Traction Control complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (electronic stability control and traction control).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Pontiac Torrent. The contact stated that while driving at 3 MPH and attempting to stop, the brake pedal became difficult to depress. The vehicle then failed to accelerate as the contact noticed a burning odor and the traction control light illuminated. The contact noted that the hood bearings had melted and needed to be replaced. The hood bearings were replaced by an independent mechanic. There was no visible fire or fire report. The vehicle was taken to sitton Buick GMC 2640 laurens rd, greenville, sc 29607 where the dealer was unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. However, the failure recurred and the vehicle was taken back to sitton Buick GMC where the dealer was again unable to diagnose the problem. …
Service stabilitrac light came on every time the car was under hard or full throttle on dry pavement. Unit taken to the dealer under warranty and I was sent a bill to test the unit and told that unit needed a new mass air flow sensor. Took unit home, mass air flow tested out fine. I replaced the sensor one month later and the problem still exists to this date. I have tested every sensor related to the stabilitrac system on this unit and all are fine. General motors has an issue with this stabiltrac system but is failing to admit. Research on multiple GM products verifies a consistent issue across the board. This should be a safety recall as it shuts down many of the installed safety systems when the service stabiltrac light comes on and the stabilitrac goes inactive. I have worked on cars for over 35 years and keep up to date on how newer systems function. …
I had a 2007 Torrent. In 2010 I had replaced 3 wheel bearings, breaks,and in February my power steering module went out. This was the first time. I got in my car to leave a friends and I could not turn my wheel. Took it to a dealer and they said the electric power steering module went out. Cost 870 and the day they were done fixing that a massive recall was done on most GMC cars for electrical power steering modules except mine. About 6 months later I was driving to work and my power steering went out again except this time I was driving around a corner. This locked up my tires and sent me into a ditch sides ways which caused my car to rollover 3 times before it landed and stopped moving. During this my driver side door also came open on impact and the entire floor of the trunk part flew over the back sit and would of landed on my kids if I had not just dropped them off. …
"ignition switch" I am continually having problems with my ignition switch getting stuck, it takes a few minutes but there is usually a click and then it releases. It appears that this is an ongoing problem. My concern is that I am not sure what actually needs to be fixed. I have read enough reviews that it could not be the ignition switch that actually needs to be fixed, can you tell me what is it that has to be repaired so that I do not have to sink tons of money in trying to find out what is actually wrong with it. I have 176,000 miles on my car and I have loved this car. It is and has been a great car, not perfect but a great car. I think in the life of the car I have had to replace a faulty spark plug, a window motor on the drivers side and it is still sluggish so I don't think that was the only problem. The rear window wiper motor has went out. …
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.
I was driving down the street when a bus pulled in front of me to make a let turn. I went to apply the brakes and I only got a pulsation in the brake pedal and the vehicle wouldn't slow down until it was too late. The front of my vehicle hit the side of the bus causing significant damage to both the vehicles. After the accident I noticed the traction control and ABS lights were illuminated. After that accident the brakes have been doing the pulsation and inability to stop. I have been to the dealership numerous times and replaced wheel hubs and speed sensors and the problem still persist. This is an extremely dangerous problem and GM has done nothing!
Frequently asked questions
Which Pontiac Torrent years have traction control problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2007 (56), 2008 (16) and 2006 (9) model years. Traction Control complaints make up 23% of all complaints for the 2007.
Is there a recall for Pontiac Torrent traction control problems?
No. NHTSA lists no stability & traction control recall for any Pontiac Torrent model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Pontiac Torrent traction control problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 93,000 miles; 26% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic (asc) (1 mentions).
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.