AWD Reliability

Technical info on the Pontiac Vibe and Toyota Matrix including do-it-yourself info
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cthomasparr
Posts: 134
Joined: Sat Jan 16, 2010 10:03 pm

AWD Reliability

Post by cthomasparr »

Saw an AWD Vibe for sale. Are these drivetrains relatively trouble free? The car in question needs a rear wheel bearing. Is this a common replacement and is it DIY capable?
zbyers
Posts: 1767
Joined: Thu Apr 03, 2014 6:12 pm
Location: Sheffield, Pennsylvania

Re: AWD Reliability

Post by zbyers »

AWD Vibes are just as reliable as the rest. However, the rear subframe is known to rot out, and the rear diff is known to have issues with the bearings in the nose cone (I think that's what it's called). Outside of those issues, it's still a reliable car.

We have replaced 3-4 subframes on AWD Vibes, and have seen at least a dozen more on local marketplace being junked for that very reason.

TBH, you can get away without having AWD if you run quality snow tires if you're in a snow state.
'74 Thing, '79 El Camino, '83 VW DoKa '91 Vanagon, '03 Base, 04 GT
'06 CRV, '06 AWD, '07 Base, '12 Highlander Limited, '17 Frontier CCLB

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SSizler
Posts: 144
Joined: Tue Jan 21, 2020 7:06 pm
Location: Urbandale, Iowa

Re: AWD Reliability

Post by SSizler »

I would add that the independent rear suspension on the AWD cars improve ride quality. ;)
2003 Vibe Base / Frosty Mono / Moon & Tunes / Auto / 206k mi / Total Loss 1-23
2006 Vibe AWD / Lava Mono / Loaded w/Leather and Sport Pkg / 150k mi
Many other 2 & 4 wheel toys :mrgreen:
40 years with a wonderful woman / 2 adult kids
cthomasparr
Posts: 134
Joined: Sat Jan 16, 2010 10:03 pm

Re: AWD Reliability

Post by cthomasparr »

Can you share any pictures of the subframe issues and what to look for regarding rust/rot
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