Page 2 of 3 · complaints 51–100 of 121

2002 Pontiac Aztek complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 2002 record →

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly › Filler Pipe and Cap
Filed Sep 18, 200689,625 milesCA

GAS TANK IS LEAKING AT CONNECTOR TO FUEL FILLER HOSE. ENTIRE GAS TANK MUST BE REPLACED. THERE HAS BEEN A HISTORY OF THE GAS TANK MAKING POPPING NOISES. *JB

Electrical System
Filed Sep 7, 200661,000 milesNC

SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT ON. TAKEN TO PONTIAC DEALERSHIP, TOLD IT WAS THE ECM (ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE) HAD GONE BAD. THE ECM WIRING HARNESS PLUGS INTO A RECEPTACLE ON THE UNDER CARRIAGE OF THE CAR (ON DRIVERS SIDE, IN BETWEEN THE FRONT AND REAR SEATS), WHICH IS EXPOSED TO THE WEATHER ELEMENTS AND ROAD DEBRIS. CORROSION CAUSED THE MALFUNCTION. NO REPAIR AVAILABLE. $934 REPAIR COST TO FIX/REPLACE ENTIRE ECM HARNESS. I WENT TO THE AZTEK OWNERS WEBSITE AND SAW SEVERAL HUNDRED COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS SAME ITEM. SOME COMPLAINTS WERE ABOUT THE ECM AND THE BCM (BODY CONTROL MODULE). ECM SUPPOSEDLY CONTROLS ALL THE ELECTRONICS WITH THE BRAIN/COMPUTER OF THE VEHICLE. SINCE A CAR CANNOT BE INSPECTED WITH A SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT ON, I WAS FORCED TO HAVE IT REPAIRED$$. TWO DAYS LATER, THE AWD DISABLE LIGHT HAS COME ON. THE REPAIR AGENCY STATED THE DIAGNOSTIC REVEALS THAT THE AWD IS FULLY OPERATIONAL, AND NO WAY TO RESET THE AWD LIGHT! ALSO, THE AWD DISABLE LIGHT IS NOT AN EXTENSION OF THE RECENTLY REPAIRED ECM (ACCORDING TO THE REPAIR FACILITY), IRONICALLY, THE ECM DEALS WITH ALL ELECTRONICS!! MAYBE I NEED A GOOD LAWYER? THE CAR PERFORMS ADEQUATELY, BUT IF I WANT TO TRADE IT OR SELL IT SOME DAY, I AM GOING TO TAKE A "HIT" DUE TO THE AWD LIGHT BEING ON. YOUR WEBSITE SHOWS NO OTHER RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE. I HOPE THIS INFORMATION I TYPE DOES SOME GOOD SOMEDAY. *ADDITIONAL NOTE: VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AT DEALERSHIP, BUT WAS REPAIRED BY CERTIFIED REPAIR SHOP FOR $825. *NM

Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner
Filed Sep 1, 2006MI

THE AIR CONDITIONER CONDENSER HAD TO REPLACED AFTER IT CORRODED AND BEGAN TO LEAK COOLANT AT 47K MILES. MECHANIC INDICATED THAT THIS WAS THE SECOND REPAIR THIS WEEK COMPLETED ON THIS GM ENGINE TYPE. HE HAS DONE DOZENS OF SIMILAR REPAIRS. *NM

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System
Filed Sep 1, 2006MI

THE INTAKE MANIFOLD DEVELOPED A LEAK. SERVICE TECH INDICATED THAT THIS WAS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM IN THIS TYPE OF GM ENGINE. HE HAS DONE DOZENS OF SIMILAR REPAIRS. THE LOCAL DEALER ALSO UNDERVALUED MY CAR'S TRADE-IN VALUE WITHOUT KNOWING THERE WAS A LEAK. IT WAS NOT VISIBLE. THEY INDICATED THAT "JUST BASED ON THE ENGINE I'LL ALMOST CERTAINLY HAVE TO REPLACE THE MANIFOLD GASKET." THE SALES REP SAID THIS WAS STANDARD BECAUSE OF ALL THE FAILURES THEY'VE SEEN. *NM

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
Filed Aug 23, 200683,000 milesNM

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED AFTER SMELLING GASOLINE AND NOTICING A LEAK ON THE DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO DETERMINED THERE WAS A FUEL LEAK IN THE GAS INLET VALVE.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Jul 26, 20069,100 milesTX

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED FOR SIX MONTHS THE SMELL OF GAS WAS PRESENT IN THE VEHICLE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY, A GAS LEAK WAS OBSERVED. THE DEALER DETERMINED A CRACK IN THE NECK OF THE FUEL TANK CREATED THE PROBLEM.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 26, 200671,100 milesIL

