NHTSA — Engine Problems

2006 Pontiac Torrent (Page 1 of 2)

CarComplaints.com Seal Of This Might Hurt

CarComplaints.com Notes: No heat, no air conditioning, and visibility issues because of a busted defogger system. Basically, anything coming out of a vent in the 2006 Torrent is broken.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 3
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
101,637 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2006 Pontiac Torrent engine problems

engine problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2006 Pontiac Torrent:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2006 Pontiac Torrent Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #29

Sep 262021

Torrent

  • 111,500 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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.

- Boston, MA, USA

problem #28

Aug 012019

Torrent

  • 130,000 miles
The vehicle randomly powers down completely loosing steering, braking, acceleration, emergency flashers and lights, no matter how fast or slow or location. No rhyme or reason to the sporadic complete shut down and doesn't start back immediately and sometimes minutes to hours before it will. Not safe in the highway or side roads or anywhere. There is a fault with the programming in the ECU and GM is the only one who can repair it. Vehicle was recently purchased and I spent just as much as the purchase since replacing parts! it should be recalled before someone gets killed if you google search the year make and model with dying when driving or similar it's clearly something with most of these vehicles unfortunately! scary and unsafe for everyone on the road, especially after dark when it happens with no warning lights or anything to alert others, please help this vehicle will die when driving down the road or interstate at high speed or low speed when braking or accelerating or sitting at a red light! I have replaced everything that has been recommended and it still happens and the repair shop now is still waiting for GM to rewrite or change the programming to hopefully fix the issues but this is unbelievably dangerous and can be deadly

- Eight Mile, AL, USA

problem #27

Sep 112018

Torrent

  • 80,000 miles
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 NHTSA 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.

- Milwaukee, WI, USA

problem #26

Mar 072018

Torrent

  • 112,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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.

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #25

Mar 052017

Torrent

  • 150,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Pontiac Torrent. The contact stated that the vehicle would overheat while idling and leaked coolant. The contact had to continuously add antifreeze/coolant to the vehicle. The contact purchased the vehicle five years ago and the heat never worked correctly. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the diagnosis was unknown; however, the water pump, belts, pulley, temperature cooling sensor, and thermostat were replaced. The failure persisted. After the repair, when the heat was turned on, an antifreeze/coolant odor was present. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact could hear the engine fans turning on when the engine started overheating. The contact stated that the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed her that the vehicle was over the extended warranty plan of 120,000 miles. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

- Monroe Township, NJ, USA

problem #24

Oct 012016

Torrent

  • 280,000 miles
My car's air conditioning system only works part time. After the system runs for a while it stops cooling and warms up in the cabin. Shut off the air for 5 minutes turn it back on cools fine for about 15 minutes then start the process over. Worse on really hot days. Also, heater has stopped working properly. When the car idles, no heat and little heat when the car is moving, worse on very cold days. Also we have developed a leak under the front left part of the engine that only occurs after the engine cools. Does not leak when engine is running. Coolant reservoir has been replaced, still has leak after engine cools.

- Portsmouth, OH, USA

problem #23

Sep 162016

Torrent

  • 102,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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.

- Statesville, NC, USA

problem #22

Oct 212015

Torrent

  • 124,000 miles
My vehicle started to overheat on me so I stopped and checked the coolant levels. I top the coolant level off and continued on my trip (temp gauge back to normal). As I got home the car started to overheat again and I checked all fluid levels but everything was normal. I let the car sit for approximately 30 and then continued driving. I took the car to my personal mechanic and he changed the thermostat, but still having same issues. I notified my mechanic and he then researched all recalls and tsb of my vehicle. He notified me stating GM knows of a known issue with their headgaskets and they recommend using bars leaks if a problem arises. I have followed their recommendation and am now left without a running vehicle. Can someone please get a recall out on this as it is known with all GM vehicles with this motor.

