Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2009 Pontiac Vibe
The 2009 Pontiac Vibe has a notable risk of airbag, vehicle speed control, and brakes issues, supported by numerous recalls and owner complaints. Additionally, potential electrical and steering problems warrant careful evaluation during the inspection and test drive process. Ensuring that all recalls have been addressed is critical for the safe operation of this vehicle.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2009 Pontiac Vibe has 9 NHTSA recall campaigns and 528 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #18V024000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V006000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V340000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V689000 Power Window Master Switch may Melt NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V168000 Driver's Air Bag may not Deploy NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #12V491000 Power Window Master Switch may Melt NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #10V024000 PEDAL ENTRAPMENT NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #10V018000 STICKING ACCELERATOR PEDAL NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #09V392000 BRAKE VACUUM SUCTION PORT NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Air Bags 352 complaints
- Vehicle Speed Control 58 complaints
- Steering 35 complaints
- Engine 29 complaints
- Electrical System 18 complaints
- Power Train 13 complaints
Of the 528 complaints on file, 23 report a crash and 2 a fire; across all 528 complaints, owners report 10 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Passenger airbag inflator failure
How to check: Inspect service records for recall completion on airbag inflators.
Power assist vacuum issues
How to check: Test brakes at various speeds for responsiveness and effort.
Power window switch failure
How to check: Check all power windows for smooth operation.
Accelerator pedal sticking
How to check: Inspect pedal for sticking or unusual resistance.
Steering column connection issues
How to check: Turn steering wheel; listen for odd sounds or stiffness.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Any dashboard warning lights persisting.
Red flag: Persistent warning lights
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Unusual engine noises or vibrations.
Red flag: Loud knocking or excessive vibrations
- 03
City driving
What to check: Pedal responsiveness; ensure smooth acceleration.
Red flag: Sticking or unresponsive acceleration
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Vehicle speed control; quick acceleration.
Red flag: Slow or unsteady acceleration
- 05
Sudden stop
What to check: Brakes responsiveness; no excessive force needed.
Red flag: Brakes feel soft or unresponsive
- 06
Power windows check
What to check: Operate all windows smoothly and promptly.
Red flag: Windows hesitate or stick
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Have all recalls been addressed?
- Any recent repairs or issues?
- Has the airbag been replaced?
- Any problems with the brakes?
- Is the acceleration always smooth?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Vehicle service history
- Recall completion records
- Title and registration
- Accident history report
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2009 Pontiac Vibe at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
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