2009 Pontiac Vibe Problems
Shopping for a used 2009 Pontiac Vibe? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Based on 500 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Airbag Malfunctions the most reported area.
Before you buy
This 2009 Pontiac Vibe has 500 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Airbag Malfunctions.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
Free preview · Full report from $12.95.
2009 Pontiac Vibe Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 5 2009 Pontiac Vibe trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 5 trims analysed.
2009 Pontiac Vibe Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not Rated13.6% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
13.6% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2009 Pontiac Vibe has 500 owner complaints, 18 crash-related complaints, and 9 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Airbag Malfunctions. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Pontiac
- Model
- Vibe
- Model year
- 2009
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 500
- Crash-related complaints
- 18
- Safety recall campaigns
- 9
- Top reported component
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 24
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 21 / 28
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2009 Pontiac Vibe problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Airbag Malfunctions
Unintended Acceleration
Engine Problems
Complaint patterns center on Airbag Malfunctions, Unintended Acceleration, Engine Problems. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2009 Pontiac Vibe?
The 2009 Pontiac Vibe shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2009 Pontiac Vibe
Inspection Focus
- Inspect airbag system for any warning lights or prior repairs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for airbag, acceleration, and engine issues.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect airbag system for any warning lights or prior repairs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for airbag, acceleration, and engine issues.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2009 Pontiac Vibe, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2009 Pontiac Vibe are heavily concentrated in airbag malfunctions, which account for the majority of reports. Unintended acceleration and engine problems also appear as recurring themes, though with far fewer complaints. The data suggests potential issues with safety systems and powertrain reliability.
- Airbag malfunctions dominate complaints with 351 reports.
- Unintended acceleration is the second most reported issue with 48 complaints.
- Engine problems and steering defects each have 33 complaints.
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Unintended Acceleration
- Engine Problems
Full breakdown
All 2009 Pontiac Vibe complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2009 Pontiac Vibe. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag Malfunctions | 351 | 5 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 48 | 10 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 33 | 1 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 33 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 17 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 16 | 1 | 2 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 11 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 7 | 1 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 6 | — | 1 | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 4 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Fuel System | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Air | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2009 Pontiac Vibe. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The Toyota 2.4L 2AZ-FE engine in my 2009 Pontiac Vibe GT suffers from excessive oil consumption due to a known piston ring defect. The rapid oil loss between changes puts the engin…
The contact called on behalf of her sister who owns a 2009 Pontiac Vibe. The contact stated that while her sister was driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle was making an abnormal noise and the steering wheel was shaking abnormally. The vehicle was taken to an independent mech…
I been trying to get the recalls to be fix but both the dealers and GM haven’t been able to help due to parts discontinued, I been trying to get this issued resolve for a year or so. I need help please, they just keep saying that all recalls on this vehicle don’t have the parts f…
TSB 0158-14 IS a Toyota engine that was also used in General Motors Pontiac vibe in 2009 and 2010 The tsb has to do with oil consumption and a tsb was made for Toyota. Not for Pontiac as a result my Pontiac is now consuming oil every 1000kms As they both used the 2Az-FE 2.4…
I was driving no warnings lights to shutting down on the road to black smoke came out of the back luckily a guy was going by and helped me move my car
