2003 Pontiac Aztek

Routine

Owners filed 128 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the fuel system. It has been recalled 4 times.

Not among the Pontiac Aztek years to avoid. Which Pontiac Aztek years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
70,000 milesMedian miles at failure

89 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.

Most common 2003 Pontiac Aztek problems

23 of the 128 complaints (18%) are about the fuel system.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Electrical System15
010
Fuel System, Gasoline · fuel system9
000
Fuel/Propulsion System · fuel and propulsion system8
000
Engine and Engine Cooling · engine8
000
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission6
001
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage · fuel system5
000
Suspension › Front › Wheel Bearing4
000
Steering4
100
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly · fuel system4
000
Engine3
000

4 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.

Steering03V052000
Filed Feb 20, 20034,512 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. IN SOME OF THESE SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE DIAMETER OF THE STEERING COLUMN INTERMEDIATE SHAFT IS TOO SMALL.

Risk. THIS CONDITION COULD ALLOW THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT TO SPIN INSIDE THE STEERING COLUMN COUPLING, RESULTING IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. IF THIS WERE TO HAPPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS MOVING, A CRASH COULD RESULTING WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND REPLACE IF NECESSARY, THE STEERING COLUMN INTERMEDIATE SHAFT. OWNERS WERE NOTIFIED BY TELEPHONE ON FEBRUARY 7, 2003, WITH A FOLLOW-UP LETTER ON FEBRUARY 11, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300 OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737.

All 4 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Aug 19, 2022CA

Since we first bought the car in 2005, whenever the fuel tank is filled to 3/4 or higher the car starts to smell of fuel fumes. If it is filled up full to the top, it literally spills fuel onto the ground (about 16oz). I called GM and they told me to bring it to the dealership. The dealership looked at it and determined that it is a bad weld on the fuel tank filler neck and also confirmed that the car is exhibiting the same symptoms as listed in multiple safety recalls regarding this fuel tank. The vin of this vehicle is within the range of safety recall bulletin number 06230, and is exhibiting the exact issues mentioned in that bulletin, but GM is saying that the specific vin is not included and that I need to contact NHTSA to have my vin added before they will fix it. The car only has 130,000 miles on it and this has been an issue for over 17 years. The dealership chat agent also told me to fill the car up to the top before bringing it in even though I told them that it's dangerous and will spill fuel. Now the vehicle is stuck at the dealership because they are saying that it's too dangerous to drive but they can't fix it until this vin is included in the recall by NHTSA. Upon further inspection of carcomplaints.com this appears to effect a lot more of these vehicles than the amount listed in the recall bulletin. I am certain that there are many vehicles driving around like mine that are posing a risk to the public. The car smells like an open gas can and seems like if some

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Oct 20, 2018160,007 milesCA

"TAKATA RECALL"" STALLS WHEN I'M DRIVING OR WHEN I'M COMING TO A STOP IT WILL COMPLETELY SHUT OFF AND WHEN I START IT UP AND THROUGHOUT THE RIDE IS SHAKES AND VIBRATES SOMETIMES IT WON'T START SOMETIMES IT'LL START RIGHT AWAY I DON'T REPLACE SPARK PLUGS COILS OIL CHANGED I'M STILL DOING THE SAME THING EVERY PLACE I GO SAYING THE SAME THING YOUR SAYS POSSIBLE MISFIRES CYLINDER 5 FUEL AND C2O OXYGEN SIMPSON AND I ALSO REPLACE THE FUEL FILTER STILL NO DIFFERENT STILL WRITES THE SAME WAY RUNS HOT LIKE IT'S NOT GETTING NO WATER TO THE ENGINE

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 3, 2018113,690 milesNY

FIREWALL LEAKS A LOT OF WATER INTO BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR AREAS. THE WATER LEAKING IN CAUSES THOSE INTERIOR AREAS TO BECOME SOAKING WET AND DANGEROUS (FUSE BOX LOCATED WHERE WATER IS LEAKING), ESPECIALLY WHEN IT RAINS (EVEN WET DUE IN THE MORNING CAN CAUSE WATER TO LEAK INTO THE FRONT CABIN AREA). VEHICLE STATIONARY AND EITHER IN A PARKING LOT OR SIDE STREET. I WILL TAKE PICTURES/VIDEO THE NEXT TIME IT OCCURS AND UPLOAD THEM AS DESCRIBED BELOW.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Apr 23, 201874,573 milesMI

