IllustrationCAR SHUTS OFF COMPLETELY WHILE DRIVING. HAPPENS COMPLETELY AT RANDOM. AFTER PLACING IN PARK, REMOVING KEY, RE-INSERTING KEY, RESTARTING, ALL IS FINE FOR A WHILE. PROBABLY FAULTY ECM.
2009 Pontiac Vibe
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Vibe years
Owner complaints for the 2009 Pontiac Vibe are substantially higher than the model-year median of 116.5.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Vibe years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
580–25K
3525–50K
2550–75K
3375–100K
33100–150K
12150K+
196 reports with mileage · 331 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Air Bags. Review the 352 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Vehicle Speed Control. Review the 58 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Steering. Review the 35 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
23 crash reports2 fire reports8 injury reports
Power Train complaints
12 reportsTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 PONTIAC VIBE. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WERE METAL SHAVINGS IN THE TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE WA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 PONTIAC VIBE. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WERE METAL SHAVINGS IN THE TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 104,000.
REPEATED FRONT BRAKE REPAIRS TO STOP HEAVY VIBRATION WHEN APPLYING BRAKES. VIBRATION IS EXTREME IN THE STEERING COLUMN AND THE STICK SHIFT, AND SOMETIMES THROUGHOUT THE CAR. REPAIRS WERE DONE 3 TIMES IN 18 MONTHS, AND IT KEEPS COMING BACK WITHIN A MONTH AFTER REPAIRS. I NEVER BRAKE HARD TO CAUSE THIS. TRANSMISSION REPEATEDLY…
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REPEATED FRONT BRAKE REPAIRS TO STOP HEAVY VIBRATION WHEN APPLYING BRAKES. VIBRATION IS EXTREME IN THE STEERING COLUMN AND THE STICK SHIFT, AND SOMETIMES THROUGHOUT THE CAR. REPAIRS WERE DONE 3 TIMES IN 18 MONTHS, AND IT KEEPS COMING BACK WITHIN A MONTH AFTER REPAIRS. I NEVER BRAKE HARD TO CAUSE THIS. TRANSMISSION REPEATEDLY POPS OUT OF 5TH GEAR DURING ACCELERATION, REPORTEDLY CAUSED BY DEFECTIVE OR BROKEN SYNCHRONIZER. HAD TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 PONTIAC VIBE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AFTER THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST ONTO THE ROAD SHOULDER, RESTART THE ENGINE AND RESUME NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO H…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 PONTIAC VIBE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AFTER THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST ONTO THE ROAD SHOULDER, RESTART THE ENGINE AND RESUME NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO HAVE A DIAGNOSTIC PERFORMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 90,200.
WHEN COMING TO A STOP, OCCASIONALLY THE VEHICLE WILL LUNGE FORWARD. I HAVE NOTICED THIS ON MANY, MANY OCCASIONS SINCE PURCHASING THE CAR IN JULY 11. WHEN COMING TO A FAST STOP (SUCH AS WHEN SOMEONE PULLS OUT IN FRONT OF YOU OR SOMEONE SUDDENLY STOPS IN FRONT OF YOU -- ABS IS NOT BEING USED AS THESE ARE NOT PANIC STOPS) THE BRA…
