2006 Pontiac Torrent
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Pontiac › Torrent › 2006
These records cover every 2006 Pontiac Torrent. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
240 complaints10 involved a crash10 involved a fire15 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine
The contact owns a 2006 Pontiac Torrent. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the power steering failed to operate as designed, the brakes seized, and the vehicle lost motive power with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact poured water onto the onboard computer…
The contact owns a 2006 Pontiac Torrent. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the power steering failed to operate as designed, the brakes seized, and the vehicle lost motive power with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact poured water onto the onboard computer, located on top of the engine to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the mechanic installed a new onboard computer however, the new onboard computer failed to operate without the service code required. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the vehicle needed to be serviced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 111,500. The VIN was unavailable.
- Engine · Service brakes · Vehicle speed control
The vehicle randomly powers down completely loosing steering, braking, acceleration, emergency flashers and lights, no matter how fast or slow or location. No rhyme or reason to the sporadic complete shut down and doesn't start back immediately and sometimes minutes to hours before it will. Not…
The vehicle randomly powers down completely loosing steering, braking, acceleration, emergency flashers and lights, no matter how fast or slow or location. No rhyme or reason to the sporadic complete shut down and doesn't start back immediately and sometimes minutes to hours before it will. Not safe in the highway or side roads or anywhere. There IS a fault with the programming in the ecu and gm IS the only one who can repair it. Vehicle was recently purchased and I spent just as much as the purchase since replacing parts! It should be recalled before someone gets killed if you google search the year make and model with dying when driving or similar it's clearly something with most of these vehicles unfortunately! Scary and unsafe for everyone on the road, especially after dark when it happens with no warning lights or anything to alert others, please help this vehicle will die when driving down the road or interstate at high speed or low speed when braking or accelerating or sitting at a red light! I have replaced everything that has been recommended and it still happens and the repair shop now IS still waiting for gm to rewrite or change the programming to hopefully fix the issues but this IS unbelievably dangerous and can be deadly
- Suspension
When I hit a bump in the road, my car immediately started making a loud knocking noise when I would hit a bump or when I would press on the brakes. The knocking was coming from somewhere under the car in the rear driver's side. I took my car to my (very trustworthy) mechanic today and he said…
When I hit a bump in the road, my car immediately started making a loud knocking noise when I would hit a bump or when I would press on the brakes. The knocking was coming from somewhere under the car in the rear driver's side. I took my car to my (very trustworthy) mechanic today and he said the axle body of the car was rusted away and that's what holds the suspension in place. This IS a very unusual situation that you don't usually see, and IS not fixable. I was driving on well-paved streets at a low speed (no more than 35mph).
- Electrical system · Electronic stability control (esc)
TL* 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…
TL* 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.
- Service brakes
While driving and stopping my brakes make a grinding noise and the ABS and tc control lights turn on this has happened several times
- Electrical system
The heat doesn't work in car freezing cold in car
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2006 pontiac torrent. While driving 60 mph, the engine seized. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was restarted and exhibited the same symptoms as unknown nhtsa ID number: 10573465. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who could not diagnose the failure. The manufacturer and dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
- Structure › Body
The car was in motion on a city street when it broke
- Steering · Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact owns a 2006 pontiac torrent. While driving 50 mph, the steering wheel shook violently and the vehicle started to decelerate. In addition, a burning odor was emitted through the air vents. When the vehicle was parked, smoke was seen coming front the front driver's side tire. There…
TL* the contact owns a 2006 pontiac torrent. While driving 50 mph, the steering wheel shook violently and the vehicle started to decelerate. In addition, a burning odor was emitted through the air vents. When the vehicle was parked, smoke was seen coming front the front driver's side tire. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 93,000.
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system · Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Fan/motor
TL* the contact owns a 2006 pontiac torrent. While operating the vehicle, the heater failed to produce hot air and the windows failed to defrost. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the heater blend door was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not…
TL* the contact owns a 2006 pontiac torrent. While operating the vehicle, the heater failed to produce hot air and the windows failed to defrost. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the heater blend door was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer (lance buick GMC, 2 chauncy st, mansfield, ma) were both notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 65,000. The vin was not availalble.
- Electrical system · Engine
TL* 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…
TL* 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.
- Seats
My heated seat burned a hole through my seat and through my sweat shirt and onto my skin burning me. My car was parked and I was sitting in the seat waiting for it to warm up
- Steering · Suspension › Front › Wheel bearing
TL* the contact owns a 2006 pontiac torrent. While depressing the brake pedal, the steering wheel seized. In addition, the vehicle shook violently when the brake pedal was depressed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the wheel bearing needed to be…
TL* the contact owns a 2006 pontiac torrent. While depressing the brake pedal, the steering wheel seized. In addition, the vehicle shook violently when the brake pedal was depressed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the wheel bearing needed to be replaced. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 194,152.
