2002 Pontiac Aztek

Routine

Owners filed 121 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the electrical system. It has been recalled 3 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
65,000 milesMedian miles at failure

85 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,00075,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Suspension › Front › Wheel Bearing13
000
Electrical System11
000
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly7
010
Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner6
000
Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System6
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic5
000
Fuel System, Gasoline5
000
Power Train › Axle Hubs4
000
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hatchback/Liftgate › Lock4
000
Fuel/Propulsion System4
000

3 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage07V349000
Filed Aug 8, 200720,594 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, VARIATIONS IN THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS OR EXPOSURE TO HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURES MAY LEAD TO FRACTURE OF THE FUEL TANK INLET CHECK VALVE (ICV).

Risk. A FRACTURE MAY ALLOW FUEL VAPORS TO PASS THROUGH AND ALLOW DROPLETS OF FUEL TO ACCUMULATE ON THE SIDE OF THE FUEL TANK. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK. THE RECALL WILL BE MAILED IN TWO PHASES WITH THE FIRST PHASE BEGINNING ON DECEMBER 4, 2007. THE SECOND PHASE WILL BE MAILED ON DECEMBER 13, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080; CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668. THE VEHICLE POPULATION INCLUDES BUICK RENDEZVOUS AND PONTIAC AZTEK VEHICLE BUILT IN MAY 2003; CHEVROLET VENTURE AND PONTIAC MONTANA VEHICLES BUILT FROM JUNE THROUGH AUGUST 2002; AND ALL VEHICLES REGISTERED IN NEVADA, ARIZONA, VIRGIN ISLANDS, PUERTO RICO, AND HAWAII.

Fuel System, Other › Storage › Tank Assembly › Pressure Relief Devices07E021000
Filed Mar 12, 2007742 vehiclesDelphi

Defect. CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.

Risk. FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.

Remedy. DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.

Equipment › Other › Owners/Service/Other Manual03V250000
Filed Jul 15, 20031,707,825 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. CERTAIN MINIVANS, PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEM." THE OWNER'S MANUAL DOES NOT EXPLAIN THE MEANING OF THE LOCATION SYMBOLS FOR THE CHILD RESTRAINT LOWER UNIVERSAL ANCHORAGE SYSTEM.

Risk. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.

Remedy. OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A SUPPLEMENT FOR THEIR OWNER'S MANUAL. THIS SUPPLEMENT DESCRIBES AND SHOWS THE LOCATION SYMBOLS FOR THE CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORS THAT ARE LOCATED IN THE VEHICLE AND ON THE CHILD RESTRAINT OR BOOSTER CUSHION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 18, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Service Brakes
Filed Apr 8, 2017SC

AS NOTED IN PREVIOUS STATEMENTS THIS VEHICLE IS DIFFICULTY AT STARTING AND CRANKING AT VARIOUS SITUATION. PLAYING THE RADIO WITH ENGINE OFF, MUST WAIT TEN MINUTES BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO START, THEN IT MAY CRANK OR YOU HAVE TO START OVER. ITS NOT THE RADIO ITS THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER AS DONE IN THE PAST. IT DOESN'T MATTER, STOP, OR MOVING IT HAS DONE ALL YOU MENTION, AND WITH THE LIGHTS OFF AT NIGHT YOU CAN INJURED A PEDESTRIAN OR OURSELVES. THIS CAR WAS RECALL AND IT WAS SAID TO HAVE BEEN FIX BUT HERE WE STUCK HERE FROM 04/07/17 POSSIBLY WILL GET HELP FROM THE NEAREST GMC CAR DEALER ON 04/10/17. KEEP ALL THIS INFORMATION FOR OFFICIAL USED ONLY. THANKS UPDATED 05/17/17*LJ UPDATED 07/25/2017*JS

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Sep 9, 2016139,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 PONTIAC AZTEK. AFTER REFUELING THE VEHICLE, IT WAS NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LOSING FUEL FASTER THAN USUAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL TANK, FUEL PUMP, AND FUEL TANK LINES FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139,000.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jun 2, 2016FL

2002 PONTIAC AZTEK. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO FUEL ODORS AND LEAKS BY THE FUEL TANK INLET. CONSUMERS INTERNET SEARCH FOUND AN EXPIRED RECALL BULLETIN FOR THE SAME ISSUE, REQUESTS ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS. *SMD THE CONSUMER NOTICED THE FUEL SMELL WAS STRONGER AFTER HE FILLED UP. *JB

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Mar 9, 2016120,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 PONTIAC AZTEK. THE CONTACT SMELLED A STRONG FUEL ODOR PRESENT IN THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE WAS PERSISTENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V349000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 120,000. UPDATED 05/06/16*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A FUEL LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE WHENEVER THE IT WAS FILLED. THE CONSUMER WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE AGE OF THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 11/1/2017*JS

Electrical System
Filed Oct 6, 2015180,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 PONTIAC AZTEK. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE ALARM SYSTEM SOUNDED, THE LOCKS OPERATED ON THEIR OWN, AND THE TRUNK OPENED WITHOUT BEING PROMPTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.