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WHEN COMING TO A STOP, OCCASIONALLY THE VEHICLE WILL LUNGE FORWARD. I HAVE NOTICED THIS ON MANY, MANY OCCASIONS SINCE PURCHASING THE CAR IN JULY 11. WHEN COMING TO A FAST STOP (SUCH AS WHEN SOMEONE PULLS OUT IN FRONT OF YOU OR SOMEONE SUDDENLY STOPS IN FRONT OF YOU -- ABS IS NOT BEING USED AS THESE ARE NOT PANIC STOPS) THE BRAKES WILL WORK AS THEY SHOULD UNTIL THE CAR IS ALMOST STOPPED AND THEN THE CAR WILL LUNGE FORWARD AND I SUDDENLY NEED TO APPLY MORE FORCE TO THE BRAKES TO MAKE THE CAR STOP. I SUSPECT THAT THE COMPUTER IN THE CAR IS USING ENGINE BRAKING TO ASSIST IN SLOWING DOWN THE CAR AND WHEN THE CAR HITS A CERTAIN SPEED (OR SOME OTHER VARIABLE) THE ENGINE BRAKING IS TURNED OFF WHICH CAUSES THE AMOUNT OF PRESSURE THAT I NEED TO APPLY TO THE BRAKES TO SUDDENLY INCREASE WHICH GIVES THE IMPRESSION THAT THE CAR IS LUNGING FORWARD. REGARDLESS OF WHAT IS CAUSING THIS ISSUE TO OCCUR, IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE. I HAVE GROWN USED TO THIS ISSUE AND NOW CAN COMPENSATE FOR IT, BUT IT IS STILL DISTRESSING WHEN IT OCCURS. I HAVE TALKED TO OTHER VIBE/MATRIX OWNERS AND THEY ALL STATE THAT THEY HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. I BELIEVE THAT THIS IS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE AS IT COULD EASILY LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT. *TR
ON TUES. MORNING, AUG. 31, 2010, AT 6:51 A.M. (PER RECEIPT), I WAS STOPPED AT THE PRECINCT LINE & HWY 183 STARBUCKS DRIVE-THROUGH WINDOW. MY 2009 PONTIAC VIVE WAS IN DRIVE & MY RIGHT FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE AS IT WOULD BE AT A STOP LIGHT. AS MY TRANSACTION PROCEEDED, I HEARD A TERRIFIC, LOUD RACING OF AN ENGINE THAT SOUNDED LIKE…
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ON TUES. MORNING, AUG. 31, 2010, AT 6:51 A.M. (PER RECEIPT), I WAS STOPPED AT THE PRECINCT LINE & HWY 183 STARBUCKS DRIVE-THROUGH WINDOW. MY 2009 PONTIAC VIVE WAS IN DRIVE & MY RIGHT FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE AS IT WOULD BE AT A STOP LIGHT. AS MY TRANSACTION PROCEEDED, I HEARD A TERRIFIC, LOUD RACING OF AN ENGINE THAT SOUNDED LIKE A RACE CAR & THEN FELT MY CAR BEGIN TO MOVE FORWARD. I THOUGHT IT WAS THE CAR BEHIND ME DOING SOMETHING WEIRD OR BEING SOMEHOW OUT OF CONTROL. I PUSHED HARDER ON MY BRAKE TO PROTECT MYSELF, BUT MY VIVE STARTED TO SURGE FORWARD. I THEN REALIZED THAT THIS WAS THE "TOYOTA PROBLEM" HAPPENING TO ME & I, THEREFORE, PUT THE CAR IN PARK & TURNED THE ENGINE OFF. AS I PUT THE VIVE IN PARK, THE ENGINE RACED WILDLY & I NOTICED THE TACHOMETER BOUNCING CRAZILY UP THE SCALE. I EXCLAIMED TO THE WORKERS THAT MY CAR WAS DOING THE "TOYOTA THING." THEY JUST STARED AT ME WITH WIDE EYES. I TRIED TURNING THE CAR ON AGAIN, THIS TIME WITH BOTH OF MY FEET ON THE BRAKE; THE ENGINE RACED WILDLY ONCE AGAIN, & THE TACHOMETER BOUNCED WILDLY. MY FEET REMAINED EXTREMELY FIRM ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE BRAKE PEDAL FELT STRANGELY WEAK, AS THOUGH I