'182019: 7 complaints, 0 about the visibility2020: 4 complaints, 0 about the visibility2021: 1 complaints, 0 about the visibility2022: 2 complaints, 0 about the visibility'222023: 0 complaints, 0 about the visibility2024: 1 complaints, 0 about the visibility2025: 0 complaints, 0 about the visibility2026: 1 complaints, 0 about the visibility'26Recall 02V074002 (transmission)Recall 08V162000 (visibility)Recall 13V029000 (airbags)Recall 15V043000 (airbags)Recall 15V285000 (airbags)Recall 18V883000 (airbags)Recall 20V039000 (airbags)NHTSA investigation EA21002NHTSA investigation PE14016NHTSA investigation EA08004NHTSA investigation PE07049
All complaintsAbout the visibilityRecall (red: the visibility)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 2003 Vibe peaked in 2008, with 36 filed that year. Owners had filed 43 complaints about the visibility before the first recall that covers it, 08V162000 in April 2008; 28 more have come in since. In 2026 owners filed 1 so far.

8 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module20V039000
Filed Jan 23, 2020554 vehiclesGeneral Motors LLC

Defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2003-2004 Pontiac Vibe vehicles equipped with a front passenger air bag assembly replaced under a prior recall. The replacement air bag may not unfold as designed during inflation in high temperature conditions, possibly resulting in the air bag not inflating properly.

Risk. An air bag that does not inflate properly increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy. GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the passenger air bag module, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 19, 2020. Owners may contact Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. GM's number for this recall is N192278940.

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module18V883000
Filed Dec 12, 2018168,993 vehiclesToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Defect. Toyota 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. 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 explode due to propellant degradation.

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

Remedy. Toyota will notify the Toyota and Lexus owners. General Motors will notify the Pontiac Vibe owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, or replace the air bag assembly that includes an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 23, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371, Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987 or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. Toyota's numbers for these recalls are J0A (Zone A Toyota), J0B (Zone B Toyota), J0C (Zone C Toyota), JLI (Zone A Lexus), JLJ (Zone B Lexus), and JLK (Zone C Lexus). Note: This recall includes vehicles that have had their air bag previously replaced under an earlier air bag campaign.

Air Bags15V285000
Filed May 13, 20151,973,468 vehiclesToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Defect. Toyota 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 Tundra vehicles manufactured March 18, 2003, to August 25, 2004. On June 16, 2015, Toyota expanded the recall to include an additional 1,270,468 vehicles, including model year 2002-2003 and 2005-2007 Sequoia, 2005-2006 Tundra, 2003-2007 Corolla, 2003-2007 Corolla Matrix, 2003-2007 Pontiac Vibe and 2002-2007 Lexus SC vehicles. This is to address a safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag inflator which may produce excessive internal pressure causing the inflator to rupture upon deployment of the air bag. This recall addresses both the passenger side frontal air bags that were originally installed in the vehicles, as well as replacement air bags that may have been installed as replacement service parts. A replacement air bag may have been installed, as one example, if a vehicle had been in a crash necessitating the replacement of the passenger side frontal air bag.

Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. 2003-2004 Corolla and Corolla Matrix vehicles that are recalled under both 15V-043 and 15V-285 are under a Do Not Drive advisory. Owners of these vehicles are advised not to drive their vehicles until the recall remedy has been completed. Toyota will notify their owners. Pontiac Vibe owners will be notified by GM. Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag. The recall began on July 13, 2015. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Pontiac owners may call 1-800-762-2737. NOTE: This recall supersedes recall 14V-312 in its entirety.

Air Bags15V286000
Filed May 13, 20151,069,055 vehiclesToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Defect. Toyota 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 vehicles that were originally sold, or ever registered, in Florida, along the Gulf Coast, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, Saipan and American Samoa. On June 16, 2015 Toyota expanded the recall to cover an additional 769,055 vehicles, including certain model year 2002-2004 Lexus SC, Toyota Sequoia, 2003-2004 Toyota Corolla Matrix, Toyota Corolla, Pontiac Vibe, and Toyota Tundra vehicles, as well the vehicles covered by the May 13, 2015 notification in the portions of Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas that were not previously included. The inflators in the front passenger air bags are susceptible to rupture in the event of a crash necessitating the deployment of the front passenger air bag.

Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. 2003-2004 Corolla and Corolla Matrix vehicles that are recalled under both 15V-043 and 15V-286 are under a Do Not Drive advisory. Owners of these vehicles are advised not to drive their vehicles until the recall remedy has been completed. Toyota will notify their owners. Pontiac Vibe owners will be notified by GM. Dealers will replace the passenger side front air bag, free of charge. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota began the recall on July 13, 2015. Pontiac Vibe owners may contact GM at 1-800-762-2737. GM began the recall on June 29, 2015. NOTE: This recacll supersedes recall 14V-655 in its entirety. For vehicles located in the U.S. states not listed above, please see Toyota recall 15V-285 which covers all other U.S. states.

