This service bulletin provides information on Takata Air Bag Courtesy Transportation Reimbursement Program - Applicable to GM Recalls listed in bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2010 Pontiac Vibe airbags problems
severe 31 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,100 · see airbags across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
31
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,100
4crashes
3injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 31 airbags complaints filed for the 2010 Pontiac Vibe, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Airbags accounts for 53% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 6 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 31 airbags complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering airbags on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This service bulletin provides information on Takata Air Bag Completion Rate Improvement Program - Applicable to GM Recalls 14491, 14735,15040, 15041, 15043,15044, 15045, 15046, 15406,15438, 15442, 15815, 15816,15817, 15818, 15826, 17009, 17476, 17477, 28810, 28811,17478, 18015, N192273760, N192278940, N212328760, N212328770, N212328780, N212328790, N212328800, N242437050, N242437060, N242437070.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes B3055, B3060, and/or B3935. Technician should not replace any parts for this concern. If unable to duplicate the concern ask if the customer uses any Radio Frequency Identification Devices when the concern is present. Dealer should also direct their customers to the appropriate section in the Owner manuals that references that the device complies.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This informational bulletin provides information on Takata Air Bag Completion Rate Improvement Program - Applicable to GM Recalls 14491, 14735, 15040, 15041, 15043, 15044, 15045, 15046, 15047, 15048, 15049, 15050, 15052, 15053, 15406, 15438, 15442, 15815, 15816, 15817, 15818, 15826, 17009, 17476, 17477, 28810, 28811, 17478, 18015, N192273760 and N192278940.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This informational bulletin provides information on Takata Air Bag Completion Rate Improvement Program - Applicable to GM Recalls 14491, 14735, 15040, 15041, 15043, 15044, 15045, 15046, 15047, 15048, 15049, 15050, 15052, 15053, 15406, 15438, 15442, 15815, 15816, 15817, 15818, 15826, 17009, 17476, 17477, 28810, 28811, 17478, 18015 and N192278940.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Out of 31 complaints, the vast majority stem from the Takata airbag recall (NHTSA Campaign 16V340000 and related recalls). Owners consistently report receiving recall notices but being unable to schedule repairs because replacement parts were unavailable at dealerships. Waits stretched from 4 to 11-plus months, with neither dealers nor GM corporate able to provide estimated delivery dates. Several owners were explicitly told not to use the front passenger seat due to the safety concern, yet manufacturers denied loaner vehicles during the repair delays. Two owners mentioned using vehicles for special-needs transportation and caregiver work—a particular hardship given the front-seat restriction.
Separate from the recall backlog, three owners reported airbag non-deployment in actual crashes. One vehicle rolled three times with substantial damage but no airbags fired; another suffered a side-impact collision at low speed where front, side curtain, and seat airbags all failed to deploy, injuring a rear passenger; a third crash saw both airbag and seat belt failure. Two owners also reported airbag warning-light illumination: one was repaired (faulty steering wheel coil module), while another went undiagnosed despite recurring every time the vehicle started.
Same Pontiac Vibe airbags reports on nearby years: 2007 · 2008 · 2009
Failure modes owners describe
Takata Airbag Recall Parts Unavailability
Owners received NHTSA recall notifications (primarily Campaign 16V340000) for Takata airbag replacement but repair parts remained unavailable for months to over a year. Dealers and manufacturers could not provide specific timelines for when replacement parts would arrive, leaving owners unable to complete the recall remedy. Many complained they were advised not to use the front passenger seat for safety but were denied loaner vehicles during the extended wait.
When: July 2016 onward; some cases 4–11+ months without resolution
Symptoms owners cite: recall notice received but parts not in stock; front passenger seat disabled due to recall safety advisory; no estimated delivery date for parts provided by dealer or manufacturer; repeated calls to dealer and GM corporate yielded no progress
Codes mentioned: NHTSA 16V340000
Repairs/costs cited: Recall remedy required replacement of Takata airbag inflators; one narrative mentions parts 77204 and Recall #17477 with inflator replacement completed May 24, 2018
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 16V340000; Recall #15826 and #17477 mentioned; manufacturer acknowledged parts distribution disconnect; no loaner vehicles offered despite safety concern
Airbag Non-Deployment in Crash
Multiple owners reported airbags failed to deploy during vehicle impacts despite what they perceived as serious crash events. In one case, a vehicle rolled three times with extensive roof and door damage but no airbags deployed. In another, front, side curtain, and seat airbags all failed to deploy during a side-impact collision. A third crash involved airbag and seat belt failure to deploy/lock upon impact.
When: Various incidents; one at 88,000 miles, another at 103,350 miles
Symptoms owners cite: no airbag deployment on vehicle rollover after losing control at highway speed; no airbag deployment in side-impact collision at low speed (15 mph); no airbag or seat belt deployment in 25–30 mph frontal impact; passenger sustained head and face injuries in non-deploying airbag scenario
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicles were totaled or involved in police-reported incidents; one vehicle received Takata airbag inflator replacement (parts 77204) post-incident
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One narrative indicates manufacturer was notified of non-deployment failure; no warranty repair or root cause information provided in narratives
Airbag Warning Light Illumination
Owners reported the airbag warning light illuminating on the dashboard. In one case, the dealer diagnosed a faulty steering wheel coil module and fuse block failure as the cause; repair was completed and light extinguished. In another case, the warning light recurred whenever the vehicle was operated and was not diagnosed or repaired.
When: One case at 88,000 miles; timing unknown in other cases
Symptoms owners cite: airbag warning light on dashboard illuminated; light recurs with every operation of vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: One repair involved replacement of steering wheel coil module and fuse block; no cost cited. Second case undiagnosed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer confirmed no recall related to steering wheel coil module or fuse block; case was repaired at dealer
Synthesized from 31 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 12 most recent
Takata recall we received a recall notice in july of this year, stating that parts for our vehicle were not available. The recall also stated it was not safe for a passenger to ride in the passenger side front seat. We called our local dealer in december of this year, and were told parts were still not available. This vehicle is used to transport special needs children and young adults by…
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2010 Pontiac vibe. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16v340000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms…
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2010 Pontiac vibe. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16v340000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms…
2010 Pontiac vibe struck vehicle that crossed into right of way of Pontiac vibe at 25 to 30 miles per hour. Airbags did not deploy at dashboard nor did seat belt lock upon impact. Vehicle underwent airbag inflator replacement may 24th 2018 per recall #17477 parts 77204 as listed on repair invoice.
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2010 Pontiac vibe. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16v340000 (air bags). The part to do the repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts…
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2010 Pontiac vibe. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16v340000 (air bags) however, the part for the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced any failures. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. VIN tool…
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2010 Pontiac vibe. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16v340000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms…
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Pontiac vibe. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16v340000 (air bags); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available. Updated…
Why can't they provide the needed repair it's been almost 1 year. My family is in danger.
Takata recall. Company is not doing enough for customers to remedy the situation. Recall letter is july 2016, this has been 4 months without the use of my front seat. I've called both my local dealership as well as gm corporate and they are unwilling to provide a rental or loaner while I wait. They are literally robbing me of full use of my car. They are also unwilling to provide any…
Had airbags trouble with your 2010 Pontiac Vibe?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the airbags problem on the 2010 Pontiac Vibe?
It's a meaningful issue. 31 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $1,100.
At what mileage does the airbags typically fail?
Across the 8 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most airbags failures cluster between 56,000 and 103,350 miles, with the median around 98,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 56,000; a quarter make it past 103,350. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $1,100 for airbags repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to airbags?
No active recalls currently cover airbags issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2010/Pontiac/Vibe.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.