PROBLEM STARTED AFTER DEALER REPAIR & REPLACEMENT OF A/C COMPRESSOR AND CONDENSER, LOWER INTAKE GASKET LEAK, & FUEL PUMP REPLACEMENT. THE DAY AFTER THESE REPAIRS BATTERY WAS FOUND TO BE COMPLETELY DEAD. AFTER BATTERY RECHARGE, APPROX. A WEEK OR TWO LATER ON SWITCHING FROM BRIGHT TO DIMS ALL LIGHTS AND ACCESSORIES WENT OFF INCLUDING HEADLIGHTS & DASH LIGHTS WITHIN A FEW SECONDS ALL CAME BACK ON AND INSTRUMENT CLUSTER ID LIGHTS AS IF IGNITION WAS TURNED OFF AND BACK ON AGAIN ALTHOUGH ENGINE REMAINED RUNNING. SINCE THEN WE HAVE BEEN TO DEALER 3 TIMES FOR THIS REPAIR SINCE JUNE 6, 2006 AND HAVE TO RETURN FOR YET A FOURTH TIME AS IT IS STILL AN ONGOING PROBLEM. DEALER HAS REPLACED AN IGNITION SWITCH, MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH AND MAIN MODULE. SINCE THIS HAPPENS AT RANDOM THEY SAY THEY ARE HAVING PROBLEMS TRACKING THE PROBLEM. *NM

Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner
Filed Jul 14, 2006MI

2002 PONTIAC AZTEK A/C CONDENSER HAD A LEAK AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *TS ***NAR*** *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System
Filed Jul 6, 2006MI

2002 PONTIAC AZTEC - 55,000 MILES. INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET LEAK FOUND TODAY BY LOCAL OIL CHANGE SHOP. OIL RESIDUE LEAKING INTO COOLANT SYSTEM (RESIDUE ON INSIDE OF RADIATOR CAP). SAME PROBLEM THAT CANADIAN RESIDENTS ARE CURRENTLY SUBMITTING CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT FOR. REPAIR ESTIMATE $900 - $1,100 FOR GM'S ENGINEERING OVERSIGHT! *NM

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Apr 4, 200667,000 milesIL

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH THE DRIVER SIDE HEADLIGHT FLEW OFF WITHOUT PRIOR INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE HEADLIGHT WAS REPLACED.

Steering › Column
Filed Feb 21, 200688,000 milesIL

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRYING TO START THE VEHICLE THE IGNITION WOULD NOT TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DISCOVERED THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN WAS BROKEN. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPAIRED. UPDATED 04/06/06. *JB

Suspension › Front › Wheel Bearing
Filed Feb 13, 200638,000 milesIL

AT 38,000 MILES THE FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS HAD TO BE REPLACED. WHEN LOOKING AT THIS SITE THIS APPEARS TO BE SOMETHING TO COMMON. AT WHAT POINT DOES NHTSA LOOK AT THE COMPLAINTS AND TRULY MAKE A DEFECT INVESTIGATION? IN SEEING THIS COMMON PROBLEM ON THIS VEHICLE MADE BY NUMEROUS PEOPLE I AM CONCERNED IF MY TIME HERE IS FOR VENTING OR TO CAUSE ACTION TO BEGIN. *JB

SeatsCrash1 injured
Filed Dec 30, 200578,493 milesMI

I WAS STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC SIGNAL BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE. I WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH. I WAS WEARING MY SEAT BELT. *NM THE BACK OF THE DRIVERS SEAT FAILED, CAUSING ME TO FALL BACKWARD AND HIT MY KNEES ON THE PLASTIC PANELS ON THE UNDERSIDE OF THE STEERING COLUMN. WHEN I HIT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME, SINCE THE SEAT BELT WAS NOW SLACK, THE INERTIA LOCKS WERE RENDERED INEFFECTIVE AND I HIT THE STEERING WHEEL, CAUSING INJURIES TO MY CHEST AND FOREARMS. I SUPPOSE I SHOULD BE HAPPY THAT I WAS NOT SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED, BUT THE FAILURE OF THE SEAT BACK CAUSED UNNECESSARY INJURIES. I HAVE PICTURES IF YOU ARE INTERESTED.

Suspension › Front › Hub
Filed Dec 19, 200536,000 milesPA

DT: THE CONTACT STATED VEHICLE BEGAN TO MAKE A STRANGE NOISE. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALERSHIP, AND THEY DISCOVERED THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE DRIVER'S SIDE HUB AND WHEEL BEARING. THEY WERE REPAIRED BY THE DEALER. AFTERWARDS, THE VEHICLE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE. THE REPAIRS WERE MADE AGAIN BY THE DEALER UNDER AN EXTENDED WARRANTY. CURRENTLY, THE PROBLEM RECURRED, BUT NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System
Filed Dec 12, 2005OH

MY PONTIAC AZTEC USES THE DEXCOOL ORANGE COOLANT AND HAS 60,000 MILES. I NOTICED THAT THE TEMPERATURE OF THE VEHICLE HAS BECOME ERRATIC AND BEGAN TO RESEARCH THE ISSUE I READ AN ARTICLE STATING THAT THE COOLANT BECOME BROWN AND TURNS TO SLUDGE IN THE RADIATOR AFTER FURTHER INSPECTION I HAVE FOUND THAT THIS IS THE CASE WITH MY 2002 AZTEC. THIS IS KNOWN TO CAUSE BLOWN HEAD GASKETS AND ENGINE DAMAGE. *JB

Suspension
Filed Nov 7, 200565,000 milesSC

KNOCKING NOISE UNDER DRIVER SIDE TIRE OF A 2002 PONITAC AZTEK. TWO DIFFERENT GMC DEALERSHIPS LOOKED AT MY CAR AND THIS PROBLEM. TWO DIFFERENT SOLUTIONS WERE ATTEMPTED BUT THE PROBLEM STILL OCCURS. *JB

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Oct 26, 200546,840 milesTX

PURCHASED 2002 PONTIAC AZTEK AS OF 10/08/2005 FROM SATURN OF ARLINGTON, TEXAS, PRE-OWNED VEHICLE SALES DEPT. PROBLEM DEVELOPED DURING APPLICATION OF BRAKES FOLLOWING ACCELERATION OF ALL SPEEDS; RESULTS IN MYSTERIOUS CLATTER DURING ENGAGEMENT OF BRAKING SYSTEM SEEMINGLY ORIGINATING FROM RIGHT-REAR OF VEHICLE. SAFETY ISSUE RESULTS FROM LACK OF DEFINITIVE DETERMINATION OF COMPLETE OPERATION/ENGAGEMENT OF ABS OR IF ISSUE PERTAINS TO OTHER MECHANICAL DEFECT OF SUSPENSION/WHEEL ASSEMBLY/CV JOINTS, ETC. DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPT. DETERMINED ISSUE TO BE CLIP OF RIGHT-REAR BRAKE; PART REPLACED AS OF 10/14/2005; ISSUE NOT RESOLVED. DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPT. RE-DETERMINED ISSUE TO BE BAD BUSHING (REFERENCE: 01-03 PONTIAC AZTEC AND BUICK RENDEZVOUS AWS B VAN LOOSE LUMBER/CLUNK NOISE FROM REAR SUSPENSION - KW ACCELERATE ARM BUMP BUSHING CONTROL LOOSE RATTLE STOP WEAR #PIC3065 - (JUL 22, 2004) OF RIGHT-REAR BRAKE; PART REPLACED AS OF 10/17/2004; ISSUE NOT RESOLVED. DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPT. RE-DETERMINED ISSUE TO BE BAD BRAKE PAD OF RIGHT-REAR BRAKE; PART REPLACED 10/25/2005; ISSUE NOT RESOLVED. ON EACH OCCASION THE DEALERSHIP HAS CLAIMED COMPLETE SUCCESS WITH EACH REPAIR, HOWEVER THE SAME ISSUE ARISES AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES OF VEHICLE OPERATION (BRAKE APPLICATION FOLLOWING ACCELERATION). FINAL VISIT TO DEALERSHIP RESULTED IN RECEIPT OF SERVICE INVOICE FOR WORK COMPLETED (SERVICE ORDER NUMBER 272497). TO INQUIRE INTO THE STATUS OF OLD PARTS, POC: DANIEL MEZA, SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE, (818) 557-6

Power Train
Filed Oct 1, 200541,431 milesFL

ON AUGUST 16, 2004 I PURCHASED A 2002 PONTIAC AZTEK FROM PINES PONTIAC BUICK IN PEMBROKE PINES FLORIDA, ONE REASON FOR THIS PURCHASE WAS THE CERTIFIED USE CAR STICKER AND WHAT IT MEANT. WITHIN A FEW DAYS I WENT BACK TO THE DEALER WITH A COMPLAINT OF (1) THE REAR END SOUNDS LIKE IT WAS FALLING OFF THE VEHICLE ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU DROVE OVER EXPANSION JOINTS OR ANY THING IN THE ROAD OVER A 1/2".THE DEALERSHIP CLAIMED THAT THEIR WAS A TSB TO REPLACE THE BALL JOINT ON THE REAR WHEEL, I STILL HAVE THE PROBLEM TODAY. BUT OF MUCH SERIOUS CONCERN IS THE FACT THAT MY VEHICLE IS A VERATRAK ALL WHEEL DRIVE, WHICH WAS MAKING A MOANING NOISE WITH EVERY TURN LEFT, OR RIGHT. THE CAR WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER SHIP NUMEROUS TIMES TO NO AVAIL THIS WAS DONE A FEW TIMES DURING THE SO CALLED WARRANTY PERIOD AND MANY TIMES AFTER THAT. TO THIS DAY THE NOISE HAVE GOTTEN SO BAD THAT IT APPEARS ON ACCELERATION WHEN I TURN INTO MY DRIVE WAY,ANY LEFT OR RIGHT TURN. AT THIS POINT THE DEALER TOLD ME I AM OUT OF LUCK AND THERE IS NOTHING THAT THEY CAN DO ABOUT IT. I AM VERY AFRAID THAT SOON THE REAR END WILL LEAVE ME STRANDED AND THE DEALER HAVE LEFT ME HOLDING THE BAG ON WHAT COULD BE A COSTLY REPAIR TO ME I WOULD APPRECIATE SOMEONE LOOKING INTO THIS COMPLAINT AND SEE IF ANY OTHER OWNERS OF LIKE VEHICLE HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM,THANK YOU. *JB UPDATED 12/7/2005. *NM

