Torrent (1st)
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
LNJ
3.4L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Pontiac Torrent Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Show 2 additional engine variants with limited data
LY7
3.6L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
5.0-V8-Gas
5.0L 8-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Pontiac Torrent, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2006-2009 Pontiac Torrent
On a used 2006-2009 Pontiac Torrent, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the electrical system (165), the fuel system (133) and the airbags and driver-assist systems (115). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 165 owner complaints on the 2006-2009 Pontiac Torrent about the electrical system.
- Let the engine idle for five minutes, walk around the car and smell for fuel.Safety. NHTSA has 133 owner complaints on the 2006-2009 Pontiac Torrent about the fuel system.
- Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 115 owner complaints on the 2006-2009 Pontiac Torrent about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 77 owner complaints on the 2006-2009 Pontiac Torrent about the engine.
- Turn the wheel from lock to lock while parked, then drive straight on a level road with a light grip.Safety. NHTSA has 68 owner complaints on the 2006-2009 Pontiac Torrent about the steering.
Recalls (4)
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007 Chevrolet Equinox and Pontiac Torrent vehicles originally sold or currently registered in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Texas; model year 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, Pontiac G5, and Saturn ION vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in, Arizona, California, Florida, Nevada, or Texas; model year 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac G5 vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in, Arizona; and model year 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac G5 vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Nevada, Oklahoma, or Texas. Some of these vehicles have a condition in which the plastic supply or return port on the fuel pump module may crack, which could cause a fuel leak.
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES NOT EQUIPPED WITH OPTIONAL ROOF RAIL AIRBAGS OR OPTIONAL SUNROOF FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 201,"OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT." DURING NHTSA IMPACT TESTS, THE INTERIOR OCCUPANT PROTECTION TEST POINTS EXCEEDED THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." IN THESE VEHICLES, THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER SEAT IS BUILT WITH A PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM. WHEN TESTED WITH A REPRESENTATIVE UNRESTRAINED SMALL ADULT, THE SYSTEM IS REQUIRED TO TURN THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER'S FRONTAL AIRBAG ON. AN ERROR IN THE SEAT SENSOR CALIBRATION CAN CAUSE IT TO FAIL THIS TEST. IN ADDITION, THIS CONDITION CAN PREVENT THE AIRBAG FROM TURNING OFF WHEN THE SEAT IS OCCUPIED BY A SMALL CHILD.
CERTAIN VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 212, "WINDSHIELD MOUNTING." AN INCORRECT PRIMER MAY HAVE BEEN USED WHEN INSTALLING THE WINDSHIELD. THE SAME PRIMER MAY HAVE ALSO BEEN APPLIED TO THE LIFTGATE GLASS AND THE SIDE STATIONARY GLASS.
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
Alternatives in Midsize SUV
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2006-2009 Pontiac Torrent complaints?
Owners have filed 624 complaints with NHTSA about the 2006-2009 Pontiac Torrent. The systems they name most often are the electrical system, the fuel system and the safety systems.
Is the 2006-2009 Pontiac Torrent a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 624 complaints with NHTSA about the 2006-2009 Pontiac Torrent. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2006-2009 Pontiac Torrent have?
NHTSA has 624 owner complaints on file for the 2006-2009 Pontiac Torrent as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2006-2009 Pontiac Torrent?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls covering some 2006-2009 Pontiac Torrent vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Pontiac Torrent?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the electrical system, the fuel system and the safety systems, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Torrent?
The 2009 Pontiac Torrent received an overall N/A-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: N/A stars. Side crash: N/A stars. Rollover: 4 stars (16.4% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: No. Lane Departure Warning: No. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 624 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.