WAS ABLE TO PUSH IT FURTHER TO THE FLOOR THAN NORMAL. I TURNED THE VIVE OFF A SECOND TIME & TOLD THE STARBUCKS WORKERS THAT I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT TO DO, IN THAT I WAS IN THEIR DRIVE-THROUGH LANE & I WAS AFRAID TO TURN THE ENGINE ON TO TRY TO MOVE AWAY. I WAS PANICKED; THEY REMAINED WIDE-EYED AND SPEECHLESS AT THE NOISE AND SPECTACLE. I DECIDED TO TRY A THIRD TIME; THIS TIME THE ENGINE ACTED "NORMALLY" BUT SOUNDED AND ACTED WEAK. I WAS VERY SCARED AS I DROVE AWAY & WAS UNSURE OF WHAT THE CAR WOULD DO NEXT. I CALLED MY HUSBAND TO MEET ME AT WORK A FEW MILES AWAY TO PICK UP THE CAR THAT I NO LONGER TRUST TO DRIVE. THE STARBUCKS MANAGER AND DRIVE-THROUGH WINDOW BARISTA WHO WITNESSED THIS EVENT GAVE THEIR NAMES & PHONE NUMBERS TO US & ARE WILLING TO CONFIRM THE EVENT. RECALL 10038 WAS PERFORMED 6 DAYS PRIOR TO THIS OCCURRENCE. *TR
I HAVE A 2009 AWD VIBE WHICH WILL, AT TIMES, UPSHIFT AFTER BRAKING CAUSING THE CAR TO LURCH FORWARD FOR A SECOND DUE TO THE UPSHIFT AND UPON TAKING MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE AND THEN APPLYING THE BRAKE AGAIN APPARENTLY DOES THE SAME THING AGAIN. IT ONLY DOES THIS AT ABOUT 30 TO 40 MILES AN HOUR AND MOSTLY WHEN GOING DOWN A MODERATE …
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I HAVE A 2009 AWD VIBE WHICH WILL, AT TIMES, UPSHIFT AFTER BRAKING CAUSING THE CAR TO LURCH FORWARD FOR A SECOND DUE TO THE UPSHIFT AND UPON TAKING MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE AND THEN APPLYING THE BRAKE AGAIN APPARENTLY DOES THE SAME THING AGAIN. IT ONLY DOES THIS AT ABOUT 30 TO 40 MILES AN HOUR AND MOSTLY WHEN GOING DOWN A MODERATE HILL I COME UPON NO MY WAY HOME FROM WORK. I HAVE ADVISED THE DEALER OF MY CONCERNS BUT THEY SEEM TO BE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND HAVE NO IDEA HOW TO ADDRESS IT. THE PROBLEM IS CONCERNING ENOUGH TO ME THAT I WON'T LET ANYONE ELSE DRIVE THE VEHICLE. I HAVE NOT HAD THE TRANSMISSION REPROGRAMMED AS IT DOESN'T SEEM TO HELP FROM WHAT I HAVE READ ON OTHER COMPLAINTS. I HAVE HAD ALL THE OTHER UNINTENDED ACCELERATION ISSUES ADDRESSED AND IT IS NOT RELATED TO THAT PROBLEM. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 PONTIAC VIBE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON JUNE 4, 2010, WHILE AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A WALL. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MAJOR INJURIES AND WAS HOSPITALIZED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN COMPLAINING ABOUT THE TRANSMISSION BUT THE DEA…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 PONTIAC VIBE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON JUNE 4, 2010, WHILE AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A WALL. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MAJOR INJURIES AND WAS HOSPITALIZED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN COMPLAINING ABOUT THE TRANSMISSION BUT THE DEALER REFUSED TO REPAIR IT. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO REFERRED HER TO BACK TO THE DEALER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 50,000.
