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).
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Pontiac Torrent. While driving 50 MPH, the steering wheel shook violently and the vehicle started to decelerate. In addition, a burning odor was emitted through the air vents. When the vehicle was parked, smoke was seen coming front the front driver's side tire. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 93,000.
When consumer was attempting to back out of parking space, 2006 Torrent suddenly accelerated in reverse at high speed. As a result the vehicle crashed onto another vehicle parked in the parking lot causing extensive damage to both vehicles. The vehicle was towed to the dealer's body shop. When they attempted to do an alignment they noticed damage to the steering system components (right front strut, steering knuckle, hub, bearing and lower control arm). The vehicle was then towed to the dealer's service shop to be inspected. The technician inspected and test drove the vehicle and found no codes stored in the vehicle's computer and determined that the vehicle was operating as designed.
While driving down a residential street, there was a wobble in the front right of the car. The car suddenly spun out of control and crashed into a telephone pole. Both air bags deployed. My son, who was driving, was slightly injured and burned from the air bags. There is significant body damage to the right front of the vehicle. The body shop that has the car said the right front knuckle broke thereby causing the tire to fall off and loss of steering control. Other additional damage is a bent frame and bent brake calipers. I bought this car new from the dealer on 4/29/06.
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 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.
When backing out in the morning sounds like there are pieces of metal flowing through steering column and when excelerating it sounds like the steering geer box is about to let loose I can feel it through the steering wheel. There has been several recalls with similar models and chasis designs it does not matter the temperature outside or weather type it seems like it started in January and it has been getting worse
Power steering failure without prior symptoms - power assist failed without warning after being driven/parked/started and driven. Was then parked/waited and it worked again(?) - others have reported failure while underway. Consider this notice as date-stamped for future legal use. Please advise on next steps/options. Http://www.arfc.org/complaints/2006/Pontiac/Torrent/steering/problem.aspx
Electric power steering is failing (impeller in EPS pump) several other vehicles of the same year have already been recalled due to this failure steering jerks on irregular basis. Sounds like chunks of metal moving around inside the steering wheel pump. Happens when you accelarte or turn the wheel.
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.
I have a 2006 Pontiac Torrent, that is/was driven by my son who was on his way home from work. The highway he was driving on has a speed limit of 65 MPH, with a leniency of going 70 MPH. Well there is construction of repaving the highway, well not all of the repaving was done especially getting onto the off ramp which has a high 2-3 inch drop off of asphalt. Approx. 1/4 mile of the highway getting onto the off ramp which was not paved completely still having the 2-3 inch drop off of asphalt. While my son was crossing over to get onto the off ramp, the paved drop off grabbed one or both of the left driver tires, which caused a steering and control problem to cause him to over correct onto a grassy dirt area on his right. He hit a tire mark that was left there from other accidents in the same area while the dirt was wet. As he hit this previous tire mark, he rolled the car three times. …
Steering complaints in other Torrent years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2006 Pontiac Torrent?
NHTSA has 29 complaints about the steering of the 2006 Pontiac Torrent, 12% of the model year's 240 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2006 Pontiac Torrent steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering 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 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles, and 19% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 1 fire and 2 injuries to steering 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.