2008 Pontiac Torrent
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
Vehicles › Pontiac › Torrent › 2008
These records cover every 2008 Pontiac Torrent. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
125 complaints5 involved a crash2 involved a fire10 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags
My sons who is a new driver and has a 2008 Pontiac torrent recently has had the passenger air bag light come on saying passenger airbag off when someone is sitting in the seat so I brought it in and was told that it could possibly be fixed but it’s not a guarantee that it will fix the problem and…
My sons who is a new driver and has a 2008 Pontiac torrent recently has had the passenger air bag light come on saying passenger airbag off when someone is sitting in the seat so I brought it in and was told that it could possibly be fixed but it’s not a guarantee that it will fix the problem and it will cost over $2500 for a maybe it’ll fix it and they had also indicated that if he was to get in a crash, the airbags will not go off because of this
- Electrical system · Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
Electrical problems have been occurring. My lights keep getting dim, then bright. Check engine light is on, the truck is making a loud noise, overheating, battery draining fast. Please note that the battery is new, starter is new, water pump is new , I got new engine fans, radiator and the truck is…
Electrical problems have been occurring. My lights keep getting dim, then bright. Check engine light is on, the truck is making a loud noise, overheating, battery draining fast. Please note that the battery is new, starter is new, water pump is new , I got new engine fans, radiator and the truck is still running hot, battery dies over night. I need some help this is my only vehicle and I've spent thousands of dollars trying to get this truck right over the years. Are there any affordable warranty plans available for assistance?
- Structure
The contact owns a 2008 Pontiac Torrent. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle was vibrating excessively. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the rear sub frame had…
The contact owns a 2008 Pontiac Torrent. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle was vibrating excessively. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the rear sub frame had an excessive amount of rust. The vehicle was not repaired due to the rear wheel assembly detaching from the excessive amount of rust. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle remained at the residence and had not been driven since the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.
- Air bags
The contact owns a 2008 Pontiac Torrent. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the air bag warning light illuminated while the front passenger seat was not occupied. The vehicle was diagnosed and a failure code for the passenger presence system (PPS) was retrieved. The contact was…
The contact owns a 2008 Pontiac Torrent. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the air bag warning light illuminated while the front passenger seat was not occupied. The vehicle was diagnosed and a failure code for the passenger presence system (PPS) was retrieved. The contact was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V061000 (Air Bags) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not yet taken to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 125,000.
- Air bags
Service air bag light continually goes on and of randomly, at times does not recognize when someone is sitting in the passenger seat. This is a serious problem because when air bag light is on it disables the air bags which won’t deploy in a crash. I found that they recall the 2007 models for this…
Service air bag light continually goes on and of randomly, at times does not recognize when someone is sitting in the passenger seat. This is a serious problem because when air bag light is on it disables the air bags which won’t deploy in a crash. I found that they recall the 2007 models for this exact problem, Now is the time to recall the 2008 for the exact same problem. This is a dealer only part which they gave me an estimate to fix of $900 if I could get a aftermarket part I would replace myself. Come on Gm recall this ongoing serious safety hazard!!!!
- Air bags
The contact's friend owed a 2008 Pontiac Torrent. The contact stated while the owner was driving at an unknown speed when he fell asleep and rear-ended a semi-truck. The contact was seated at the front passenger side and the air bag did not deploy but the front driver side air bag did deploy. The…
The contact's friend owed a 2008 Pontiac Torrent. The contact stated while the owner was driving at an unknown speed when he fell asleep and rear-ended a semi-truck. The contact was seated at the front passenger side and the air bag did not deploy but the front driver side air bag did deploy. The contact stated the driver had a laceration on his right arm and she had lacerations on the top right forehead, lip, and right nostril. The contact stated they both sought medical attention and she was needing cosmetic surgery for her nose. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact stated she the insurance deemed the vehicle a total loss. The vehicle was towed to an unknown location. The vehicle was not diagnosed. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
- Air bags
Air bag light IS on
- Air bags
The vehicles airbag system was intermittent on showing the airbag light (service airbag soon). Also the passenger airbag light goes from on to off periodically and now later on months later the system always stays on off even when someone IS in the passenger seat. I have read about others having…
The vehicles airbag system was intermittent on showing the airbag light (service airbag soon). Also the passenger airbag light goes from on to off periodically and now later on months later the system always stays on off even when someone IS in the passenger seat. I have read about others having the same issue on their 2007 model torrents and they have a tsb for a recall on this. However my 2008 torrent does not have a recall? This IS unsafe, too expensive for the average person to pay to fix, and a problem gm should be required to fix for using faulty srs components.
