2008 Pontiac Torrent: check engine light

Filed Mar 19, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · MS

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?

Filed Oct 16, 2017 · Driver assistance · MO

The stability light continues to come on. Now adding the check engine light. Little loss of power. Seems like a common thing with this car.

Filed Jul 27, 2016 · Airbags, Driver assistance · 70,000 miles · PA

My air bag light on passenger side is not at all working. Off when someone is sitting in the seat. Now my electrical system makes all lights on my dash to come on. Traction control, check engine light, air bag, and so on and so on. Took car to service center and they said nothing was wrong..

Filed May 4, 2016 · 65,000 miles · WI

Ive had this torrent for 3 yrs now all in the last 1 1/2 ive had nothing but problems with the check engine light coming on evap leak claim they fixed still not fixed very unhappy with this truck

Filed Apr 6, 2016 · Engine · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 pontiac torrent. While driving 35 MPH, the check engine warning light and reduced engine power warning light illuminated. The vehicle stalled and was unable to be restarted. The failure recurred twice. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.

Filed Oct 21, 2015 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 99,900 miles · PA

Lights on the dashboard are constantly coming on. Over the past 3 years, I constantly have problems with the "check engine"; "service stabilitrak"; and "service traction control" lights coming on. I live in pa and was driving to mississippi when it first happened and needless to say I panicked. I called back home to my dealership and was told I should be okay until I got home, that I only needed to be concerned if the roads were wet. It was on the entire trip and by the time I got home and went to the dealership, it turned off. They could not tell me why. Now it comes on whenever it wants to and stays on for days. Then it goes off for a few days and then comes on again. No rhyme or reason as to what causes it. I'm concerned that it may be causing a bigger problem. Not happy that I have not been able to get any resolve to this.

Filed Aug 6, 2014 · Acceleration, Engine · 60,000 miles · GA

Reported very sluggish acceleration "chugging" between 45-65 MPH for the last year. No engine light. Took to dealer and they "couldn't recreate it" so nothing done.

Filed Aug 6, 2014 · Acceleration, Engine · 67,000 miles · GA

Car refused to accelerate when I tried to get out of a dangerous situation. Had to floor the accelerator and engine light lit up for a few minutes only. Jerking (lack of acceleration) continued until called gm ho and connected with my dealer under "special coverage." had to take a mechanic on the road and duplicate to be sure I was not dismissed again without fixing. Given a hard time about getting the full special coverage to cover the spark plug wires & spark plugs, but dealer gave in since repeated visits for same problem. Still awaiting a "specialist" from gm to call back regarding spark plugs being included and why I cannot view the actual "special coverage" document as to this problem possibly repeating itself every 6 months per other owners.

Filed Jun 4, 2014 · Engine, Fuel system · 52,000 miles · NY

Have sent this letter to the ceo of general motors on 6/3/14. I am still waiting for a reply. As it is stated, in this situation where gas and antifreeze were mixing in the engine, due to either a slow leak or a gasket blew, the torrent was not built with a sensor to turn on the engine warning light to notify the driver of a potential serious situation-total mechanical failure-leading to potential fatal injuries while driving-such as a fire, accident, or even death. [xxx] in reference to claim number [xxx]. I have called and spoken to dean at corporate on 6/3/14 and the dealership where I purchased my vehicle. 5/30/14, I call the dealership first spoke to a few people and left my information, I received no phone call back until I called corporate on 6/3/14 and complained. I find this very unprofessional especially knowing the situation where lives were potential at risk, and others still are. The major concern with my vehicle is that out of nowhere without warning the engine failed. According to the mechanic the vehicle does not come with any warning light to notify the driver of this situation-this is unacceptable. My car is a 2008 pontiac torrent with 50,000 miles on it. The mechanic and the insurance company that has now inspected the car, concur that this is from mechanical failure. As a mother of 3 children, to think that there could have been an accident with them in the care-possibly leading to deaths?well you can imagine my concern. As I am blessed that this was not the case and the car just died, I do not feel this is a safe car, and being a woman in your position I hope you can understand my position and will do the right thing for the safety of my family. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). Tr