Skip to content
Engine coolingPart report

2004 Pontiac Vibe Engine cooling Problems

Complaints
8about this part
Share
3%of 266 total for the year
Median mileage
6,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2004 Pontiac Vibe, 3% of the 266 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 6,000 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 had to have a new waterpump, thermostat, outlet seal installed as I could not get any heat. It was as if I went faster I would get a little heat. When took to s&k they told me I needed a new waterpump, etc. They were not going to pay for it. I could not understand this as I went online and researched this and saw many others had the same problem with the 2004 vibes. Something about when checking anti freeze and the over flow it was to be burped. This happened at the dealer did a complete check up for winter. …”

NHTSA complaint #10680600, filed 2015-02, 31,000 miles

“A drone noise was heard when the accelerator was pressed, especially during damp or cold weather, fall and winter. I have been told that it was a ?characteristic of the Pontiac even though this characteristic was not present when I test drove the car in the summer, and it was not told to me when I bought the vehicle. Gmc confirmed my own belief that it was a design flaw in the muffler assembly.”

NHTSA complaint #10118040, filed 2005-04, 6,000 miles

“2004 Pontiac VIBE with 5,200 miles had engine seize. Experts say due to engine failure, GM won't honor warranty, GM rep visited with me and said don't tell anyone from GM I was talking with you and lied during conversation, yet submitted report and said deny claim, other vehicles have same problem.”

NHTSA complaint #10106363, filed 2005-01, 5,200 miles

“Two issues that I have are, the air circulation vent makes a clicking. When I opened it up, I saw that it was because the vent would not close properly, I had to stick a pencil in it to make it stoip clicking, because I will not spend 100 dollars to have it replaced. Also, we live in montana, and our new battery will not start under 20 degrees. We have extreem weather here, so it leaves us with only one car, and oftem we are not able to get to work on time. Many other people in cold weather enviroments have complained about this. It seems to be something with the starter. …”

NHTSA complaint #10382390, filed 2011-02, 89,000 miles

“Clicking sound behind glove compartment. The contact owns a 2004 Pontiac VIBE. When the vehicle is started, it makes a clicking sound. The only way to stop the noise is to turn on the recirculation/air conditioner.. The current mileage was 60,800 and failure mileage was 60,750.”

NHTSA complaint #10400606, filed 2011-05, 60,750 miles

Related service bulletins

Engine cooling: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
201012%
200982%
200835%
20071911%
20062011%
20053311%
200483%
200393%

Other parts of the 2004 Pontiac Vibe

Air bags
104 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
76 complaintsBody and structure
24 complaintsElectrical system
12 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
12 complaintsOther or unknown
11 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
8 complaintsTires
7 complaintsEquipment
5 complaintsSteering
5 complaintsEngine
4 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2004 Pontiac Vibe

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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