2006 Pontiac Torrent: fire, smoke or burning smell

Filed May 9, 2019 · Driver assistance, Electrical · MI · fire

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.

Filed Nov 4, 2016 · Brakes, Electrical · 102,000 miles · NC

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.

Filed Mar 20, 2015 · Brakes, Electrical · 130,000 miles · IL · fire

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.

Filed Dec 31, 2014 · Electrical · 79,000 miles · NV

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.

Filed Dec 5, 2014 · Engine · 100,000 miles · LA · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 pontiac torrent. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, an unknown odor was present in the vehicle. The contact noticed that there was fire coming from under the glove compartment and the vehicle became engulfed in flames. A police report was filed and no injuries were reported. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Filed Aug 4, 2014 · Steering · 105,615 miles · IL

As I was driving I saw smoke come from the steering column of my truck. Then again as I turned the key in the ignition I saw smoke coming from the steering column.

Filed Jul 19, 2014 · Steering · 105,789 miles · VA

While stopped at a stop light notice smoke coming from vehicle steering column. Smoked stooped while driving but occurred again as I inspected while being parked. Stopped after turning off ignition.

Filed Nov 26, 2013 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 120,000 miles · MO · fire

On november 15, 2013 I was driving my vehicle and smoke started coming from up under the hood. I pulled over and raised the hood and the electrical wires to the electrical box was on fire. I cut off the vehicle and sat for a minute and the automatic starter just kept starting the car by itself. I got in the vehicle and tried to start the vehicle with the key in the ignition and when I stepped on the brake it tried to start without me turning the key over. I got back out the vehicle and it continued to automatically start by itself until the battery ran dead. On november 18, 2013 I had a mechanic look at the vehicle and he stated that the electrical system had burned up.

Filed Apr 16, 2011 · Seats · 80,000 miles · MD · fire

While I was driving my 2006 pontiac torrent, my driver side heated seat caught fire. The seat was turned on and began getting hotter than usual. I began to smell burning. I was on a major highway and could not pull over, so I stuck my hat behind my back due to the high temperature. Although I turned off the seat I still smelled burning and the seat was still hot. When I got off the highway, I saw that there was a whole burned into the seat and my hat was smoking and had a would as well. This could have been my back.

Filed Feb 3, 2011 · Fuel system · 75,000 miles · MS

My 2006 pontiac torrent will not crank on the first time most times. It takes several tries before it will crank. I have had it checked and nobody can figure out what is wrong. Sometimes it will crank fine. A few people have mentioned a relay issue. Also, brakes have started making a grinding noise off and on. Brakes are not ready to be replaced and no issue can be found. The odometer light has gone out and comes off and on. I was told this could be a cluster issue. I bought this vehicle in 2007 from a dealership and have had alot of problems over the last year. Over the last month, I have been hearing a sloshing sound coming from the back. It sounds like my gas is sloshing around and I have never heard that before. It seems like it is falling apart and it does not even have 86,000 miles on it. I take care of it and keep the maintenance up on it. I see that alot of other people are having the same sort of issues with the cranking but no recall has been filed because pontiac has not received enough complaints! This is ridiculous! I am just waiting for my car to catch on fire from one of the issues or another! I have tried to enter my VIN number but it will not take it and it meets all of your criteria. I called the helpline and they said to just skip it. I will enter it here. The VIN is [xxx]. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).