10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 1 / 1
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 1 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 31,634 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.
The contact owns a 2009 Pontiac Vibe. While driving 15 mph, after opening the driver side window via the power window controls located on the driver's side door panel, smoke appeared from the door panel. There were no warning indicators illuminated. When the contact restarted the vehicle, the smoke disappeared. An independent mechanic informed the contact of a recall involving the power window control unit. The dealer removed the door panel and diagnosed that there was a fire inside of the driver side door panel. The power window control unit also needed replacement. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures. The contact mentioned that he did not receive the recall notice for NHTSA campaign number: 12V491000 (visibility). The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.
- New York, NM, USA
While driving 60-70mph on an expressway in heavy/gusty winds I suddenly heard a loud "woof" sound accompanied by heavy drag and pulling of the vehicle to the left. After regaining control and making my way to the side of the freeway I found that the wind had ripped the splash guard/air dam clear off with the exception of the last fastener on the driver's side. This resulted in the part dragging under the driver's side tire. I was assisted by onstar and a tow driver who helped me to remove the piece, as I would be unable to safely drive the vehicle with it dragging. The dealer replaced the part at my cost and informed me that it would not likely be covered under the 'bumper to bumper' warranty because this type of damage is usually the result of collisions with parking blocks. (basically saying they didn't believe my account of what happened). I was supposed to be contacted regarding an investigation within 1-2 days but so far no word from Pontiac.
- Vail, CO, USA
- Bluffton, OH, USA