2003 Pontiac Vibe Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 3%of 298 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 20,525miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2003 Pontiac Vibe, 3% of the 298 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 20,525 miles.
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 have a 2003 Pontiac VIBE with 40,000 miles and the engine threw a rod. The dealership claimed that sludge in the oil caused by improper maintenance was the reason the engine failed. I believe this is the same engine that is in the toyota vehicles that had the problem with sludge in the oil. Toyota has agreed to repair engines in toyota's damaged by sludge in the oil. Pontiac stated they will not fix this problem. I beleive this was caused by an engine deect and is not due to poor maintenance.”
NHTSA complaint #10100168, filed 2004-11, 41,000 miles“The consumer indicated that the catalytic converter produced hydrogen sulfur that caused a rotten egg smell. The odor then entered the cabin of the vehicle through the air vents and made the occupants sick. The manufacturer denied there was a problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10049845, filed 2004-01, 50 miles“During sporadic times, the inside of the car will start smelling like rotten eggs. There is no correlation to how long we have been in the car or a certain speed. The smell will come and go. Sometimes the smell is noticeable from the outside of the car once we have stopped at our destination. Dealer says that this is normal for this car.”
NHTSA complaint #10011025, filed 2003-03“Strong sulphur odor from exaust, seems worse in the warmer months. Dealer initially said it was the type of gas, but now claims all vibes have the odor and that it is normal for this car! I called customer care at Pontiac who called the dealer, and then agreed with the dealer.”
NHTSA complaint #10073242, filed 2004-05“Rotten egg smell in cabin of 2003 VIBE. The dealer said that GM is aware of issue, but does not have a fix. This smell is unacceptable, we are going to sell the car. No more GM's for us.”
NHTSA complaint #10060144, filed 2004-03Related service bulletins
- 10251890Mar 13, 2024This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank…
- 10250775Feb 22, 2024This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10242262Aug 24, 2023This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and…
- 10236164Apr 24, 2023This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308…
- 10234141Mar 23, 2023This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10234110Mar 17, 2023This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
- 10227056Nov 9, 2022This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
- 10222770Sep 16, 2022This service bulletin provides information on OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification.
- 10222796Sep 14, 2022This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
Engine cooling: 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 complaintsOther or unknown
9 complaintsSeat belts
9 complaintsTires
8 complaintsBrakes
6 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 29, 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