Most common 2009 Pontiac Torrent problems
Share of the 17 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Pontiac Torrent complaints by model year
Best Torrent years: 2009, 2008. Years to avoid: 2006, 2007. Compare all years →
What 2009 Pontiac Torrent owners say
Air bags
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Pontiac Torrent. While driving 5 MPH, another vehicle crashed into the driver side door of the contact's vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The driver sustained back injuries and the driver of the other vehicle sustained unknown injuries. A police report was filed and medical attention was received. The contact's vehicle was repaired. In addition, the contact smelled fuel inside the vehicle on numerous occasions while driving various speeds. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 30,000.
Air bag warning light came on. Took to the local GM dealer. They stated the "passenger presence module" was shorting out. Dealer stated the airbags May not inflate with the problem. Dealer stated the Pontiac Torrent had a recall on the 2006 thru 2008 Torrent for the problem but not the 2009. Dealer charged $798.33 to replace the module. This item should be recalled.
Body & structure
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Pontiac Torrent. When opening the rear liftgate door, the door would not remain in the open position and would suddenly close independently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Pontiac Torrent. The contact opened the rear liftgate and the lift gate abruptly released, striking the contact and causing a slight injury to the contact's head. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where both liftgate support struts were replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 47,500.
Steering
Steering gone out while driving times 3 with 2 replacements and now in shop for 3rd replacement. Nearly hit a lady. Time before, I nearly went over an embankment. Steering column has been entirely replaced twice. The electric steering motor has also been replaced 2 to 3 times as well. Numerous times have lost the ability to steer when in a curve but then later corrected itself and continued driving. ABS light is on most of the time and yes it has been looked at numerous times. Stabilitrac light is on and again, yes, this has been looked at numerous times. Traction control light is also on again. Seat belt sensor light is on and has been for a long time. Now, I really cannot afford repairs once again for something that needs a recall. I have read hundreds of other people also making these same reports in NHTSA comments. Please, people are going to get killed if not already. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Pontiac Torrent. While attempting to make a right turn out of the driveway, the steering ability seized. Also, the stability control system warning indicator began flashing and a warning chime sounded. The contact continued driving approximately a half mile down the road. The contact turned into a parking lot and noticed that the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The contact turned off the vehicle and waited approximately three hours. When the vehicle was restarted, the steering wheel seized again after two minutes. The vehicle was driven to pincher williams Chevrolet/Pontiac in london, kentucky where it was diagnosed that the stability control system failed. The replacement part was unavailable to perform the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 71,000.
2009 Pontiac Torrent engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.4L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | FWD | 17 / 24 / 20 |
| 3.4L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 17 / 24 / 20 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 17 / 24 / 19 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 16 / 24 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2009 Pontiac Torrent a good car?
Based on 17 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 Torrent rates better than average: 91% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Torrent at the same age. It is one of the best Torrent years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2009 Pontiac Torrent?
The air bags — 6 complaints, 35% of all complaints for this model year, most often about frontal. Next are the body & structure (3) and steering (3).
How many recalls does the 2009 Pontiac Torrent have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2009 Pontiac Torrent. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Pontiac Torrent?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2009 and 2008. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2006 and 2007. See the full Pontiac Torrent years comparison.
At what mileage do 2009 Pontiac Torrent problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 63,000 miles; 33% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.