RoadVitals

2009 Pontiac Torrent Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
17
Latest Sep 21, 2023
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
10
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
1

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2009 Pontiac Torrent, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Airbags626.1%
  • Steering313.0%
  • Driver assistance313.0%
  • Body & structure313.0%
  • Fuel system28.7%
  • Electrical28.7%
  • Other / unspecified14.3%
  • Powertrain (other)14.3%
  • Engine14.3%
  • Tires & wheels14.3%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11289333 · filed Dec 16, 2019

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.

NHTSA ID 11083150 · filed Apr 3, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 part was being replaced with another defective part and was really useless repairs. Will you please buy this lemon back from me. It has nearly costed me and my families life numerous times plus others. Please recall these parts. Please make it possible for me to get a different vehicle. This started in less than a year from the purchase of the new vehicle when we had the first steering column replaced. Would you want your spouse or child driving these vehicles?

NHTSA ID 11475529 · filed Jul 24, 2022

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.

NHTSA ID 11082144 · filed Mar 30, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 10926954 · filed Nov 18, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 PONTIAC TORRENT. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE AIR BAG, STABILITY CONTROL, AND TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 119,000.

NHTSA ID 10788321 · filed Nov 4, 2015

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG DASH COVER CRACKING.

NHTSA ID 11099211 · filed Jun 1, 2018

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.

NHTSA ID 10734697 · filed Jul 17, 2015

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2009 Pontiac Torrent. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle, the odor of fuel was present. 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. The failure mileage was 198,000.

NHTSA ID 11545884 · filed Sep 21, 2023

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.

NHTSA ID 10631782 · filed Sep 9, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 10926954 · filed Nov 18, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 PONTIAC TORRENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THE STABILITY CONTROL AND THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER TWICE FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIANS STATED THAT THE BATTERY AND WIRING IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. AFTER THE REPLACEMENT OF THE BATTERY AND THE WIRING SYSTEM, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,000.

NHTSA ID 10499701 · filed Feb 22, 2013

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 PONTIAC TORRENT. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE AIR BAG, STABILITY CONTROL, AND TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 119,000.

NHTSA ID 10788321 · filed Nov 4, 2015

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 10926954 · filed Nov 18, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 PONTIAC TORRENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THE STABILITY CONTROL AND THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER TWICE FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIANS STATED THAT THE BATTERY AND WIRING IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. AFTER THE REPLACEMENT OF THE BATTERY AND THE WIRING SYSTEM, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,000.

NHTSA ID 10499701 · filed Feb 22, 2013

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

FIRST EVENT LOW TIRE WARNING TOOK TO DEALER, DEALER STATED IT WAS A VALVE STEM FAILURE. DEALER REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. SECOND EVENT LOW TIRE PRESSURE WARNING CAME ON, WIFE TRIED TO CHECK TIRE PRESSURE WITH HAND HELD TIRE GAUGE STEM BROKE OFF WENT FLAT SUDDENLY, THIRD EVENT REPEAT OF SAME TIRE VALVE STEM SNAPPED OFF WHILE DRIVING, AND PULLING A TRAILER. DEALER STATED THEY COULD NOT PUT A STANDARD VALVE STEM ON THE CAR BECAUSE THE FACTORY ONE IS CONSIDERED A SAFETY DEVICE. 35 YEARS OF DRIVING AND A PISS POOR SAFETY DEVICE NEARLY GETS ME KILLED, VEHICLE IS A 2009 PONTIAC TORRENT WITH UNDER 50,000 MILES. ALSO PERSISTENT PROBLEM OF LOOSING TIRE PRESSURE. I'VE NEVER HAD A CAR THAT REQUIRED DAILY TIRE PRESSURE CHECKS TYPICALLY A DAILY VISUAL AND ONCE A WEEK IS PRESSURE TEST IS ADEQUATE, BUT NOT THIS LEMON. *TR

NHTSA ID 10361807 · filed Oct 22, 2010

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .