GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

Hey guys I'm new here and trying to get a vibe soon. I've searched but couldn't get a great answer so I'll ask. When I googled "vibe tranny problems" I got quite a bit of posts from some random forums about people having tranny problems in the vibe (auto). Upon reading these posts, it seems like most people that have issues get them very early like any where from 59-90k. Other people have chimed in saying things like "I've got 150k on mine and still no problems." Because of my budget, most of the vibes I'm looking at are in the 100k range (miles I mean) and they all say "runs great." So what do you guys think? Are the auto-tranny's really just junk? Any input would be greatly appreciated. Chuck

There is a known issue with the pressure control solenoid in the tranny. It seems to have effected the Corolla much more than the Vibe and Matrix.

Ok, so with that being said- is it possible to just take it in have them replace the pressure solenoid or is this a pretty big project to do? Sorry, transmission knowledge isn't my strong point.

Quote, originally posted by cd57078 »Ok, so with that being said- is it possible to just take it in have them replace the pressure solenoid or is this a pretty big project to do? Sorry, transmission knowledge isn't my strong point. I don't know exactly how big a job it is. I haven't personally done one. My f-i-l did a few in his shop. It probably shows up more often in the Corolla because it is a more popular vehicle. It isn't something that I am personally worried about, but I know others on the forums have experienced this problem.

Was this particular problem prevalent in certain years?

Quote, originally posted by Bastranz »Was this particular problem prevalent in certain years?The earlier years were more prone to it, if I remember correctly.

I've only heard of a small handful of trans issues, My sister has my 04 vibe with 120k? I think now with no trans issues (automatic). Drive it before hand and see how it shifts, ask if it had the trans oil changed etc.

I have an Auto and I've no gripes. The closest I come to a gripe is that the recommended service frequency is 100,000 miles. My oil was BLACK at less than half that and I've come to find out I am not alone.Change the oil in the trans more frequently and all seems fine. I now pull the plug and replace about 3 qts of it about every 4th engine oil change now. Peace of mind. I've never heard the phrase uttered..."you changed your oil too darn much and you ruined your engine (transmission)" !!!! Never, ever have I heard that.Stop worrying, go buy that Vibe and drive it!! (after you change all the oils).Dave

Excellent thanks for the replies guys. If anyone else has anything else they'd like to share, feel free. But overall, I do feel pretty good now and excited to hopefully get a nice vibe. Now if I could just find one.

Quote, originally posted by cd57078 »Excellent thanks for the replies guys. If anyone else has anything else they'd like to share, feel free. But overall, I do feel pretty good now and excited to hopefully get a nice vibe. Now if I could just find one. The Vibe is still being made - it is just called a Matrix! And the discounts I have seen advertised here are not too bad.

Quote, originally posted by jake75 »The Vibe is still being made - it is just called a Matrix! And the discounts I have seen advertised here are not too bad.And we will accept you even if you are driving a knock off Vibe!! Dave

Quote, originally posted by djkeev »And we will accept you even if you are driving a knock off Vibe!! DaveAren't we actually driving a knock-off Matrix?

Quote, originally posted by lovemyraffe »Aren't we actually driving a knock-off Matrix?Depends how you look at it, it was "joint venture" of GM and Toyota.This is also GENVIBE, not GENMATRIX.Dave

I think if Toyota content (engine, transmission, etc. etc.) vs. GM Content (sheet metal etc.) were calculated we would conclude that the Vibe is a knock off of the Matirx. Not that there is anything wrong with that. And the majority of us bought the Vibe for that reason.

I did buy a Vibe exactly because its 90% Toyota with some cosmetic changes. I am usually a Honda or Toyota driver and it was the best compromise I could find

96K here with auto & no issues. Replaced fluid @ 76K after I bought it used at 38K. Due for another change very soon. I check all of my fluids every weekend & the fluid isnt dark & doesnt smell burnt either.

Quote, originally posted by djkeev »I have an Auto and I've no gripes. The closest I come to a gripe is that the recommended service frequency is 100,000 miles. My oil was BLACK at less than half that and I've come to find out I am not alone.My auto tranny fluid was MIDNIGHT BLACK at only 44k (still shifted beautifully, but still). I was more than astonished. I started getting defensive and joking that the guys at the shop I frequent were showing me used motor oil. Make it a tip-top priority on yours, and keep your fluid cherry red!

Was it 3qts on the nose or a little bit more? I'm coming up on 50K miles and I'm going to do an ATF drain/fill...don't want to buy more Toyo ATF than I need ($$$).

I thought that tranny service was every 30K? 100K? YIKES!!!!

Thanks for the input guys. I wonder why some had cases of going out yet others last forever?

There are no chronic/inherent issues with the Vibe's auto tranny. I have 90+k HARD miles on mine with no issues. While there is some HP loss to the wheels vs manual trannies, the convenience is worth it for me (90% of my driving is in stop & go, gridlocked traffic). Though I really miss a manually tranny when hitting the strip. Like the others noted, regular fluid changes are key. A tranny cooler is also a nice bit of inexpensive insurance, heat & auto tranny = bad.

Quote, originally posted by cd57078 »Thanks for the input guys. I wonder why some had cases of going out yet others last forever? I'd guess driving habits. My one son in law, will destroy a car simply by driving it. Hard acceleration, hard nose plunging stops, fast turns and is very rough on all parts of the car.My other son in law, when he trades in a car he put 100,000 miles on, it looks and drives like new. Not that he is an old man driving but drives intelligently and with a degree of caution.These same two people have very different car longevity experiences, at one point they had the same car (one year apart) and it was very clear how different driving habits affect a car.You do get the occasionally bad apple in the basket from the factory but that is really random and infrequent.Dave

...when driven like there's "...no tomorrow..." a vehicle typically doesn't LAST much beyond "...tomorrow..."!

But of course, if you're looking for a car that you can drive like there's no tomorrow... You wouldn't be looking for an automatic...

Quote, originally posted by cd57078 »Excellent thanks for the replies guys. If anyone else has anything else they'd like to share, feel free. But overall, I do feel pretty good now and excited to hopefully get a nice vibe. Now if I could just find one. Good choice on the daily driver! Hope you find well taken care of vibe.Have to say though, I'm pretty jealous on your other car in your sig! Always wanted a S2K...

Yeah thanks BrettZ, they are actually pretty cheap now, you'd be suprised what kind of deals you can get.

I have 190k on mine. The motor threw a rod before the transmission gave. I'd say I'm pretty happy with the reliability in this car. I bought the vibe, put a used motor out of a Corolla with 60k on it and it's back on the road. :DI would imagine any automobile will treat you how you treat it. Drive it nice and give it hugs, and it won't leave you stranded. The same for women. XD I'm just kidding, no offense to the opposite (removed).

i am one of those people that are experiencing the tranny jerk issue. i know its the pressure solenoid or what not but honestly, i have changed my fluids on time and taken good care of the car. for some reason, it was weird that the problem would come and go away. whenever i would take it in, it goes away but when i get it back, it comes back. ill be replacing and upgrading my next transmission to make sure that issue doesn't come back again. i have 91k miles on my 06 vibe and still have the issue. i was told that the tranny has an 80k mile warranty on that problem which sux cuz im 91k over that. im just sad that i could never get it fixed bcuz it was working perfect when i was at the shop.