The steering rack and intermediate shaft in the steering wheel Go bad and what happens is it makes having an alignment impossible Not only that but the vehicle clunks with every turn [XXX] Being a Pontiac it was a joint venture between Toyota And GM Thus Affecting many To…
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 …
Accelerates on its own from idle or low speeds. Was recalled on 2/8/2010 #2010018..and repaired on 6/21/ 2010. Approx. 2 years ago it started to "take off again". Grand Buick... Grandville MI advised there was no current recall. I'm waiting for GM to advise of a no charge to owne…
The restraint system appears to have failed and cannot be repaired. Nobody appears to know why
The contact owns a 2009 Pontiac Vibe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the vehicle speed control (VSC), ABS, and check engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who was unab…
PONTIAC VIBE 2009: ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, DUE TO FAT MISAPPLIED THE MAIN SWITCH TO CONTROL ELECTRIC WINDOW ON THE DRIVER SIDE COULD GET STUCK OR STOP WORKING. IF WE TRIED TO LUBRICATE THE SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT AND MELT. A SWITCH THAT COULD MELT PRODUCE SMOKE AND CAUSE A FIRE DAMAGING…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 PONTIAC VIBE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL SOUND COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED SHE CONTINUED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO ED SCHMIDT GMC (26875 N DIXIE HWY, PER…
MY VEHICLE WAS TURNED IN FOR THE AIRBAG RECALL. WE RECEIVED A CALL SAYING IT WAS DONE. WE ARE STILL RECEIVING NOTICES FROM THE ESTABLISHMENT WE DROPPED THE CAR OFF TO GET IT COMPLETED AND PENDOT STATING THE RECALL HAS NOT BEEN COMPLETED. *TR
I BOUGHT A 2009 PONTIAC VIBE WITH A 2.4L ENGINE A LITTLE OVER A YEAR AGO WITH AROUND 80K MILES. I NOTICED RIGHT AWAY THAT IT WAS USING ABOUT A QUART OF OIL AROUND EVERY 1K MILES. IT NOW HAS A LITTLE OVER 90K MILES AND USES ABOUT 1.25 QUARTS OF OIL PER 1K MILES. I FOUND THAT T…
DUE TO A MANUFACTURING DEFECT WITH THE ENGINE, THE VEHICLE BURNS OVER A QUART OF OIL EVERY 1000 MILES. THIS MEANS IT REQUIRES A WAIVER TO PASS INSPECTION. THE 2009 TOYOTA MATRIX, WHICH SHARES THE SAME ENGINE, HAD A RECALL ISSUED. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A HIGHWAY. THE CHECK …
THIS CAR HAS THE 2.4L TOYOTA 2AZ-FE ENGINE, WHICH HAS A KNOWN DEFECT IN THE PISTON RINGS, LEADING TO EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. THOSE OF US WITH PONTIAC VIBES APPARENTLY HAVE NO RECOURSE THROUGH EITHER TOYOTA OR GM.
POWER WINDOW MASTER SWITCH FAILURE. SHORTED AND CAUGHT ON FIRE. FIRE WAS ISOLATED TO SWITCH AND DOOR PANEL, HOWEVER INTERIOR OF CAR DID FILL UP WITH SMOKE. POWER WINDOW MASTER SWITCH WAS PREVIOUSLY ADDRESSED AS PER BULLETIN 15791A HOWEVER RECALL DID NOT REMEDY DEFECTIVE PART/…
AT STOP, VEHICLE ATTEMPTED ACCELERATING. MUCH PRESSURE ON BRAKE PEDAL NEEDED TO KEEP CAR FROM MOVING. AFTER SHUTTING OFF ENGINE AND RESTART, SEEMED OK. THIRD AND MOST SIGNIFICANT OCCURANCE. *LN*JB
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 PONTIAC VIBE. WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE ABOVE 20 MPH. ADDITIONALLY, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS APPLIED, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO MOVE. THE CHECK ENGINE AND VSC OFF WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPE…
2.4L ENGINE W/ 150000 MILES BURNING EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF OIL; APPX. 1 QT PER 1000 MILES
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2009 Pontiac Vibe.
Safety recalls
2009 Pontiac Vibe recalls
9 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2009 Pontiac Vibe. 9 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2009 Pontiac Vibe buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2009 Pontiac Vibe reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 500 owner complaints, 18 crash-related complaints, and 9 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2009 Pontiac Vibe shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Pontiac Vibe?▾
#1: Airbag Malfunctions (351 complaints). #2: Unintended Acceleration (48 complaints). #3: Engine Problems (33 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2009 Pontiac Vibe?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2009 Pontiac Vibe?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2009 Pontiac Vibe, NHTSA complaints include 18 crash-related reports and 2 fire reports out of 500 total complaints. 8 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2009 Pontiac Vibe have any recalls?▾
Yes. 9 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2009 Pontiac Vibe. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. 9 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2009 Pontiac Vibe?▾
The 2009 Pontiac Vibe shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Airbag Malfunctions during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpectorAI.
Wider context: See the full Pontiac Vibe reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2009 Pontiac Vibe based on your ownership experience.
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.