Unfortunately, the Pontiac Vibe has suffered from a number of airbag-related recalls and issues, largely due to the Takata airbags the vehicles can equipped from the factory with. However, the latest airbag problem is so dangerous that General Motors is advising Vibe owners against driving their vehicle altogether.
According to a report from the Associated Press, 2003 and 2004 Pontiac Vibe models may have a condition where the Takata airbag inflator has the potential to explode and subsequently hurl shrapnel toward the vehicle’s occupants. Notably, there are roughly 11,000 affected Vibe units throughout the United States.
Of course, the Pontiac Vibe is actually heavily based off the Toyota Matrix and Toyota Corolla, both of which are also included in this warning. In fact, the Vibe and Matrix were both built at the former Toyota-GM joint venture NUMMI assembly plant in Fremont, California. Second-generation Vibe production ended in 2009, and the facility was purchased by Tesla in 2010.
“If the air bag deploys, a part inside is more likely to explode and shoot sharp metal fragments, which could cause serious injury or death to the driver or passengers,” a spokesperson from Japanese-based automaker Toyota was quoted as stating.
It’s worth noting that at the time of this writing, this particular recall wasn’t yet published on the NHTSA’s website.
Interestingly, the last first-gen Pontiac Vibe recall, which occurred back in January 2020, was related to a condition where replaced airbags would fail to deploy properly in certain high-temperature conditions, thus increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash. To remedy this, certified GM technicians were to inspect affected vehicles and replace the airbag module, as necessary, free of charge.
Notably, it was believed that the faulty replacement inflators in that recall did not pose the same risk as other Takata airbag inflators, which is to say explode and send shrapnel flying.
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Comments
For all the issues with Takata airbags, they saved the life of my wife and I in our 2009 Vibe. A Jeep pulled out right in front of us as we were cruising down the road at 50.
When the initial shock of the impact wore off, I pushed the airbag out of the way, noting the Asian characters on the bag.
I was in the front passenger seat and the main impact was to the right front side of the Vibe. I was able to slide out through the drivers door with nothing more than a little soreness and a bumped knee. Without that front airbag, I doubt I would be here writing this comment.
so did you tell the folks where to get them fixed at ?
GM should be asking Vibe owners to refrain from driving their vehicles altogether to save the memory of what Pontiac was from embarrassment.
no way there’s 11k vibes still out there
I bet there are. It was a very reliable car.
I don’t think that the Matrix was ever made at NUMMI.
I have a 2004 vibe… When are we getting a fix? I rely on my car daily.
I have an 04 vibe as a daily driver too and I used the link in the articles about checking the Vin and mine says zero issues for recall so I’m wondering if the last airbag recall if you’ve had it done voids out this issue or if they just haven’t updated the recall list since this came out a few days ago
The matrix was built in Canada. Pontiac came up with the concept and the design of the interior and Toyota provided the engineering. There are thousands of them still on the road. I see at least three or so of the first generation everyday. Also, for the person who commented that they are not worthy of the Pontiac legacy You’re right. They’re actually so well built and engineered that they’re probably the most common Pontiac still on the road. If only GM could have learned how to build a decent small car…
They have Toyota powertrains. What else would you expect.
If the airbag hasn’t killed you in 20 years I would not worry.
Pontiac Vibe was a very reliable car made on the now tesla line with the Matrix in parallel when GM had a gig going with Toyota…probably because the underlying engine and transmissions were toyota as I recall though mine was 5 speed Stick.
This never happened when GM made their own airbags.
Does that apply to people that adhered to the recall though? We took ours in for airbag replacement a few years ago.
My 2003 vibe was the best car I ever owned 293000 miles when she finally died drove that car for 20 years was like loosing a part of the family.
I love my Toyota Vibe.
It has 144k miles and I never had a problem with it.
However, the article does not say where we can get the issues fixed.
there was an air bag recall in 2013 also
Is GM just trying to have us trade in our reliable Pontiac Vibes so we can make payments on a new expensive and unreliable GM vehicle? I think they just want our money. Since when are auto manufacturers worried about a little airbag shrapnel?
My Vibe is a wonderful car. I gave it to my 17 year old daughter for her first car. Fully optioned and peppy, it’s a great car and reliable. I guess there’s just a few things that need repaired.
Takata airbags have plagued millions of vehicles and the company owners should be imprisoned.
I have 3, 1 made in Fremont Cali.2005
2 made in Canada. 2009
Hello so if they want us to stop driving our car are they giving us another vehicle only car I have at the moment and my family rides in my car what am I suppose to do for us to get around its a shame and I really love my pontiac vibe
Ask Takata. They made the defect. If you don’t feel safe, rent a car or buy another one.
GM buick dealer gave me a rental for two days while the recall its being taking care of. mine is 15 year old Vibe
So is GM going to reimburse them for a car that they can’t drive?
The base models of these, or the ones in Canada, were priced very affordably. Any survivors out there deserve respect! Definitely getting long in the tooth and not exactly a dream car, these had daily heavy miles on them!
My vibe has been in good condition since it arrived in Lagos Nigeria from Canada. I’m planning to have another vibe GT soon. The car is strong.
If you really want us to stop driving the car, give us a huge discount on one of your other cars. It’s likely that if you’re driving a 2 decades old Vibe You’re probably not in your position to just go out and buy a new car.
Give me, give me………go work for one.
I love my 2009 Pontiac Vibe!! It’s dark gray with black rims, sporty, has the 2.4 L in it, you put your foot on the gas and it will Jolt you back in your seat! It’s a 2nd car now but I try to drive it often as it’s just a fun car. I bought it brand new, paid it off 11 yrs ago and all I’ve done are the basics, tires, oil, brakes, it sits at 248,696 miles and turn over immediately, tristy, ready to go haha I took it in a few years back for the Recalls, it was the air bags and a couple other things, the window motors was another recall. They did all of them at once so I’m assuming the air bag issue has been resolved.