Recall Alert: 2009-2010 Pontiac Vibe

GM has issued a recall for certain Pontiac Vibe vehicles from the 2009-2010 model years, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. They are specifically recalling those models equipped with a 1.8-liter engine and originally sold or currently registered in Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, South Dakota, Vermont, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

GM says that when driving the vehicles in “extremely low ambient temperatures,” the intake manifold suction port for the brake vacuum may become locked because of freezing condensation coming from the positive crankcase ventilation.

This could mean the vehicle’s stopping distance my take a hit and a crash could occur if the brakes are needed in an emergency but don’t respond well.

Dealers will modify the brake vacuum line for free. Owners may contact Pontiac at 800-620-7668 or the NHTSA vehicle safety hotline at 888-327-4236.

Recall Alert: 105,824 Pontiac, Toyota and Scion Vehicles

Toyota has issued a recall for 105,824 cars from the 2008-2010 model years, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The recall includes the 2009 Pontiac Vibe, 2009-2010 Toyota Corolla and Corolla Matrix, and the 2008-2009 Scion xD.

It includes only the vehicles equipped with the 1.8-liter engine and originally sold in or currently registered in Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

The recall is due to specific driving conditions with extremely low ambient temperatures, which can cause the intake manifold suction port for the brake vacuum to become locked due to freezing condensation from positive crankcase ventilation. This can increase vehicle stopping distance and possibly lead to a crash.

Dealers will install a new intake air connector, which will relocate the brake system vacuum port, for free. Owners may contact Toyota at 800-331-4331 or the NHTSA vehicle safety hotline at 888-327-4236.

2010|Toyota|Corolla

2010|Toyota|Corolla Matrix

GM 72-Hour Sale: 0% for 72 Months

Maybe GM’s math skills got them into the trouble they’re in. Their just announced 72-hour sale starts today and runs through July 6, which is 144 hours by our count. Maybe they wanted to tie the sale name in with the sale terms, namely 0% financing for 72 months on select models for those buyers who qualify.

Included 2009 and 2010 models in the 0% for 72-months term are: Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra regular, extended and crew cab light-duty pickups; Chevrolet Suburban and GMC Yukon XL SUVs; Chevrolet Impala; and the Pontiac Vibe, G3, G5, G6 and G8.

Other models have separate incentives you can find here.

Reader Review of the Week: 2009 Pontiac Vibe

“Old Smokey” from Fort Worth, Texas, has a name that makes it sound like he owns a rusted-out pickup truck, but in fact he’s a proud owner of a 2009 Pontiac Vibe GT. Old Smokey likes his Vibe quite a bit, from the gas mileage to the power he can coax from the engine. Find out what else tickles Smokey about the Vibe by reading his full review. After you finish that, head over here to post your own review.

2010 Pontiac Lineup: The Vibe and Nothing Else, as of Now

While GM has stated that Pontiac will be around for 2010, the brand apparently won’t have much on sale.

As of now, the only 2010 Pontiac will be the Pontiac Vibe, with a limited run of fleet-only Pontiac G6 sedans. The G6 convertible and coupe are apparently dead for 2010.

According to Pontiac spokesman Jim Hopson, there’s no final decision yet on the G3, G5 or G8. Production of the Solstice will end next month, and the Torrent has already been discontinued.

Throughout its history, Pontiac has typically had a generous and diverse lineup of “sporty” sedans, coupes, convertibles and family-haulers. It was that big lineup that helped make Pontiac GM’s third-best-selling brand in 2008, behind Chevrolet and GMC.

We’ll keep you posted on GM’s plans for Pontiac during its final model year.