2006 Pontiac Vibe Pontiac Vibe 2006

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2006 Pontiac Vibe repairs by problem area

Engine (40%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (10%)

Brakes and Traction Control (6%)

Suspension and Steering (4%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (29%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (3%)

Other (9%)

Chart based on 70 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2006 Pontiac Vibe.

2006 Pontiac Vibe engine repair cost distribution

$2500+ (0%)

$1000 - $2499 (0%)

$500 - $999 (17%)

$100 - $499 (21%)

< $100 (63%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 24 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2006 Pontiac Vibe 4dr Hatch

126-horsepower 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD

110000 mi

US $10
Replaced PCV valve as was getting NOX codes on my engine. Appears to have fixed the problem. 

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2006 Pontiac Vibe 4dr Hatch

126-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD

169500 mi

US $300
Car would start with shaking and shuddering. Check engine light appeared. Diagnostics determined valve cover gasket leaking oil, causing spark plugs to misfire. Valve cover gasket and spark plugs replaced. Oil changed. 
199000 mi

US $900
Check engine light on, codes for transmission and catalytic converter. Replaced catalytic converter. 
156000 mi

US $70
Check engine light was coming on when driving on wet roads. The insulation on the sensor wires failed and allowed water to short out the sensor. 
175000 mi

US $50
Replaced timing chain tensioner because of oil leak in the seal. 
108300 mi

US $575
Fuel system vapor recirculation assembly. 
74000 mi

US $653
O2 sensor replaced. Spark plugs wires replaced. 
212300 mi Powertrain Control Module (PTM) under recall finally failing. Turn the key and a second goes by without car attempting to start. Getting to where it wouldn't start in cold. Engine light came on en route to dealership. Running rough. 
181040 mi

C $360
Radiator fan needed replacing 
65100 mi

C $700
Code revealed, intake manifold gasket replaced with new orange gasket. Tensioner noisey, replaced tensioner and belt. Bead blasted spark plugs, replaced PCV valve, cleaned throttle. Car runs very smooth and quiet and acceleration much improved. Acts like new now. 
95000 mi

US $350
Radiator fan was wobbling and grating against the radiator intermittently (esp. when AC was on). They replaced the fan motor. That fixed it. 
133100 mi

US $65
Check engine light was on. Computer code said fuel mix was lean. They cleaned a filter and that fixed it. 
136800 mi

US $300
Problem from Nov. returned. PCV valve replaced and other fuel service performed. Problem solved. 
82200 mi

US $26
While having new tires installed, shop commented that serpentine belt showed a lot of cracking, so I bought a new belt and installed it myself. 
83500 mi

US $200
Replaced original intake manifold gasket with updated silicone version to eliminate CEL during cold weather. 
31000 mi The check engine light was on and the dealer said the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve had to be replaced. 
26000 mi Check engine light came on although car ran OK. Dealer diagnosed and ordered an Oxygen sensor, which was backordered. I will have to take the car back when the part comes in. 
27000 mi Check engine light came on in December (previously reported here). Dealer had to order an oxygen sensor. The sensor was successfully installed in January. 
27000 mi Check engine light came on. The dealer said an intake gasket was "sucking air", causing dirty air to make the check engine light come on. They replaced the gasket under the factory warranty. 
51000 mi Check engine light came on. Dealer said they need to replace the PCM (Powertrain Control Module). They said it could also be a transmission problem (the code indicated that.) They replaced the PCM as a first step and said to monitor it. 
23068 mi Bad PCM (Powertrain Control Module) replaced under warranty. Bad PCM (Powertrain Control Module). Module was replaced under warranty by a Pontiac dealer. 
78000 mi Recall notice for the PCM, also noticed that the car would hesitate intermittenly during startup on occasion. No trouble since taking it to the dealer. 
17980 mi Engine not heating properly on cold winter days (-15C or below). Looks like a weak thermostat to me as the temp gauge hovers for several miles / minutes before finally reaching normal operating temp. Dealer tested on a warm winter day and said "no probl 
76200 mi

US $130
Replaced the serpentine belt which was extremely worn. 
20000 mi Replaced Powertrain Control Module.  
17000 mi SES Light stayed on. Trans was banging into gear esp. Reverse. Checked codes P2716 stored and current. PIP4154A States to replace PCM if ckts check ok. Checked PC Solenoid ckts - ok. Replaced PCM and programmed. CODE FDFD4 (under warranty). 
27900 mi

US $250
During routine inspection and 30,000 mile maintenance, mechanic spotted an oil leak which led to needing a new oil pan gasket. 

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See TrueDelta's information for all Hatchbacks
See TrueDelta's information for all Pontiac models.

2006 Pontiac Vibe Engine Problems

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 2006 Pontiac Vibe problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.