NHTSA — Steering Problems

2009 Pontiac Vibe (Page 1 of 2)

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.

3.5

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
37,012 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.

2009 Pontiac Vibe steering problems

steering problem

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2009 Pontiac Vibe Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #32

Jul 302023

Vibe

  • miles

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

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 Toyota Corolla Prius and matrix As Toyota got a recall Pontiac did not INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Pembina , ND, USA

problem #31

Jul 022020

Vibe 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 30,000 miles
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, perrysburg, oh 43551) where the vehicle was diagnosed with a power steering failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

- Perrysburg, OH, USA

problem #30

Jan 012019

Vibe

  • miles
Rattle from steering column when braking from high speeds or driving over slightly uneven pavement.

- Boulder, CO, USA

problem #29

Nov 262018

Vibe

  • 59,300 miles

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

Steering - my 2009 Pontiac Vibe has serious manufacturer's defect steering issues that makse it feel very unsafe to drive. Even at low speeds there is a rattle that comes from the intermediate shaft, it rattles feels loose, and gives an uncontrolled feeling. My 2009 has only 59,300 miles on it. (aprox. 6,500 a year) this car has not been driven hard, all routine maintenance has been done on the car. There is something going on when there are so many complaints. They claim its not a safety issue. Are they waiting till people die from the issue? it most definitely feels unsafe, when it feels loose it does cause steering and safely issues at all speeds.

- Blue Springs, MO, USA

problem #28

May 012018

Vibe

  • miles
Loud rattling on front driver side when going over bumps or braking. Rattling seems to get worser each day. Sounds seems to have something to do with suspension or steering column according to local mechanics. Mechanic recommended to report this issue as it is very common upon 2009 Pontiac Vibes and its cousin the Toyota matrix. I feel unsafe, it sounds as if something is getting loosened as it progress to rattle louder each day.

- Athens, GA, USA

problem #27

Jul 192018

Vibe

  • miles
Steering column rattles on most roads

- Akron, OH, USA

problem #26

Aug 022016

Vibe

  • miles

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

I have a open recall on my Vibe for the front passenger side air bag. It has been over a year since I was first notified about the recall and I still do not know when I will get a replacement. I have called the dealership and GM about this and they can't tell anything either. I need someone to help me fix this problem. I live in the southeast of Virginia. We have very high humidity and heat. These two factors are the prime issues causing these air bag problems. When can I expect to receive information on a fix for this. Also, I just received a notice that tk holdings has filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy. Is this going to cause me not to get a air bag replacement?

- Norfolk, VA, USA

problem #25

Aug 282017

Vibe

  • 76,700 miles
Steering column rattles when going over bumps and braking. At highway speeds it rattles and shakes continually.

- Newark, DE, USA

problem #24

Oct 012010

Vibe

  • 8,000 miles
Rattling during low speeds, feels loose and uncortable, reported to dealer after firt year of ownership, purchased new, seems to be getting worse and feeling unsafe. Each time reported was told not a safety problem just noisy, could replace column at my cost but noise would peobably return, now feeling unsafe

- Alexandria, IN, USA

problem #23

Nov 282016

Vibe 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 30,400 miles
The contact owns a 2009 Pontiac Vibe. While driving 15 mph, the power steering failed and the power steering warning indicator illuminated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle home. When she turned off and restarted the vehicle, it operated normally. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 30,400. Updated 01/04/17 updated 01/17/17.

- Buckeye, AZ, USA

problem #22

Jul 062016

Vibe

  • 51,000 miles

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

Sometimes when accelerating, it's slow to move, then a sudden jerk happens if I put pressure on the gas pedal. This happens when driving at lower speeds, I can be entering my garage or accelerating after a stop light or sign. Can be scary when it jerks during acceleration. The steering column is beginning to rattle and shake at about 45 miles sometime at lower speeds as well, a very rough ride on smooth pavement, feels like it's falling apart. The third issue has to do with the airbag indicator light staying on in both drivers and passenger sides while driving. When I went to dealer for an appointment it didn't happen but getting a diagnostic tomorrow for that. Bought the car used last year with about 37,000 miles, always serviced at the dealer where I purchased it. I now have a little over 53,000 miles on it at this time, just local diving.

- Dayton, OH, USA

problem #21

Jan 152016

Vibe

  • 100,000 miles
My 2009 Pontiac Vibe base 1.4L has serious manufacturer's defect steering issues that make it feel very unsafe to drive. At around 30 mph and then again at 70 mph there is a rattle that comes from the steering motor and intermediate shaft (2 separate issues which are expensive to fix and no longer covered under warranty). Currently over 100,000 as an original owner.

- Norfolk, VA, USA

problem #20

Dec 132013

Vibe

  • 100,000 miles
Very pronounced steering rattle at low speeds over rough terrain and also when braking.

- Arnold, MO, USA

problem #19

Jan 012012

Vibe

  • 30,000 miles
Intermediate steering shaft rattles at all times, especially when going over bumps at a slow speed.

- Oceanside, CA, USA

problem #18

Jun 152015

Vibe

  • 58,000 miles
When attempting to stop, shaking and vibration of the steering column and the car in general occurs. It's feels like the car is going to fall apart. This occurs in speeds over 25 mph.

- Jefferson, LA, USA

problem #17

Dec 152014

Vibe 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 79,500 miles
The contact owns a 2009 Pontiac Vibe. While driving approximately 30 mph, there was a rattling noise that came from the steering column without warning. The failure recurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed that the intermediate steering shaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and was diagnosed that the intermediate steering shaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and was diagnosed that a knuckle on the lower end of the steering column was uncharacteristically enlarged and the entire steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 79,500. Updated 1/13/16

- Worcester, MA, USA

problem #16

Jun 202015

Vibe

  • 132,000 miles
Was driving down the road and without notice my steering had no power, really scared because I could barely steer the car, so glad I was in a 45 mile zone. I looked at my dash lights, there was showing a red battery light, several brake symbols, something about the traction loss. I need my car so badly, I don't know if GMC will cover this. If I had not pulled off road and called my husband I would of wrecked because of it being so hard to steer. He came and slowly drove it home and I followed him in his car. No notice and no warning at all.

- Statesville, NC, USA

problem #15

Apr 142015

Vibe

  • 62,000 miles
Took my car to [xxx] because power steering control module went out the same part that they been recalling on there other cars. When I called Chevrolet they said that there is no recall on my car and that there was nothing that they can do for me but work with the pricing. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Erlanger, KY, USA

problem #14

Sep 262014

Vibe 4-cyl

  • 65,000 miles
My 2009 Pontiac Vibe base 1.4L has serious manufacturer's defect steering issues that make it feel very unsafe to drive. At low speeds there is a rattle that comes from the steering motor and intermediate shaft (2 separate issues which are expensive to fix and no longer covered under warranty) which makes the car feel like it's broken and falling apart. At highway speeds the steering is unpredictable, it overcorrects and fishtails back and forth. This car feels like a death trap, I completely regret my purchase and feel as though it is unsafe for the long term. These issues are directly related to the Toyota matrix as they were made in the same plant with the same parts.

- Ypsilanti, MI, USA

problem #13

Sep 262014

Vibe

  • 96,400 miles
The contact owns a 2009 Pontiac Vibe. While driving approximately 35 mph, the steering wheel seized and the power steering warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 96,400.

- Waterford, MI, USA

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