Air Bags › Frontal15V043000
Filed Jan 28, 20151,006,849 vehiclesToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Defect. Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Toyota Corolla vehicles manufactured December 28, 2001, to May 2, 2004, 2003-2004 Toyota Corolla Matrix vehicles manufactured January 6, 2002, to April 29, 2004, 2003-2004 Avalon vehicles manufactured June 5, 2002, to December 20, 2004, and 2003-2004 Pontiac Vibe vehicles manufactured January 18, 2002, to April 27, 2004. Due to electrical noise, a component in the air bag control module may fail, causing the front air bags, side air bags, and/or seatbelt pretensioners to deploy inadvertently while the vehicle is being operated.

Risk. Inadvertent deployment of the air bags or the seat belt pretensioners increases the risk of an injury or crash.

Remedy. Toyota will notify their owners. Pontiac Vibe owners will be notified by GM. Dealers will replace the air bag control module, free of charge. The recall began on August 24, 2015. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. GM issued an interim notification to owners on March 27, 2015. The recall began on August 24, 2015. Pontiac owners may call 1-800-620-7668. Note: This recall supersedes recalls 13V-029 and 14V-147. Vehicles that had a noise filter installed as the remedy for one of those campaigns need to have the air bag control module replaced under this campaign.

Air Bags13V029000
Filed Jan 30, 2013887,709 vehiclesToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Defect. Toyota is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Corolla and Corolla Matrix vehicles and 2003-2004 Pontiac Vibe vehicles. The supplemental restraint system (SRS) circuits are susceptible to internal shorting. The electrical short may create an abnormal current flow and increased heat which can damage the circuits. This could result in an inadvertent deployment of the front airbags and/or seat belt pretensioners.

Risk. Inadvertent deployment of the airbags or the seat belt pretensioners may increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.

Remedy. Toyota will re-notify their owners who have already had their vehicles repaired with a noise filter, but did not receive a new airbag control module, and General Motors will re-notify theirs. Dealers previously installed a supplemental harness containing an electrical filter between the airbag control module and its wire harness, free of charge. Dealers will replace the airbag control module, free of charge. The recall began on March 13, 2013. The manufacturer has not yet provided a schedule for second notices. For more information, Toyota owners may call 1-800-331-4331 and Pontiac owners may call 1-800-620-7668.

Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear08V162000
Filed Apr 10, 2008662,178 vehiclesToyota Motor North America, Inc.

Defect. TOYOTA IS RECALLING 662,178 MY 2003-2004 COROLLA, COROLLA MATRIX AND PONTIAC VIBE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH POWER WINDOWS. THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER DOOR GLASS BOLTS MAY LOOSEN AND COME OFF, CAUSING THE DOOR GLASS TO SEPARATE FROM THE WINDOW REGULATOR. DUE TO THE COMPONENTS BECOMING LOOSE AND POSSIBLY RATTLING, AN ABNORMAL NOISE MAY BE HEARD FROM THE DRIVER AND /OR FRONT PASSENGER DOOR WHEN OPERATING THE POWER WINDOWS.

Risk. THE DOOR GLASS MAY SEPARATE FROM THE WINDOW REGULATOR, BIND AND SHATTER DURING OPERATION OF THE POWER WINDOWS, CAUSING DRIVER DISTRACTION AND/OR INJURY.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER DOOR GLASS BOLTS WITH NEWLY DESIGNED BOLTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 16, 2008 TO TOYOTA OWNERS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 21, 2008, FOR PONTIAC OWNERS. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-888-270-9371 OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.

Power Train › Axle Assembly02V074002
Filed Mar 11, 20022,701 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. ON CERTAIN TWO-WHEEL DRIVE (2WD) PASSENGER VEHICLES, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE BOLTS THAT JOIN THE REAR BRAKE AND HUB ASSEMBLY TO THE REAR AXLE CARRIER TO BE LOOSE DUE TO INSUFFICIENT TIGHTENING DURING THE ASSEMBLY PROCESS.

Risk. IF THE VEHICLE IS OPERATED IN THIS CONDITION, ONE OR MORE OF THE FOUR BOLTS COULD COME LOOSE, CAUSING AN ABNORMAL NOISE FROM THE REAR AXLE AREA. IN THE EVENT THAT ALL FOUR BOLTS LOOSEN COMPLETELY, SEPARATION OF THE REAR BRAKE AND HUB ASSEMBLY FROM THE REAR AXLE CARRIER COULD OCCUR, WHICH COULD LEAD TO A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL PROPERLY TIGHTEN THE BOLTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 12, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737.

All 8 campaigns on file, newest first.

NHTSA investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 5 name the 2003 Vibe.