I HAVE A 2009 PONTIAC VIBE. I HAVE NOTICED THAT THE CAR DOUBLE ACCELERATES. WHEN YOU PRESS THE ACCELERATOR IT REVS UP AND THE CAR LURCHES FORWARD. IT DOESN'T MATTER HOW SOFT OR HARD YOU PRESS. I TOOK MY CAR IN AFTER THE RECALL AND HAD THE ACCELERATOR ALTERED BUT I STILL NOTICE THE PROBLEM. I ASKED THE DEALER TO CHECK THE BRA…
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I HAVE A 2009 PONTIAC VIBE. I HAVE NOTICED THAT THE CAR DOUBLE ACCELERATES. WHEN YOU PRESS THE ACCELERATOR IT REVS UP AND THE CAR LURCHES FORWARD. IT DOESN'T MATTER HOW SOFT OR HARD YOU PRESS. I TOOK MY CAR IN AFTER THE RECALL AND HAD THE ACCELERATOR ALTERED BUT I STILL NOTICE THE PROBLEM. I ASKED THE DEALER TO CHECK THE BRAKES ALSO AND THEY SAID IT IS FINE. I DON'T KNOW IF ITS AN ENGINE PROBLEM BUT I HAVE ALWAYS NOTICED IT. NOW THAT THESE ISSUES HAVE COME TO LIGHT I AM VALIDATED THAT MY CONCERNS AND OTHERS WHO HAVE DRIVEN MY CAR ARE REAL. I AM AFRAID TO HAVE AN INCIDENT WHICH COULD POTENTIALLY LEAD TO INJURY OR DEATH. MY FIVE YEAR OLD RIDES IN THE CAR ON A DAILY BASIS WITH ME. PLEASE ADVISE ME ON WHAT TO DO. THANK YOU. *TR
I DRIVE A 2009 PONTIAC VIBE (ESSENTIALLY A TOYOTA MATRIX) AND UNDER THE RIGHT CIRCUMSTANCE THE VEHICLE WILL UPSHIFT RIGHT AFTER YOU PUT ON THE BRAKE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SURGE AHEAD FOR A MOMENT DUE TO THE UPSHIFT. IT ONLY HAPPENS AT AROUND SPEED OF 25-35 MPH. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY NOT A PEDAL ISSUE BUT A TRANSMISSION PROGRAMMING …
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I DRIVE A 2009 PONTIAC VIBE (ESSENTIALLY A TOYOTA MATRIX) AND UNDER THE RIGHT CIRCUMSTANCE THE VEHICLE WILL UPSHIFT RIGHT AFTER YOU PUT ON THE BRAKE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SURGE AHEAD FOR A MOMENT DUE TO THE UPSHIFT. IT ONLY HAPPENS AT AROUND SPEED OF 25-35 MPH. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY NOT A PEDAL ISSUE BUT A TRANSMISSION PROGRAMMING AND OR SOLENOID VALVE ISSUE IN THE TRANSMISSION. THE CAR HAS BEEN REPROGRAMMED PER THE TSB FOR HARSH SHIFTING. I WILL ADMIT THAT SOME OF THE HARSHNESS HAS GONE AWAY BUT THE UPSHIFT ISSUE WHILE SLOWING DOWN STILL REMAINS. FROM WHAT I HAVE READ MANY OTHERS HAVE HAD THIS ISSUE AS WELL, EVEN AFTER THE REPROGRAMMING OF THE TRANSMISSION (CHECK OUT GENVIBE.COM, YOU WILL FIND OTHER OWNERS SUFFER FROM THIS AS WELL). THE ISSUE IS ESPECIALLY NOTICEABLE WHILE COMING DOWN A HILL AND IT HAPPENS TO ME ALMOST DAILY BECAUSE I GO DOWN A LARGE HILL OUTSIDE OF MY HOUSE DAILY. I AM VERY CAREFUL WHILE GOING DOWN THIS HILL TO HAVE MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AT ALL TIMES AS THE CAR CAN UPSHIFT AT ANYTIME CAUSING A BRIEF FORWARD SURGE. THERE ARE ALWAYS CHILDREN WAITING AT THE BOTTOM OF THE HILL FOR THE SCHOOL BUS WHEN I LEAVE IN THE MORNING SO I AM CONCERNED FOR THERE SAFETY MORE THAN MINE AT THE MOMENT BUT AS I SAID, I AM ALWAYS EXTREMELY AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND VERY CAREFUL WHILE DESCENDING THE HILL. I WOULD BE WILLING TO DEMONSTRATE THIS ISSUE TO ANYONE IF NEEDED. *TR
Official recalls
918V024000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
Jan 9, 2018
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2013 Scion xB, Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sienna, 4Runner, Lexus IS250, IS350, IS250C, IS350C, IS-F, and GX460 vehicles sold, ever registered, in the states of AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, PR, AS, GU, the MP (Saipan), and the U.S. VI or "Zone A." Toyota is also recalling certain 2010 Scion xB, Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Yaris, 4Runner, Lexus IS250, IS350, IS250C, IS350C, ES350, IS-F, GX460, and Pontiac Vibe vehicles sold, ever registered, in the states of AZ, AR, DE, DC, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV or "Zone B." Toyota is also recalling certain 2009 Scion xB, Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Yaris, Lexus IS250, IS350, ES350, IS-F, and Pontiac Vibe vehicles ever registered in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Toyota will notify the Toyota, Scion and Lexus owners. General Motors will contact the Pontiac owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, or replace the air bag assembly. The recall began on January 29, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331, or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. Toyota's numbers for this recall are "Zone A" Toyota: G0P, Lexus: GLG; "Zone B" Toyota: G0R, Lexus GLH; "Zone C" Toyota: H0A, and Lexus: HLA.
