AI Damage2009 Pontiac Torrent: common problems
Owners of the 2009 Pontiac Torrent filed 17 complaints with NHTSA, most often about air bags and steering. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 17
- involving a crash
- 1
What fails most often
- 1 Air bags 35% of all complaints
- 2 Steering 18% of all complaints
- 3 Structure 18% of all complaints
- 4 Electrical system 12% of all complaints
- 5 Electronic stability control 12% of all complaints
- 6 Engine 6% of all complaints
- 7 Fuel/propulsion system 6% of all complaints
- 8 Fuel system 6% of all complaints
- Air bags: 6 complaints (35% of all), 1 of them with a crash reported by the owner.
- Steering: 3 complaints (18% of all).
- Structure: 3 complaints (18% of all).
- Electrical system: 2 complaints (12% of all).
- Electronic stability control: 2 complaints (12% of all).
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 3.4 L · petrol · 6 cyl
- 3.6 L · petrol · 6 cyl
- automatic, 5-speed
- automatic, 6-speed
Drive: FWD, AWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 17 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 6 | 1 | 0 |
| Steering | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Tires | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
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.
Upon inspection, it was discovered that a crack was present on the top of the fuel tank causing fuel to leak onto the ground. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure.
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.
Service passenger air bag light comes on every time car is started.also indicator light says passenger air bag is off.there is no working passenger side air bag at this time.it has been this way for over a year.
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.
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.
Unlocks and locks by itself the stazable track keeps coming on its like its not getting air intake when I'm driving it not shifting rite skps gears
The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the power steering motor was faulty and needed to be replaced. The power steering motor was replaced and the vehicle operated normally. Approximately four years later, the failure recurred.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 8,823 of 36,659 model years in the NHTSA data (top 24% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Torrent has 156 complaints (4 years in the data). This year has 17, below average.
What to check before buying
- Air bags. Check the SRS light, stored codes and airbag/curtain status after any impact.
- Steering. Steering play, power assist, rack and tie rods after a wheel impact.
- Structure. Rails, pillars, panel gaps, signs of pulling or welding.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Pontiac Torrent?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: air bags, steering, structure. Total complaints: 17. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: warning lights, check engine (29%), airbag warning light (18%), airbags did not deploy (6%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2009 Pontiac Torrent?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2009 Pontiac Torrent from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2009 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-06.