Research · Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
2008 Pontiac TorrentRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 125 owner complaints for the 2008 Pontiac Torrent. Most complaints involve air bags (46) and fuel/propulsion system (25). The EPA rates it 19 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
19mpg
EPA · 4 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
125
Top: air bags
Fuel cost / yr
$3,150est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2008 Pontiac Torrent as of Nov 12, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 12, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
125 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jul 2008 – May 2026
- Air bags46
- Fuel/propulsion system25
- Electrical system15
- Electronic stability control (esc)15
- Engine11
- Structure9
- Power train8
- Steering8
- Vehicle speed control7
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 12, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Air bags
46 reports5 crashes
“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 it’s not a guarantee that it will fix the problem and it will cost over $2500 for a maybe it’ll 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”
Fuel/propulsion system
25 reports1 crash
“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?”
Electrical system
15 reports2 crashes1 fire
“POWER WINDOW AND LOCKS STOPPED WORKING. WIRING HARNESS FROM DRIVERS DOOR TO BODY HAD SEVERAL BROKEN WIRES. HARNESS IS TOO SHORT AND WIRE IS UNDERSIZED FOR APPLICATION AND HARD, CRACKED AND BROKEN. OTHER DOORS WILL LIKELY MALFUNCTION.8”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 12, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
4 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD, Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
- Engines
- 3.6L 6-cyl · 3.4L 6-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic (S6) · Automatic 5-spd
- Drive
- 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 12, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Torrent AWD Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 24 | 19 | $3,150 | 468 |
| Torrent AWD Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.4 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 19 | $3,150 | 468 |
| Torrent FWD Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 24 | 19 | $3,150 | 468 |
| Torrent FWD Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 19 | $3,150 | 468 |
- 19mpg comb.
- 19mpg comb.
- 19mpg comb.
- 19mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 12, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2008 Pontiac Torrent as of Nov 12, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 12, 2026Vehicle 2604
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2008 Torrent questions
How many recalls does the 2008 Pontiac Torrent have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 12, 2026.
What are the most common 2008 Pontiac Torrent problems?
Owners filed 125 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (46), fuel/propulsion system (25), electrical system (15). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2008 Pontiac Torrent get?
The EPA rates the 2008 Pontiac Torrent at 19 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 12, 2026