2003 Pontiac Vibe Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 2%of 298 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 57,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the brakes of the 2003 Pontiac Vibe, 2% of the 298 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 57,500 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was driving my 2003 Pontiac VIBE in cleveland, oh when the brakes and steering suddenly went out on the vehicle. I had no indication whatsoever that there was a problem with my car. This resulted in an accident. The police agreed with me that I was not at fault and it was the vehicle. I was not cited.”
NHTSA complaint #10304128, filed 2010-02, 40,000 miles“The problem experienced resulted in a crash, although the experienced problem has happened intermittently and is difficult to predict when it will happen. There is a loss of power steering and brakes (seems like a hydraulic issue?). The engine doesn't cut off. You can restart the vehicle and steering feel is restored. When power is lost to the steering wheel, the vehicle is difficult to steer. Not sure if this is related, but occasionally, when coming to a stop with the foot on the clutch, the vehicle also stalls, and then of course, you lose all power. …”
NHTSA complaint #10524082, filed 2013-07, 89,000 miles“Date below is just winter. Seems to be the same problem as the 2009-2010 toyota matrix brake freeze up problem I own a 2003 Pontiac VIBE 1.8l engine and for the past 2 years in really cold weather my brakes take extreme pressure to apply the pedal to stop for the first few times after sitting outside when I leave work. The car is garage kept the rest of the time and I do not have a problem. I had previously called the dealer, no info or solution could be found. …”
NHTSA complaint #10286963, filed 2009-10“The contact owns a 2003 Pontiac VIBE. The contact stated that the rear brakes would not adjust and that the vehicle only stopped using its front brakes. The dealer was unable to offer any assistance. The VIN and speed were unknown. The current and failure mileages were 75,000. The consumer stated the front brakes were excessively hot. The consumer stated the brake drum fell off in his hands when he removed the production tab off the left rear wheel. The rear adjuster was closed tight. The consumer stated the rear brake mechanical adjuster is inoperative. Updated 09/18/07.”
NHTSA complaint #10200265, filed 2007-08, 75,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10208027Jan 14, 2022This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10168960Nov 12, 2019This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire…
Brakes: other model years
Other parts of the 2003 Pontiac Vibe
77 complaintsAir bags
66 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
49 complaintsBody and structure
24 complaintsElectrical system
23 complaintsExterior lighting
14 complaintsVehicle speed control
13 complaintsEngine cooling
9 complaintsOther or unknown
9 complaintsSeat belts
9 complaintsTires
8 complaintsSteering
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Pontiac Vibe
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology