Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 Pontiac Torrent owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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. …
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. …
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. …
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
2006 Pontiac Torrent driver airbag did not deploy during rear collision. Wires in drivers door were broken which seems to be common problem with this model. Not sure if these wires control airbag or not but power windows and doors stopped working, various dash lights go on and off at various times. The wiring harness appears to be installed too tightly causing the wires to stretch when the door is opened and closed. Google "2006 Pontiac Torrent wiring harness" to find that this is not uncommon.
Electrical complaints in other Torrent years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2006 Pontiac Torrent?
NHTSA has 63 complaints about the electrical system of the 2006 Pontiac Torrent, 26% of the model year's 240 complaints. The component named most often is wiring (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Pontiac Torrent electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2006 Pontiac Torrent. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2006 Pontiac Torrent electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 85,000 miles, and 2% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 5 fires and 2 injuries to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.