I've had plenty of Pontiac in the bay over the years, and the speed-control complaints on these don't surprise me. 161 on the NHTSA record across 18 model-year entries (2005–2010) is not a fluke. The 2009 Pontiac Vibe leads the list but the pattern shows up across multiple years and models. Not a one-off. 21 crash reports and 4 injuries on the record. Severity is real, not theoretical. Average shop fix runs about $600 — not catastrophic, but it adds up over time. Across the 67 complaints reporting odometer mileage, the median failure lands at about 50,979 miles. If the car has ADAS, take a test drive that actually exercises it. False AEB triggers and adaptive-cruise drop-outs are common patterns.
ProblemsByVin PONTIAC / CRUISE CONTROL
18 model-year entries · 2005–2010
Pontiac cruise control problems
161 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against Pontiac vehicles for cruise control issues. 2 active recall campaigns. See cruise control across all makes →
Complaints
161
Recalls
2
Year-models
18
Avg fix
$600
21crashes
1fire
4injuries
Worst-affected Pontiac model-years for cruise control Top 18 by complaint volume
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
2009 Pontiac Vibe
45 complaints · ~$600 severe
2008 Pontiac G6
16 complaints · ~$600 severe
2007 Pontiac G6
14 complaints · ~$600 moderate
2006 Pontiac G6
12 complaints · ~$600 severe
2009 Pontiac G6
9 complaints · ~$600 moderate
2007 Pontiac Vibe
9 complaints · ~$600 moderate
2005 Pontiac Vibe
7 complaints · ~$600 severe
2010 Pontiac Vibe
6 complaints · 2 recalls · ~$600 moderate
2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
6 complaints · ~$600 moderate
2007 Pontiac Grand Prix
5 complaints · ~$600 moderate
2006 Pontiac Vibe
5 complaints · ~$600 severe
2006 Pontiac Torrent
5 complaints · ~$600 moderate
2008 Pontiac Torrent
4 complaints · ~$600 moderate
2006 Pontiac Solstice
4 complaints · ~$600 moderate
2005 Pontiac G6
4 complaints · ~$600 severe
2005 Pontiac Grand AM
4 complaints · ~$600 severe
2007 Pontiac Torrent
3 complaints · ~$600 moderate
2005 Pontiac Aztek
3 complaints · ~$600 moderate
Active recalls — Pontiac cruise control 2 on file
General motors is recalling certain model year 2009 and 2010 Pontiac vibe passenger vehicles
A stuck open accelerator pedal may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or death.
Fix: General motors will notify customers when a recall remedy is available for recall 10038: floor mat interference and accelerator pedal. Gm requests that customers take out any removable (carpeted, all-weather, or other) driver's floor mat and not replace it with any other floor mat, and place it in the trunk until the floor mat interference and accelerator pedal recall remedy is ready and implemented. In the event that owners choose not to take out their removable floor mat, general motors strongly recommends that owners use only floor mats designed specifically for the model and model year of their vehicle, and that it is properly installed and secured. Do not use a mat that is flipped over with the bottom-side up, and do not stack one floor mat over another. In addition, check the operation of the accelerator, brake, and clutch (if applicable) pedals to assure that the floor mat does not interfere with them. Owners may contact Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668 or at the owner center at www.gmownercenter.com.
General motors is recalling certain model year 2009 and 2010 Pontiac vibe vehicles
The accelerator pedal may become hard to depress, slow to return to idle, or, in the worst case, mechanically stuck in a partially depressed position, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will install a reinforcement bar in the accelerator pedal which will allow the pedal to operate smoothly. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin early february and be completed in late april 2010. Owners may contact Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668 or at the owner center at www.gmownercenter.com.
Common questions
How many Pontiac cruise control complaints are on file with NHTSA?
161 complaints across 18 model-year entries from 2005 to 2010. 2 active recall campaigns cover cruise control issues across the Pontiac lineup.
Which Pontiac model has the most cruise control complaints?
The 2009 Pontiac Vibe leads with 45 complaints in this category. Next: 2008 G6 (16) and 2007 G6 (14).
What does it cost to fix Pontiac cruise control problems?
Independent shops average $600 for cruise control repairs across the Pontiac lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.
Are there Pontiac cruise control recalls?
Yes — 2 active recall campaigns cover cruise control on Pontiac vehicles. Recall fixes are free regardless of mileage or warranty status. The list below shows current campaigns with their NHTSA numbers.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database.
Editorial commentary written by Mark Driver, an independent contributor to ProblemsByVin
and not affiliated with Pontiac.
Severity ratings derive from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities on the NHTSA complaint and recall record.
Repair cost averages reflect independent-shop pricing and may differ in your area.