17V006000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
Jan 9, 2017
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2012 Toyota 4Runner, Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sienna, Yaris, Scion xB, Lexus ES350, GX460, IS-F, IS250, IS350, IS250C, IS350C, and Lexus LFA vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Toyota is recalling certain 2009 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Yaris, Yaris HB, Scion xB, Pontiac Vibe, Lexus, ES350, IS250, IS350, and IS-F vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Toyota is recalling certain 2006-2008 Lexus IS250 and IS350, 2007-2008 Lexus ES350, Toyota Yaris, Yaris HB, and 2008 Lexus IS-F and Scion xB vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Toyota will notify the Toyota, Scion and Lexus owners. General Motors will contact the Pontiac owners. Depending on the model, dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator or the air bag assembly, free of charge. The recall began on February 1, 2017. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331, or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. Toyota's numbers for final remedy for this campaign are G0P (Toyota Zone A), G0R (Toyota Zone B), H0A (Toyota Zone C), GLG (Lexus Zone A), GLH (Lexus Zone B) and HLA (Lexus Zone C).
16V340000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
May 23, 2016
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Scion xB and Lexus IS F, 2009-2011 Toyota Corolla and Corolla Matrix, 2006-2011 Toyota Yaris, Lexus IS250 and Lexus IS350, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, Lexus IS250C, Lexus IS350C and Lexus GX460, 2011 Sienna, 2007-2011 Lexus ES350, and 2009-2010 Pontiac Vibe vehicles, originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 Scion xB and Lexus IS F, 2007-2008 Toyota Yaris, 2006-2008 Lexus IS250 and Lexus IS350 and 2007-2008 Lexus ES350 vehicles, originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Vehicles of these model years and models that were not originally sold or ever registered in either Zones A or B are not subject to this safety recall. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Toyota will notify the Toyota and Lexus owners. General Motors will contact the Pontiac owners. Depending on the model, dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator or the air bag assembly, free of charge. The recall began on December 6, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for interim notification for this campaign are G1P (Toyota Zone A), G1R (Toyota Zone B), G2G (Lexus Zone A), and G2H (Lexus Zone B). Toyota's numbers for final remedy for this campaign are G0P (Toyota Zone A), G0R (Toyota Zone B), GLG (Lexus Zone A), and GLH (Lexus Zone B).
15V689000 · Visibility:power Window Devices And Controls
Oct 22, 2015
Toyota Motor Company (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Tundra, Sequoia, Corolla, Corolla Matrix and Scion xB, 2008-2011 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2007 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2009 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2006-2011 RAV4, 2006-2010 Yaris, and 2009-2010 Scion xD and Pontiac Vibe vehicles. During the manufacturing of the Power Window Master Switch (PWMS), grease lubricant may have been inconsistently applied to the sliding electrical contacts.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the sliding electrical contacts are not protected by lubricant, debris and moisture that get into the switch may cause a short circuit and the switch assembly may overheat and melt, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the switch, applying a lubricant if no abnormality is found. If abnormality is found, the PWMS circuit board will be replaced, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 20, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is C0M.
