CarRecallWatchThe 2003 Pontiac Vibe has 8 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 298 complaints with NHTSA, including 27 crashes, 35 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Visibility (78 reports).
2003 Pontiac Vibe recalls
Passenger air bag may not inflate properly in heat
The front passenger air bag in certain 2003-2004 Pontiac Vibes was replaced under an earlier recall, and the replacement may not unfold as designed when it inflates in high temperatures.
Passenger airbag inflator may explode, sending metal shards
The passenger-side frontal airbag inflator in these vehicles may rupture during a crash that requires the airbag to deploy.
Passenger airbag inflator may rupture, sending metal fragments at occupants
The passenger side frontal airbag inflator in these vehicles may build up excessive internal pressure when the airbag deploys, causing the inflator to rupture.
Passenger airbag inflator may rupture in crash
The front passenger airbag inflator in these vehicles can rupture when the airbag deploys in a crash.
Air bags may deploy unexpectedly while driving
A component in the air bag control module can fail due to electrical noise.
Most common 2003 Pontiac Vibe problems
Problem areas named in the 298 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Visibility | 78 |
| Air Bags | 66 |
| Power Train | 50 |
| Structure | 24 |
| Electrical System | 23 |
| Exterior Lighting | 14 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 13 |
| Unknown Or Other | 9 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 9 |
| Seat Belts | 9 |
What owners report
Vehicle wright capacity on manufacturing sticker lists total capacity weight as 8601 pounds or 390KG. Converting 390kg to pounds is 860 pounds.
The 2003-2004 Pontiac Vibe was manufactured by Toyota and is for all intent and purposes is a 2003 Toyota Matrix. The 2003-04 Pontiac Vibe should be included in the "Do not drive" advisory issued by Toyota 20 Jan 30th 2024. Only the body is different than the Toyota Matrix and everything internal is the same. Please do not let this model fall through the cracks. January 30, 2024, Toyota issued a "do not drive" advisory for certain 2003â2005 car models due to concerns about their Takata airbags: 2003â2004 Corolla 2003â2004 Corolla Matrix 2004â2005 RAV4 The company says the Corolla and Matrix models are under a separate recall because their airbags can be deployed without a crash.
BUCKLE CAME UNLATCHED AND LATCH WILL NOT LOCK AT ALL DRIVER AND PASSENGER
The secondary safety hood latch failed causing the hood to fly up and shatter the windshield while also obstructing visibility on the road. The complete obstruction of the windshield presented a dangerous situation putting myself and others at risk of death of severe injury. In addition this caused glass shards to enter the driver/passenger compartment if the vehical further presenting risk to the occupants. The secondary hood latch mechanism appears to be extremely rusted and stuck in the "open" position. I am aware the NHTSA has issued a recall for a similar defect in the past (Nissan affecting 1.9 million vehicles).
I HAVE A2003 PONTIAC VIBE WHICH HAD ATAKATA RECALL. IN JANUARY 2020, I TOOK THE CAR TO A GM DEALER CALLED"QUALITY BUICK GMC OF ENGLEWOOD" LOCATED AT"406 GRAND AVE ENGLEWOOD NJ 07631 US" TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR. SINCE THE DAY OF THE REPAIR THE LID ON TOP LEFT SIDE OF THE DASHBOARD HAD POPPEDUP AND DID NOT CLOSE FULLY. THAT IS WHERE THE PASSENGER'S AIRBAG IN THE UPPER LEFT OF THE DASHBOARD IS LOCATED.I THOUGHT THIS WAS JUST A COSMETIC ISSUE THAT COULD BE IGNORED. THE CAR STARTEDMAKING INTERMITTENTNOISES SIMILAR TO A CLOCK SOUND SHORTLY THEREAFTER. I HAVE RARELY DRIVEN THE CAR DUE TO THE PANDEMIC SINCE THE REPAIR WAS DONE. BUT RECENTLY THE NOISE HAS BECOME STEADY. I HAD MY MECHANIC WHO SPECIALI
2003 Pontiac Vibe questions
Does the 2003 Pontiac Vibe have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 8 safety recalls for the 2003 Pontiac Vibe: Passenger air bag may not inflate properly in heat; Passenger airbag inflator may explode, sending metal shards; Passenger airbag inflator may rupture, sending metal fragments at occupants; Passenger airbag inflator may rupture in crash; Air bags may deploy unexpectedly while driving. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Pontiac Vibe?
Based on 298 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Visibility (78), Air Bags (66), Power Train (50).
How do I check if a recall on my 2003 Pontiac Vibe has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.