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureEngineering analysis EA21002Open
Opened Sep 17, 2021airbags

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 …

Air Bag Inflator RuptureEngineering analysis EA15001Open
Opened Feb 24, 2015Led to recall 14V668airbags

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 rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by Takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.During the course of PE14-016, ODI determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by Takata. No evidence of field …

Air Bag Inflator RupturePreliminary evaluation PE14016Closed
Opened Jun 11, 2014Closed Mar 2, 2015Led to recall 13V172000airbags

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 rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by Takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.During the course of PE14-016, ODI determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by Takata. No evidence of field …

SIDE FRONT POWER WINDOW SHATTERSEngineering analysis EA08004Closed
Opened Feb 5, 2008Closed May 1, 2008Led to recall 08V162000visibility

For the subject vehicles, there is a possibility that the retention force of the regulator bolts which attach the front side window glass to the power window regulator may not be sufficient due to an interference of the retention nut and the bolt shoulder radius.in this condition the bolt may become loose, causing a loud noise to be generated when the window is raised or lowered.if the vehicle and the power window are continuously operated in this condition, the bolt may completely separate, causing the glass to become misaligned, and in the worse case, the glass may shatter during operation …

SIDE FRONT WINDOW SHATTERSPreliminary evaluation PE07049Closed
Opened Sep 27, 2007Closed Feb 5, 2008visibility

The subject vehicle is manufactured by new united motor manufacturing, inc. (nummi) in fremont, california.nummi is a joint venture between general motors and toyota.toyota is responsible for responding to this NHTSA investigation.toyota reports that its evaluation is incomplete at this time, however; toyota has identified two issues that can contribute to side window glass breaking.in its january 11, 2008 letter to odi, toyota stated that a majority of the reports included in this response are most likely related to the loosening of the window regulator bolts.the second issue is, less …

Technical service bulletins

406 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2003 Vibe. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

equipment 158engine 66electrical system 55airbags 27transmission 14equipment adaptive/mobility 14fuel system 12body and frame 11
General CommunicationService campaignAug 26, 2024electrical system

Vehicle 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). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to …

PIT5099GService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSep 26, 2023visibility

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.

PIP5540JService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsDec 15, 2022visibility

This 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. That any of the listed DTC's may set with or without poor engine performance.

PIT5099FService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJun 13, 2022visibility

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.

PIT5099EService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJul 27, 2020visibility

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.

030848006JService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsDec 11, 2014visibility

This informational bulletin provide information for the technicians to repair the rear window defroster contact or tabs.

040857001Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJan 1, 2004visibility

SUNROOF WATER MANAGEMENT. *TT

Crash test ratings

NHTSA 5-star safety ratings
Version testedOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover risk
2003 Pontiac Vibe 4-DR.———★★★★★—

New Car Assessment Program results for this model year. Ratings compare cars of similar size and weight only.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 14, 2026OK

Vehicle wright capacity on manufacturing sticker lists total capacity weight as 8601 pounds or 390KG. Converting 390kg to pounds is 860 pounds.

Air Bags
Filed Jan 30, 2024WA

The 2003-2004 Pontiac Vibe was manufactured by Toyota and is for all intent and purposes is a 2003 Toyota Matrix. The 2003-04 Pontiac Vibe should be included in the "Do not drive" advisory issued by Toyota 20 Jan 30th 2024. Only the body is different than the Toyota Matrix and everything internal is the same. Please do not let this model fall through the cracks. January 30, 2024, Toyota issued a "do not drive" advisory for certain 2003–2005 car models due to concerns about their Takata airbags: 2003–2004 Corolla 2003–2004 Corolla Matrix 2004–2005 RAV4 The company says the Corolla and Matrix models are under a separate recall because their airbags can be deployed without a crash. The Takata air bag inflators are at risk of exploding and hurling shrapnel. Customers can check if their Toyota has a recall at www.toyota.com/recall or by contacting the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.

Seat Belts
Filed Nov 5, 2022SC

BUCKLE CAME UNLATCHED AND LATCH WILL NOT LOCK AT ALL DRIVER AND PASSENGER

Structure › BodyCrash1 injured
Filed Jun 2, 2022CA

The secondary safety hood latch failed causing the hood to fly up and shatter the windshield while also obstructing visibility on the road. The complete obstruction of the windshield presented a dangerous situation putting myself and others at risk of death of severe injury. In addition this caused glass shards to enter the driver/passenger compartment if the vehical further presenting risk to the occupants. The secondary hood latch mechanism appears to be extremely rusted and stuck in the "open" position. I am aware the NHTSA has issued a recall for a similar defect in the past (Nissan affecting 1.9 million vehicles).

