NHTSA — Structure: Body Problems

CarComplaints.com Notes: The Pontiac Vibe is the mechanical twin of the Toyota Matrix.

Both models were a joint GM-Toyota venture, manufactured together at a NUMMI production facility in Fremont, CA. Only the heating & A/C systems are different.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
31,634 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2009 Pontiac Vibe body / paint problems

body / paint problem

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2009 Pontiac Vibe Owner Comments

problem #3

Jun 222023

Vibe

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Air bags failed to deploy and vehicle is not available for inspection. Vehicle was a total loss and is in the proces of becoming proprty of Copart.com for auction (I assume). I hit my head very hard from the T-bone type of collision and my side airbags did not deploy. I have a severe concussion and internal brain bleed. ICU stay was required. Problem was confirmed by the police report, etc. Nothing has been inspected to the best of my knowledge in any great detail (I assume). No warning lamps, messgaes, or other symptoms prior to the failure.

- Bluffton, OH, USA

problem #2

Mar 182017

Vibe

  • 74,000 miles
The contact owns a 2009 Pontiac Vibe. While driving 15 mph, after opening the driver side window via the power window controls located on the driver's side door panel, smoke appeared from the door panel. There were no warning indicators illuminated. When the contact restarted the vehicle, the smoke disappeared. An independent mechanic informed the contact of a recall involving the power window control unit. The dealer removed the door panel and diagnosed that there was a fire inside of the driver side door panel. The power window control unit also needed replacement. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures. The contact mentioned that he did not receive the recall notice for NHTSA campaign number: 12V491000 (visibility). The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.

- New York, NM, USA

problem #1

May 242009

Vibe

  • 20,903 miles
While driving 60-70mph on an expressway in heavy/gusty winds I suddenly heard a loud "woof" sound accompanied by heavy drag and pulling of the vehicle to the left. After regaining control and making my way to the side of the freeway I found that the wind had ripped the splash guard/air dam clear off with the exception of the last fastener on the driver's side. This resulted in the part dragging under the driver's side tire. I was assisted by onstar and a tow driver who helped me to remove the piece, as I would be unable to safely drive the vehicle with it dragging. The dealer replaced the part at my cost and informed me that it would not likely be covered under the 'bumper to bumper' warranty because this type of damage is usually the result of collisions with parking blocks. (basically saying they didn't believe my account of what happened). I was supposed to be contacted regarding an investigation within 1-2 days but so far no word from Pontiac.

- Vail, CO, USA

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