10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 5
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
80,246 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2006 Pontiac Torrent:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

problem #58

May 092019

Torrent

  • miles
The contact owns a 2006 Pontiac Torrent. The contact stated that the windshield wiper blades inadvertently disengaged while in use as smoke was seen coming from the ignition. The contact pulled over and exited the vehicle. The contact opened the hood and flames were seen. The fire department was not contacted as the fire was extinguished by the rain. No injuries were sustained. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The condition of the vehicle was unknown. The failure mileage was unknown.

- National City, MI, USA

problem #57

Nov 112018

Torrent

  • 113,000 miles
The heat doesn't work in car freezing cold in car

- Winston Salem, NC, USA

problem #56

Mar 072018

Torrent

  • 112,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Pontiac Torrent. While starting the vehicle, the contact heard an abnormal knocking sound and various warning indicators illuminated. The abnormal noise recurred while driving 30 mph. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and it was diagnosed that the engine failed and needed replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 112,000.

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #55

Oct 012016

Torrent

  • 97,365 miles
Heating system does not work properly, sometimes heat only blows cool air, manufacturer acknowledges this is a defect but only issued a limited special coverage. The special coverage expired in Feb 2016, my vehicle heating unit broke in Oct 2016! the manufacturer should be responsible to fix this defect! lisa of heating unit causes unsafe driving conditions when windows can not defrost as a result of defect, also occupants freeze their asses off in the winter! unconscionable that GM will not issue a recall for this defect!

- Silverdale, WA, USA

problem #54

Sep 162016

Torrent

  • 102,000 miles
A number of unusual issues have plagued us with this car! the keys slide out of the ignition while car is still running. At random times, the engine will rev, but the car will barely move until it eventually stops. Even then it will turn on and the engine will run, but it won't move. At other times, the electrical shuts down and there is no power at all, no lights or sounds. We've replaced the battery (a very expensive one at that) twice, as whatever is happening drains it. The car throws codes that make it impossible to pass inspection. These include: E-vap, throttle body, assorted sensors, break pedal, gas cap, heat/ac motor, and so on. We have replaced and/or repaired everything on the code list and still, it won't clear. The check engine light, ABS, and tread light remain on no matter what we do. We were advised to keep driving it until the computer cleared the codes to "ready", but it's not working. Recently, white wisps of smoke were coming from the steering column, along with a burning smell. The car just died and refused to start. We had to replace the turn signal switch. These are things that should not be occurring with normal maintenance and driving. We've also been told by mechanics that they are dangerous issues, including the possibility of fire while driving, and failures that cause wrecks. They cannot explain why they are occurring, especially after repair. One person said we probably made some repairs that were unnecessary, but we needed the car to pass required inspection. We are sinking too much money into this vehicle to keep it running and cannot afford a new payment as this one is purchased in full. We are disabled, needing dependable transportation for medical appointments and daily errands. Why aren't there recalls? this model is all over the internet and forums for these faulty codes & issues! incredibly irresponsible of the manufacturer.

- Statesville, NC, USA

problem #53

Feb 152016

Torrent

  • 135,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Pontiac Torrent. While the vehicle was parked, it failed to turn off with the key in the off position. The contact had to disconnect the battery in order to turn off the vehicle. All the warning lights on the instrument cluster illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the keys needed to be replaced. The keys were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 135,000. The VIN was unavailable.

- Henderson, MI, USA

problem #52

Mar 122016

Torrent

  • 156,000 miles
My ignition switch moves out of the "run" position, resulting in a partial loss of electrical power and turning off the engine. While driving or when the car is in park but running. I was on the highway where the speed is 45 miles per hour and the car turns off. I don't have anything on the key, including the fob. I even experienced the engine turning off when the car is parked but running. The dealer admits to a recall on another model of Pontiac during the same year.

- North Chicago, IL, USA

problem #51

May 152006

Torrent

  • 113,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Pontiac Torrent. The contact stated that while driving at 60 mph or above, the steering wheel and front suspension began to vibrate without warning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the technician informed the contact that the vehicle was operating as intended. In addition, the contact stated that the wiring harness that controls the windows, door locks, and side view mirrors was fractured. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 113,000.