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Sep 14, 200566,500 milesNY

DT: THE CALLER SAID ENGINE SERVICE LIGHT WAS ON. WHEN SHE TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, THEY SAID THEY FIXED IT. THE CALLER SAID AFTER PICKING UP THE VEHICLE THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT WAS MISSING. THE DEALER SAID IT WAS STOLEN. THE CALLER SAID THE VEHICLE WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION. MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED YET.*AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System
Filed Sep 6, 2005IL

THE AIR COMPRESSOR WENT OUT ON THIS VEHICLE WITH 32,000 MILES AND AT APPROX. THE 38 MONTH OF OWNERSHIP. GM HAS TSB'S THAT TALK ABOUT THIS PROBLEM BUT WHEN YOUR OVER THE WARRANTY PERIOD TSB'S DON'T FIX THINGS TOTALLY. GM AGREED TO REPLACE THE PART BUT LEFT THE LABOR BILL FOR THE ME TO PAY. THIS PART IS DEFECTIVE AND SHOULD BE DOCUMENTED HERE BY MORE OWNERS INSTEAD OF AZTEK.COM SITES. THE OLD PART HAS BEEN REPLACED AND IS NOT AVAILABLE. *NM

Suspension › Front › Wheel Bearing
Filed Aug 2, 200520,000 milesNY

5/04 CONDENSER REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY 7/05 CONDENSER AGAIN RIPPED NOT UNDER WARRANTY 5 TIMES MY HUB WAS REPLACED THAT HOLDS THE BEARINGS IN THE WHEELS. *NM

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Aug 1, 2005FL

THE HEADLIGHTS HAVE SUDDENLY STOPPED WORKING WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL TILT IS IN THE LOWEST 2 POSITIONS. I CALLED GM TO SEE IF THERE WAS A SERVICE ADVISORY FOR THIS AND THEY SAID NO. THEY ADVISED I TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR DIAGNOSIS WHICH WILL COST AT LEAST $90. *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
Filed Jun 24, 200556,776 milesKY

DT: THE VEHICLE WAS OVERHEATING TO THE POINT TO WHERE CONSUMER ACTUALLY HAD TO PULL OFF THE ROAD. THE DEALER TOLD HER THAT THERE WAS A INTERNAL LEAK IN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET. SHE HAS DONE RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT THIS IS WAS COMMON PROBLEM FOR THE TYPE OF ENGINE AND MODEL THAT SHE OWNED. ALSO, WHILE DOING RESEARCH SHE LEARNED THAT THIS PROBLEM WAS OCCURRING BETWEEN 60,000-80,000 MILES. SHE FOUND TWO WEBSITES WITH COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER AZTEK OWNERS.*AK IN ADDITION, WHEN COMING TO A STOP, THE HEAT STOPPED COMING FROM THE DASH VENTS. DEALERSHIP PURGED AN AIR POCKET FOUND IN THE COOLING SYSTEM. THE CONSUMER AND MANUFACTURER WAS ABLE TO COME TO SOME SORT OF COMPROMISE REGARDING THE COST OF REPLACING THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET.*TT *SB

Steering › Linkages › Knuckle › Spindle › Arm
Filed Jun 20, 200548,000 milesMI

THE PROBLEM WAS WITH THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR KNUCKLE ON THE 2002 AZTEC. THE CONSUMER HEARD CLUNKING COMING FROM REAR WHEN HITTING BUMPS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO ADVISED THE CONSUMER THAT THERE WAS A BUSHING FAILURE. THIS CAUSED A FORWARD/BACKWARD MOVEMENT OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR TIRE 1 1/2-3 INCHES. AFTER FURTHER DISCUSSION, THE DEALER WOULD NOT COOPERATE IN THE PURCHASE OF THE PART/LABOR. THE PROBLEM IS PROGRESSIVE. THE VEHICLE IS REGULARLY MAINTAINED AND SERVICE RECORDS ARE AVAILABLE. *AK *SC *JB

