There are no safety recalls for the 2008 Pontiac Torrent, but owners have filed 125 complaints with NHTSA.
2008 Pontiac Torrent problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|
| Air Bags | 46 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 25 | |
| Electrical System | 15 | |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | 15 | |
| Engine | 11 | |
| Structure | 9 | |
| Steering | 9 | |
| Power Train | 8 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 7 | |
| Unknown or Other | 6 | |
| Service Brakes | 5 | |
| Tires | 4 | |
Most reported parts
- Structure › Body — 7
- Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft — 2
- Visibility › Rear Window Wiper/Washer › Motor — 1
- Tires › Valve — 1
- Tires › Pressure Monitoring and Regulating Systems — 1
- Wheels › Hub — 1
- Steering › Electric Power Assist System — 1
- Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 80,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2008 Pontiac Torrent complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Air Bags · reported May 1, 2026
My sons who is a new driver and has a 2008 Pontiac torrent recently has had the passenger air bag light come on saying passenger airbag off when someone is sitting in the seat so I brought it in and was told that it could possibly be fixed but itâs not a guarantee that it will fix the problem and it will cost over $2500 for a maybe itâll fix it and they had also indicated that if he was to get in a crash, the airbags will not go off because of this
Electrical System · reported Mar 19, 2026
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?
Structure · at 165,000 miles · reported Feb 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2008 Pontiac Torrent. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle was vibrating excessively. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the rear sub frame had an excessive amount of rust. The vehicle was not repaired due to the rear wheel assembly detaching from the excessive amount of rust. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle remained at the residence and had not been driven since the failure. The failure mileage was…
Air Bags · at 125,000 miles · reported Feb 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2008 Pontiac Torrent. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the air bag warning light illuminated while the front passenger seat was not occupied. The vehicle was diagnosed and a failure code for the passenger presence system (PPS) was retrieved. The contact was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V061000 (Air Bags) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not yet taken to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 125,000.
Air Bags · reported Nov 28, 2021
Service air bag light continually goes on and of randomly, at times does not recognize when someone is sitting in the passenger seat. This is a serious problem because when air bag light is on it disables the air bags which wonât deploy in a crash. I found that they recall the 2007 models for this exact problem, Now is the time to recall the 2008 for the exact same problem. This is a dealer only part which they gave me an estimate to fix of $900 if I could get a aftermarket part I would replace myself. Come on Gm recall this ongoing serious safety hazard!!!!
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2008 Pontiac Torrent have any recalls?
No. NHTSA has no safety recalls for the 2008 Pontiac Torrent as of this update. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest status.
What is the most common problem with the 2008 Pontiac Torrent?
Owners report air bags problems most often (46 reports), followed by fuel/propulsion system (25). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 80,000 miles.
Are Pontiac recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Pontiac dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.