The Thor Vortex spans 1997–2009 with 0 recorded NHTSA recalls. It delivers competitive fuel economy and NHTSA-rated safety.
We're still compiling NHTSA safety, recall and owner-complaint data for the Thor Vortex — its ForCar Reliability Score will appear once that data is in.
Overview
The Thor Vortex is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1997 to 2009 across multiple generations.
How to read a Thor Vortex VIN — every digit explained
Every Thor Vortex carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Thor and the country it was built in (real Thor codes below).
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this Vortex.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
- USA5TY
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your Vortex, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Thor Vortex have?
The Thor Vortex has 0 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1997–2009. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
Best and worst years for the Thor Vortex
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint history for the Thor Vortex — best- and worst-year trends will appear here once that data is in.
What are the most common Thor Vortex problems?
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint data for the Thor Vortex — the most-reported problems will appear here once that data is in.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Thor Vortex specifications & dimensions
The 2009 Thor Vortex. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Thor Vortex window sticker.
| Specs cache warming… |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Thor Vortex cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the Vortex holds — passengers and cargo. Seating, cargo and interior dimensions vary by trim and seat configuration — decode your VIN for the exact build.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Thor Vortex tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Thor Vortex get?
MPG cache warming… reload in a moment.
What engines does the Thor Vortex have? Power & range
Powertrain data warming… reload in a moment.
How much does a Thor Vortex cost to own?
A Thor Vortex depreciates at about an average rate. A typical example keeps roughly 46% of its value after five years — losing about 54% to depreciation. Check what a used Vortex is worth today or browse current used-market prices before you buy or sell. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 80% | $24,000 | −$6,000 |
| Year 2 | 70% | $21,000 | −$9,000 |
| Year 3 | 61% | $18,300 | −$11,700 |
| Year 4 | 53% | $15,900 | −$14,100 |
| Year 5 | 46% | $13,800 | −$16,200 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this Vortex loses about 54% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — based on EPA economy at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the Vortex ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
Is the Thor Vortex safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the Vortex yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a Thor Vortex last?
A well-maintained Thor Vortex typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain.
Check your Thor Vortex’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this Vortex’s VIN free →All Thor Vortex model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Thor Vortex — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 Vortex | 0 | — | — |
| 2008 Vortex | 0 | — | — |
| 2007 Vortex | 0 | — | — |
| 2006 Vortex | 0 | — | — |
| 2005 Vortex | 0 | — | — |
| 2004 Vortex | 0 | — | — |
| 2003 Vortex | 0 | — | — |
| 2002 Vortex | 0 | — | — |
| 2001 Vortex | 0 | — | — |
| 2000 Vortex | 0 | — | — |
| 1999 Vortex | 0 | — | — |
| 1998 Vortex | 0 | — | — |
| 1997 Vortex | 0 | — | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the Vortex?
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint history for the Thor Vortex.
How many recalls does the Vortex have?
0 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1997–2009. Always check open recalls by your VIN.
How many miles does a Vortex last?
A well-maintained Vortex typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the Vortex reliable?
We're still compiling NHTSA data for the Thor Vortex — its ForCar Reliability Score will appear once that data is in.
What's the Thor Vortex warranty?
New Thor models carry a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Thor dealer.
Where is the Thor Vortex made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your Vortex's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Thor may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much ground clearance does the Vortex have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.