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Jun 9, 200527,000 milesNJ

DT: CONSUMER SAYS BODY MODULE HAS BLOWN THREE TIMES ON VEHICLE. CONSUMER WAS ON PARKWAY WHEN BODY MODULE BLEW OUT, AND VEHICLE AND EVERYTHING ON CAR SHUT DOWN. ENGINE STOPPED, ALL LIGHTS STARTED BLINKING, THE HATCH POPPED. THE BODY MODULE BLEW AT 7000 MILES/AT 17000 MILES, AND AGAIN AT 27000 MILES. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER THREE TIMES AND BODY MODULE WAS REPLACED. FIRST TWO TIMES MODULE BLEW WAS AT NIGHT, THE THIRD WAS DURING THE DAY. ALSO, CONSUMER SAYS THAT SHE IS HAVING PROBLEM WITH FUEL TANK POPPING. TANK IS CONTRACTING OR EXPANDING, AND NOTHING IS RELIEVING THE PRESSURE SLOWLY. SO WHEN THE PRESSURE CHANGES QUICKLY IT CAUSED NOISE. CONSUMER SAYS THIS IS DANGEROUS AND CAN CAUSE AN EXPLOSION. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
Filed May 16, 200556,776 milesKY

MY VEHICLE HAS REPEATEDLY OVER HEATED SO THAT I HAVE TO PULL OVER ON THE INTERSTATE, AFTER HAVING THE THERMOSTAT REPLACED, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO OVER HEAT SO THEREFORE I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE PURCHASE. I WAS TOLD I HAVE A LEAK IN THE MANIFOLD GASGET. WHILE ONLINE RESEARCHING THIS PROBLEM I CAME UPON A WEBSITE THAT INDICATED THAT A LEAKING MANIFOLD GASGET IS A COMMOM PROBLEM WITH MY TYPE OF VEHICLE ALONG WITH OTHER TYPES MADE BY GM

Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner
Filed May 9, 2005103,115 milesAR

DT: THE RIGHT AIR CONDITIONER CONDENSOR, NEAR THE BOTTOM, IS CRACKED ALONG THE BOTTOM. TOOK TO THE DEALER AND HE HAS SEEN OTHER ONES SIMILAR ON THE AZTEC AND THE MONTERO.*AK

Service Brakes, Air › Antilock › Abs Warning Light
Filed May 9, 200574,200 milesLA

ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM FAILS AT LOW SPEEDS AND STOPING DISTANCE IS LONGER THAN WHEN OPERATING. NO ACCIDENT YET AND AFTER 2 REPAIR ATTEMPTS ITS GETTING WORSE

Power Train › Axle Hubs
Filed Apr 27, 200550,000 milesIN

RIGHT FRONT HUB FAILURE. HAD TO BE REPLACED BY DEALER AS NON WARRANTY, VEHICLE STARTED MAKING LOUD WHINNING NOISES THAT WOULD GO UP AND DOWN WHEN CAR WAS GOING OVER 25 MPH. DEALER SAID THIS WAS COMMON FOR THIS CAR. *AK

Suspension › Front › Wheel Bearing
Filed Mar 30, 200550,000 milesNY

TWO WHEEL BEARINGS HAVE FAILED ON MY 2002 PONTIAC AZTEK BEFORE 50,000 MILES. FORTUNATELY I RECOGNIZED THE NOISE BEFORE ANYTHING TRAGIC HAPPENED. PONTIAC REPLACED THE FIRST ONE UNDER WARRANTY, BUT DECLINED TO OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE WITH THE BEARING NOT UNDER WARRANTY. HOW OFTEN WILL THESE GO BAD AND SHOULD I TRUST THEM?*AK

Suspension › Front › Wheel Bearing
Filed Mar 22, 200545,000 milesMI

2002 PONTIAC AZTEK FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS BAD AT 45,000 MILES THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT, BUT WE DO FEEL THIS IS A PRODUCT DEFECT. WE DO HAVE THE OLD PART BUT COULD NOT GET THEM REPLACED

Suspension › Front › Wheel Bearing
Filed Feb 20, 200520,000 milesMI

HAD TO REPLACE 5 WHEEL BEARINGS AC CONDENSERS REAR LATCH DOES NOT UNLATCH AT TIMES DEALER SAID THEY PUT ON A STRONGER SPRING STILL ONLY WORKS HALF THE TIME. TRANSMISSION WENT OUT AT 70,000 DRIVER DOOR GETS OUT OF LINE BECAUSE OF HINGE BENDING. *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Feb 7, 2005DC

2002 AZTEK FRONT LEFT WHEEL BEARING AND CUPS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, A COOLANT LEAK DEVELOPED, REPLACED INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET AND THE ENGINE OIL LIGHT WOULD NOT TURN OFF DUE TO BROKE WIRE UNDER AIR CLEANER BOX .***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR THE REAR SPOILER REDUCES VISIBILITY THROUGH THE REAR WINDOW AND POWER DOOR SWITCH DOES NOT UNLOCK THE REAR DOOR LATCH, HAD TO BE UNLOCKED USING THE KEY. *NM