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Service brakes · Wheels
When driving the vehicle slows down, it feels like the brakes are applied on their own. The service stabiltrak light blinks, stabilitrak off, and traction control off flash. It feels as if the wheels do not slow at the same time. The vehicle makes an awful noise.
- Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 2008 pontiac torrent. The contact stated that a very strong odor of fuel was present inside and outside the vehicle. Also, the fuel gauge malfunctioned and the driver was unable to determine the fuel level in the fuel tank. The vehicle was taken to wilson county motors (903…
TL* the contact owns a 2008 pontiac torrent. The contact stated that a very strong odor of fuel was present inside and outside the vehicle. Also, the fuel gauge malfunctioned and the driver was unable to determine the fuel level in the fuel tank. The vehicle was taken to wilson county motors (903 south harden dr, lebanon, tn), but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 70,000.
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
Vehicle with around 100K. traction control has been disabled for about two years for no reason. goes off sporadically. Now vehicle IS overheating for no reason. I've been told that there are no indications of headgasket. oil IS clean, overflow IS full, no leaks to be seen. Overheats mostly when…
Vehicle with around 100K. traction control has been disabled for about two years for no reason. goes off sporadically. Now vehicle IS overheating for no reason. I've been told that there are no indications of headgasket. oil IS clean, overflow IS full, no leaks to be seen. Overheats mostly when standing idle. Vehicle IS a headache. How are there no recalls for this vehicle when multiple people are stating the same issues? Vehicle IS driving normally besides that. Most of our driving IS in town / highway driving (less than 20miles distance). we've only put 10K on the vehicle since purchasing 2 years ago.
- Air bags
My vehicle has a service air bag code. the airbag light goes on an off when someone IS riding in the seat, car IS in motion. This IS happening on city streets and highway. it happens driving straight and turning. I own other pontaics that had the recall with the same issue, why IS there no recall to repair an problem that IS gm mistake. this IS unsafe for any front seat passenger. recall!
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Gas recirculation valve (egr valve) · Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
TL* the contact called on behalf of the owner of a 2008 pontiac torrent. The contact (who was an independent mechanic) stated that the exhaust gas recirculation (egr) valve failed and shut off the ABS. Also, the disable indicator illuminated. The contact stated that the egr valve failure should not…
TL* the contact called on behalf of the owner of a 2008 pontiac torrent. The contact (who was an independent mechanic) stated that the exhaust gas recirculation (egr) valve failed and shut off the ABS. Also, the disable indicator illuminated. The contact stated that the egr valve failure should not have shut off the ABS. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified. The contact replaced the egr valve and repaired the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000. The vin was unknown.
- Electrical system
Power window and locks stopped working. Wiring harness from drivers door to body had several broken wires. Harness IS too short and wire IS undersized for application and hard, cracked and broken. Other doors will likely malfunction.8
- Fuel/propulsion system
Noticed a strong gas smell looked underneath car and realized there IS a gas leak coming from the gas tank area. Significant amount of gas pouring out . As I have read on other year models having the same problem!
- Electrical system
200 pontiac torrent ..snow melted and the water leaked into the fuse box and imitated a fire .it shorted out the system caught fire i. Which fire guard did not protect and the car was totally destroyed .it burned right thru the windshield into the inside of dash .firemen were called .vehicle IS destroyed.vehicle was parked in driveway .we were woken at 1:00 a.m yo our vehivhle fully engulfed in flames.
- Air bags
My car has thrown a code for service air bag and when in motion with someone over so much weight the passenger air bag light will come on and off. Sometimes even when no one IS in the seat and it's just a bag or a wallet the airbag light turns on. There IS absolutely no recall for my model and I've…
My car has thrown a code for service air bag and when in motion with someone over so much weight the passenger air bag light will come on and off. Sometimes even when no one IS in the seat and it's just a bag or a wallet the airbag light turns on. There IS absolutely no recall for my model and I've read several posts with this problem. When will there be a recall for this. $900 IS no what I have to take it to a dealership to fix this issue. I don't feel safe in my own car or with my children in it.
- Air bags
My vehicle air bag was replaced in the last 9 to 12 months, however the "service thebair bag" light IS activated especially when there IS a passenger in the passenger seat. The light activation IS sporatic even when there IS a passenger in the seat or not. I understand there was a recall on the…
My vehicle air bag was replaced in the last 9 to 12 months, however the "service thebair bag" light IS activated especially when there IS a passenger in the passenger seat. The light activation IS sporatic even when there IS a passenger in the seat or not. I understand there was a recall on the same model for the year of 2007for replacement of a faulty sensor. . This recall should cover at least the 2008 pontiac torrent as this IS also a potential hazardous (safety issue) condition of the air bag may or may not be deployed.