Air Bags
Filed Apr 24, 202127,000 milesNJ

I HAVE A2003 PONTIAC VIBE WHICH HAD ATAKATA RECALL. IN JANUARY 2020, I TOOK THE CAR TO A GM DEALER CALLED"QUALITY BUICK GMC OF ENGLEWOOD" LOCATED AT"406 GRAND AVE ENGLEWOOD NJ 07631 US" TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR. SINCE THE DAY OF THE REPAIR THE LID ON TOP LEFT SIDE OF THE DASHBOARD HAD POPPEDUP AND DID NOT CLOSE FULLY. THAT IS WHERE THE PASSENGER'S AIRBAG IN THE UPPER LEFT OF THE DASHBOARD IS LOCATED.I THOUGHT THIS WAS JUST A COSMETIC ISSUE THAT COULD BE IGNORED. THE CAR STARTEDMAKING INTERMITTENTNOISES SIMILAR TO A CLOCK SOUND SHORTLY THEREAFTER. I HAVE RARELY DRIVEN THE CAR DUE TO THE PANDEMIC SINCE THE REPAIR WAS DONE. BUT RECENTLY THE NOISE HAS BECOME STEADY. I HAD MY MECHANIC WHO SPECIALIZES IN TOYOTA CARS CHECK THE CAR IN APRIL 2021. MY MECHANIC HAPPENS TO BE FAMILIAR WITH THE TAKATA AIRBAG ISSUE. HE SAYS THAT THE AIRBAG REPAIR DONE ON THE CAR IN 2020 IS THE ROOT CAUSE OF THE NOISE. THAT IS TO SAY MY CAR WAS MESSED UP AS A RESULT OF THIS SO CALLED RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER NOW REFUSES TO CHECK THE CAR TO DETERMINE WHETHER OR NOT THE RECALL REPAIR HAS BEEN DONE CORRECTLY.

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 8, 2020104,000 milesOR

DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW POPS WHEN GOING DOWN AIR RECIRCULATION LOWER MOTOR NOT OPERATING PROPERLY DOES THIS ALL THE TIME ITSEEMS LIKE THE WINDOW IS GOING TO SHATTER

Electrical System
Filed Jul 8, 2020OR

BLOWER MOTOR NOT CLOSING OR OPENING ALL THE WAY MAKES NOISE GOES AWAY WHEN RECIRCULATION IS ENGAUGED COMES RIGHT BACK WHEN TURNED OFF

Exterior Lighting
Filed Jul 8, 2020OR

DASH LIGHTS GO OUT THEN COME BACK ON AFTER A PERIOD OF TIME

Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 3, 2020111,324 milesCT

REFERENCE GM RECALL NO. 07273: WINDOW REGULATOR BOLTS: RECALL REPAIR DONE IN 2008, RECALL WORK FAILED IN 2016 AND $311 WAS SPENT ON WINDOW REGULATOR ASSEMBLY AND LABOR. 2019/2020 THE REGULATOR IS FAILING AGAIN. WINDOW IS RATTLING, SLOW TO MOVE UP AND DOWN, INCLUDING LOUD SCRAPING NOISES. THIS HAPPENS IN ALL MODES OF MOVEMENT AND NON-MOVEMENT.

Seat Belts
Filed Dec 12, 2019287,000 milesMI

BUCKLE CAME UNLATCHED AND LATCH WILL NOT LOCK AT ALL

Air Bags
Filed Sep 18, 2019150,000 milesMI

TAKATA RECALL TWO TIMES TRIED TO GET THIS RECALL FIXED FOR AIR BAGS, AS MY PRECIOUS DAUGHTER DRIVES THIS CAR. BEEN SCREWED AROUND FROM THE DEALERSHIP. WASTED SO MUCH TIME ON THE PHONE AND TAKING THE VEHICLE IN TO THE DEALER. BOTH TIMES THEY WERE UNABLE TO FIX THE RECALL SAYING THEY DIDN'T HAVE THE RIGHT PART. I BELIEVE THIS RECALL IS A FAKE AND GM IS GOING THROUGH THE MOTIONS ONLY TO APPEASE THE NHTSA, THE REALITY IS VEHICLES ARE NOT BEING FIXED AS PROMISED! SO DISAPPOINTED.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 4, 2019156,908 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC VIBE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AFTER BEING REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V883000 (AIR BAGS). GARBER BUICK (5925 STATE ST, SAGINAW, MI 48603, (989) 497-4444) PERFORMED THE RECALL REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE SAME DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE REPLACEMENT PART WAS DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. TWENTY DAYS LATER, THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE SAME DEALER A THIRD TIME WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE SUPPLEMENTAL INFLATABLE RESTRAINT (SIR) STEERING WHEEL MODULE COIL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, WHICH WAS NOT RELATED TO THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED DUE TO THE REPAIR FEES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 156,908.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 5, 2019WI

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC VIBE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V883000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR AS THE RECALL NOTICE WAS RECEIVED OVER A YEAR AGO. HOLIDAY AUTOMOTIVE (321 N ROLLING MEADOWS DR, FOND DU LAC, WI 54937) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 5, 2019WA

TAKATA RECALL I TOOK MY VEHICLE IN FOR A TAKATA RECALL. AFTER THE WORK WAS DONE, MY SRS LIGHT CAME ON. WHEN I WENT TO THE DEALER, THEY SAID IT HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE WORK THEY DID. THEY DIDN'T LOOK AT THE CAR, THEY DIDN'T DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM, THEY JUST SAID IT WASN'T THEIR FAULT, BUT I COULD PAY TO HAVE THEM HOOK UP THEIR COMPUTER TO DIAGNOSE THE CODE. I DIAGNOSED THE CODE MYSELF AND IT IS FOR AN "AIRBAG STAGE 2- OPEN CIRCUIT." I FIND IT HARD TO BELIEVE THAT THE DEALER (AN AUTHORIZED GM DEALER - BILL PIERRE CHEVROLET IN SEATTLE) WORKED ON MY AIRBAG SYSTEM AND THEIR WORK HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THIS AIRBAG SYSTEM FAULT THAT POPPED UP AFTER THE WORK WAS PERFORMED. THEY DIDN'T DIAGNOSE THE CODE, THEY DIDN'T LOOK AT THE CAR, THEY JUST DISMISSED MY COMPLAINT, AND TOLD ME TO PAY TO HAVE IT REPAIRED OR EVEN LOOKED AT.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 15, 2019150,000 milesMN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC VIBE. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE AIR BAG SENSOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. WALSER BUICK (2775 LONG LAKE RD, ROSEVILLE, MN) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Feb 14, 2019208,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC VIBE. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO LOWER THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE POWER WINDOW, IT SOUNDED LIKE GRINDING GLASS. THE SAME NOISE OCCURRING WHEN RAISING THE WINDOW BACK UP. THE CONTACT HAD THE WINDOW SWITCH DISCONNECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 9-5058739349. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 208,000.

Air Bags
Filed Jul 13, 2018CA

TAKATA RECALL RECEIVED RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR AIR BAG BEING FAULTY; HOWEVER HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY NOTIFICATION WHEN OR WHERE TO HAVE IT REPLACED OR ANY MONETARY COMPENSATION, CAR RENTAL AND ALL THAT IS LISTED ON THE CLASS ACTION FILED?

Electrical System
Filed Mar 17, 2018PA

I RECENTLY FOUND OUT FROM OTHER PONTIAC VIBE AND TOYOTA MATRIX OWNERS THAT THE ODOMETER STOPS RECORDING AT 299,999 MILES...THIS WAS A FACTORY GOOF AND QUITE A FEW PEOPLE HAVE TRIED TO GET WITH THEIR MANUFACTURER ABOUT IT AND SAID THAT IT WAS THE OWNERS RESPONSIBILITY TO HAVE THE PROBLEM FIXED/ODOMETER REFLASHED AT OWNERS EXPENSE...WE KNOW THAT THE OTHER VEHICLES THAT ARE BEING DRIVEN TODAY, THEIR ODOMETER CAN MAX OUT AT 999,999 MILES...IN MOST TO ALL STATES, IT IS ILLEGAL TO ALTER THE ODOMETER IN ANY WAY AND SHOULD HAVE CORRECT MILEAGE STATED EVERY TIME WE RENEW OUR REGISTRATION, BUT HOW CAN WE WHEN THEIR IS STILL ALOT OF THESE VEHICLES ON THE ROAD, BUT CANNOT TRULY ADDRESS THEIR CORRECT MILEAGE BECAUSE THE MANUFACTURER PROGRAMMED THE ODOMETER INCORRECTLY....PLEASE OPEN A CASE AND CONSIDER A RECALL TO HAVE THE MANUFACTURER FIX THEIR PROBLEM....THANK YOU

Air Bags
Filed Nov 28, 2017161,500 milesMI

TAKATA RECALL; I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION DIRECTING ME TO GO TO KOOL CHEVROLET FOR REPAIRS. PARTS WERE ORDERED AND A SERVICE PERSON CALLED AND AN APPOINTMENT WAS MADE. THE SERVICE MANAGER JASON IMMEDIATELY CALLED ME TO SAY THEY WOULD NOT HONOR THE APPOINTMENT AND WORK ON MY CAR BECAUSE OF AN INCIDENT AT KOOL TOYOTA NEXT DOOR RELATING TO INCOMPETENT WORK PERFORMED ON MY 2012 TOYOTA RAV4 TWO YEARS AGO. ARE TOYOTA AND GM NOW ONE AND THE SAME? WHY SOLICIT MY BUSINESS AND THEN REFUSE TO DO IT AFTER ALL ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE? CAN A GM DEALER "BLACKBALL" A CONSUMER TRYING TO COMPLETE A LIFE THREATENING RECALL REPAIR? I WILL CONTEST IN ADVANCE ANY EXCUSE THAT KOOL CHEVROLET COMES UP WITH THAT THEY SAY JUSTIFIES THEIR INACTION TO PERFORM THIS LIFE THREATENING RECALL REPAIR.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 11, 2017GA

TAKATA RECALL. BEEN WAITING FOR 6 MONTHS OR MORE FOR THE PARTS TO COME IN FROM DEALERSHIP..BACKORDER.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 20, 2017NY

I JUST WISH TO INFORM YOU THAT THIS CAR WAS TRADED IN AT BASIL GM IN FREDONIA NYY THIS WAS IN AUG. 2015. I APPROACHED THEM BUT I STILL KEEP GETTING THESE RECALLS.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 20, 2017WY

"TAKATA RECALL", I HAVE HAD MY AIRBAGS REPLACED PER TAKATA REQUEST HOWEVER THE AIRBAG INDICATOR IS STILL INDICATING A PROBLEM; IS IT SAFE OR NOT, THE MECHANICS HAVE NO ANSWER FOR ME?

Air Bags
Filed Sep 11, 2017299,999 milesMI

TAKATA RECALL-HAD THE CARE SERVICED FOR THE AIR BAG RECALL. TIME HAS PASSED; NOW THE AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON ALL THE TIME,

Engine
Filed Jun 24, 2017144,660 milesFL

I PURCHASED THIS 2003 PONTIAC VIBE FOR $4000 ON 7/27/2013 FROM 49TH STREET AUTO SALES & REPAIR. THIS CAR HAD INCORRECT ENGINE INSTALLED. VIN: [XXX] WAS INSTALLED WHEN I PURCHASED. GM DEALER VERIFIED THE ENGINE VIN # IS FROM A 2007 PONTIAC VIBE 4 CYL 1.8 L AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ENGINE. NOT A 16 VALVE 6 SPEED VEHICLE. THEREFORE THERMOSTAT SENSOR CAN'T BE ATTACHED, TEMPERATURE SENSOR FOR RADIATOR CAN'T BE ATTACHED, ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN DISABLED AND TRANSMISSION ERRORS CAN'T BE CORRECTED. WARNING ASK OWNER WHY HE THIS VEHICLE WAS ADVERTISED TO HAVE A 4 CYLINDER TOYOTA CELICA GT-S MOTOR INSTALLED. PER MECHANIC ([XXX]) INSPECTION MY SON WAS ASSURED BY HIM IT ONLY HAD 900 MILES ON IT. IT DID NOT AFTER $1241.20 IN REPAIRS JUST TO MAKE IT SAFE TO DRIVE AFTER THE AXLE SHAFT FELL OUT OF THE TRANSMISSION AT 70 MPH. I'M FROM MICHIGAN AND DROVE THIS DEATH TRAP OF A CAR HOME WITH INTENSE SHAKING ON FRONT RIGHT BECAUSE AXLE WASN'T EVEN ATTACHED. MY MECHANIC HAD TO WELD THE AXLE. I HAVE DOCUMENTATION FROM GM STATING THIS ENGINE SHOULD NOT BE INSTALLED INTO THIS VEHICLE. VIDEO FROM MECHANIC WHO IDENTIFIED ENGINE VIN DETAILING ALL PROBLEMS. I RECEIVED A REFUND FROM THIS DEALER THROUGH MEDIATION WITH CONSUMER PROTECTION AGENCY OF PINELLAS COUNTY. THIS DEALER IS TRYING TO SELL THIS DANGEROUS VEHICLE AGAIN! .49THSTREETAUTOSALES.COM/VIEW/1427/TAN-2003-PONTIAC-VIBE-IN-CLEARWATER-FL INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed May 15, 201760,000 milesWA

THIS VEHICLE WAS IN AN ACCIDENT IN DECEMBER OF 2009. IT WAS TOTALED. I BROKE MY STERNUM BECAUSE THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY PROPERLY. THIS WAS BEFORE THE RECALL. IT WAS ON BLACK ICE AND I HIT THE MERIDIAN STRIP TWICE AND SPUN OUT, DID NOT HIT ANY OTHER VEHICLES. IT IS TOO LATE NOW TO DO ANYTHING, BUT I WANTED TO STOP GETTING RECALL NOTICES. THANK YOU

Air Bags
Filed May 2, 2017OR

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC VIBE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 15V043000 (AIR BAGS) AND 15V285000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE DEALER DID NOT GIVE A SPECIFIC DATE FOR WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE SO THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD BE SERVICED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND COULD NOT PROVIDE AN ESTIMATED DATE FOR WHEN THE CONTACTS VEHICLE WOULD RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE CONTACT WAS NOT EXPERIENCING A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Air Bags
Filed Apr 20, 2017FL

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC VIBE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 15V286000 (AIR BAGS) AND 15V043000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER REFUSED TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR DUE TO THE CLAIM THAT THE VEHICLE HAD A TOYOTA ENGINE. THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Air Bags
Filed Feb 6, 2017RI

TOOK MY CAR FOR THREE RECALLS AT HERB CHAMBERS IN WARWICK THEY KEPT ME THERE FOR HOURS IN DID NONE OF THEM THEN TOLD ME THEY WOULD CALL THE NEXT DAY AND I HAVEN'T HEARD FROM THEM IT'S BEEN OVER A WEEK.

