PONTIAC VIBE · model year

2006 PONTIAC VIBE

199 NHTSA complaints, 10 crash reports, and 5 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2006PONTIACVIBE carries 199 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 10 crashes, 0 fires, 7 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2006 VIBE is air bags with 119 filings, followed by engine and engine cooling (14) and electrical system (10). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 5 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 17 investigation files overlapping the 2006 VIBE. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

199
Complaints
10
Crashes
0
Fires
7
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

199 filings

Crashes Reported

10 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
AIR BAGS119
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING14
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM10
ENGINE10
POWER TRAIN6
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL5
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)5
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE3
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS3
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM2
SERVICE BRAKES2
VISIBILITY/WIPER2
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM2
UNKNOWN OR OTHER2
SEAT BELTS: REAR/OTHER:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY1

Recalls (5)

19V62700028/08/2019

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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 temperatur

10V38700026/08/2010

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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

15V28500013/05/2015

AIR BAGS

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) notified the agency on May 13, 2015 that they are recalling certain model year 2004 Sequoia vehicles manufactured August 18, 2003, to August 19, 2004, and 2003-2004 Tundra vehicles manufactured March 18, 2003, to August 25, 2004. On June 16, 2015, T

15V28600013/05/2015

AIR BAGS

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) notified the agency on May 13, 2015, that they are recalling 2005-2007 Lexus SC, Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sequoia, and Pontiac Vibe, and 2005-2006 Toyota Tundra vehicles that were originally sold, or ever registered, in Florida, along the Gulf

18V88300012/12/2018

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2002-2005 Lexus SC and Toyota Sequoia, 2003-2005 Toyota Corolla and Tundra, and 2003-2007 Pontiac Vibe vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modul

Recent Complaints

20251205UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Hello, My drivers side front left window goes up and down awkwardly, almost like it's going to brake the glass when I use it. If there's a recall on this I will gladly like to know. Thank you.

20241214VISIBILITY/WIPER

RainX Weatherbeater 21" wiper blade purchased on or about 12/13/24 at this location: Meijers 1703 Haggerty Rd Commerce, MI 48390 Wiper is supposed to come with a small clip pre-attached to the blade assy and a large clip loose in the packaging for those applications needing the large clip. My car needs the smaller clip This wiper was packaged with the large clip pre-attached and no loose parts in the package. Not knowing any better at the time I attached the wiper using the large clip. Seemed OK but something didn't seem right so I double checked and realized the wiper was mis-packaged. Obviously if I hadn't double checked it would have set up the potential for the wiper to detach during normal usage as it doesn't "click" into place as it should.

20230105ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I had my valve cover gasket replaced fuel injectors serviced and transmission serviced on 12/26/2022. When I picked my car up on 12/29/2022, I was checking my brake lights when the car started Idling up and down on it's own and the check engine light came on. I called the dealer and was asked to bring the car in and they would check it out. I returned on Jan. 2nd 2023 to address the concerns with my car. I arrived at approximately 0730 am. I WAS IN FORMED THAT MY ECM/PCM WERE FAULTY AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. I was my understanding that the 2005-2008 Pontiac Vibes were under recall for this issue. Would like confirmation on this subject. Concerned Owner.

20210127ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* 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.

20210127ENGINE

TL* 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.

20201216AIR BAGS

RECALL NOTICE RECEIVED 10/2019, AND NO ONE HAS AGREED TO RESOLVE THE AIRBAG ISSUE

20201112ENGINE

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.

Mileage: 3,000,000

20201112FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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.

Mileage: 3,000,000

20201112UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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.

Mileage: 3,000,000

20201022AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 PONTIAC VIBE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHILE THE SEAT WAS OCCUPIED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO APPLE CHEVROLET (8585 W 159TH ST, TINLEY PARK, IL 60487, (708) 429-3000) WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL AIR BAG WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO NHTSA TO FILE A COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 81,350.

