YearToAvoid

2005 Pontiac Vibe Engine Problems

NHTSA has 50 owner complaints about engine problems in the 2005 Pontiac Vibe, 17% of all 301 complaints for this model year. That is #2 highest engine complaint count among 7 Vibe model years. These complaints report 1 crash and 1 injury. Median mileage at failure: 91,255 miles.

Engine complaints
50
17% of 301
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
1
Median mileage
91,255 mi
Related recalls
1

When 2005 Pontiac Vibe engine complaints were filed

First complaint Apr 12, 2005, latest Feb 24, 2020.

2005 Pontiac Vibe engine complaints: complaints filed per month6Apr 2005Jun 2008Jul 2010Feb 2011Mar 2012Feb 2015Sep 2018
50 complaints filed with NHTSA from Apr 2005 to Feb 2020; peak Sep 2010 (6).

Engine recalls for the 2005 Pontiac Vibe

  1. NHTSA 10V387000Aug 26, 2010Engine161,754 vehicles

    Engine and engine cooling

    Gm is recalling certain model year 2005-2008 pontiac vibe vehicles. The engine control module (ECM) for the subject models equipped with the 1zz-fe (lv6) engine and two-wheel drive may have been improperly manufactured. There is a possibility that a crack may develop at certain solder points or on varistors on the circuit board.

    Risk: There are a variety of warnings and consequences associated with the defect. The engine warning lamp could be illuminated, harsh shifting could result, the engine may not start, or the engine could shut off while the vehicle is being driven. An engine shutoff while the vehicle is being driven increases the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the production number of the ECM and replace the ECM if necessary. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on february 8, 2011. Owners may contact gm at 1-800-620-7668.

Engine complaints by Vibe model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 200550 (17%)
  2. 200636 (20%)
  3. 200734 (20%)
  4. 20088 (13%)
  5. 200992 (17%)
  6. 201012 (21%)
  7. 20140 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2005 Pontiac Vibe have engine problems?
NHTSA has 50 owner complaints about the engine in the 2005 Pontiac Vibe, 17% of all complaints for this model year, including 1 that report a crash. Median mileage at failure is 91,255 miles.
Which Pontiac Vibe year has the most engine complaints?
The 2009 Pontiac Vibe has the most engine complaints (92), compared with 50 for the 2005.
Is there a engine recall for the 2005 Pontiac Vibe?
Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for the 2005 Pontiac Vibe concerns the engine: 10V387000.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.