Which Pontiac Vibe years should I avoid?

NHTSA data points to 2005 and 2009 as the years to avoid, with complaint indexes of 83 and 100, the two highest across all Vibe model years. Both show airbag non-deployment as the dominant reported issue.

What is the best Pontiac Vibe year?

2008 has the lowest complaint index at 17, but its verdict is capped to Good rather than Best because complaint records for 2005-2009 model years are considered less complete.

Does the Pontiac Vibe have airbag recalls?

Yes. Airbags are the top problem area across all years, accounting for 838 of 1,297 total complaints (65%), and multiple recall campaigns for airbag components were issued for 2005 and 2009 models between 2015 and 2019.

Are 2006, 2007, and 2010 Vibes safe to buy?

These years are rated Caution rather than Avoid or Good. The 2010 model carries a Caution verdict specifically because of its 8 recall campaigns despite a lower complaint index of 33.

How many total complaints does the Pontiac Vibe have?

NHTSA lists 1,297 total complaints across all Vibe model years and 17 recall campaigns, with airbags representing 65% of all reported complaints.

Pontiac Vibe Best and Worst Years (2005–2014)

The 2005 and 2009 Pontiac Vibe are the years to avoid, with complaint indexes of 83 and 100 (the worst of all years) and airbag issues dominating both. 2008 scores best with a complaint index of 17, though it's capped to Good since 2005-2009 records are less complete.

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

Avoid 2005 Avoid 2009

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	Good	17	63	3	0	4	Airbags	28	—
2009	Avoid	100	527	23	2	9	Airbags	24	—
2010	Caution	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

The 2009 Vibe has the worst complaint index of any year, 100, with 527 total complaints. Airbags make up 67% of top-area complaints (352 cases), with a median mileage at failure of 93,000 for that system. Owners reported airbags not deploying in crashes and, separately, sudden unintended acceleration events at very low mileage, including one crash into a garage and another striking a deer after brakes reportedly failed to engage. Engine complaints show a median failure mileage of just 30,000. NHTSA lists nine recall campaigns for this year, the most of any Vibe model year, mostly covering airbag components identified between 2016 and 2018.

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

2005 Pontiac Vibe Index 83 · 301 complaints · 5 recalls

The 2005 Vibe has a complaint index of 83 and ranks second-worst of all years. Airbags account for 58% of its 174 top-area complaints, with a median mileage at failure of 82,805 overall and 117,850 for airbag issues specifically. Owners reported airbags failing to deploy in collisions, sometimes causing thousands in damage. Engine complaints (50, median 91,255 miles) included reports of unintended acceleration tied to a sticking throttle sensor. NHTSA lists five recall campaigns for this year, all covering airbag components, including 2015, 2018, and 2019 campaigns tied to prior airbag replacements.

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

Most common Pontiac Vibe problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group across all model years.

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%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

Frequently asked questions

Which Pontiac Vibe years should I avoid?: NHTSA data points to 2005 and 2009 as the years to avoid, with complaint indexes of 83 and 100, the two highest across all Vibe model years. Both show airbag non-deployment as the dominant reported issue.
What is the best Pontiac Vibe year?: 2008 has the lowest complaint index at 17, but its verdict is capped to Good rather than Best because complaint records for 2005-2009 model years are considered less complete.
Does the Pontiac Vibe have airbag recalls?: Yes. Airbags are the top problem area across all years, accounting for 838 of 1,297 total complaints (65%), and multiple recall campaigns for airbag components were issued for 2005 and 2009 models between 2015 and 2019.
Are 2006, 2007, and 2010 Vibes safe to buy?: These years are rated Caution rather than Avoid or Good. The 2010 model carries a Caution verdict specifically because of its 8 recall campaigns despite a lower complaint index of 33.
How many total complaints does the Pontiac Vibe have?: NHTSA lists 1,297 total complaints across all Vibe model years and 17 recall campaigns, with airbags representing 65% of all reported complaints.