2008 Pontiac Torrent problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
Among the better years
The 2008 Pontiac Torrent is among the quieter years of the Torrent on NHTSA's books: 183 complaints (32% below the model's median year), no recalls, and no open investigations. Complainants reported 26 injuries in total across these filings.
Airbags leads the complaint categories with 46 reports (25% of the total).
183
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
12
Crash-involved
3
Fires reported
26
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2008 compare to other Torrent years?
What are the most common 2008 Pontiac Torrent problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airbags | 46 | 25% | — flat |
| Electrical System | 33 | 18% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 28 | 15% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 13 | 7% | — flat |
| Body & Structure | 9 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 9 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 8 | 4% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 7 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 7 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 7 | 4% | — flat |
| Other | 6 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Seats | 3 | 2% | — flat |
| Suspension | 2 | 1% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 2 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“TAKAYA RECALL AND MORE ..AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED IN ACCIDENT. KEY WON'T COME OUT OF IGNITION WHEN HEATED UP, DOOR LOCKS WITH REMOTE FAILURE, HATCHBACK DOESN'T CLOSE PROPERLY, WIPER BLADE ON BACK GOES ON WHILE NOT ENGAGED OR CLOSING HATCHBACK. NHTS CALLED ME FOR PICTURES AND SENT IN NEVER HEARD FROM…”
“TAKAYA RECALL AND MORE ..AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED IN ACCIDENT. KEY WON'T COME OUT OF IGNITION WHEN HEATED UP, DOOR LOCKS WITH REMOTE FAILURE, HATCHBACK DOESN'T CLOSE PROPERLY, WIPER BLADE ON BACK GOES ON WHILE NOT ENGAGED OR CLOSING HATCHBACK. NHTS CALLED ME FOR PICTURES AND SENT IN NEVER HEARD FROM…”
“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…”
“I HAD A CODE P0008 FOR CAMSHAFT POSITIONING SENSOR ON FIRST INCIDENT AND TIMING CHAINS WERE REPLACED IN JANUARY 2012. I HAD APPROXIMATELY 52,465 MILES ON THE CAR. I HAD SECOND CODE P0008 IN MAY 2014 WITH APPROXIMATELY 70,759 MILES ON THE CAR. THE TIMING CHAINS WERE STRETCHED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED.…”
“RETURNED TO VEHICLE AFTER SHOPPING AND POWER STEERING ASSIST NO LONGER WORKED. THIS CONTINUED FOR ALMOST A WEEK WHILE I DID MY RESEARCH ON ELECTRIC STEERING SYSTEMS SO THAT I COULD PERFORM REPAIRS. STEERING ISSUED CLEARED ON ITS OWN.. CAR ONLY HAD LESS THAN 60,000 MILES AT THE TIME.”
2008 Pontiac Torrent — common questions
Is the 2008 Pontiac Torrent reliable?
Its record is better than the model's norm: 183 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Torrent year, with 0 recalls and no open investigations.
What are the most common 2008 Torrent problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (46 complaints), electrical system (33 complaints), fuel system (28 complaints).
Does the 2008 Pontiac Torrent have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2008 Pontiac Torrent.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.