14V168000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
Apr 9, 2014
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006-2008 RAV4, 2006-2010 Yaris, 2008-2010 Highlander, and 2009-2010 Tacoma, Corolla, Corolla Matrix and General Motors Pontiac Vibe vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the steering column assembly contains electrical connections to the driver's airbag module housed in a spiral cable assembly, which includes a Flexible Flat Cable (FFC). Due to the shape and location of the FFC's retainer, the FFC could become damaged when the steering wheel is turned.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the FFC is damaged, connectivity to the driver's air bag module could be lost and the air bag deactivated. The failure of the driver's air bag to deploy in the event of a crash that typically necessitates deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver.
Remedy: Toyota will notify the Toyota vehicle owners, and General Motors will notify the Pontiac Vibe owners. Toyota sent owners an interim notification letter in May 2014 to advise owners of the recall. Toyota will mail owners a second letter when remedy parts are available. General Motors sent Pontiac Vibe owners an Interim letter on June 20, 2014 notifying them that parts are currently unavailable. General Motors sent notices to the Pontiac Vibe owners on September 15, 2014, that a remedy is available. The recall began on October 27, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-762-2737.
12V491000 · Visibility:power Window Devices And Controls
Oct 10, 2012
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 Camry, Camry Hybrid, RAV4, Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Tundra, Sequoia, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Yaris, Scion xB, Scion xD and Pontiac Vibe vehicles. The power window master switch assemblies in some of these vehicles were built using a less precise process for lubricating the internal components of the switch assemblies. Irregularities in this lubrication process may cause the power window master switch assemblies to malfunction and overheat.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the switch overheats, it may melt, possibly resulting in a fire.
Remedy: Toyota will notify its owners, and dealers will inspect the switch and apply a special grease that inhibits heat build up or replace any switch damaged by the defect, free of charge. Toyota owners that experience a problem with a switch should not attempt to make repairs, but should contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331. General Motors will contact the Pontiac Vibe owners affected by this recall and GM dealers will inspect and repair switches as necessary. Those owners may contact Pontiac Customer Care at 1-800-762-2737.
10V024000 · Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal
Jan 27, 2010
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 AND 2010 PONTIAC VIBE PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CAN GET STUCK IN THE WIDE OPEN POSITION DUE TO ITS BEING TRAPPED BY AN UNSECURED OR INCOMPATIBLE DRIVER'S FLOOR MAT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A STUCK OPEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY RESULT IN VERY HIGH VEHICLE SPEEDS AND MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO STOP THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH, SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
Remedy: GENERAL MOTORS WILL NOTIFY CUSTOMERS WHEN A RECALL REMEDY IS AVAILABLE FOR RECALL 10038: FLOOR MAT INTERFERENCE AND ACCELERATOR PEDAL. GM REQUESTS THAT CUSTOMERS TAKE OUT ANY REMOVABLE (CARPETED, ALL-WEATHER, OR OTHER) DRIVER'S FLOOR MAT AND NOT REPLACE IT WITH ANY OTHER FLOOR MAT, AND PLACE IT IN THE TRUNK UNTIL THE FLOOR MAT INTERFERENCE AND ACCELERATOR PEDAL RECALL REMEDY IS READY AND IMPLEMENTED. IN THE EVENT THAT OWNERS CHOOSE NOT TO TAKE OUT THEIR REMOVABLE FLOOR MAT, GENERAL MOTORS STRONGLY RECOMMENDS THAT OWNERS USE ONLY FLOOR MATS DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY FOR THE MODEL AND MODEL YEAR OF THEIR VEHICLE, AND THAT IT IS PROPERLY INSTALLED AND SECURED. DO NOT USE A MAT THAT IS FLIPPED OVER WITH THE BOTTOM-SIDE UP, AND DO NOT STACK ONE FLOOR MAT OVER ANOTHER. IN ADDITION, CHECK THE OPERATION OF THE ACCELERATOR, BRAKE, AND CLUTCH (IF APPLICABLE) PEDALS TO ASSURE THAT THE FLOOR MAT DOES NOT INTERFERE WITH THEM. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668 OR AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
10V018000 · Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal
Jan 21, 2010
