Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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).
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.
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! …
Tl* 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. …
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tl* 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.
Engine complaints in other Torrent years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2006 Pontiac Torrent?
NHTSA has 50 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2006 Pontiac Torrent, 21% of the model year's 240 complaints. The component named most often is cooling system (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Pontiac Torrent engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 85,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 3 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling 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.