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.
2006 Pontiac Torrent electrical complaints
Page 2 of 3: complaints 11 to 40 of 63, newest first, as owners wrote them.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
My car was not on the recall list ,yet I am having so much trouble with my ignition,can not turn my key in the ignition. Please advise.
The wiring harness between the body and the driver's door (and front passenger door) is too short, and subsequently stretches and frays and breaks the wires, resulting in failure of various door components including power door lock, power window, side mirror control, radio off when exiting vehicle after driving, door chime when key in ignition, door automatically locking when vehicle in drive position (safety hazard), door unlocking when in park position (exit vehicle safety hazard) and door stereo speakers. Since this is the least likely culprit when troubleshooting, it should become the first item when any door component fails on this vehicle. The passenger door has an identical issue, however, since the typical frequency of use of this door is much less, the issue occurs less frequently. There are numerous instances of this from hundreds of pontiac torrent owners, with pictures, on the internet. This is how the problem solution is commonly found, the last thing one would think is bad wiring. Many owners of this vehicle had challenged gm to repair or recall, to no avail. Gm social media bloggers often chimed in to contact gm, but when owners did so, nothing really happened regarding helping out owners with the issue nor the cost of repair. Many owners actually paid for or bought completely new wiring harnesses, which are very expensive for the part as well as expensive the in-door installation. Others spliced their own wires to effect a solution. This issue is on a 2006 pontiac torrent, however, it is possible that all years of that vehicle 2006-2009 as well as the similar chevrolet equinox 2005-2009 are all effected, since they all share many common components.
I have had multiple problems with my ignition and it stripping twice within a year. I have also had to change the ignition fuse multiple times within the last three months. The most recent incident happened this morning while driving at about 45 MPH my truck completely shut off. I was lucky to have a bystander get out of their vehicle and push my truck to the side of the road. In the middle of the person moving my vehicle, it automatically started back up. I'm not too sure how or why this has happened. There are no visible warning signals. This happened to me last week as well. Once I start the truck up it runs fine and then just shuts off and after a couple of minutes, it starts back up automatically. This is an extremely dangerous defect. I really hope gm or pontiac looks into this issue... There are multiple complaints with the same issues that I have been having. I believe this is sad that as many complaints that have been issued about this vehicle, that there is not yet a recall on it.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 pontiac torrent. The contact stated while attempting to accelerate the vehicle would not move. The contact also indicated that on several occasions while driving at speeds above 45 MPH the vehicle would suddenly stall. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who was unable to diagnose the defect. The contact also indicated that while operating the heater or air conditioner a mist was coming from the vents leaving a residue inside the cabin. The dealer was unable to diagnose the cause of failure. The contact also indicated that the drivers side heated seat was extremely hot to the touch and a electrical burning odor was present. The defrost malfunctioned which created a visibility hazard. The failure was not diagnosed nor was the vehicle repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 85000.
When stopping vehicle and attempting to exit, the key gets stuck in ignition after turning vehicle off. I have to wiggle key in order to release from ignition. Turning steering wheel does nothing to help the situation. I am worried about possibly breaking key while trying to release it.
Car will start fine and run between the 1 and 2 section of RPM gauge.after 10-15 min. Of operation car will die suddenly no sputtering and electronics seem to still work (radio, flashers, headlights, dash lights), must coast to side of road before being plowed into. Check engine light came on. Took into local mechanic said the catalytic converter code was on and that they "blew it out", light shut off torrent ran fine for 1 day. Repeated process is of dying is now ongoing, car will either die or stall (feels like a downshift), then blow out a cloud of black smoke and keep running if engine does not die, also RPM's reduce to the 0 - 1 section of gauge rather then the normal 1-2 section like when I bought it. 2 mechanics could not find the problem after checking 2 sensor's, fuel pump and fuse box. Problem still not resolved....
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 pontiac torrent. The contact stated that while entering a garage, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after approximately 5 minutes and the vehicle operated normally. The failure recurred on another occasion when the contact was entering a driveway with the illumination of the check engine warning light. Additionally, the key would sporadically fail to enter the ignition switch. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified and no solution was offered. The failure mileage was 81,900. Updated 4/28/14*cn the dealer stated the ECM needs to be replaced. No repairs have been made.
My keys would fall out of my ignition while the car was still running. Also, several times before the vehicle would allow the keys to release while the car was in accessory mode causing the battery to drain. After 3 weeks, a new battery, and loads of frustration a replacement of this part was installed and no issues have occurred since. The repair cost me $197.00. *tr...updated 12/09/15 *bf
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 pontiac torrent. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the steering wheel became inoperable. The vehicle was inspected by an authorized dealer; who advised that the power steering module and control module would need replacing. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who replaced the ignition lock cylinder, key and recoded the lock cylinder. After the repairs to the ignition, the key would not immediately start the vehicle. This failure was recurring. The dealer then advised the contact to replace the steering column modular assembly. The vehicle was not further repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 78,000.
Driving approx. 45 MPH down 4 lane highway in the left lane. Engine stopped and lost all steering & braking control. Able to coast to a ditch on side of the road. Turned the vehicle to off position in ignition switch then attempted to restart vehicle. After 3-4 cranking attempts, car started. Went straight to nearest dealership. Service department stated that there was nothing wrong because the check engine light was not on. Second occasion- driving approx. 25 MPH down 2 lane road. Began to slow down to turn left- engine stopped and lost all steering & braking control. Able to coast to side of the road. Turned the vehicle to off position in ignition switch then attempted to restart vehicle. Car started after several attempts. Went to nearest service store and once again was told that nothing appeared to be wrong because there were no lights on. Takes multiple cranking attempts to start the vehicle on a daily basis. No pattern to when. Could be in the am, pm, middle of the day, hot, cold, warm, raining, snowing, sunny, cloudy.
While driving 55mph on a trip the heat just stopped blowing. As since, this weather has been -20 and -25 below and I have no defrost, heat. I went to a certified mechanic only to find out the heat/air/door is broke. Cost of repairs 1200.00 to 1,500.00 it is an all day job. The dash and all components will have to be removed and put back on. Needless to say with this winter being one of the coldest I understand and can feel what others are going through that has this same problem... And I have to bundle just to go to work. I work an hour away and after finding this is a huge problem !!!! I think that there should be money given to the ones that needs this fixed.
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.
I am totally outraged finding out that gm placed a non safe part on this truck that I bought brand new. It will cost $1000.00 even after keeping this truck maintenance free, trouble free from regular maintenance at the deliver that I purchased it from. I am very upset that this part was not recalled as the part costs between $22-100.00 while the labor because of where it is will cost up to $1000.00 at the dealer I purchased it from and get regular maintenance check ups with. I totally agree with all of the consumers on here: the actuator that operates the heater blend door - overextends and breaks the heater blend door. This causes the heater to not work at all. The actuators are defective and the heater doors are defective because they break due to a manufacturers defect. If the heat doesn't work the windows won't defrost so this is a visibility hazard. I also listed it as an electrical and unknown hazard.
Purchased vehicle used on 12/06/2006 with 9,968 miles. Replaced entire engine ($5,000) on 03/27/2009 due to issues with the cylinder head gasket (was told the vehicle was no longer under warranty). Mileage at that time was 84,625. In approximately 2009 the passenger side window started going up and down spontaneously. My dog had her head out of the window and it spontaneously closed on her head, restricting her airway. The passenger side door was ripped apart and wiring was replaced. The window worked correctly for about 2 years and then in 2011, the window stopped working entirely. Have had 3 wheel bearings replaced (one twice). In january/february of 2013, the ignition switch and fuse center had to be replaced. Mechanics advised that the fuse center/panel was on "national back order" with no known available date. They repaired it. Total cost paid for that repair was over $335.87. Mileage at that time was 171827 on april 12th the heater stopped working as I was driving. The fan still blows but only cold air. The hoses from the coolant tank heat up when the car is running. Known problem with this make/model. According to similar complaints filed the entire dash will need to be dismantled to fix the blend door/actuator. Known defective part.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 pontiac torrent. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the driver seat wires melted through the seat without warning. The contact sustained a third degree burn on her lower back. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure was unable to be replicated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and current mileage was 126,000.
I started my torrent just like any morning, the heater ran for maybe 10 minutes then just stopped. It will not blow out any kind of air (hot or cold). Being winter, cold and frosty, this is a severe safety issue. With no defroster it is very hard to see, and its very cold. It costs around 1200 dollars to get it fixed. Even if it is fixed I as told the way that they made the torrent that it will just break again. I do not have that kind of cash just laying around. It should be recalled but gm is to cheap. This is not the first time I have heard of this happening. I drive along ways and its dangerous not being able to see.
The heater and the defroster stopped working. I found that there are a lot of people experiencing this problem. This is a safety issue during the winter time because the defrost does not work. Everyone online says the repair is around $1200.00 because of how hard it is to get to the part. Please issue a recall!
The actuator that operates the heater blend door - overextends and breaks the heater blend door. This causes the heater to not work at all. The actuators are defective and the heater doors are defective because they break due to a manufacturers defect. If the heat doesn't work the windows won't defrost so this is a visibility hazard. I also listed it as an electrical and unknown hazard. There are thousands of complaints out on the internet for the 2006 pontiac torrents & chevy equinox's and all of them have the same problem and most of them are around the 50,000 mile mark. Gm will not pay for it if it is past the warranty because they say there isn't a recall for this. These 2 parts should be recalled because it is a hazard to drive your vehicle if you can't defrost your windows. It is approximately $900-$1200 to fix because they need to take apart the entire dash board to get at the actuator and the blend door. Gm should stand behind this and fix this so that people can drive safely and be able to see out their windows.
On 2 occasions my car died on me in the middle of the road while im driving with my newborn. First time I got gas. Half mile down the road car dies.they say its fuel pump. Spent 3 days at shop on third day with no work done car starts runs fine for 2 weeks with multiple gas fill ups in between. Three days ago I get gas drive 1/2 block park car, half hour later get in car start driving, try to put windows down but they wont come down. Im now 1/2 mile into my drive on busy road with my baby in the car and I barely made it off the road before being slammed into by a semi. I spent an hour in 80 degree weather in my car with my baby with no way to put windows down. I called a tow truck. By the time the tow got there my car started. I had it towed anyway for fear of having this happen again. Tow it to a dealership nothing wrong with it. So this is twice now they have found nothing. I bought this car when I had my child because I was driving a 92 toyota and I just felt I needed something newer and more reliable but apparently I should have stuck with my toyota it never in the time I had it broke down and it had 192,000 miles on it. If this isn't a safety issue I don't know what it is. Does it seriously have to be a fatal accident before something is done about this because it just about happened 3 days ago to an infant and myself. Please address this issue in a timely manor.
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