- Visibility/wiper
TL* the contact owns a 2006 pontiac torrent. When the heater was activated, cold air blew from the vents. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the kemp blend door needed to be repaired. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer (walser buick GMC of bloomington…
TL* the contact owns a 2006 pontiac torrent. When the heater was activated, cold air blew from the vents. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the kemp blend door needed to be repaired. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer (walser buick GMC of bloomington, 4601 american blvd west, bloomington, mn 55437) where it was determined that the vehicle was not included in a recall or extended warranty. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and opened case number: 8-3687100903. The contact was referred to nhtsa. The vin was unknown. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
- Service brakes
I have had this vehicle for a little over a year now. The entire year I have had this crappy vehicle it has done this. Every time I apply pressure to the breaks it pulsates back at me and makes a grinding noise. I have taken it in to a few different mechanics and they all said it was the ABS sensor…
I have had this vehicle for a little over a year now. The entire year I have had this crappy vehicle it has done this. Every time I apply pressure to the breaks it pulsates back at me and makes a grinding noise. I have taken it in to a few different mechanics and they all said it was the ABS sensor in the wheel hub. So I replaced the wheel hubs and that made no difference. It still pulsates and grinds every time I stop. The break light and traction control light also illuminate after this happens. This IS a serious problem and very dangerous. I live in wisconsin and with the snow and ice this IS very dangerous! I have a kids who I drive around in this vehicle!! Gm needs to recall this!
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2006 pontiac torrent. The contact stated that the vehicle would overheat while idling and leaked coolant. The contact had to continuously add antifreeze/coolant to the vehicle. The contact purchased the vehicle five years ago and the heat never worked correctly. The vehicle…
TL* the contact owns a 2006 pontiac torrent. The contact stated that the vehicle would overheat while idling and leaked coolant. The contact had to continuously add antifreeze/coolant to the vehicle. The contact purchased the vehicle five years ago and the heat never worked correctly. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the diagnosis was unknown; however, the water pump, belts, pulley, temperature cooling sensor, and thermostat were replaced. The failure persisted. After the repair, when the heat was turned on, an antifreeze/coolant odor was present. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact could hear the engine fans turning on when the engine started overheating. The contact stated that the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed her that the vehicle was over the extended warranty plan of 120,000 miles. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
- Steering
Power steering failure without prior symptoms - power assist failed without warning after being driven/parked/started and driven. Was then parked/waited and it worked again(?) - others have reported failure while underway. consider this notice as date-stamped for future legal use. Please advise on next steps/options. Http://www.arfc.org/complaints/2006/pontiac/torrent/steering/problem.aspx
- Exterior lighting
TL* the contact owns a 2006 pontiac torrent. Upon starting the vehicle, the low beam headlights and daytime running lights failed to illuminate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to diagnose or repair the vehicle. The contact scheduled an appointment with perrine buick…
TL* the contact owns a 2006 pontiac torrent. Upon starting the vehicle, the low beam headlights and daytime running lights failed to illuminate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to diagnose or repair the vehicle. The contact scheduled an appointment with perrine buick GMC (2730 us-130, cranbury, nj 08512) for later in the week. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.
- Structure › Body · Suspension · Visibility/wiper
Where to start as it wouldn't let me select more than 3 options. I bought my torrent in 06 with 65K miles on it and figured that a 40K/ 4 year warranty was a good idea. It was!! It all started when I took it to a car wash a week after buying it, well I exited the car wash and had no throttle with…
Where to start as it wouldn't let me select more than 3 options. I bought my torrent in 06 with 65K miles on it and figured that a 40K/ 4 year warranty was a good idea. It was!! It all started when I took it to a car wash a week after buying it, well I exited the car wash and had no throttle with gas peddle, I was stuck. Brought it to the dealer and was told the tubes that allow the sun roof to drain were clogged and water backed up and traveled down the left front pillar and fried the throttle sensor. Replaced it and on I went. These tubes blocked up 3 more times in a few years only frying it one other time. Within the first 3 years with less than 80K miles every hub had to be replaced. The front passenger twice, and front drivers 3 times. 2 months after I bought it around 67K miles the drive shaft bearing needed replacing. Around 76K miles the entire drive shaft needed to be replaced. Around 85K miles the transmission needed to be replaced front a worn bearing that destroyed other internal parts. Around 83K miles the front left bearing needed to be replaced again, was told by the dealer that the knuckle may be the source of the problem as chips of material were seen to be falling off behind the hub. Just last week at only 101K miles the front left hub was bad again!! That makes 5 times on that alone. Various other issues include multiple ABS sensors failing prematurely more than once. I get annual alignments, brand new tires anually, have replaced struts and springs and was told by the dealer the entire bottom IS rusting out the worst he's ever seen for a vehicle. These were all oem parts by the chevy dealer, not cheap aftermarket installed improperly by some backwoods mechanic. Can I just post this one lengthy complaint or do I need to create one for every issue?
- Visibility/wiper
Heater sometimes blows only cold air, regardles of settings
- Service brakes
Anti-lock brakes engage at about 6MPH at every stop, regardless of road conditions. no warning light on dashboard.
