63 of the
362 complaints about the 2006 Pontiac Torrent are about the
electrical system — 17% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
84,812 miles.
D
63
Complaints
1
Crashes
5
Fires
2
Injuries
Exactly what failed
Electrical System
5892.1%
Ignition
23.2%
Wiring
23.2%
Instrument Cluster/Panel
11.6%
Electrical System across every Pontiac Torrent year
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.
NHTSA complaint #11206455 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 113,000 milesWinston Salem, NC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE HEAT DOESN'T WORK IN CAR FREEZING COLD IN CAR
NHTSA complaint #11151601 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 112,000 milesChicago, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11101838 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,365 milesSilverdale, WA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
HEATING SYSTEM DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY, SOMETIMES HEAT ONLY BLOWS COOL AIR, MANUFACTURER ACKNOWLEDGES THIS IS A DEFECT BUT ONLY ISSUED A LIMITED SPECIAL COVERAGE. THE SPECIAL COVERAGE EXPIRED IN FEB 2016, MY VEHICLE HEATING UNIT BROKE IN OCT 2016! THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE TO FIX THIS DEFECT! LISA OF HEATING UNIT CAUSES UNSAFE DRIVING CONDITIONS WHEN WINDOWS CAN NOT DEFROST AS A RESULT OF DEFECT, ALSO OCCUPANTS FREEZE THEIR ASSES OFF IN THE WINTER! UNCONSCIONABLE THAT GM WILL NOT ISSUE A RECALL FOR THIS DEFECT!
NHTSA complaint #10927348 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 102,000 milesStatesville, NC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10924191 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,000 milesHenderson, MI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 PONTIAC TORRENT. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT FAILED TO TURN OFF WITH THE KEY IN THE OFF POSITION. THE CONTACT HAD TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY IN ORDER TO TURN OFF THE VEHICLE. ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE KEYS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE KEYS WERE REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10861309 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 156,000 milesNorth Chicago, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MY IGNITION SWITCH MOVES OUT OF THE "RUN" POSITION, RESULTING IN A PARTIAL LOSS OF ELECTRICAL POWER AND TURNING OFF THE ENGINE. WHILE DRIVING OR WHEN THE CAR IS IN PARK BUT RUNNING. I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY WHERE THE SPEED IS 45 MILES PER HOUR AND THE CAR TURNS OFF. I DON'T HAVE ANYTHING ON THE KEY, INCLUDING THE FOB. I EVEN EXPERIENCED THE ENGINE TURNING OFF WHEN THE CAR IS PARKED BUT RUNNING. THE DEALER ADMITS TO A RECALL ON ANOTHER MODEL OF PONTIAC DURING THE SAME YEAR.
NHTSA complaint #10849811 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 78,100 milesChicago, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 PONTIAC TORRENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEAT FAILED TO WORK IN THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRING SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,100.
NHTSA complaint #10825888 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 113,000 milesDES Plaines, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 PONTIAC TORRENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH OR ABOVE, THE STEERING WHEEL AND FRONT SUSPENSION BEGAN TO VIBRATE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING AS INTENDED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS THAT CONTROLS THE WINDOWS, DOOR LOCKS, AND SIDE VIEW MIRRORS WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,000.
NHTSA complaint #10811182 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 173,000 milesRock Hill, SC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE HEAT AND DEFROSTER IN MY CAR. IT DOES NOT WORK, AND THUS CAUSES MAJOR VISIBILITY PROBLEMS BECAUSE THE WINDOWS CANNOT DEFROST. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD, WHICH, IF LEFT UNREPAIRED, COULD CAUSE A WRECK. I TOOK THE CAR TO A GM DEALER, AND THEY DIAGNOSED IT AS A BROKEN TEMPERATURE BLEND DOOR. I'VE DONE SOME RESEARCH ON THIS ISSUE, SINCE IT IS QUITE COSTLY (ABOUT $1100) TO REPAIR. I FOUND THAT GM HAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED THIS FREE OF CHARGE TO THE OWNERS BECAUSE THIS IS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT (SPECIAL COVERAGE/POLICY ADJUSTMENT 11135). THE ACTUATOR HAD BEEN DESIGNED POORLY, USING PLASTIC INSTEAD OF METAL. THIS CAUSES THE PLASTIC TO BREAK WHEN THE ACTUATOR OVER-ROTATES. THIS PROBLEM VIOLATES THE FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NUMBER 103, WHICH STATES THE STANDARDS OF HAVING A WORKING HEATER AND DEFOGGING/DEFROSTING SYSTEM. THIS PROBLEM IS MENTIONED IN 87 OF THE 198 COMPLAINTS FOR THE 06 PONTIAC TORRENT, AND HAS A TSB #10044379. WITH A SEVEN-YEAR COMPLAINT HISTORY, I WOULD EXPECT THE COMPANY TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS SAFETY ISSUE. I CONTACTED GM WITH THIS INFORMATION AND THEY SAID THEY WOULD CONTACT ME IN 1 BUSINESS DAY. IT HAS BEEN OVER 5 DAYS NOW AND NO WORD FROM THEM. ALL I WANT IS FOR THIS TO BE FIXED/COVERED BY GM BECAUSE IT IS A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT AND IS VERY EXPENSIVE (I.E. I CANNOT AFFORD IT EVEN THOUGH IT'S HAZARDOUS). I WOULD LIKE TO DRIVE SAFELY AND WITH FULL VISIBILITY!
NHTSA complaint #10778599 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesBellwood, ILFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10695530 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesFrazee, MN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10683122 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesAnderson, IN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10679648 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 79,000 milesLAS Vegas, NV
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10669216 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 111,700 milesCrystal, MN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10654156 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 53,441 milesSAN Diego, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10653879 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 63,323 milesSAN Diego, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10653865 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 165,000 milesWinston-Salem, NC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10630443 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 107,520 milesElverta, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10622291 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesSaint Louis, MO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10615759 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesSaint Louis, MO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10615781 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 84,000 milesWillingboro, NJ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
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.
NHTSA complaint #10609905 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 93,000 milesMilford, MI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10605819 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 93,200 milesSpring, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10596662 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesLansing, MIFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10593766 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesDurham, NC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10593081 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 96,000 milesGlendale Heights, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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....
NHTSA complaint #10575728 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 81,900 milesWestminster, MD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10573465 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Langhorne, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
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
NHTSA complaint #10569386 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 78,000 milesRichmond, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10567038 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.