Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Pontiac Torrent owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Electrical problems have been occurring. My lights keep getting dim, then bright. Check engine light is on, the truck is making a loud noise, overheating, battery draining fast. Please note that the battery is new, starter is new, water pump is new , I got new engine fans, radiator and the truck is still running hot, battery dies over night. I need some help this is my only vehicle and I've spent thousands of dollars trying to get this truck right over the years. Are there any affordable warranty plans available for assistance?
My air bag did not deploy in a front end and rear end collison where I was hit at a dead stop and the truck was going 60 MPH. Car was repaired by geico repair shop in tampa, fl. The air bags still don't work and the light still off and on whether someone is sitting there or not. The dealer will repair for total of $900.00 or more. I recently smelled fuel strong in the car and outside. Took to dealer and I see others complaining too about this. No ne informed owners that there is a special warranty to repair part of the problem for free. The fuel pump was cracked with only 43K miles on vehicle. The vent solenoid was not covered yet it is stuck in the open position and defective but I had been charged extra 302.00 and would like to know why they didn't include in the recalls? Both of these items were found defective but only one was recalled privately. …
I noticed that my vehicle was smelling like gas. While the car was parked idling in a driveway I looked under the vehicle on the passenger side to check the fuel tank and noticed fuel dripping down the side of the tank from the top of the tank. I turned off the vehicle and the fuel stopped dripping which indicated to me that it was coming from the sending unit on the top of the tank. Also the tank was under half full. Upon checking online I found multiple recalls on other GM vehicles of the same year for the same problem. Also the 2007 Torrent model was recalled for the same issue so I don't know why my model isn't since it is the same issue as everything else that has been recalled. This is my family's main vehicle and they could have been engulfed in flames at any time it scares me to think of this. Also my vehicle is under 65,000 miles. …
This vehicle has been full of problems. First it was losing power when turning corners or changing lanes. Had to have that fixed.. Next power steering went out not long after had the power issue fixed. Next the driver door would no longer lock. Had that fixed in 2015. Then in 2015 started noticing the airbag light was just going on and off for the passenger seat when someone was sitting in the seat. And they all meet/exceed the weight needed to activate. Now the airbag just stays off. Now the airbag sensor is showing not activated for the driver side. And the seat belt lights are blinking. Also now I am being told the fuel pump also now needs to be replaced in the car smell strong fumes at times. Also experience sputtering once reaches 40 MPH and again around 60. Also anytime we are on an incline. And the power steering went out again on the vehicle.
I have a fuel leak on my 2008 Pontiac Torrent. Basically recall number 12V459000 for the 2007 Torrent. The plastic supply or return port on the fuel pump module May crack, which could cause a fuel leak. My year vehicle is not listed on the recall, when it should be. This is my exact problem.this is a very dangerous problem and should be addressed in more than just the 2007 Torrent. The fix is over $700. I smelled gas through the vents while driving, noticed some jerking or "skipping" in the gas petal being pushed. I parked and the gas smell was very strong. It is dripping from the back by the gas tank and also up by the engine. My mechanic said that the leak is from the plastic pieces on the fuel pump and the leak is actually running down the frame of the truck depending on if I'm going downhill or turning. He advises me not to drive my truck.
The passenger side airbag indicator shows to be off when the site is occupied. I took it to the dealership and was advised nothing is wrong. I've has several passengers that weigh over 150 lbs plus occupy the seat and the indicator shows off. I'm very concerned nothing is being done about this also I'm have gasoline smells in the car but the 2008 Pontiac torrents were not included in the recall of the 2007's. Would really like to see this addressed before something happens to anyone owning this vehicle. The traction stability light comes one when checked nothing the dealership just rest the light and it goes off for a while and comes back on.
Vehicle with around 100K. Traction control has been disabled for about two years for no reason. Goes off sporadically. Now vehicle is overheating for no reason. I've been told that there are no indications of headgasket. Oil is clean, overflow is full, no leaks to be seen. Overheats mostly when standing idle. Vehicle is a headache. How are there no recalls for this vehicle when multiple people are stating the same issues? Vehicle is driving normally besides that. Most of our driving is in town / highway driving (less than 20miles distance). We've only put 10K on the vehicle since purchasing 2 years ago.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Pontiac Torrent. While the vehicle was parked, there were strong fuel fumes emitting from the inner part of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel pump module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact was aware of NHTSA campaign number: 12V459000 (fuel system, gasoline); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 76,446. Updated 06/29/16
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Pontiac Torrent. The contact noticed a strong odor of fuel inside the cabin. The failure started approximately 21 days ago when the contact noticed fuel leaking from the rear passenger side of the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was awaiting diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Pontiac Torrent. The contact stated that a very strong odor of fuel was present inside and outside the vehicle. Also, the fuel gauge malfunctioned and the driver was unable to determine the fuel level in the fuel tank. The vehicle was taken to wilson county motors (903 south harden dr, lebanon, tn), but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 70,000.
Fuel System complaints in other Torrent years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 2008 Pontiac Torrent?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 2008 Pontiac Torrent, 22% of the model year's 125 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2008 Pontiac Torrent fuel system problems?
No. NHTSA lists no fuel & propulsion system recall for the 2008 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 2008 Pontiac Torrent fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 73,000 miles, and 4% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to fuel & propulsion 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.