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Transmission and drivetrainPart report

2006 Pontiac Vibe Transmission and drivetrain Problems

Complaints
12about this part
Share
7%of 177 total for the year
Median mileage
92,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2006 Pontiac Vibe, 7% of the 177 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 92,000 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 purchased a used Pontiac VIBE with approximately 30,000 miles. We started noticing that the car was shifting roughly and making strange sounds last summer. We have been following regular service with our mechanic, who could not find anything wrong. In sept of 2010 , we received the recall about the PCM from GM. Part of the recall mentioned ' harsh transmission shifting'. I called the customer service number for Pontiac three times over the course four months, asking when the recall would occur; I received no answer. …”

NHTSA complaint #10374433, filed 2011-01, 55,000 miles

“I own a 2006 Pontiac VIBE I purchased from a dealer in 2009. I started having issues with it shifting harshly,rolling backward on hills at a stop as a manual would within approximately 2 months after I purchased it. I had it looked at a local dealer but they could not find the problem so I just have been driving it as it is. Now yesterday I was driving up a hill and the car completely stalled so I quickly put it in park, turned it off and back on put it in gear and it took off. I was fortunate there was no traffic in those few minutes. …”

NHTSA complaint #10378794, filed 2011-01, 92,000 miles

“I own a 2006 Pontiac VIBE. Purchased used with <30,000 miles. Now has about 42,000 miles. On a highway trip, check engine light came on. Stopped at next gas station, checked all fluids, belts, etc., nothing amiss. Drove home and had local autozone scan codes for me. Found p2716 code, pressure control solenoid or PCM module. Check engine light was off at this time. Took car to Pontiac dealer, manager said that solenoids sometimes stick. Replacing solenoid would cost $500 to $600 . Have read many other complaints about this condition when searching web boards.”

NHTSA complaint #10353859, filed 2010-09, 42,000 miles

“Check engine light came on and the car stalled. Now the check engine light stays on and the car shifts hard to the next gear. The car was part of a recall but smedleys in vandalia ohio claims the car isn't part of the recall for the PCM recall.”

NHTSA complaint #10484576, filed 2012-11, 54,000 miles

“Consumer writes to request reimbursement for the PCM replacement the consumer stated the PCM was replaced twice and the problem still exists. The check engine light illuminated and the vehicle exhibited a harsh transmission shift as well as engine stalling.”

NHTSA complaint #10401884, filed 2011-05, 31,691 miles

Related service bulletins

Transmission and drivetrain: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
201035%
2009132%
200812%
2007127%
2006127%
20053411%
2004125%
20034916%

Other parts of the 2006 Pontiac Vibe

Air bags
119 complaintsEngine cooling
20 complaintsElectrical system
11 complaintsEngine
10 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsTires
2 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2006 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