NHTSA — Suspension Problems

CarComplaints.com Seal Of This Might Hurt

CarComplaints.com Notes: The Pontiac Vibe is the mechanical twin of the Toyota Matrix.

Both models were a joint GM-Toyota venture, manufactured together at a NUMMI production facility in Fremont, CA. Only the heating & A/C systems are different.

1.7

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
96,132 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2003 Pontiac Vibe suspension problems

suspension problem

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2003 Pontiac Vibe Owner Comments

problem #5

Jul 272013

Vibe 4-cyl

  • 144,660 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I purchased this 2003 Pontiac Vibe for $4000 on 7/27/2013 from 49th street auto sales & repair. This car had incorrect engine installed. VIN: [xxx] was installed when I purchased. GM dealer verified the engine VIN # is from a 2007 Pontiac Vibe 4 cyl 1.8 L automatic transmission engine. Not a 16 valve 6 speed vehicle. Therefore thermostat sensor can't be attached, temperature sensor for radiator can't be attached, engine light has been disabled and transmission errors can't be corrected. Warning ask owner why he this vehicle was advertised to have a 4 cylinder Toyota Celica GT-S motor installed. Per mechanic ([xxx]) inspection my son was assured by him it only had 900 miles on it. It did not after $1241.20 in repairs just to make it safe to drive after the axle shaft fell out of the transmission at 70 mph. I'm from Michigan and drove this death trap of a car home with intense shaking on front right because axle wasn't even attached. My mechanic had to weld the axle. I have documentation from GM stating this engine should not be installed into this vehicle. Video from mechanic who identified engine VIN detailing all problems. I received a refund from this dealer through mediation with consumer protection Agency of pinellas county. This dealer is trying to sell this dangerous vehicle again!.49thstreetautosales.com/view/1427/tan-2003-Pontiac-Vibe-in-clearwater-fl information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- St Petersburg, FL, USA

problem #4

Feb 142015

Vibe

  • 211,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Pontiac Vibe. The contact stated while attempting to engage the brakes for a stop light, the subframe fractured. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the cross member under the engine, to which the driver side lower control arm was attached, fractured. As a result, the cross member needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 211,000.

- Lowell, MI, USA

problem #3

Nov 212007

Vibe 4-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 120,000 miles
2003 Pontiac Vibe GT upon deceleration vehicle jerks to the right and shudders violently! very hard to control vehicle. If gas pedal is pressed even slightly or clutch pedal pressed in problem goes away. As soon as clutch is released violent shudder returns. This only happens after driving approx 15 to 20 miles and will continue until vehicle is stopped for a few minutes. Car is currently at Pontiac dealer for 1 week no diagnosis or problem found yet. Car does stop for dealer I have rode with them to show them what it does. Dealer says unsafe to drive but doesn't know what is wrong.

- New Bloomfield, PA, USA

problem #2

Mar 012005

Vibe 4-cyl

  • miles
The consumer's 2003 Pontiac Vibe drifted from side to side while driving on the highway. The vehicle did not handle properly at freeway speeds. The consumer would have to constantly correct the steering wheel to keep it in he middle of the lane. The problem would also occur on smooth level roadway with no windy conditions. The tires had also been affected with uneven wearing of the innermost tread on each. The consumer received two expert opinions and their conclusion was the vehicle was chained down too tight during transportation which caused the misalignment.

- Milton, LA, USA

problem #1

Jan 072003

Vibe 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 5,000 miles
Defective anti-lock brake system. * mr the brakes would grind, make noises, pulsate on dry pavement at low speeds, and the vehicle pulled to the side sharply upon braking. The vehicle pulled to the side while in motion. The tires felt as if they had no traction. The consumer was able to avoid accidents when the vehicle would lose control during mild weather. (possible dot # 0156-82/model 9000M) scc

- Twin Lakes, WI, USA

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