- Topeka, KS, USA

problem #21

Jul 102015

Torrent

  • 95,541 miles
On delivery of 2006 Pontiac Torrent on July 10, 2015, I experienced while driving on the highway at 70 mph, the overwhelming smell of gas fuel emitting within the interior. I also noticed after leaving the dealership the motor began to sound as if I was escalating into the atmosphere on an airplane to 13000 feet in the air. The vehicle is very inviting, however; the exterior paint as well as the interior has touched up prior to resale.

- Eastpointe , MI, USA

problem #20

Nov 242011

Torrent

  • 100,000 miles
There have been many occasions of my car completely shutting down while driving. I have had it to mechanics many times no one can seem to figure this issue out. I am currently having the recall fixed for the ignition switch. I have read plenty of complaints 1 to many I shall say. And believe me I don't want to put myself, my child or anyone else in danger but this is my only vehicle and I can not afford to buy another one. I would just hope some one can figure this problem out. I don't even care if its a recall although it should be for the many complaint. I just wanna know what the problem is and how to fix it.

- Harmony, PA, USA

problem #19

Aug 072013

Torrent 6-cyl

  • 92,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

At times the car doesn't crank or start when ignition key is turned to start. On-going issue that occurs at least 4-6 times per month. Unsure why this happens. No repairs have been made. Is there a recall or service bulletin on this issue?

- Las Vegas, NV, USA

problem #18

Nov 072014

Torrent

  • 100,000 miles
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.

- Lake Charles , LA, USA

problem #17

Nov 082014

Torrent 6-cyl

  • 111,700 miles
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.

- Crystal, MN, USA

problem #16

Aug 302014

Torrent 4WD 6-cyl

  • 165,000 miles
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.

- Winston-Salem, NC, USA

problem #15

Jun 212014

Torrent 6-cyl

  • 115,000 miles
We were taking my children to the circus on 695 West doing 60 mph when the light showing that the car had overheated and the engine light came on. While doing 60 mph the car just stops in the on the beltway. We could have been killed. There was no power whatsoever. The windows wouldn't even roll up. This car needs to be recalled. The alternator was replaced and a fuel pump and we got the car back a week later and the same issue happened again except this time we were coming out of the baltimore tunnel praying it didn't stop but it did and had to be towed yet again.

- Belcamp, MD, USA

problem #14

Jun 062014

Torrent 6-cyl

  • 93,200 miles
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.

- Spring, TX, USA

problem #13

May 242014

Torrent 6-cyl

  • miles
My car keep stalling when I drive it for a while and then it acts like it don't want to go anymore. Later on when I drive it again its ok and picks up like normal. I really was upset that I took it to the mechanic to get check out and he told me that it would be about 3000 to get it fixed.

- Anderson, SC, USA

problem #12

May 112010

Torrent 6-cyl

  • 70,000 miles
My sunroof drains clogs repeatedly which causes ankle deep water to puddle inside. I had to have it towed from work last month because it would not accelerate after rain leaked everywhere. In addition I had to bum a ride to work because it wouldn't accelerate due to the fact it was wet from the rain. When this happens the traction light comes on causing my car to lose speed. Although pedal is push all the way down to floor it will not accelerate. I would hate to be traveling on interstate and lose speed during rush hour.

- Jackson, MS, USA

problem #11

Aug 012012

Torrent

  • 85,000 miles
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.

- Lansing, MI, USA

problem #10

Apr 212014

Torrent 6-cyl

  • 83,000 miles
While driving vehicle at 45mph engine suddenly stopped and steering became difficult. All dash lights still illuminated radio functional. Coasted to side of road, fortunately there were no vehicle behind me at the time of the failure. I tried to restart the vehicle, the engine would not crank. I waited five minutes and then the engine would crank and start. I took it to the Chevrolet dealer and was told the security function of the PCM was defective and causing the fuel pump to stop.

- Granger, IN, USA

Read the next 9 complaints »

Not what you are looking for?