2009 Pontiac Torrent Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2009 Pontiac Torrent ranks 4th of 4 model years, with a complaint index of 0 and 17 complaints, and carries a Good verdict, though that verdict is capped because 2005-2009 complaint records are less complete. No recalls are on file for this year.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 0/100
- #4 of 4 Torrent years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 17
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 0
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 1
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 3
- Top issue
- Airbags
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 19.5
- 17 city / 24 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 3 / 0
Top 2009 Pontiac Torrent problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Airbags6 (35%)
- Steering3 (18%)
- Structure & Body3 (18%)
- Brakes2 (12%)
- Electrical System2 (12%)
- Engine2 (12%)
- Fuel System2 (12%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (6%)
- Transmission & Powertrain1 (6%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Passenger front airbag sometimes fails to turn on or activate, even with an adult occupant in the seat.
- Airbag warning light illuminates along with stability and traction control lights, sometimes with no repair made.
- Rear liftgate support struts fail, letting the liftgate slam shut or strike the person opening it.
- Power steering motor can fail, causing stiff or shaking steering that eventually locks up.
- Engine and stability control warning lights come on with a loss of throttle response, traced in one case to battery and wiring issues.
- Tire pressure valve stems snap off, causing sudden flats, in at least one case reported more than once.
2009 Pontiac Torrent recalls
No safety recalls on record for this model year.
2009 Pontiac Torrent fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 17 MPG
- Highway
- 24 MPG
- Combined
- 19.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,325
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2009 compared with other Torrent years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2009 Pontiac Torrent reliable?
- Among the four Torrent model years with data, 2009 has the lowest complaint index (0) and only 17 complaints, ranking it the best of the group. Its verdict is Good, though capped because complaint records for 2005-2009 are less complete.
- What problems does the 2009 Pontiac Torrent have?
- NHTSA complaints point mainly to airbags (35% of complaints), followed by steering and structure/body issues at 18% each. Owners also reported brake, electrical, engine, and fuel system problems in smaller numbers.
- Does the 2009 Pontiac Torrent have any recalls?
- No. NHTSA lists zero recalls for the 2009 Torrent, compared to four recalls on the 2007 model year.
- What year Pontiac Torrent should I avoid?
- The 2006 Torrent has the highest complaint index (100) and is rated Avoid, while 2007 is rated Caution. The 2009 model, by contrast, has the lowest complaint index in the lineup.
- At what mileage do 2009 Torrent airbag problems appear?
- The median mileage at failure for airbag-related complaints on the 2009 Torrent is 63,000 miles.