- Engine
My car's air conditioning system only works part time. After the system runs for a while it stops cooling and warms up in the cabin. Shut off the air for 5 minutes turn it back on cools fine for about 15 minutes then start the process over. Worse on really hot days. Also, heater has…
My car's air conditioning system only works part time. After the system runs for a while it stops cooling and warms up in the cabin. Shut off the air for 5 minutes turn it back on cools fine for about 15 minutes then start the process over. Worse on really hot days. Also, heater has stopped working properly. when the car idles, no heat and little heat when the car IS moving, worse on very cold days. Also we have developed a leak under the front left part of the engine that only occurs after the engine cools. Does not leak when engine IS running. Coolant reservoir has been replaced, still has leak after engine cools.
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system
TL* the contact owns a 2006 pontiac torrent. The contact stated that the defrost system failed to operate when activated in cold temperatures. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the blend door actuator failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 175,000.
- Seats › Front assembly › Seat heater/cooler
TL* the contact owns a 2006 pontiac torrent. While driving approximately 55 mph, the contact felt a burning sensation emerging from the seat. The contact turned off the heated seat and continued driving home. The contact got home and noticed a hole in the seat and in her jacket. There were no…
TL* the contact owns a 2006 pontiac torrent. While driving approximately 55 mph, the contact felt a burning sensation emerging from the seat. The contact turned off the heated seat and continued driving home. The contact got home and noticed a hole in the seat and in her jacket. There were no injuries. The vehicle was driven to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the heated seat element was faulty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 147,000.
- Air bags
Airbag light IS staying on
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11011782This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. The J-35616-64B is the latest test probe released for checking tension or probing the .64 series terminals. The test probe terminal has been released in the terminal repair kit (J-38125-620H) located in Lear Tray 7 part number 963716-2. There are 5 terminated leads in a package part number is 13505346, which can be ordered through your normal General Motors Customer Care and Aftersales parts channel.
- 11009156This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 11008956This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only).
- 11007744This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11007743This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11007208This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.
- 11007091This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11006621Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.
- 11004557This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 11002312This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
- 11001321This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11000576This Warranty Administration bulletin provides retail and wholesale service personnel with the policies/procedures and the warranty transaction submission procedures that support the Personal Property Damage process.
- 11000162The intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other diagnostic methods to identify them.
- 11000158This service bulletin includes information on Interior Cleaning - Instrument Panel (IP), Hard or Plastic Surfaces, Seats, Carpet, Leather, Vinyl, Fabric Cleaner, Stain Remover, Restorer - Product Availability.
- 10253770This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Tire Radial Force Variation (RFV).
- 10252735This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
- 10252163XM Audio Traffic And Travel Link Availability And Operation.
- 10251890This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 10251888This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information for GM courtesy transportation and roadside assistance programs.
- 10250775This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
- 10250013High Voltage Safety ? High Voltage Disabling
- 10249980This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vibration complaints that are one of the most challenging complaints to accurately diagnose and repair. Technician will need to use Pico Oscilloscope Diagnostic Kit to effectively diagnosis vehicles. Technician should drive the vehicle will using the Pico Oscilloscope to record data. After the data is recorded it should be reviewed to determine the root cause of the concern. If a repair attempt made the concern better but not eliminated or had no affect at all, and are requesting assistance from General Motors Technical Assistance Center record another Pico file and save it to the computer. After the new Pico Oscilloscope data has been saved email the data to General Motors Technical Assistance Center in the subject line include ?Vibration? ?Business Associate Code? and the last 8 of the Vehicle Identification Number.
- 10249579This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10249535This preliminary information (PI) provides information om Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes (E4398, E4399, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491 or E6961).
- 10249295This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. The J-35616-64B is the latest test probe released for checking tension or probing the .64 series terminals. The test probe terminal has been released in the terminal repair kit (J-38125-620H) located in Lear Tray 7 part number 963716-2. There are 5 terminated leads in a package part number is 13505346, which can be ordered through your normal General Motors Customer Care and Aftersales parts channel.
- 10249011This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 10248424Resistance Wire Heated Seat Spot Burn Holes
- 10247780This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 10247716J-35616-64B Terminal Test Probe / Replacement Terminal / Terminated Lead.
- 10247681Information On Requests To Add OnStar Bluetooth Option.
- 10247249Resistance Wire Heated Seat Spot Burn Holes
- 10247248Special Coverage Adjustment Revised
- 10247247Resistance Wire Heated Seat Spot Burn Holes
- 10247246Resistance Wire Heated Seat Spot Burn Holes
- 10247063A/C Blows Warm Or Poor Performance.
- 10247061J-35616-64B Terminal Test Probe / Replacement Terminal / Terminated Lead.
- 10246963Changing Turn-By-Turn Voice Response To Metric Or English Units
- 10246951Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10246623Car and Truck Fix it Right the First Time Issues
Every Pontiac Torrent model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.