Air Bags
Filed Dec 9, 2016IN

I HAVE COMPLIED WITH THE RECALLS ON THE AIRBAG FOR THIS VEHICLE. AFTER WE GOT THE LAST RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE COMPLETED, ABOUT 3 WEEKS LATER THE WARNING LIGHT FOR THE AIRBAG CAME ON AND DOES NOT GO OUT. THE OWNER MANUAL TELLS ME THIS IS A DANGER AND THE AIRBAG COULD DEPLOY AT ANY TIME. AFTER RESEARCHING I FOUND MULTIPLY VEHICLES WITH THE SAME ISSUE. I TOOK IT BACK TO THEM AND THEY TOLD ME IT WAS NOTHING THEY DID. NOW THEY WANT $1000 TO FIX THE ISSUE. SOUND BOGEYS TO ME> I DO NOT HAVE ANY PHOTOS BUT I DO HAVE MY PAPER WORK

Air Bags
Filed Dec 9, 2016IN

I HAVE COMPLIED WITH THE RECALLS ON THE AIRBAG FOR THIS VEHICLE. AFTER WE GOT THE LAST RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE COMPLETED, ABOUT 3 WEEKS LATER THE WARNING LIGHT FOR THE AIRBAG CAME ON AND DOES NOT GO OUT. THE OWNER MANUAL TELLS ME THIS IS A DANGER AND THE AIRBAG COULD DEPLOY AT ANY TIME. AFTER RESEARCHING I FOUND MULTIPLY VEHICLES WITH THE SAME ISSUE. I TOOK IT BACK TO THEM AND THEY TOLD ME IT WAS NOTHING THEY DID. NOW THEY WANT $1000 TO FIX THE ISSUE. SOUND BOGEYS TO ME> I DO NOT HAVE ANY PHOTOS BUT I DO HAVE MY PAPER WORK

Air Bags
Filed Dec 9, 2016IN

I HAVE COMPLIED WITH THE RECALLS ON THE AIRBAG FOR THIS VEHICLE. AFTER WE GOT THE LAST RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE COMPLETED, ABOUT 3 WEEKS LATER THE WARNING LIGHT FOR THE AIRBAG CAME ON AND DOES NOT GO OUT. THE OWNER MANUAL TELLS ME THIS IS A DANGER AND THE AIRBAG COULD DEPLOY AT ANY TIME. AFTER RESEARCHING I FOUND MULTIPLY VEHICLES WITH THE SAME ISSUE. I TOOK IT BACK TO THEM AND THEY TOLD ME IT WAS NOTHING THEY DID. NOW THEY WANT $1000 TO FIX THE ISSUE. SOUND BOGEYS TO ME> I DO NOT HAVE ANY PHOTOS BUT I DO HAVE MY PAPER WORK

Air Bags
Filed Sep 22, 2016IL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC VIBE. WHILE DRIVING AND MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING OR IMPACT. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT INFLATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, BUT THE DETAILS COULD NOT BE PROVIDED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V043000 (AIR BAGS), BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Seat Belts
Filed Jul 22, 2016110,000 milesPR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC VIBE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT FAILED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO FASTEN THE SEAT BELT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE SEAT BELT WAS NOT REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000. UPDATED 09/29/16*LJ UPDATED 10/04/16.*JB

Air Bags
Filed May 27, 2016170,000 milesIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC VIBE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATES INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BUT NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER OF THE FAILURE. TH APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.

Air Bags
Filed May 4, 2016FL

TAKATA RECALL

Electrical System
Filed Jan 17, 2016143,023 milesTN

ON NOVEMBER 28, 2015 MY CAR DIED ON ME WHILE I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM THE STORE. AFTER GOING THROUGH TWO MECHANICS, THE GM DEALER ENDED UP REPLACING MY ENTIRE FUSE PANEL. THE ROOT CAUSE OF WHAT HAPPENED WAS NEVER DETERMINED.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Dec 29, 2015114,217 milesVT

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.

Air Bags
Filed Dec 21, 2015FL

I RECEIVED A RECALL FOR 13030. AFTER THEY 'FIXED' IT MY AIR BAG LIGHT TURNED ON. I RECEIVED A RECALL FOR 14877. I TOOK IT TO THE SAME DEALERSHIP AND THE LIGHT IS STILL ON. THEY ARE NOW FIGHTING WITH ME SAYING THAT THEY DID NOT DO THIS AND THEY WILL NOT FIX IT AS IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE RECALL. AFTER ARGUING WITH THEM, THEY DID RUN A FREE DX TEXT WHICH WOULD OF COSTED ME $90.00. AS OF TODAY MY VEHICLE ITS NOW CODING B1181 AND THAT THEY ARE NOW TRYING TO CHARGE ME $1,000.00 TO REPLACE THE AIRBAG AND COIL. HOWEVER I DID NOT HAVE ANY ISSUE WITH MY AIRBAG LIGHT BEFORE THEY DID THE RECALL

Air Bags
Filed Oct 19, 2015CA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC VIBE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V312000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 13, 2015IN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC VIBE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V043000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. 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.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 12, 2015IL

