Pontiac is recalling 2009 and 2010 model year Vibe wagons originally sold, or currently registered in nineteen cold weather states in order to correct a brake defect that could contribute to an accident.
In a defect notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the automaker explains, "When driving under certain unique conditions in extremely low ambient temperatures, the intake manifold suction port for the brake vacuum can become locked due to the freezing of condensation resulting from positive crankcase ventilation." That could decrease the effectiveness of the vehicles' brakes, increasing stopping distances and possibly contributing to an accident.
The recall notice affects Vibes originally sold 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.
Pontiac dealers "will modify the brake vacuum line free of charge." Owners in affected states should expect to receive a recall notice through the mail in late October. Vibe owners outside the affected states will receive "a special advisory letter" explaining the problem in the same time frame, but Pontiac has not explained what actions the letter may advise those owners to pursue.
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