Power Train › Axle Hubs
Filed Jan 27, 2005MI

FRONT LEFT BEARING & HUB ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT AT 31,277 MILES. FRONT RIGHT BEARING & HUB ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT AT 49,482 MILES. REPLACE LEAKING HEAD GASKET AT 39,931 MILES. *AK THIS CAR IS ALSO ON IT'S 3RD SET OF TIRES I'M NOT GETTING ANY REASONS WHY ON THIS EITHER - THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT THE CAR TOLD ME "TIRES ARE LIKE BRAKES-SOME JUST WEAR OUT FASTER THAN OTHERS." I DON'T KNOW IF THE HUB PROBLEMS ADDED TO THE TIRE WEAR OR NOT - THE WHEEL ACTUALLY WOBBLED ON THE CAR BEFORE IT WAS REPAIRED. 1ST SET REPLACED AT ABOUT 20,000 MILES. 2ND SET REPLACED AT ABOUT 28,000 MILES. I HAVE CALLED PONTIAC SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE LAST 2 YEARS ABOUT CAR REPAIRES & TIRE WEAR. I WAS TOLD THESE THINGS ARE JUST MAINTENANCE! I CONSIDERED THE BRAKE JOB AT 39,931 MILES MAINTENANCE BUT NOT HUBS & A HEAD GASKET. ALSO, I HAVE HAD THE CAR IN FOR HEATING PROBLEMS. IN VERY COLD WEATHER, YOU NEED THE BLOWER ON HIGH & THE HEAT SETTING ON HIGH - EVEN THEN, YOU ARE STILL COLD. THERE IS ALOT OF OUTSIDE AIR COMING IN THE FRONT OF THE CAR (NOT SEALED VERY WELL)

Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner
Filed Nov 18, 200445,000 milesFL

MY A/C CONDENSER COIL HAS A LEAK. THE A/C UNIT WHEN OUT AT 45000 MILE. I CALL G.M. THEY SAID THEY HAD NO COMPLAINTS ON THE A/C UNIT. THEY WILL NOT REPAIR THIS A/C CONDENSER BECAUSE IT ISN'T A SAFETY ISSUE. THIS IS BAD BUSSINESS FOR A TRUCK THAT IS ONLY TWO YEAR OLD. THIS A 2002 ATZEK. I CALL THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND TALKED TO A SERVICE TECH. HE TOLD ME THAT THEY ALREADY HAD SERVEL PONTIAC AZTEK IN FOR A/C REPAIR WORK ON THE CONDENSER COILS.*AK

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Nov 6, 200447,000 milesNC

THE FAILURE WAS THE COOLING SYSTEM. KEEP IN MIND I TAKE GOOD CARE OF MY CARS. ALL OF A SUDDEN IT GOT HOT WITH NO WARNING SIGNS. AFTER ONLY 47000 MILES, MY PONTIAC STARTED TO LEAK COOLANT FROM EVERYWHERE. SO I TOOK IT TO A PONTIAC DEALER WERE THEY SEEN I NEEDED A NEW THERMOSTAT, WATER PUMP,AND UPPER AND LOWER INTAKE GASKETS AND SEALS. AFTER IT WAS ALL SAID AND DONE. I HAD TO PAY 1,200 DOLLARS ! *JB

Power Train › Axle Hubs
Filed Sep 27, 200439,450 milesTN

THE RIGHT REAR HUB ASSEMBLY WAS DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE DID NOT BRAKE AFFECTIVELY. WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES IT CONTINUED ON. . THIS WAS DISCOVERED WHILE HAVING THE TIRES REPLACED ,THE BRAKES AND HUB ASSEMBLY WERE EXAMINED. *AK

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Aug 30, 200438,886 milesTX

THE FUEL INLET HAD A CRACK. AS A RESULT, EXCESSIVE FUEL LEAKED ONTO THE GROUND. *AK WITH NO WARNING, THE WELD BETWEEN THE FUEL TANK INLET CHECK VALVE AND THE FUEL TANK FAILED. PART# 10323136 SERIAL# 116864 BUILD DATE 6/2/02. *SC 8JB

Suspension › Front › Hub
Filed Jun 29, 200430,000 milesOH

FRONT END MAKES A HUMMING NOISE WHILE DRIVING. THE NOISE BECOMES LOUDER WHEN TURNING. DEALERSHIP INDICATED THAT THE RIGHT HUB WAS DEFECTIVE, AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE PART WAS REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. ALSO, LEFT HUB WAS SHOWING SAME SIGNS OF FAILURE. *AK

