PROBLEM GUIDE
Here's what owners are experiencing, based on our research of real owner reports and repair data.
Last updated February 2026
386
complaints filed for the 2009 model year
2007–2011
Model years affected
$150 – $3,520
Typical repair cost, by problem
Click a problem for the full write-up — symptoms, what we found, and typical repair costs where we have them.
Tell us what's happening and get a preliminary diagnosis, typical cost range, and trusted shops near you.
Answer a few questions and get a preliminary read plus shops near you.
Start my diagnosis →Warm air blowing, compressor clutch failure, system not engaging
Check engine light: Off
AC compressor, clutch, relay, coil, and condenser failures causing warm air or a non-engaging AC system. An AC fault doesn't trigger a check-engine light.
"Air conditioning just quit working one day"
Check engine light: Off
Refrigerant, relay assembly, and drain plug issues causing sudden AC failure. Not a check-engine-light fault.
Power locks failing, doors locking/unlocking automatically
Check engine light: Off
Door lock actuator and latch failures causing power lock malfunctions. NHTSA complaints reference a door lock actuator class action — noted here as background context only, not as confirmed-recall content. Real cost range as reported. Not a check-engine-light fault.
A referenced class action (Case ID #2:13-cv-00381) is background context only — not confirmed-recall content, and should not be presented as such.
Car wouldn't start reliably, low voltage, clicking sounds
Check engine light: Off
Battery, starter motor, and starter winding issues causing unreliable starting. Not a check-engine-light fault.
Alternator failure, headlight burnout, TPMS sensor issues
Check engine light: Off
A mix of smaller electrical problems: alternator failure, headlight bulb burnout, TPMS sensor issues, and windshield washer fluid motor noise. Mostly not check-engine-light faults, though alternator issues can occasionally correlate with charging-system codes.
Warning light activation
Check engine light: On
Evaporator canister, purge control solenoid, oxygen sensor, and air-fuel ratio sensor faults triggering a check-engine light. By definition, this problem involves a check-engine light.
Belt noise, accessory failures
Check engine light: Off
Drive belt tensioner and accessory drive belt wear. A belt fault on its own typically doesn't trigger a check-engine light.
Overheating
Check engine light: On
Water pump (collapsed bearing) and thermostat failures causing overheating. A cooling-system fault like this can trigger a check-engine light via a coolant-temperature-performance code.
Expected wear at very high mileage
Check engine light: On
One documented head gasket/engine replacement case at $3,200 at 170,000 miles — very high mileage, reading as expected end-of-life wear. A failure this severe would trigger a check-engine light.
Very high mileage — reads as expected end-of-life wear.
Exhaust rust, rattling
Check engine light: On
Exhaust piping and catalytic converter shield rust. An exhaust leak can trigger an emissions-related check-engine code.
The door lock may be sticky and not work due to worn door lock tumblers
Check engine light: Off
The door lock may be sticky and not work due to worn door lock tumblers. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 262 owner reports on file.
A groaning noise develops on turns due to differential fluid breakdown
Check engine light: Off
A groaning noise develops on turns due to differential fluid breakdown. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 173 owner reports on file.
The automatic transmission shifts harshly from first to second gear
Check engine light: Off
The automatic transmission shifts harshly from first to second gear. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 166 owner reports on file.
The windshield wipers won't park due to a windshield wiper motor failure
Check engine light: Off
The windshield wipers won't park due to a windshield wiper motor failure. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 144 owner reports on file.
Warped front brake rotors may cause vibration when braking
Check engine light: Off
Warped front brake rotors may cause vibration when braking. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 142 owner reports on file.
The tailgate light on the dash may flicker
Check engine light: Off
The tailgate light on the dash may flicker. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 103 owner reports on file.
Water leaks from the base of the windshield
Check engine light: Off
Water leaks from the base of the windshield. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 87 owner reports on file.
Engine valves may fail prematurely and cause engine problems
Check engine light: Off
Engine valves may fail prematurely and cause engine problems. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 73 owner reports on file.
The check engine light illuminates due to a sticking intake manifold runner solenoid
Check engine light: On
The check engine light illuminates due to a sticking intake manifold runner solenoid. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 53 owner reports on file.
A grinding noise develops from the rear disc brakes due to corrosion of the caliper bracket
Check engine light: Off
A grinding noise develops from the rear disc brakes due to corrosion of the caliper bracket. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 40 owner reports on file.
The rear trailing arm bushings crack or break and need replacement
Check engine light: Off
The rear trailing arm bushings crack or break and need replacement. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 35 owner reports on file.
The check engine light illuminates due to a faulty fuel tank pressure sensor
Check engine light: On
The check engine light illuminates due to a faulty fuel tank pressure sensor. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 34 owner reports on file.
This generation has a CONFIRMED rear frame/subframe corrosion recall (Campaign 23V228000) — rust causing trailing-arm detachment and, in multiple reports, wheels separating while driving. This is a serious, confirmed safety recall, so it is covered here rather than in the problems below. This generation also has confirmed Takata airbag recalls across multiple years. Owner reports also reference a door lock actuator class action and an unconfirmed 2011 transmission recall; the scope of each is unconfirmed. Enter your VIN to get the confirmed, current recall picture for your specific car.
The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and is not a diagnosis. It is compiled from aggregated owner-reported data and publicly available sources, not from an inspection of your vehicle. Symptoms described here can have multiple causes, and the presence of a commonly reported problem does not mean your vehicle has it. Repair cost ranges are estimates that vary by region, shop, vehicle condition, and parts availability. Recall and service campaign information may be incomplete or out of date — verify current recall status with NHTSA or your manufacturer. MyGearGuru is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any vehicle manufacturer; manufacturer and model names are used for identification only. Always consult a qualified technician before making repair decisions.
The dominant theme in NHTSA data is rear frame/subframe corrosion — CONFIRMED recall Campaign 23V228000 — causing trailing-arm detachment and, in multiple reports, wheels separating while driving. Because this is a confirmed US recall, it is covered in the recall notice rather than in the problems below.