What year Pontiac Vibe should I avoid?

Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2005 and 2009 Pontiac Vibe have the highest Complaint Index among 7 model years and are the years to avoid. The 2009 model year ranks worst with 527 complaints and 9 recalls.

What is the best year for the Pontiac Vibe?

The 2008 Pontiac Vibe has the lowest Complaint Index of the years we track, with the 2008 at 63 complaints and 4 recalls. Complaint counts are adjusted for how long each model year has been on the road.

What are the most common problems with the Pontiac Vibe?

Across all model years, the most reported problem areas in NHTSA complaints are airbags (838, 65%), engine (232, 18%), and transmission & powertrain (74, 6%).

How many recalls does the Pontiac Vibe have?

NHTSA lists 17 distinct recall campaigns covering Pontiac Vibe model years 2005–2014. Recalls are repaired free of charge by dealers; check any specific vehicle by VIN before buying.

Pontiac Vibe Best and Worst Years (2005–2014)

Pontiac Vibe years to avoid: 2005 and 2009. Best years: 2008. Based on 1,297 NHTSA owner complaints and 17 recall campaigns across 7 model years (2005–2014).

Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.

Avoid 2005 Avoid 2009 Best 2008

Model years: 7; 2005–2014
NHTSA complaints: 1,297
Recall campaigns: 17
Crashes reported: 60
Fires reported: 4
Top problem area: Airbags

Vibe Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Pontiac Vibe problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2005	Avoid	83	301	10	1	5	Airbags	26	—
2006	Caution	50	177	6	0	5	Airbags	26	—
2007	Caution	67	170	13	1	5	Airbags	28	—
2008	Best	17	63	3	0	4	Airbags	28	—
2009	Avoid	100	527	23	2	9	Airbags	24	—
2010	Good	33	58	5	0	8	Airbags	24	—
2014	No verdict	0	1	0	0	0	Airbags	—	—

Vibe years to avoid: what went wrong

2009 Pontiac Vibe Index 100 · 527 complaints · 9 recalls

Owners filed 527 complaints with NHTSA about the 2009 Pontiac Vibe, led by airbags (352), engine (92), and steering (35). NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns for this year. Complaints mention 23 crashes and 2 fires.

2009 airbags problems →2009 engine problems →2009 steering problems →

2005 Pontiac Vibe Index 83 · 301 complaints · 5 recalls

Owners filed 301 complaints with NHTSA about the 2005 Pontiac Vibe, led by airbags (174), engine (50), and transmission & powertrain (34). NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for this year. Complaints mention 10 crashes and 1 fires.

2005 airbags problems →2005 engine problems →2005 transmission & powertrain problems →

Most common Pontiac Vibe problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Airbags838 (65%)
Engine232 (18%)
Transmission & Powertrain74 (6%)
Electrical System63 (5%)
Brakes52 (4%)
Steering48 (4%)
Visibility & Wipers41 (3%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires27 (2%)
Other26 (2%)
Structure & Body20 (2%)

Frequently asked questions

What year Pontiac Vibe should I avoid?: Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2005 and 2009 Pontiac Vibe have the highest Complaint Index among 7 model years and are the years to avoid. The 2009 model year ranks worst with 527 complaints and 9 recalls.
What is the best year for the Pontiac Vibe?: The 2008 Pontiac Vibe has the lowest Complaint Index of the years we track, with the 2008 at 63 complaints and 4 recalls. Complaint counts are adjusted for how long each model year has been on the road.
What are the most common problems with the Pontiac Vibe?: Across all model years, the most reported problem areas in NHTSA complaints are airbags (838, 65%), engine (232, 18%), and transmission & powertrain (74, 6%).
How many recalls does the Pontiac Vibe have?: NHTSA lists 17 distinct recall campaigns covering Pontiac Vibe model years 2005–2014. Recalls are repaired free of charge by dealers; check any specific vehicle by VIN before buying.