2003 Pontiac Vibe engine problems

Filed Jun 24, 2017 · Engine, Suspension · 144,660 miles · FL

I purchased this 2003 pontiac vibe for $4000 on 7/27/2013 from 49th street auto sales & repair. This car had incorrect engine installed. Vin: [xxx] was installed when I purchased. Gm dealer verified the engine VIN # is from a 2007 pontiac vibe 4 cyl 1.8 l automatic transmission engine. Not a 16 valve 6 speed vehicle. Therefore thermostat sensor can't be attached, temperature sensor for radiator can't be attached, engine light has been disabled and transmission errors can't be corrected. Warning ask owner why he this vehicle was advertised to have a 4 cylinder toyota celica gt-s motor installed. Per mechanic ([xxx]) inspection my son was assured by him it only had 900 miles on it. It did not after $1241.20 in repairs just to make it safe to drive after the axle shaft fell out of the transmission at 70 MPH. I'm from michigan and drove this death trap of a car home with intense shaking on front right because axle wasn't even attached. My mechanic had to weld the axle. I have documentation from gm stating this engine should not be installed into this vehicle. Video from mechanic who identified engine VIN detailing all problems. I received a refund from this dealer through mediation with consumer protection agency of pinellas county. This dealer is trying to sell this dangerous vehicle again! .49thstreetautosales.com/view/1427/tan-2003-pontiac-vibe-in-clearwater-fl information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Nov 21, 2014 · Acceleration, Electrical · 120,000 miles · PA

I had been having problems with acceleration on my 2003 pontiac vibe and I was leaving my place of business a few days after the problem started and my rpms dropped to 0 while driving approximately 35mph and then it seemed to of "caught" and I drove to where I needed to go, I took my car to the shop and once it turned off it wouldn't restart. They seemed to think it was the fuel pump and recommended I take it back to where I originally got the vehicle 6 months ago since it was covered under warranty, so I did and they agreed it was the fuel pump they changed the fuel pump and was still having the same problem with not starting they took it to a dealer and after it sat there for 3 weeks leaving me without a car , I was then told it was the main computer for the car and will cost me $1100 to fix. However I still don't have my car back since I don't have the money to fix it. However I just received a recall notice for my car and one of the 3 recalls is for the ECM. Isn't that the same as the 'main computer' in the car and shouldn't the dealer fixed it at no charge and been made aware of this. So now I have been without a car for a month for what should of been fixed before I even bought the car.

Filed Nov 18, 2004 · Engine · 41,000 miles · MI

I have a 2003 pontiac vibe with 40,000 miles and the engine threw a rod. The dealership claimed that sludge in the oil caused by improper maintenance was the reason the engine failed. I believe this is the same engine that is in the toyota vehicles that had the problem with sludge in the oil. Toyota has agreed to repair engines in toyota's damaged by sludge in the oil. Pontiac stated they will not fix this problem. I beleive this was caused by an engine deect and is not due to poor maintenance.

Filed May 27, 2004 · Engine · IA

Strong sulphur odor from exaust, seems worse in the warmer months. Dealer initially said it was the type of gas, but now claims all vibes have the odor and that it is normal for this car! I called customer care at pontiac who called the dealer, and then agreed with the dealer.

Filed Mar 2, 2004 · Engine · MI

Rotten egg smell in cabin of 2003 vibe. The dealer said that gm is aware of issue, but does not have a fix. This smell is unacceptable, we are going to sell the car. No more gm's for us.

Filed Jan 9, 2004 · Engine · 50 miles · MO

The consumer indicated that the catalytic converter produced hydrogen sulfur that caused a rotten egg smell. The odor then entered the cabin of the vehicle through the air vents and made the occupants sick. *ak the manufacturer denied there was a problem. *sc

Filed Dec 21, 2003 · Engine · GA

Pontiac vibe 2003 presents "rotten egg" smell. This is hydrogen sulfide gas, which can be harmful, even deadly. Smell gets inside the driver's cabin via A/C.

Filed Aug 12, 2003 · Engine, Seats · HI

Hello my name is [xxx], I bought a 2003 ponitac vibe in dec of 02 since then I have had multiple minor problems with this car. I have been back and forth to the dealership so many times now I think that they think I work there. Since I have had this car I have had three hub caps replaced due to them turning a yellow color (from silver). The passenger seat started to tear in the seams..(I weigh 150 lb I don't think im too heavy) the seal on the drivers side window warped and had to be replaced, now the drivers side seat is starting to tear at the seams and will need to be replaced, the engine is starting to chirp like I have friggin crickets in first and second gear.....I don't know what the heck is going on with this thing but its down right annoying! I love the car its great but the constant trips to the dealer and on top of that they never once have offered to loan me a car while they fixed the defects in their products . This has been an inconvenience to me and my family. I want to know if anyone else has noticed these types of defects in their vibe or if I got he lemon of the bunch. Please respond. *ak information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Mar 25, 2003 · Engine · VA

During sporadic times, the inside of the car will start smelling like rotten eggs. There is no correlation to how long we have been in the car or a certain speed. The smell will come and go. Sometimes the smell is noticeable from the outside of the car once we have stopped at our destination. Dealer says that this is normal for this car.

Filed Feb 4, 2003 · Engine · NJ

When the brakes were depressed,the engine idled high. *ph