Air BagsCrash
Filed May 20, 2014192,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 PONTIAC AZTEK. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT ANY WARNING AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 192,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 199,129. UPDATED 10/7/14*CN

Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Apr 11, 2014PA

THE CAR KEY CAN BE REMOVED AFTER THE CAR HAS BEEN STARTED. THE VEHICLE CAN BE DRIVEN WITHOUT A KEY IN THE IGNITION. *JS

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Sep 23, 2013140,000 milesOH

2002 PONTIAC AZTEK WAS PARKED AND WAS IDLING. SMELLED STRONG ODOR OF FUEL. UPON EXAMINATION, FUEL WAS LEAKING PROFUSELY AROUND THE FILLER TUBE. TRIED TO HAVE IT SEALED BY A CERTIFIED MECHANIC. IT COULD NOT BE REPAIRED. TANK WILL LEAK OUT ANY FUEL QUANTITY OVER 3 US GALLON. IT DOES NOT LEAK WHEN KEPT UNDER THIS QUANTITY OF FUEL.

Service Brakes
Filed Sep 2, 2013251,612 milesMI

IN A HARD STOP IN STOP-AND-GO RUSH HOUR FREEWAY TRAFFIC, A CORRODED STEEL HYDRAULIC BRAKE LINE FAILED. THIS WAS THE LINE FROM THE ABS MODULE TO THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE. AS SUCH IT IMMEDIATELY CAUSED A SUBSTANTIAL LOSS OF BRAKING ABILITY - I WAS IN THE FAR LEFT LANE AND I WAS ABLE TO ABRUPTLY MOVE TO THE LEFT SHOULDER. HAD I BEEN IN ONE OF THE CENTER LANES THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN A CRASH, IT WOULD HAVE BEEN UNAVOIDABLE, THE REAR BRAKES WERE STILL FUNCTIONAL AND I STILL HAD LIMITED BRAKING ABILITY. AT THE POINT THAT THIS LINE ACTUALLY BROKE, IT WAS SPRAYING BRAKE FLUID DIRECTLY ON THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. I AM NOT CERTAIN WHETHER THERE WAS A FIRE, THE MECHANIC SAYS THERE MAY HAVE BEEN. THERE CERTAINLY WAS A LOT OF SMOKE. THE LINE IN QUESTION IS SECURED TO THE FIREWALL AND IS ROUTED CLOSE TO THE EXHAUST AT THAT POINT. IT APPEARS THAT OVER TIME THIS COMBINATION ALLOWS CORROSION TO WEAKEN THE LINE AT THIS PARTICULAR POINT. THE REMAINING LINES ON THIS VEHICLE ARE IN GOOD CONDITION AND I BELIEVE THEY WILL LAST THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE. *JS

Engine
Filed Apr 25, 2013127,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 PONTIAC AZTEK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE OVERHEATING LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHILE SHE DROVE AT 50 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE MECHANIC WHO LOCATED THE FAILURE AT THE HEAD GASKET AND THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 127,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jan 14, 2013172,000 milesMI

TL -THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 PONTIAC AZTEK. THE CONTACT STATED SHE RECEIVED A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL IN 2008. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AFTER SMELLING THE VAPORS OF GASOLINE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL DUE TO THE VEHICLE HAVING MORE MILEAGE THAN WHAT WAS STIPULATED IN THE LETTER. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BASE OF THE FUEL TANK WAS FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 172,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. RVK

Suspension › Rear › Shock Absorber
Filed Jul 24, 201270,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 PONTIAC AZTEC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, HE NOTICED THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY DID NOT FIND ANY FAILURE ON THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 79,000. ..UPDATED 09/04/12 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE FIRST FAILURE WAS JUST OVER A YEAR AGO. THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED TO 40-45, RPMS REACHED 3000-3100. WITH THE VEHICLE STOPPED THE RPMS REACHED 1500-1700. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND WAS REVIEWING THE INFORMATION FROM THE VEHICLE TO SEE IF REPAIRS WERE WARRANTED AND WHETHER GM WOULD ASSIST WITH REPAIRS. UPDATED 09/17/2012 *JS *TR