Suspension › Front › Wheel Bearing
Filed May 15, 2004OH

MY CAR HAS 36,700 MILES ON IT AND I'VE NOTICED AN INCREASE IN DRIVING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE CAR. WHEN I TOOK IT IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE I WAS TOLD THAT THE BEARINGS REQUIRE REPLACEMENT. I WAS THEN INFORMED THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH ALL AZTEKS. THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN EVEN SHOWED ME SOME SERVICE RECORDS OF OTHER WHO HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. *AK

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hatchback/Liftgate › Lock
Filed Apr 27, 2004PA

I HAVE TAKEN MY 2002 AZTEK TO THE DEALER REPAIR SHOP 6 TIMES WITH COMPLAINTS THAT THE REAR LIFTGATE/HATCH RELEASE MECHANISM DOES NOT ALWAYS WORK WITH THE REMOTE AND INTERIOR RELEASE BUTTONS, AND THAT IT IS ESPECIALLY WORSE IN COLDER WEATHER. REPEATED ATTEMPTS TO OPEN IT HAVE TO BE MADE. THE FIRST 3 COMPLAINTS RESULTED IN 3 SEPARATELY-DATED REPAIRS DURING THE FIRST WARRANTY YEAR, BUT THE PROBLEM CONTINUES. A DEALER SERVICE AGENT INFORMED ME ON APRIL 27, 2004 THAT A SERVICE BULLETIN BY PONTIAC IS OUT BUT HE DID NOT KNOW THE DETAILS YET AND NEITHER DO I. I WILL FOLLOW-UP WITH THAT INFORMATION WITHOUT ANY ASSURANCE.*AK

Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner
Filed Apr 21, 200481,500 milesOH

AIR CONDITIONING CONDENSOR LEAKING, ON OUR 2002 PONTIAC AZTEK, HEARD FROM REPAIR SHOP THAT THIS IS THE 4TH ONE SO FAR THIS WEEK WONDERED IF WE CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP. *AK

Electrical System
Filed Apr 14, 2004VA

CAN NOT REMEMBER SPECIFIC DATE 1.THE CHANGE THE OIL LAMP CAME ON AND VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP TO CHANGE OIL. SHORTLY THEREAFTER WE NOTICED THE CHANGE THE OIL LAMP WOULD COME ON. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO HALL IN HAMPTON ROADS AND THE LAMP WAS TURNED OFF BUT THE ORIGINAL CHIMING FOR SIGNALING THE DOOR IS LOCKING CEASED. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO FIX THIS ERROR WE WERE INFORMED THAT PONTIAC TECHNICIANS COULD NOT FIX AND COULD NOT GIVE ANY REASON FOR THIS CHANGE. 2.A PORTABLE DVD PLAYER WAS HOOKED UP TO THE VEHICLE FROM THE PLUG IN LOCATED BETWEEN THE TWO FRONT SEATS AND THE TAPE ATTACHMENT WAS INSERTED INTO THE TAPE DECK. THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING FOR ABOUT 1 TO 1.5 HOURS WITH THE PORTABLE DVD PLAYER WHEN AN ERROR CODE AND SECURITY CODE CAME ON. THE DEVICE WAS IMMEDIATELY DISCONNECTED FROM THE VEHICLE. THEREAFTER THE VEHICLE WHEN TURNED OFF THE RADIO WOULD TURN ON BY ITSELF WITH OUT KEY IN IGNITION, THE GAGES ALTHOUGH ON FULL AND VEHICLE RUNNING WOULD NOT MOVE, AIRBAG ICON WOULD BLINK AND CHIMING WAS DIM. UPON TAKING VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP IT WAS FOUND THAT THE BODY CONTROL MODULE WENT BAD WITH NO FURTHER EXPLANATION. 3.ONE WEEK AFTER GETTING VEHICLE FROM NUMBER 2 ABOVE THE VEHICLES BATTERY WORKED BUT WOULD NOT TURN OVER AND THE PLUG IN LOCATED IN NUMBER 2 ABOVE WERE NOT WORKING. IT WAS FOUND THAT THE POWER TRAN CONTROL MODULE AND FUEL SENSOR NEEDED REPLACING AND THAT A SWITCH IN THE CONSOLE AREA FROM NUMBER 2 ABOVE NEEDED FIXING.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Apr 3, 200416,473 milesNM