- Air bags
:Takata recall " airbag service light comes off and on. First time just came on during start up.just purchased this vehicle 2 weeks ago.i will sue gm if it caused accident. I have grandchildren I knew I should have stayed away from anything other than honda or toyota
- Structure › Body
The paint began falling off 2 years ago. I was going down the road and heard a pop, it slide right off my torrent. It continues to peel down the back windows on both sides and along and around the doors and cargo rack. It looks like the car IS falling apart and rust has set in on the areas that…
The paint began falling off 2 years ago. I was going down the road and heard a pop, it slide right off my torrent. It continues to peel down the back windows on both sides and along and around the doors and cargo rack. It looks like the car IS falling apart and rust has set in on the areas that have lost paint. I'm discouraged to the point I don't even care if I clean it or not because it looks like trash! If a car IS behind me, I worry that a chunk of paint IS going to hit their windshield and case a wreck. This paint job was not done correctly. I suspect the adhisive wasn't applied properly.
- Air bags · Electronic stability control (esc) · Structure › Body
The passenger side airbag sensor doesn't work. It doesn't reconize the difference between a child and an adult. This happens wheather moving or sitting still. This has been messed up for a long time. It doesn't matter where its parked, or on any type street. I've had it checked and the repair man said he didn't have any idea what was wrong with it.
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Engine · Traction control system · Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact owns a 2008 pontiac torrent. The contact stated that the stability, traction control, and ABS warning indicators kept randomly flashing. In addition, while the cruise control was engaged and traveling on bumpy roads, the cruise control failed and the vehicle decelerated to the point…
TL* the contact owns a 2008 pontiac torrent. The contact stated that the stability, traction control, and ABS warning indicators kept randomly flashing. In addition, while the cruise control was engaged and traveling on bumpy roads, the cruise control failed and the vehicle decelerated to the point of potentially stalling. An independent mechanic replaced the exhaust gas recirculation valve twice; however, the failures continued. Also, the diagnostic trouble codes failed to illuminate, at times, during the failures. The vehicle was not diagnosed by a dealer. The manufacturer was notified and had not issued any recalls. The failure mileage was not available.
- Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 2008 pontiac torrent. The contact noticed a strong odor of fuel inside the cabin. The failure started approximately 21 days ago when the contact noticed fuel leaking from the rear passenger side of the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was taken to…
TL* the contact owns a 2008 pontiac torrent. The contact noticed a strong odor of fuel inside the cabin. The failure started approximately 21 days ago when the contact noticed fuel leaking from the rear passenger side of the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was awaiting diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
- Structure › Body
Paint IS "flaking" off the area above rear passenger door, just below the roof. Noticed this problem june 30, 2018.
- Fuel/propulsion system
When filling up car with gas, gas was profusely leaking from the bottom of the car. Took it to a mechanic who replaced the fuel pump 6 months prior. Was told that there was a defect in the fuel neck and pontiac IS aware of the issue, and has a new 'kit' that can be installed on cars to fix the problem. However, I was told it was not covered by any warranty. Out of pocket repair cost IS $670.
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.
- 11009531This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 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.
- 11009088This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be accompanied by a clunk noise. This is a slight movement that is more often seen visually, rather than felt, when viewed from the outside and using the auto-start feature, if equipped.
- 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).
- 11007936This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak.
- 11007935This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak.
- 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.
- 11007116This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11007095This bulletin provides information on the TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline Licensed Brands and the TOP TIER Diesel Fuel Licensed Brands that are recommended for use in all GM vehicles and the TOP TIER FUELS website URL.
- 11007091This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11006682This service bulletin provides information on a guide to help reduce repeat visits for the same customer concern.
- 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.
- 11004727This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 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.
- 11001325This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information to cover GMs policy on performing GM covered vehicle services and maintenance on vehicles originating/sold in Canada.
- 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.
- 11000160This service bulletin provides information on proper use of floor mats.
- 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.
- 11000119This service bulletin provides technicians with information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
- 10253770This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Tire Radial Force Variation (RFV).
- 10253632Rear and Side Tempered Glass Spots.
- 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.
- 10248493Bluetooth Stays Connected After RAP Is Canceled.
- 10248492Bluetooth Stays Connected After RAP Is Canceled.
Every Pontiac Torrent model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.