Wheels
Filed Jul 23, 2012178,000 milesMI

I AM GOING ON MY FIFTH WHEEL BEARING REPLACEMENT ON MY 2002 PONTIAC AZTEK. THERE IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THESE AND GENERAL MOTORS SEEMS TO IGNORE THE ISSUE. HOW MANY TIMES DO I HAVE TO REPLACE THESE SO MY CAR IS SAFE TO DRIVE. I WOULD LIKE SOME COMPENSATION FOR ALL THE TIME AND EXPENSE I HAVE HAD WITH THIS CAR. IT HAS COST ME 300.00 A BEARING, TIMES 5 BEARINGS. WHAT IS GENERAL MOTORS SAYING ABOUT THE PROBLEM? *TR

Electrical System
Filed Mar 1, 2012110,000 milesTX

WILL BE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND HORN STARTS GOING OFF, ALL THE ELECTRICALS FLASH OFF AND ON. WINDOWS, DOOR LOCKS, AND REAR HATCH BECOMES NON OPERATIONAL. ONLY WAY TO STOP IS TO PULL OVER IMMEDIATLY AND SHUT CAR DOWN BUT NOT ALWAYS EFFECTIVE. ALARM WILL GO OFF ALL ON IT'S OWN SPORADICALLY. *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Dec 23, 2010100,000 milesTX

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS 2002 PONTIAC AZTEK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH THE ANTI LOCK BRAKE SERVICE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AS WELL AS THE TRACTION LIGHT. THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT TO STOP WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE ODOMETER ALSO MALFUNCTIONED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR TO BE REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System
Filed Dec 10, 2010111,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 PONTIAC AZTEC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE HEAD GASKET OVERHEATED ON THE VEHICLE. HE NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD OVERHEAT BY THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE RISING ON THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT HE WOULD NEED TO REPLACE THE HEAD GASKET. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 111,000.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 19, 201074,100 milesFL

VEHICLE DASH GOES CRAZY SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT AND CHANGE OIL LIGHT WILL NOT GO OFF. MANY DIAGNOSTIC TESTS NO POPPED CODE NOR BAD FUSES. NOW SECURITY WARNING AND ANTI THEFT TURNS ON MY VEHICLE GOES ON LOCK DOWN NO AC, WINDOWS AND DOORS LOCK DOWN I CAN NOT GET OUT. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWO TIMES. ALSO NEWEST THING IS MY VEHICLE SHUT OF IN MID DRIVE, GOOD THING I WAS IN MY DRIVEWAY OTHERWISE IT COULD HAVE BEEN VERY BAD ACCIDENT. THIS IS A ON AND OFF THING NO WARNING. NOW THREE TIME INCIDENT, BUT 1ST FOR VEHICLE SHUT OFF ENGINE. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage
Filed May 10, 201090,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 PONTIAC AZTEC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN UNUSUALLY STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE EMITTING IN THE FRONT EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE OR LOCATE THE ORIGIN OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR AN UNRELATED REPAIR WHERE THE MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THE FUEL FILLER WAS FRACTURED AND LEAKING GASOLINE. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THERE WERE RECALLS ON HER YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL VEHICLE FOR THE IDENTICAL FAILURE (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 07V349000: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE STORAGE); HOWEVER, THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 165,577.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Sep 17, 200960,000 milesTX

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 PONTIAC AZTEK. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS EXAMINING HIS VEHICLE, HE NOTICED THAT THERE WAS FUEL IN THE GARAGE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER AND THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT HE ALSO SMELLED FUEL WHEN HE DROVE THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 60,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jan 15, 200967,000 milesOH

DROVE TO WORK NO PROBLEMS, WENT TO START UP TO GO HOME 8 HOURS LATER AND GOT NOTHING . TOWED HOME AND REPLACE THE STARTER AND RECHARGE BATTERY(DEAD AFTER TRYING TO START IT) STARTED WITH A VERY LOUD KNOCK SOUND FROM WHAT I THINK IS THE TOP END , TOOK IT TO DEALER WHERE BOUGHT IT 28 EARLIER FROM AND THEY SAI DMOTOR WAS SHOT. HOW CAN THIS BE WITH NO ENGINE LIGHT EVER COMING ON , NO OVER HEATING .I HAVE BEEN PAYING A YEAR NOW ON A AUTO I DROVE FOR ONLY 28 DAYS PLEASE HELP ...WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT OR WHAT CAN I DO TO GET IT FIXED WITHOUT COSTING A BUNDLE (DON'T HAVE ALOT CAUSE I HAVE TO MAKE PAYMENT ON MY "LEMON". *TR

20 of 121 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2001
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
200534100Routine
200467400Routine
2003128460Routine
2002 — this page121310Routine
2001216660Above average

Compare every Aztek year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Aug 8, 2007. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.