Mileage: 81,350

20200720AIR BAGS

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 PONTIAC VIBE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V883000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED SEVERAL UNKNOWN DEALERS AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

20200714AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 PONTIAC VIBE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V627000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. CRAIN BUICK GMC LOCATED AT 710 S. AMITY RD, CONWAY, AR 72032, WAS NOTIFIED AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.*DT VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED.*JB

20200714AIR BAGS

I'VE BEEN WAITING ALMOST A YEAR FOR GM, TOYOTA, AND TAKATA TO COME UP WITH A FIX TO THEIR AIRBAG PROBLEM, NHTSA # 19V627. HOW MUCH LONGER DO WE HAVE TO WAIT? GM'S THOUGHTS? "RECALL STATUS: INCOMPLETE. REMEDY NOT YET AVAILABLE"

Mileage: 370,000

20200712AIR BAGS

I RECEIVED THE SECOND SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA ID NUMBER 19V627) REGARDING THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG FOR THIS VEHICLE IN OCTOBER, 2019 AND THERE STILL IS NO RESOLUTION. DON'T YOU THINK THAT IT'S TIME FOR NHTSA TO PRESS THIS ISSUE WITH GM AND/OR TAKATA?

Mileage: 100,000

20200709AIR BAGS

PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG WAS REPLACED WITH THE SAME RECALLED AIRBAG BY DEALER SAYING THE RECALLED PROBLEM WAS REPAIRED. NOW I FIND OUT 4 YEARS LATER THAT THE PROBLEM STILL HAS NOT BEEN REMEDIED.

20200707AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 PONTIAC VIBE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V627000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED SEAVIEW BUICK GMC (17909 HWY 99, LYNNWOOD, WA 98037, (425) 742-1920) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

20200706AIR BAGS

I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE AUGUST 2019 FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG ASSEMBLY. I HAVE CALLED THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES, MY LAST CALL TODAY 7/6/2020 AND I AM ALWAYS TOLD THEY DO NOT HAVE THE PARTS TO FIX THIS SAFETY DEFECT. WHEN I CALLED GM'S CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER I WAS GIVEN THE SAME ANSWER. I BELIEVE THAT 11 MONTHS IS AN UNREASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME TO WAIT FOR A REPAIR OF A SAFETY DEFECT. ARE YOU AWARE THAT GM IS NOT FIXING THESE PROBLEMS?

Mileage: 120,000

20200701AIR BAGS

WE OWN A PONTIAC VIBE, MY FRIEND OWNED A TOYOTA MATRIX. THESE CARS WERE BUILT SIDE BY SIDE BY GM. THIS IS WHY THE GM'S OF THE USA WILL LOSE TO TOYOTA IN SALES BECAUSE THE MATRIX RECALL WAS FINISHED IN FEB 2020. MY VIBE IS STILL WAITING FOR THE NEW AIR BAG. I WENT TO TOYOTA DEALER AND THEY AGREE THE MATRIX AND VIBE USE SAME PARTS. THEY CAN NOT PERFORM RECALL BECAUSE GM HAS TO DO IT. WHY DO WE HAVE TO WAIT YEARS FOR A FIX.NYSI STATES TOYOTA. WHEN I TRY TO SELL OR TRADE CAR, THEY WANT RECALLS FIXED. TERRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE. *TR

20200618AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 PONTIAC VIBE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V627000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

20200617AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 PONTIAC VIBE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V627000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. SERRA BUICK GMC CADILLAC (12300 30 MILE RD, WASHINGTON, MI 48095, 586 331-2540) WAS CONTACTED AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. CONSUMER CONTACTED MANUFACTURER TO REQUEST A COURTESY VEHICLE SINCE PARTS ARE STILL UNAVAILABLE. MANUFACTURER STATED THAT A COURTESY VEHICLE COULD ONLY BE PROVIDED ONCE PARTS BECAME AVAILABLE. *DL

Compare 2006PONTIACVIBE to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2006 PONTIAC VIBE have?
The 2006 PONTIAC VIBE has 199 NHTSA complaints, 10 crashes, 0 fires, 7 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2006 PONTIAC VIBE?
Yes, the 2006 PONTIAC VIBE has 5 recall(s). The most common affected component is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2006 PONTIAC VIBE?
The most-complained component for the 2006 PONTIAC VIBE is AIR BAGS with 119 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Is the 2006 PONTIAC VIBE safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.