NHTSA — Power Train Problems

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.

2.2

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
69,786 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.

2004 Pontiac Vibe drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

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2004 Pontiac Vibe Owner Comments

problem #7

Feb 012019

Vibe

  • 80,500 miles

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

Premature transmission issues, transmission stopper working around 80K, multiple reports of issues found from the same vehicle models.

- Lake Worth, FL, USA

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problem #6

May 302016

Vibe

  • 80,000 miles
We purchased a used 2004 Pontiac Vibe GT with a 6-speed manual transmission. While driving down the highway at 70mph, the gear stick popped out of gear. Was able to put it back into gear but only for a few seconds before the gear stick popped again. Car and transmission only have 80,000 miles on them. Reading forums online, transmission problems seem to be the norm for Pontiac Vibes. What can be done to correct the issue?

- Muskegon, MI, USA

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problem #5

Oct 022015

Vibe

  • 123,000 miles
Bought vehicle from dearer carfax clear. Driving 55 mph on road, car engine/transmission seized up and I lost control of vehicle. Tried to put in 1st gear (6 speed manual) clutch would not engage, vehicle died. Battery ok, fluids ok, no prior issues with vehicle, had towed to dealer. Told engine/transmission seized up. Transmission bearings defective, defective main shaft bearing, defective cluster shaft bearing. The vehicle made a grinding noise shortly before seizing up and stopping on the road at a high speed.

- Denver, CO, USA

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problem #4

Aug 012007

Vibe

  • 65,000 miles

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

2004 Pontiac Vibe with 5 speed manual transmission failed 3 times. First in the summer of 2007 at about 65000 miles. Transmission shop said it was a known issue with a bearing in the transmission, for which the manufacturer did not take responsibility. They also said it was difficult to get replacement transmissions due to the issue. I had the transmission replaced for about $3000 and, very soon after, heard the tell-tale noise of imminent failure and had the transmission shop replace it under the 6 month/6000 mile warranty. That second replacement transmission failed in February 2014 at 208000 miles. I will not be replacing it.

- Lansing, MI, USA

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problem #3

Oct 212008

Vibe

  • miles
The contact owns a 2004 Pontiac Vibe. The contact stated that when applying the accelerator pedal, the vehicle would sporadically become unresponsive. The vehicle was not inspected or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was unknown.

- Whitestone Queens, NY, USA

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Dex-Cool lawsuit intake gasket leak engine complaint electrical issue heater complaint transmission complaint paint defect Vibe recall
problem #2

Jun 282013

Vibe 4-cyl

  • 140,000 miles
My 5 speed manual transmission suffered a catastrophic bearing failure as I was pulling into my driveway. If this had happened 10 minutes earlier, it would likely have resulted in an accident. This problem appears to be very common with this vehicle, there should be a safety recall.

- Seymour, CT, USA

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problem #1

Jul 022012

Vibe

  • miles
2004 Pontiac Vibe. Consumer states defective transmission and right front passenger power window. Consumer also writes in regards to slow shift, clunk and gears jamming when shifted in reverse and accelerate a service team mechanic informed the consumer the transmission shifted electronically, and he needed to accelerate gently. In addition, the mechanic stated a diagnostic scan did not indicate any problems.

- Staten Island, NY, USA

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