MY REAR BRAKES HAD TO BE CHANGED THE FIRST TIME AT 13,590 MILES AND I WAS TOLD IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER MY WARRANTY MY BRAKES THEN HAD TO BE REPLACED ON THE REAR AGAIN AT 16,473 AND SINCE THEN MY BRAKES HAVE BEEN PADS AND ROTORS AND BRAKES HAVE BEEN LIKE CHANGING OIL EVERY THREE THOUSAND MILES . I HAVE ALSO HAD TO HAVE MY BODY CONTROL MODULE REPLACED MY SECURITY CONTROL MODULE AND MY RADIO ,FUEL SENSOR AND WINDSHIELD WIPER SENSOR AND BRAKES AGAIN I CURRENTLY HAVE A COMPRESSOR THAT NEEDS REPLACEMENT AND A AIR CONDITIONER AND HEATER THAT ARE NO LONGER WORKING I HAVE CALLED THE BBB AUTO LINE AND FILED TWO COMPLAINTS WITH THEM AND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS TO MY DEALER AND GM I HAVE BEEN OFFERED FREE OIL CHANGES AND TIRE ROTATIONS AND EXTENDED WARRANTY ON A CAR THAT IS AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN .MY HATCH DOES NOT WORK CORRECTLY I HAVE THE TICKING NOISE IN MY ENGINE AND MY DASH BOARD LIGHTS ARE ON OR OFF DEPENDING ON THE MOMENT . I AM AMAZED AT HOW MANY OF THESE VEHICLES AND THERE DEALERS SAY THEY WILL REPAIR AND FIX THE PROBLEM THEN THE MOMENT IT IS OUT OF THE SHOP IT IS THERE AGAIN . I THINK IT WILL TAKE A TRAGIC ACCIDENT FOR PONTIAC OR GM TO REALIZE THAT THESE VEHICLES ARE VERY DANGEROUS TO THE FAMILY'S WHO OWN THEM I HAVE TO SMALL CHILDREN AND THIS IS MY TRANSPORTATION I WOULD HOPE IT WOULD NOT HAVE TO TAKE A HORRIBLE ACCIDENT BEFORE PEOPLE LISTEN TO WHAT WE HAVE TO SAY . I AM VERY CONCERNED FOR THE SAFETY OF MY SELF AND MY CHILDREN AND ANYONE WHO OWNS ONE OF THESE . *NM

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank AssemblyFire
Filed Mar 17, 200431,000 milesNC

FUEL TANK FILLER SPRAYED FUEL ONTO EXHAUST PIPE WHILE UNDER NORMAL INTERSTATE DRIVING CONDITIONS. MY WIFE SMELLED AN ELECTRICAL BURNING SMELL ABOUT 10 MINUTES PRIOR TO THE FIRE WHILE FUELING AT A SERVICE STATION. SHE DISMISSED IT SINCE THERE WAS A NEARBY CONSTRUCTION CREW THAT WAS BURNING TRASH IN BARRELS. SHE THOUGHT PERHAPS IT WAS SOMETHING THEY WERE BURNING. AFTER A VISUAL INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE, WE CONTINUED ON. *NM

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hatchback/Liftgate › Lock
Filed Mar 11, 200441,000 milesMI

LOUD KNOCKING NOISE IN ENGINE. WE HAD IT IN THE SHOP TWICE SO THEY COULD REMOVE AND DISASSEMBLE THE ENGINE AND REPLACE ALL SIX PISTONS, ROD BEARINGS AND GASKETS. FIRST TIME AT 34,000 MILES, SECOND TIME AT 46,000 MILES. CURRENTLY AT 51,000 MILES AND ENGINE NOISE IS BACK. FRONT LEFT WHEEL BEARING WENT OUT AT 41,000 MILES. LEFT FRONT WHEEL BEARING WENT OUT AT 51,000 MILES. FLY WHEEL RATTLES. REAR HATCH ONLY WORKS INTERMITTENTLY AFTER 2 REPAIRS.*AK

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hatchback/Liftgate › Lock
Filed Feb 23, 200410,000 milesMI

REAR HATCHBACK RELEASE DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY. REQUIRES MANUAL OPENING WHILE PUSHING HATCH RELEASE BUTTON.*AK

Suspension › Front › Wheel Bearing
Filed Feb 5, 200441,500 milesMI

WHEEL BEARING FAILURE ON 2002 PONTIAC AZTEK, BOTH BEARINGS FAILED, CREATING A POTENTIALLY SERIOUS HANDLING PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE. VEHICLE LESS THAN TWO YEARS OLD, AND HAD 41,500 MILES. *JB

Suspension › Front › Wheel Bearing
Filed Jan 23, 2004MI

NUMEROUS PROBLEMS CONCERNING 2002 PONTIAC AZTEK. BRAKES, WHEEL BEARINGS, FLYWHEEL AND TIRES. *LA

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc
Filed Dec 11, 20035,000 milesMI

FRONT BRAKES HAVE BEEN REPLACE 4 TIMES IN 41,000 MILES BACK BRAKES HAVE LESS LESS THAN NORMAL WEAR. VEHICLE BRAKES POORLY ON WET AND ICY ROADS DUE TO FRONT BRAKES TAKING MOST OF THE BRAKING. *AK

Reading these

NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Full record for the 2002 Pontiac Aztek → · Every Aztek year → · How the figures are calculated →