2008 Pontiac Vibe recalls and problems
The 2008 Pontiac Vibe has 4 safety recalls and 63 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Pontiac dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2008 Pontiac Vibe vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2008 Pontiac Vibe recalls
Recall 19V-627: Air Bags
Problem: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2003-2008 Corolla, 2005-2008 Corolla Matrix, and Pontiac Vibe vehicles equipped with a front passenger air bag assembly replaced under a prior recall. The air bag may not unfold as designed during inflation under high temperature conditions, possibly resulting in the air bag not inflating properly.
Risk: An improperly inflated air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: Toyota will notify their owners. Pontiac Vibe owners will be notified by GM. Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag assembly or sub-assembly, free of charge. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's numbers for this recall are K1Q and K0Q. Pontiac owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-762-2737. GM's number for this recall is N192273760.
Recall 16V-127: Air Bags
Problem: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Lexus SC vehicles manufactured August 3, 2007, to July 30, 2010, 2008 Toyota Corolla vehicles manufactured May 25, 2007, to December 21, 2007, 2008 Toyota Corolla Matrix vehicles manufactured June 1, 2007, to December 18, 2007, and 2008 Pontiac Vibe vehicles manufactured June 1, 2007, to January 2, 2008. This is to address a safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag inflator which may produce excessive internal pressure causing the inflator to rupture upon deployment of the air bag. This recall addresses both the passenger side frontal air bags that were originally installed in the vehicles, as well as replacement air bags that may have been installed as replacement service parts. A replacement air bag may have been installed, as one example, if a vehicle had been in a crash necessitating the replacement of the passenger side frontal air bag.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: The recall began on March 25, 2016 for Toyota and Lexus vehicle owners. The recall began on June 23, 2016 for GM owners. The respective dealers will either replace the front passenger air bag inflator or the entire front passenger air bag assembly depending on the model. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331, or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. This recall expands recall 15V-285.
Recall 16V-128: Air Bags
Problem: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Lexus SC vehicles manufactured August 3, 2007, to July 30, 2010, 2008 Toyota Corolla vehicles manufactured June 1, 2007, to December 21, 2007, 2008 Toyota Corolla Matrix vehicles manufactured June 1, 2007, to December 18, 2007, and 2008 Pontiac Vibe vehicles manufactured June 1, 2007, to January 2, 2008 that were originally sold, or ever registered, in Florida, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, Saipan, American Samoa, Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. The affected vehicles have a passenger side frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture upon its deployment.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: The recall began on March 25, 2016 for Toyota and Lexus vehicle owners. The recall began on June 8, 2016 for GM owners. The respective dealers will either replace the front passenger air bag inflator or the entire front passenger air bag assembly depending on the model. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331, or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. This recall expands recall 15V-286.
Recall 10V-387: Engine and Engine Cooling
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
2008 Pontiac Vibe problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 48 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 4 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 3 | |
| Seat Belts | 2 | |
| Tires | 2 | |
| Steering | 2 | |
| Structure | 1 | |
| Visibility | 1 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 1 | |
| Suspension | 1 | |
| Power Train | 1 | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 1 |
Most reported parts
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline — 1
- Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear — 1
- Tires › Valve — 1
- Tires › Pressure Monitoring and Regulating Systems — 1
- Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 59,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2008 Pontiac Vibe complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Pontiac Vibe years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2008 Pontiac Vibe have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2008 Pontiac Vibe: 19V-627 (air bags), 16V-127 (air bags), 16V-128 (air bags), 10V-387 (engine and engine cooling). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2008 Pontiac Vibe?
Owners report air bags problems most often (48 reports), followed by vehicle speed control (4). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 59,000 miles.
Are Pontiac recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Pontiac dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.