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 AND 2010 PONTIAC VIBE VEHICLES. DUE TO THE MANNER IN WHICH THE FRICTION LEVER INTERACTS WITH THE SLIDING SURFACE OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL INSIDE THE PEDAL SENSOR ASSEMBLY, THE SLIDING SURFACE OF THE LEVER MAY BECOME SMOOTH DURING VEHICLE OPERATION. IN THIS CONDITION, IF CONDENSATION OCCURS ON THE SURFACE, AS MAY OCCUR FROM HEATER OPERATION (WITHOUT A/C) WHEN THE PEDAL ASSEMBLY IS COLD, THE FRICTION WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS OPERATED MAY INCREASE, WHICH MAY RESULT IN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECOMING HARDER TO DEPRESS, SLOWER TO RETURN, OR, IN THE WORST CASE, MECHANICALLY STUCK IN A PARTIALLY DEPRESSED POSITION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY BECOME HARD TO DEPRESS, SLOW TO RETURN TO IDLE, OR, IN THE WORST CASE, MECHANICALLY STUCK IN A PARTIALLY DEPRESSED POSITION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REINFORCEMENT BAR IN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WHICH WILL ALLOW THE PEDAL TO OPERATE SMOOTHLY. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN EARLY FEBRUARY AND BE COMPLETED IN LATE APRIL 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668 OR AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
09V392000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum
Aug 31, 2009
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 PONTIAC VIBE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 1.8L ENGINE AND ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF ALASKA, COLORADO, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, IOWA, KANSAS, MAINE, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MONTANA, NEBRASKA, NEVADA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW YORK, NORTH DAKOTA, SOUTH DAKOTA, VERMONT, WISCONSIN, AND WYOMING. WHEN DRIVING UNDER CERTAIN UNIQUE CONDITIONS IN EXTREMELY LOW AMBIENT TEMPERATURES, THE INTAKE MANIFOLD SUCTION PORT FOR THE BRAKE VACUUM CAN BECOME LOCKED DUE TO THE FREEZING OF CONDENSATION RESULTING FROM POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD LEAD TO AN INCREASE IN VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCE AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE BRAKE VACUUM LINE FREE OF CHARGE. A SPECIAL ADVISORY LETTER WILL BE SENT TO OWNERS OF VEHICLES REGISTERED IN ALL OTHER STATES IN THE SAME TIME FRAME. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE OCTOBER 23, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668 OR AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
2EA21002 · Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Opened Sep 17, 2021 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module; Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
AQ10001 · Fleet Vehicle Recall Completion Audit
Opened Nov 18, 2010 · Closed Dec 28, 2015
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Unknown Or Other
On November 18, 2010, NHTSA's Recall Management Division (RMD) opened an audit query (AQ10-001) to investigate recall remedy completion by rental car companies on safety recall campaigns.It was expected to provide the agency an indication of how completely and how quickly rental car fleets perform necessary recall-related remedies on the vehicles owned and then rented/leased for use on the roadways.RMD queried three (3) major motor vehicle manufacturers (Ford, Chrysler, and General Motors) and requested data regarding completion figures for fifteen (15) discreet safety recalls.Analysis of this data demonstrated that rental car recalls completion was neither complete nor consistent.The rental car companies representing the largest market share in the industry were then queried as to their respective policies for the rental, lease, and sale of vehicles with open recalls.The data and responses from the manufacturers and the rental car companies can be found in the document repository by accessing the ?Associated Documents link above.In December 2015, Congress enacted the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act.One section of the Act prohibits rental car companies from renting, leasing, or selling motor vehicles subject to open safety recalls.With the passage of the FAST Act and its prohibition, there is no continuing need for the agency to investigate rental car recall completions.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The agency reserves the right to open any future investigations, including audits of individual recalls, or groups of recalls, or rental car companies, to examine more closely safety recalls performance and completion issues in this area.