- Des Plaines, IL, USA

problem #50

Sep 212015

Torrent

  • 173,000 miles
I have a problem with the heat and defroster in my car. It does not work, and thus causes major visibility problems because the windows cannot defrost. This is a safety hazard, which, if left unrepaired, could cause a wreck. I took the car to a GM dealer, and they diagnosed it as a broken temperature blend door. I've done some research on this issue, since it is quite costly (about $1100) to repair. I found that GM has previously repaired this free of charge to the owners because this is a manufacturer defect (special coverage/policy adjustment 11135). The actuator had been designed poorly, using plastic instead of metal. This causes the plastic to break when the actuator over-rotates. This problem violates the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 103, which states the standards of having a working heater and defogging/defrosting system. This problem is mentioned in 87 of the 198 complaints for the 06 Pontiac Torrent, and has a tsb #10044379. With a seven-year complaint history, I would expect the company to do something about this safety issue. I contacted GM with this information and they said they would contact me in 1 business day. It has been over 5 days now and no word from them. All I want is for this to be fixed/covered by GM because it is a manufacturer's defect and is very expensive (I.e. I cannot afford it even though it's hazardous). I would like to drive safely and with full visibility!

- Rock Hill, SC, USA

problem #49

Mar 032015

Torrent 6-cyl

  • 130,000 miles
1. key locks in ignition 2. ABS light, traction control, brakes warning light, airbag and stay on.. brakes lock up, tires roll wont stop, pulsation then brake pedal to floor. The lights stay on no GM mechanic can repair. 3. clicking, tapping and burning smell coming from under dash and steering column. 4.when it rains puddles on passenger side and driver on floor of car like the doors are not lined up with car. 5. high beam lights come on by themselves cant turn off drain battery electrical problem. 6. steering locks in turn. Backend of vehicle not balanced rides sideways.at high speed. Im sure someone has lost a life in these defective vehicles if a study wa S done professionally from 2006 to 2015. These defects would be the cause. I paid 20,000 for this vehicle no one can repair.that's why production was discontinued to prevent lawsuits. Vehicle should be recalled bought back from consumers and put out of circulation its dangerous.

- Bellwood, IL, USA

problem #48

Feb 062015

Torrent

  • 125,000 miles
After shutting off my 2006 Pontiac Torrent, I heard a clicking than a power up type sound and next I knew the car was turning over trying to start. I do not have automatic start and no the key was not in the ignition. I proceeded to open the hood to investigate the situation. I had to remove the battery cover to remove the positive cable so all was quiet. Thinking it may have reset itself I put the cable back into the battery, the same thing happened, I again removed the cable and called a tow truck. I was informed the underhood fuse box was so corroded under the box it self that when any moisture is in the air or snow per say it is causing the fuses to shorten themselves out. I was told this could potential cause a fire and was told to google the situation and see. Low and behold he was right! people have had fires, melt downs, you name it. The eye opener really came in when the mechanic went to order the parts...there are only 7 of these underhood fuse boxes in the whole United States. Yes, only 7! this could be very dangerous!! this could potentially kill someone. As these vehicles are getting older the worse this situation could get.

- Frazee, MN, USA

problem #47

Jan 162015

Torrent

  • 130,000 miles
The seat heater stopped working. Took the vehicle to a local auto shop to have heater replaced. Mechanic removed old heater pad; the heater pad had a hole burned into it about the size of a quarter. Some very minor scorching on areas that were in contact with the heating pad. I have the part still for reference.

- Anderson, IN, USA

problem #46

May 022012

Torrent 6-cyl

  • 79,000 miles
One morning I go to leave for work and my car is dead. When roadside assistance provides a jump start, it's found that my high-beams were on. I did not leave any lights on. I could not get the high-beams to turn off until I pulled the turn signal/multifunction lever toward me and held it there. On 4 more occasions, this exact same incident occurred. My car was dead and required a jump start. The high-beams would not turn off unless I pulled the lever toward me and held it there. This issue is, not only draining my battery but damaging it. It's a huge inconvenience and leaves me stranded at times. Also, it's dangerous. I've smelled & noticed smoke coming from the lever and steering column. No repairs have been made yet. There should be a recall for this electrical malfunction.