MY PONTIAC VIBE 2003 PASSENGER AIR BAG WAS REPLACE IN A RECALL DO TO THE AIR BAG CAN CUT YOU UP WITH METAL PIECES WHEN DEPLOYED. WITH SAME MANUFACTURE MAKING BOTH AIRBAG IN MY CAR, WHY IS THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG DID NOT GET REPLACE. HERE A CASE FROM 2014 DATE COMPLAINT FILED: 11/18/2014 DATE OF INCIDENT: 09/25/2013 COMPONENT(S): AIR BAGS , STEERING , UNKNOWN OR OTHER NHTSA ID NUMBER: 10659129 CONSUMER LOCATION: NORTH CANTON, OH CRASH:YES FIRE:NO NUMBER OF INJURIES:1 NUMBER OF DEATHS:0 MANUFACTURER: GENERAL MOTORS LLC VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NO. (VIN): 5Y2SL62873Z... SUMMARY: MY HUSBAND WAS CUT OFF ON AN EXIT RAMP ON 62EAST. WHEN HE CRASHED HE HIT A TREE HEAD ON CAUSING THE AIRBAGS TO DEPLOY AND CUT OPEN HIS HEAD. HE STILL HAS PAIN AND ISSUES WITHIN HIS ACCIDENT AREA AND I THINK THIS IS RELATED TO THE AIR BAG RECALLS AND FEEL THAT IF THERE ARE CONTINUOUS CHECKS AND ISSUES THAT WE SHOULD BE INVOLVED IN ANY LAWSUIT AGAINST THE COMPANY FOR THE NEGLIGENCE UPON THE ISSUES WITH THE AIRBAG. DO I HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL I GET HURT OR KILL WHEN MY DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG GET DEPLOY.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 14, 2015NY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC VIBE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V043000 (AIR BAGS) WAS RECEIVED IN MARCH OF 2015. AFTER CONTACTING THE DEALER ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WERE STILL NOT AVAILABLE AND NO ESTIMATED TIME FOR RECEIVING THE PARTS COULD BE GIVEN. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. UPDATED 11/18/15*LJ UPDATED 11/25/15.8JB

Air Bags
Filed Aug 30, 2015ME

AIRBAG RECALL, SO I TOOK MY 2003 PONTIAC VIBE TO A GM DEALER TO FIX THE PROBLEM, BUT IT WAS NEVER FIXED. NOW MY CAR FAILS INSPECTION BECAUSE AIRBAD LIGHT IS ON.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 3, 2015NY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC VIBE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V043000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED WAS UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 24, 2015SC

I'M THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THIS 2003 PONTIAC VIBE. THE FRONT HOOD AND THE WHOLE ROOF OF MY CAR HAS ALL OF IT'S PAINT ALMOST GONE.THE REST OF THE CARS PAINT IS GOOD BUT NOT THE FRONT HOOD AND WHOLE ROOF. THANK YOU *TR

Air Bags
Filed Jul 23, 2015FL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC VIBE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER :15V286000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

Air Bags
Filed Jul 13, 2015IN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC VIBE. THE THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V043000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 09/10/15*LJ

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Jun 8, 201587,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 PONTIAC VIBE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A BODY SHOP AND DEEMED DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,000.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 1, 2015IL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC VIBE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V043000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. 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. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Air Bags
Filed May 4, 2015NV

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC VIBE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V043000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED TO REMEDY THE VEHICLE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. UPDATED 7/1/15*CN UPDATED 07/09/15*JB

Complaints 1-50 of 298, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2009
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20141000Routine
201058800Routine
2009528920Above average
200863400Routine
2007172511Fatalities reported
2006177500Routine
2005301510Above average
2004266710Above average
2003 — this page298800Above average
20021000Routine
20011000Routine
20001000Routine

Compare every Vibe year →

2003 Pontiac Vibe: questions buyers ask

Is the 2003 Pontiac Vibe a good car?

It is not among the Vibe years to avoid. Owners filed 298 complaints, against about 222 for a typical Vibe year. The most common complaint is about the visibility (24%).

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Pontiac Vibe?

The visibility: 71 of the 298 complaints (24%) are about it. Owners most often say it knocks, grinds or clunks (7%). The typical report comes at 58,259 miles.

How many recalls does the 2003 Pontiac Vibe have?

8 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Jan 23, 2020. The largest, 15V285000, covered 1,973,468 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 2003 Pontiac Vibe problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 62,000 miles. For the visibility the midpoint is 58,259 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 2003 Pontiac Vibe?

Yes, 5 times. The latest, EA21002 ("Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture"), was opened Sep 17, 2021 and is still open. 2 investigations are open.

Are there service bulletins for the 2003 Pontiac Vibe?

The manufacturer filed 406 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the engine (66), the electrical system (55) and the airbags (27). They include a service campaign, General Communication, filed Aug 26, 2024. A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jan 23, 2020. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.