2006 Pontiac Torrent Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 29about this part
- Share
- 12%of 240 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 80,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 29 complaints about the steering of the 2006 Pontiac Torrent, 12% of the 240 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 80,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“When stopping vehicle and attempting to exit, the key gets stuck in ignition after turning vehicle off. I have to wiggle key in order to release from ignition. Turning steering wheel does nothing to help the situation. I am worried about possibly breaking key while trying to release it.”
NHTSA complaint #10593081, filed 2014-05, 90,000 miles“As I was driving I saw smoke come from the steering column of my truck. Then again as I turned the key in the ignition I saw smoke coming from the steering column.”
NHTSA complaint #10618601, filed 2014-08, 105,615 miles“As I was driving in a grocery store parking lot, I heard a squeal or winding sound then I saw a puff of smoke come out of my steering wheel - ignition area.”
NHTSA complaint #10622291, filed 2014-08, 107,520 miles“My steering wheel locks up while driving, either when I'm making an attempt to turn or when I first turn on the car and go in reverse and turn the wheel and it locks up causing the inability to steer the car. This is not the first time this has happened, but the most recent. This has been happening as far back as 2009. It comes and goes. I took it to a GM dealership and paid $1,800 to replace the steering column in march 2014 and it just happened again. This is very dangerous and unfortunately I will have to get another car because it's not safe.”
NHTSA complaint #10616982, filed 2014-07, 126,032 miles“I had been to a town that was approx 30 miles from my home to take care of some errands. I returned back to my hometown and stopped by a store to grab a couple of things before heading to work. I then returned to my car and proceeded to crank it and drive off but when I put it in drive and took my foot off the brake to take off I could not turn my steering wheel but maybe an inch or two. I called my dad to come and check it because he is a mechanic and he couldn't find anything wrong with it. …”
NHTSA complaint #10362354, filed 2010-10, 40,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10245395Nov 6, 2023This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing…
- 10178292Jun 5, 2020This technical bulletin provides a procedure to eliminate a power steering noise due to extremely low temperatures.
Steering: other model years
Other parts of the 2006 Pontiac Torrent
89 complaintsElectrical system
63 complaintsEngine
29 complaintsEngine cooling
21 complaintsBrakes
17 complaintsFuel system
13 complaintsSeats
12 complaintsBody and structure
11 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaintsAir bags
10 complaintsSuspension
10 complaintsElectronic stability control
9 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2006 Pontiac Torrent
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology