2009 Pontiac Vibe Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 2%of 528 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 12,150miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2009 Pontiac Vibe, 2% of the 528 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 12,150 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've had multiple faulty engine control modules in my 2009 Pontiac VIBE. It may be a coincidence, but felt it worth reporting since it may be related to NHTSA campaign 10v387000 which covered the 2005-2008 models.”
NHTSA complaint #10519338, filed 2013-06, 100,500 miles“2009 Pontiac VIBE. When the car is in drive and the car is stopped or nearly stopped, the engine races to 7000 RPM. This causes the vehicle to suddenly move forward into an intersection. To regain control I must shift to n and continue to apply the brakes as hard as possible. This occurs at random intervals. After I turn the engine off and back on it seems to work ok till the next time. I took the car to the dealer three times. The first and second trips to the dealer they said they found no trouble vehicle met specs. No parts replaced. …”
NHTSA complaint #10312830, filed 2010-02, 12,301 miles“2 weeks ago, I started smelling a gas odor coming from the front of my car as I drove. Then as I started it and stopped it ; I smelled it. Now it smells like exhaust all the time. I took it to the dealer today and they went over the entire exhaust and gas system and said it is fine. They agreed there is a chemical smell , but nothing is wrong or the computer system would alert us. I picked up my car and it still smells like exhaust, not a chemical . My husband and I became nauseous driving after and hour last week and had to roll down the windows. He said he was light headed. …”
NHTSA complaint #10413436, filed 2011-07, 1,500 miles“Car is stalling on initial acceleration from stop often - especially in warm weather and city type driving.. Occasionally stalls when coming to a stop. Occasionally increases RPM's randomly. These instances have caused major safety issues when navigating traffic. Below does not offer option to state this problem has been ongoing since purchase.”
NHTSA complaint #10257618, filed 2009-02, 1 miles“The check engine and traction system control warning lights were coming on and off intermittently. The first repair was replacement of the PCM (computer that controls everything) due to a short. Within 2 days the warning lights again came on intermittently. After a few days of searching for the problem the dealer performing the repairs obtained info on similar reported claims from the GM company. It was found out that there is an oxygen sensor that goes bad and does not set off a warning as it should, and this again caused the PCM to again short out and need to be replaced. …”
NHTSA complaint #10340189, filed 2010-06, 42,013 milesRelated 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.
- 10245395Nov 6, 2023This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing…
- 10244273Oct 6, 2023This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 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…
- 10242061Aug 7, 2023This service bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
- 10241417Aug 1, 2023This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 10240359Jul 31, 2023This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 10239101Jun 30, 2023This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
Engine cooling: other model years
Other parts of the 2009 Pontiac Vibe
352 complaintsVehicle speed control
58 complaintsSteering
35 complaintsEngine
29 complaintsBrakes
23 complaintsElectrical system
18 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
13 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
13 complaintsOther or unknown
11 complaintsElectronic stability control
9 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsSuspension
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2009 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