This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes B3055, B3060, and/or B3935. Technician should not replace any parts for this concern. If unable to duplicate the concern ask if the customer uses any Radio Frequency Identification Devices when the concern is present. Dealer should also direct their customers to the appropriate section in the Owner manuals that references that the device complies.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2007 Pontiac Torrent airbags problems
severe 48 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,100 · see airbags across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
48
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,100
3crashes
3injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 48 airbags complaints filed for the 2007 Pontiac Torrent, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 4 model years of Pontiac Torrent we track for airbags problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 48.
Owners have filed 48 airbags complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering airbags on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to complete a terminal replacement or connector re connection to correct a condition of Diagnostic Information for Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) System, Intermittent AIR BAG Indicator/Lamp Illuminated with DTC(s) B0012, B0013, B0015, B0016, B0019, B0020, B0022, B0023, B0026, B0033, B0040, B0042 or B0044 Set (Inspect and Replace Connector Position Assurance (CPA) Retainer)
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This informational bulletin provides Information on Passenger Presence Sensing System (PPS or PSS) Concerns with Custom Upholstery, Accessory Seat Heaters or Other Comfort Enhancing Devices
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗GENERAL MOTORS: DIAGNOSTIC INFORMATION FOR INTERMITTENT RESTRAINTS, AIR BAG (SIR) INDICATOR/LAMP ON WITH DTC(S) B0012, B0013, B0016, B0016, B0019, B0020, B0022, B0023, B0026, B0033, B0040, B0042 OR B0044 SET. THIS MAY BE CAUSED BY A LOOSE, MISSING, OR BROKEN CONNECTOR POSITION ASSURANCE (CPA) RETAINER AT THE AIR BAG FOR THE SET DTC. INCLUDES TRAILBLAZER EXT. UPDATED 8/16/10. UPDATED 3/12/12.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗AIR BAG INDICATOR LIGHT IS ON. UPDATED ON 12/13/07.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The dominant complaint is the passenger presence sensor misfiring. Owners describe an airbag warning light that stays on constantly or flickers intermittently, with the "airbag OFF" indicator refusing to clear even when an adult is sitting in the front passenger seat. Some say the light vanishes after engine shutdown but returns on restart; others report it never turns off. The sensor appears incapable of detecting occupancy, which defeats the purpose of a presence-based safety system.
GM issued Recall 07174 (NHTSA Campaign 07V344000) to reprogram the seat's electronic control unit—no parts needed. But a pattern emerges: many owners report their VINs fall outside the recall despite exhibiting identical faults. Dealers then charge $60–$99 diagnostic fees and quote $163 to $1,000+ to fix the problem at owner expense. One owner was refused recall work and charged a diagnostic fee; another was quoted $725 parts-and-labor after warranty expired.
Separately, two owners report actual crashes where airbags failed to deploy. One struck a cement wall at 50 mph with zero deployment; another was rear-ended and sustained spinal injuries while airbags stayed stowed. A third owner had side-curtain airbags deploy from a light curb strike at 35 mph, rendering the car undriveable.
The cluster shows a clear reliability gap: the sensor that guards passenger safety is failing en masse, repair coverage is fragmented, and some vehicles with identical symptoms are mysteriously excluded from recall scope.
Same Pontiac Torrent airbags reports on nearby years: 2008
Failure modes owners describe
Passenger Presence Sensor / Seat Occupancy Detection Fault
Passenger airbag warning light illuminates constantly or intermittently, or fails to illuminate when occupied. The sensor fails to detect an adult occupant in the front passenger seat, causing the airbag OFF indicator to remain lit even when the seat is occupied. Prevents proper airbag deployment readiness.
When: Occurs across the vehicle's service life, often within 1–5 years or 40,000–160,000 miles. Some owners report failure shortly after warranty expiration (5 years).
