NHTSA — Steering Problems

2009 Pontiac Vibe (Page 2 of 2)

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.

3.5

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
37,012 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 steering problems

steering problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2009 Pontiac Vibe:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2009 Pontiac Vibe Owner Comments (Page 2 of 2)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #12

Oct 032011

Vibe 4-cyl

  • 25,000 miles

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

When traveling at low speeds (less than 35), there is a noticeable shaking / vibration / rattling noise coming from either the steering column or front shocks, especially noticeable when driving over rough surfaces or bumps. Seems to be more drivers side. Looks like others have had similar problems as well as Toyota matrix (built on same line with same components) I have not yet had the dealer inspect the issue. Seems as if some component has come loose.

- Kettering, OH, USA

problem #11

Jun 252012

Vibe 4-cyl

  • 22,542 miles
At highway speeds and local speeds the car pulls to the left intermittently. When an attempt is made to correct this the car over corrects and pulls to the right. Frequently when coming to a stop (especially on an uneven road) the car pulls severely to the right or left (almost 90 degrees).

- Iowa City, IA, USA

problem #10

Dec 012011

Vibe

  • 25,000 miles
At speeds below 25 mph, a rattling is heard and felt through the steering wheel. The dealer replaced the upper and lower steering column but this did not fix the problem. The dealer claims there is no fix for this problem, per GM. The car still makes the noise and vibration... and is getting worse. A search of this problem revealed many complaints for the same thing. There is no way that I could sell or trade this vehicle with this problem.

- Annapolis, MD, USA

problem #9

Dec 012011

Vibe 4-cyl

  • miles

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

While driving the vehicle the it became very hard to steer and the power steering light was activated. No warning signs of any nature. Can not drive the vehicle and dealership can not look at it until 4 days.

- Angelton, TX, USA

problem #8

Jul 102011

Vibe 4-cyl

  • 33,000 miles
When traveling at low speeds (less than 35), there is a noticeable shaking / vibration / rattling noise coming from either the steering column or front shocks, especially when driving over rough surfaces or bumps. I have not yet had the dealer inspect the issue. Seems as if some component has come loose.

- Knightdale, NC, USA

problem #7

Oct 292010

Vibe

  • 35,500 miles
When driving at speeds greater than 35 mph the vehicle's steering becomes unpredictable. Initially while attempting to correct the wandering direction of the car nothing will happen. When correcting further the vehicle will catch itself and over-correct. It feels as if you are driving through a wind tunnel or getting passed by large trucks even if there is no wind and no other vehicle around. When the wind is blowing it feels as if you are driving on ice. This became an even bigger problem when winter weather hit and roads actually became icy or snowy. Also, when coming to a stop the steering wheel will occasionally and unpredictably turn at least 45-90 degrees in either direction resulting in the vehicle "wandering" into an adjacent lane.

- Ubly, MI, USA

problem #6

Nov 242010

Vibe 4-cyl

  • 53,000 miles

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

The power steering failed completely and without warning. The steering warning light illuminated on the dash. Steering suddenly became very difficult, presenting a very dangerous situation. After stopping, all fuses were checked and found okay. Shutting off/restarting car did not solve the problem. Steering remains disabled. No other symptoms or problems. Car is being towed to dealer for repair.

- Mooresville, IN, USA

problem #5

Mar 252010

Vibe

  • 5,000 miles
The electric steering in the car doesn't allow you to steer in the right direction. The steering in numb and it makes a noise and it takes 3 seconds for it to adjust. I believe you have noticed this problem through other complaints but why are you guys hesitating to announce a recall on the electric steering?

- Mount Prospect, IL, USA

problem #4

Feb 172010

Vibe

  • 3,000 miles
At highway speeds above 60 mph, my 2009 Pontiac Vibe feels like I am driving through a wind storm. This requires me to constantly correct the steering wheel, in order to maintain the direction that I intend. This can be annoying and possibly dangerous. I am most concerned that if the wheel pressure is not maintained at the recommended tire pressure, one could easily lose control of the vehicle. (I check and maintain the air pressure in my tires, monthly.)

- Annapolis, MD, USA

problem #3

Jul 152008

Vibe

  • 4,000 miles
2009 Pontiac Vibe steering feels like steering wheel not controlling direction of vehicle and slight turns cause car to turn more than it should. When parallel parking on left side of one-way street and pull into traffic, no visibility to see if cars coming from behind.

- Portsmouth, NH, USA

problem #2

Feb 172010

Vibe

  • 20 miles
Wandering steering at highway speed of my 2009 Pontiac Vibe versus stable steering of my 2006 Pontiac Vibe.

- Deer Park, NY, USA

problem #1

Aug 242009

Vibe

  • 10 miles
2009 Pontiac Vibe, which is mechanically identical to Toyota matrix, which in turn is based on Toyota corolla. All three vehicles have really light steering (too much boost from electric power steering) that it becomes very unstable and dangerous when the speed is over 50mph. I know that there are many people who reported this problem on Toyota corolla but I think NHTSA should be aware that Toyota matrix and Pontiac Vibe share the same problem.

- Tucson, AZ, USA

Not what you are looking for?