NHTSA — Engine 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.

0.5

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
362,800 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.

2006 Pontiac Vibe engine problems

engine problem

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2006 Pontiac Vibe Owner Comments

problem #10

Sep 012017

Vibe 4-cyl

  • miles

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

The contact owns a 2006 Pontiac Vibe. The contact stated that she had experienced several electrical failures with the computer system intermittently stopping operation without warning. The contact also stated that the check engine and tire pressure warning lights would illuminate on the instrument panel. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic on several occasions however, despite each repairs, the warning lights would return. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

- Santa Monica, CA, USA

problem #9

Nov 052020

Vibe

  • 3,000,000 miles
My vehicle was parked, I cranked my engine up, and it ran for a few minutes and then shut off. I am unable to crank my vehicle up at all now. Light pink fluid is leaking out of the throttle body.

- Van Cleave, MS, USA

problem #8

Nov 282016

Vibe

  • miles
Takata recall. The contact owns a 2006 Pontiac Vibe. The contact stated that the service engine indicator flashed and remained illuminated. An independent mechanic diagnosed that the catalytic converter and O2 sensor failed. Additional testing was required to further inspect the vehicle. In addition, the VIN was included but not notified of NHTSA campaign number: 15V286000 (air bags). The contact called the manufacturer to address being referred to a dealer to diagnose the failure and to determine when a dealer would be able to schedule the recall repair. The contact was uncertain of when the vehicle would be repaired. The failure mileage was not available. Parts distribution disconnect.

- Proctor, TX, USA

problem #7

Apr 202016

Vibe

  • miles

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

My check engine light keeps going on & off whenever it feels like it. My mother just got this car & it should not be doing this. It's very dangerous with it being accurate.

- Garden Grove, CA, USA

problem #6

May 042015

Vibe

  • 140,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Pontiac Vibe. The contact stated that the check engine light would illuminate when driving at speeds higher than 50 mph. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who stated that the transmission fluid was burned. The mechanic diagnosed that the transmission gears failed. The contact stated that the failures related to NHTSA campaign number: 10V387000 (engine and engine cooling). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.

- Rochester, NY, USA

problem #5

Nov 202015

Vibe

  • miles
I bought this car couple years ago. I am at about 150000 miles. My check engine light has been turning on and off this whole year. Couple weeks ago I got 2 opinions to.get it chevked.out. The first spot gave me a estimate of about 2500 & second place about the same. They told me that there was a glitxh in the 2006 Pontiac Vibe transmissuon & computer. I drive about an hour to work everyday. I do not feel any difference when I drive but I definitely do not feel safe with the check engine light. Sometimes it will turn off but it is currently on again. I have checked gas cap & it secure. I have not even had this car for a long time. The check light should not be coming on at 150000. This is the only car that my.mother and I have & we definitely can not afford to buy or fix. Takata recall I have been doing research and I have not got into an acciden but I do not want my airbags to not work if something were to happen..this is not safe. I need this fixed.

- Garden Grove, CA, USA

problem #4

Sep 252015

Vibe

  • 190,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2006 Pontiac Vibe. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 mph, the vehicle over heated and the engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was turned off and allowed to cool down. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 190,000.

- Gulfport, MS, USA

problem #3

Mar 052015

Vibe 4-cyl

  • 124,000 miles
I was coming up my driveway and my engine light came on. I had a guy check to see what was causing the light to be on and it's my ECM. I see where there is/was a recall on the engine control modules on my vehicle and I have never been sent this recall. Just wondering if this is why my light came on....due to a bad module that was never recalled.

- Snow Shoe, PA, USA

problem #2

Aug 012013

Vibe

  • 120,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Pontiac Vibe. The contact stated that while driving 40 mph, the vehicle ran hot and the contact noticed that the radiator fan had become detached from the motor. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis where it was stated that the radiator fan needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

- Tampa, FL, USA

problem #1

Nov 232010

Vibe 4-cyl

  • 54,000 miles
Check engine light came on and the car stalled. Now the check engine light stays on and the car shifts hard to the next gear. The car was part of a recall but smedleys in vandalia Ohio claims the car isn't part of the recall for the PCM recall.

- Tipp City, OH, USA

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