2009 Pontiac Vibe: engine failure

Filed Feb 4, 2025 · Engine · ND

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The Toyota 2.4L 2AZ-FE engine in my 2009 Pontiac Vibe GT suffers from excessive oil consumption due to a known piston ring defect. The rapid oil loss between changes puts the engine at risk of failure. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? This issue poses a serious safety risk because: 1.Oil levels drop unpredictably, increasing the risk of sudden engine failure while driving, which could lead to accidents. 2.No dashboard warning appears when oil is low, making it difficult to detect before damage occurs. 3.Toyota acknowledged this defect under Warranty Enhancement ZE7, but Pontiac Vibe owners were excluded, despite having the same Toyota-manufactured engine. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. Independent mechanics have confirmed the excessive oil consumption, consistent with the known Toyota 2AZ-FE defect. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? •Toyota acknowledged the issue in their vehicles but refused assistance for the Pontiac Vibe GT. •GM has not inspected the vehicle, even though they marketed and sold it. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? •No warning lights indicate low oil levels. •Symptoms include rapid oil loss, increased engine noise, and potential knocking if oil is not constantly monitored. Summary for the federal safety agency The Pontiac Vibe GT uses the Toyota 2AZ-FE engine, which Toyota admitted has a piston ring defect. Toyota extended warranties for their vehicles but excluded Pontiac Vibe owners, leaving us with a known defective engine. This creates a safety risk that should be investigated.

Filed Dec 27, 2017 · Engine · MN

Tl-contact owns a 2009 pontiac vibe ----toyota 2az engine put in toyota--- had engine replaced --- consuming to much oil -- oil consumption design defect in engine ---bought vehicle used from gm --- contact called gm and gm stated they won't replace engine a second time ....0 recalls associated with this VIN.... Cb

Filed Aug 15, 2016 · Engine · 128,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 pontiac vibe. While driving 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the engine failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.

Filed Mar 17, 2016 · Engine · 134,000 miles · CA · crash

Without warning oil consumption went from normal to over 1 quart per 1000 miles. This is a known defect whichtoyota notified its customers of, gm choose not to notify. This excessive consumption, not leaking resulted in a seized engine. Gm is not accepting any responsibility and I believe they owe me either a full repair, or pre-event market value. While they originally offered to cover 2/3 of the repair they have backed away from that offer offering a $2500 customer loyalty on a purchase, both are unsatisfactory to me, as they were made aware of the problem and chose not to notify owners. Car with passenger was in the hoa lane when engine failed causing a 7 lane transition without power. Car was towed, no crash due to the experience of the driver.

Filed Sep 26, 2014 · Steering · 96,400 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 pontiac vibe. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the steering wheel seized and the power steering warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 96,400.