- Las Vegas, NV, USA

problem #45

Nov 082014

Torrent 6-cyl

  • 111,700 miles
My blend door actuator has failed and fell off inside of my cab causing my heat to fail inside my cab for both defrost and heat. I live in a cold climate and it's impossible to drive without heat in the winter. The repair technician quoted me 9+ hours of labor to remove my dash, install the new actuator and re-install my dash. It will take three days to repair and cost me $1800 to fix. Apparently, after speaking with the service technician and my local auto shop, this is a common problem with Pontiac Torrents as I've also read dozens of complaints from people on this site. He said there might be a recall on the part, and I should check. However, after searching my VIN, it does not appear to be a recalled part at this time. I cannot believe this has not been recalled as this is such a costly repair to be made for a faulty part from GM. Please help as this is not does not appear to be an isolated occurrence with Pontiac Torrents.

- Crystal, MN, USA

problem #44

Sep 042012

Torrent

  • 63,323 miles
On 09/04/12 I brought my car into the dealer because I was having problems with the ignition switch. The ignition switch would lock up preventing the car from turning over. The key would also get stuck in the ignition and would not release. I had the problem repaired, but with all of the recalls on every other GM vehicle having to do with the ignition switch, I would also like to see the Pontiac Torrent 2006 recalled as well. Also, this issue happened prior to the recall. So I am not 100% confident the ignition switch that was replaced in my vehicle by the dealer was a defective part.

- San Diego, CA, USA

problem #43

Sep 262011

Torrent 6-cyl

  • 53,441 miles
On 09/26/11, I took my car into the dealer about the ABS and tc light coming on in the car. I also reported having problems with turning over the car as the car would hesitate and stall at times. In regards to the ABS issue I reported a hearing a knocking sound coming from the front end of the vehicle and feeling a vibration on the break pedal when the knocking sound occurred. I was told by the dealer the ABS hub and sensor needed replacement. I was also informed the car was still safe to drive in the meantime. The cost to replace the hub was estimated around $437 plus tax. Since I was also having ignition starting problems during this time, I decided to pay for a cleaning induction service recommended by the dealer to help with the ignition starting issue in the amount of $413.56. I was later informed the cleaning of the upper intake, valve, and combustion area had no real effect on my vehicle starting because on 09/04/12 I reported having the same issues with the ignition. The dealer then diagnosed the real issue, which was replacement of the ignition switch. This has left the ABS issues still occurring in the car. I have also read numerous complaints online about other Pontiac Torrents having the same ABS and tc issues. This has the potential for real devastating events on the roadways as the ABS hub and sensor is defective, causing the braking system to lock up when trying to brake. I want this car recalled for the ignition switch and ABS / tc issues.

- San Diego, CA, USA

problem #42

Aug 302014

Torrent 4WD 6-cyl

  • 165,000 miles
Able to take key out of ignition with the car in neutral gear and running. Car was towed to dealership where some work was done, however, when checked with attendant, incident recurred. Car started put car in neutral removed keys from car car continued running, engine did not cut off.

- Winston-Salem, NC, USA

problem #41

Aug 082014

Torrent 6-cyl

  • 107,520 miles
As I was driving in a grocery store parking lot, I heard a squeal or winding sound then I saw a puff of smoke come out of my steering wheel - ignition area.

- Elverta, CA, USA

problem #40

Jul 232014

Torrent

  • 80,000 miles
The electrical wires in the driver side door becomes broken and detached. This causes numerous issues: The driver side door, driver side window, driver left side mirror to become inoperable.

- Saint Louis, MO, USA

problem #39

Jun 012012

Torrent

  • 70,000 miles
I was driving down the street coming to a stop when all of a sudden the anti lock/ traction control activated while trying to stop. For a couple seconds I wasn't able to stop as if the car was preventing the wheels from locking up as it would on wet pavement but it wasn't wet at all. There was pulsation in the break pedal preventing me pressing the break pedal all the way down and the vehicle wasn't slowing down at all causing me to almost run into the back of a school bus. It stills continues today after 2 visits to the dealer ship an independent repair facility. There has been several near misses with this vehicle.

- Saint Louis, MO, USA

Read the next 20 complaints »