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag warning light illuminates constantly or intermittently; Passenger airbag OFF indicator remains lit when seat is occupied; Airbag fails to turn on when passenger sits down, or turns on/off randomly; Light disappears after engine shut-off but returns on restart; Passenger presence module does not register occupancy
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 07V344000 (related, but many affected VINs excluded)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers report cost of $163–$1,000+ depending on whether reprogramming ECU or full seat replacement is attempted. GM Recall 07174 specifies reprogramming the seat's electronic control unit (ECU) with no parts replacement; however, many VINs fall outside recall scope. Some dealers refuse to perform recall work even when symptoms match, citing VIN exclusion. Full seat replacement sometimes recommended at owner expense.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM issued Recall 07174 (NHTSA Campaign 07V344000) for front passenger sensor control module; however, many affected owners report their VINs are excluded from recall coverage despite identical symptoms. Dealers state vehicles are not included and charge diagnostic fees ($60–$99) to diagnose. Some dealers refused to honor recall repair at no cost even when recall notice matched vehicle VIN. Special warranty coverage mentioned in one case only.
Airbag Failure to Deploy During Crash
Airbags do not deploy upon collision impact despite airbag warning light being illuminated or not. Two owners report rear-end collisions where airbags remained stowed, resulting in personal injury.
When: Occurs during actual crash events; documented at 146,000 miles and 67,000 miles (approximate).
Symptoms owners cite: Airbags do not deploy on impact during rear-end collision at highway/normal speeds; Windshield glazing (fogging) reported; Airbag warning light was illuminated prior to crash; No deployment despite moderate to significant impact
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicles were towed after collision. Dealerships did not diagnose or repair the failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was notified; no response or repair action documented.
Seat Belt Failure During Crash
Seat belt failed to secure during rear-end collision, allowing occupant movement and injury.
When: During crash event at approximately 15,591 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Seat belt did not engage or secure during rear-end impact; Accompanied by airbag non-deployment
Repairs/costs cited: Failure was not diagnosed or repaired at dealership.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was notified; no documented response.
Unintended Side-Curtain Airbag Deployment
Side-curtain airbags deployed during minor curb strike with no structural damage to vehicle, at low speed in normal weather.
When: After minor curb contact at approximately 35–40 mph, approximately 30 feet into road travel.
Symptoms owners cite: Side-curtain airbags deployed without collision; Occupant experienced ringing in ears from airbag explosion; Vehicle became undriveable after unintended deployment; No vehicle damage (no flat tire, bent rims, or body damage)
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle was rendered undriveable; repair costs not specified.
Synthesized from 48 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
Dash indicator for passenger seat airbag, which I believe affects all airbags in this vehicle, 2007 Pontiac torrent, turns on when vehicle is started. I called local dealer and was told the repair was done shortly after it was issued. Regardless of that fact the sensor has failed again and is a serious safety issue. The manufacturer of this sensor ultimately should be responsible for repair or…
Air bag service light illuminated on the dash. Service air bag message appeared in drivers information center. *tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Pontiac torrent. The contact stated that the passenger air bag off warning light was illuminated while the passenger seat was occupied. The contact stated that the light would illuminate intermittently and most recently, the driver side air bag off warning light was illuminated. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign id number: 07v520000 (air bags) but was advised by…
I have a 2007 Pontiac torrent, VIN [xxx], that appears to have an issue with the passenger airbag sensor, symptoms very similar to gm recall # 07174. However, my VIN is not included in the recall. Above date and mileage are approximate, as I don't remember exactly when this issue started to occur. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr
For sometime my vehicle airbags have been showing a warning that they are not working and need to be serviced ,I called Pontiac because after researching this I saw that they had a recall on some of these vehicles but they said mine is not affected by this . Well apparently it is because it isn't working correctly and they don't want to be the one to have it checked ,I have to do it at my…
Had airbags trouble with your 2007 Pontiac Torrent?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the airbags problem on the 2007 Pontiac Torrent?
It's a meaningful issue. 48 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $1,100.
At what mileage does the airbags typically fail?
Across the 37 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most airbags failures cluster between 49,000 and 106,476 miles, with the median around 75,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 49,000; a quarter make it past 106,476. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $1,100 for airbags repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to airbags?
No active recalls currently cover airbags issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2007/Pontiac/Torrent.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.