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Pontiac Torrent engine failure problems

11 of the 625 owner complaints about the Pontiac Torrent describe engine failure, most of them for the 2006 model year.

owner complaints
11
worst model year
2006
typical mileage
111,500
Is there a fix? No recall or service bulletin covers this area of the car yet.

By model year

  • 2009
    1
  • 2008
    2
  • 2007
    2
  • 2006
    6

What owners say

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 Sep 27, 2021 · Engine · 111,500 miles · MA

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.

Filed Sep 11, 2018 · Engine · 80,000 miles · WI

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 the federal safety agency 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.

Filed Jun 14, 2018 · Electrical, Engine · 112,000 miles · IL

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.

Filed Mar 30, 2018 · Steering · 71,000 miles · KY

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 pontiac torrent. While attempting to make a right turn out of the driveway, the steering ability seized. Also, the stability control system warning indicator began flashing and a warning chime sounded. The contact continued driving approximately a half mile down the road. The contact turned into a parking lot and noticed that the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The contact turned off the vehicle and waited approximately three hours. When the vehicle was restarted, the steering wheel seized again after two minutes. The vehicle was driven to pincher williams chevrolet/pontiac in london, kentucky where it was diagnosed that the stability control system failed. The replacement part was unavailable to perform the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 71,000.

Filed Jan 8, 2018 · Steering, Suspension · 194,152 miles · OK

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.

Filed Mar 10, 2016 · Engine · 155,350 miles · MD

The car drove perfectly until I would come to an complete stop. Once at a complete stop while in drive or in park, the temperature gauge went up to the red line, indicating that the engine is over heating. The words on the dash also would say engine hot. This would result in me having to pull over ever few minutes to let the car cool off and in some instances the car would shut off on its own. I literally only had the car for 4 days after purchasing, however this issue started the exact day I purchased it. I bought the car with it already having 155k miles driven. The mechanic has tried putting in a new thermostat and water pump, at this point he feels it needs a new engine.

Filed Mar 26, 2015 · Steering · 128,153 miles · NM

Tl* the contact owns a 2007 pontiac torrent. The contact stated that the steering wheel seized and was unable to turn left or right. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 128,153.

Filed Mar 2, 2015 · Steering · 90,000 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 pontiac torrent. While driving at approximately 30 MPH, the steering wheel seized. The failure occurred on two occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.

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

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Questions about the Pontiac Torrent engine failure

Which Pontiac Torrent years have engine failure problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2006 (6 complaints), 2007 (2 complaints) and 2008 (2 complaints).

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