Research · Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
2009 Pontiac TorrentRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 17 owner complaints for the 2009 Pontiac Torrent. Most complaints involve air bags (6) and steering (3). The EPA rates it 19–20 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
19–20mpg
EPA · 4 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
17
Top: air bags
Fuel cost / yr
$3,000est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2009 Pontiac Torrent as of Nov 12, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 12, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
17 complaints filed with NHTSA · Mar 2010 – Sep 2023
- Air bags6
- Steering3
- Structure3
- Electrical system2
- Electronic stability control (esc)2
- Fuel system, gasoline1
- Power train1
- Traction control system1
- Fuel/propulsion system1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 12, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Air bags
6 reports1 crash
“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.”
Steering
3 reports
“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. Now, I also see that these steering columns are being sent back to the manufacturer and the same defective modules are being replaced and then sent back out to replace another vehicles defective part while charging the customer full price yet again. A repairman stated to me that the defective…”
Structure
3 reports
“DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG DASH COVER CRACKING.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 12, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
4 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD, Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
- Engines
- 3.4L 6-cyl · 3.6L 6-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic 5-spd · Automatic (S6)
- Drive
- 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 12, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Torrent AWD Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.4 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 20 | $3,000 | 444 |
| Torrent FWD Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 20 | $3,000 | 444 |
| Torrent AWD Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 24 | 19 | $3,150 | 468 |
| Torrent FWD Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 19 | $3,150 | 468 |
- 20mpg comb.
- 20mpg comb.
- 19mpg comb.
- 19mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 12, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2009 Pontiac Torrent as of Nov 12, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 12, 2026Vehicle 5038
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2009 Torrent questions
How many recalls does the 2009 Pontiac Torrent have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 12, 2026.
What are the most common 2009 Pontiac Torrent problems?
Owners filed 17 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (6), steering (3), structure (3). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2009 Pontiac Torrent get?
The EPA rates the 2009 Pontiac Torrent at 19–20 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 12, 2026