I RECENTLY BORROWED MY MOTHER-IN-LAW'S VEHICLE. WHEN I RETURNED TO MY HOME I PARKED IN THE ATTACHED GARAGE. LATER, WHEN MY DAUGHTER CAME HOME SHE ASKED WHY IT SMELLED LIKE GAS. I WENT TO CHECK AND UPON ENTERING THE LAUNDRY AREA (DIRECTLY ATTACHED TO THE GARAGE VIA ACCESS TO THE HOUSE) I NOTICED THE SMELL. I INSPECTED THE GARAGE AND THOUGHT, PERHAPS, THE SMELL WAS COMING FROM A WEED WACKER. LATER, I WENT TO CHECK ON SOME LAUNDRY AND THE GAS SMELL WAS EVEN WORSE. I OPENED THE DOOR TO ACCESS THE GARAGE AND THEN RECALLED THE WEED WACKER WAS ACTUALLY BROKEN AND WAS ONLY THERE TO BE DISCARDED IN THE TRASH NEXT PICKUP. I WAS CONCERNED AND WENT AND WOKE MY HUSBAND SAYING I SMELLED OVER-POWERING GAS SMELL AND TO PLEASE COME CHECK. HE INDICATED HE THOUGHT IT MAY BE HIS MOM'S CAR. HE CAME DOWN, SMELLED THE GAS TOO, AND WE PULLED THE CAR OUT AND PARKED IT IN THE DRIVEWAY AND LEFT THE GARAGE DOOR OPEN FOR A BIT. THE SMELL WENT AWAY. MY MOTHER-IN-LAW HAS BEEN ILL FOR A PERIOD OF TIME BUT PREVIOUSLY SHE WOULD COMPLAIN OF HER GAS GAUGE NOT WORKING PROPERLY. THAT SAID, I INSPECTED BOTH THE GARAGE AND THE DRIVEWAY OR LEAKS AND FOUND NONE. WHEN I DID MOVE THE CAR I DID SMELL GAS OUTSIDE OF THE CAR BUT NOT NEARLY AS STRONG AS WHEN IT WAS ENCLOSED INSIDE THE ATTACHED GARAGE. MY IN-LAWS KEEP THIS VEHICLE PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY SO THE CHANCE OF THEM SMELLING THE ISSUE AND THINKING ANYTHING SERIOUSLY WRONG WAS SLIM. I'M NOT COMFORTABLE DRIVING THE CAR AND WOULDN'T RECOMMEND ANYONE ELSE DRIVE IT UNTI

Electrical System
Filed Feb 5, 2018153,000 milesIL

I HAVE BEEN HAVING ISSUES WITH MY AZREK SHUTTING OFF ON ME IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING AND NOW IT WINT EVEN START. I HAVE REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP AND VAPOR SENSOR DUE TO IT NOT GETTING ANY FUEL PRESSURE. I HAVE RESEARCHED AND THERE ARE 2 DIFFERENT RECALLS FOR MY VEHICLE WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN DONE DUE TO MY VIN NOT BEING ACNOWLEGED WITH THE RECALL

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Mar 17, 2017OH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 PONTIAC AZTEK. AFTER THE CONTACT TURNED THE ENGINE OFF, BLACK SMOKE AND FLAMES APPEARED UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. A FIRE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNAVAILABLE.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Jan 24, 201782,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC AZTEK. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO STOP AT A STOP SIGN, THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOOR AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP THE CONTACT DROVE ONTO THE GRASS ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONER CONDENSATION PIPE CAUSED THE BRAKE LINE TO ROT. THE BRAKE LINES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. UPDATED 03/01/17*LJ *CN

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Sep 21, 2016TX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC AZTEK. AFTER RE-FUELING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED STRONG FUEL FUMES INSIDE THE VEHICLE AND NEAR THE FUEL TANK. THE FUEL AND TEMPERATURE GAUGES FLUCTUATED UP AND DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY A MECHANIC MORE THAN ONCE. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTIFIED TWO DIFFERENT DEALERS TO TRY TO SCHEDULE A REPAIR APPOINTMENT. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V349000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 6, 201675,000 milesNJ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC AZTEC. WHEN THERE WAS HALF A TANK OF FUEL IN THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS NO LEAK PRESENT. HOWEVER, WHEN THE VEHICLE HAD A FULL TANK OF FUEL, THERE WAS A PROGRESSING LEAK. THE CONTACT NOTICED A PUDDLE UNDER THE VEHICLE AND STRONG FUEL FUMES WERE PRESENT INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER AND AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WERE NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 07V349000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) AND 07E021000 (FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000. UPDATED 01/26/17*LJ *JS

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Dec 1, 2015161,564 milesVA

THE SMELL OF GAS, CHANGING THE FUEL PUMP MORE THAN ONCE. PROBLEM READING THE LEVEL OF GAS. VEHICLE WAS DRIVING WHEN IT START SHAKING AND STOP(2ND TIME). THE VEHICLE WAS PARK AND COULD NOT START(1ST TIME).

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Nov 7, 2015120,000 milesMO

KEY KEEPS GETTING STUCK IN IGNITION, STEERING COLUMN GETS STUCK.FUEL TANK IS LEAKING AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON AND STAYING ALONG WITH SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT. FUEL PUMP KEEPS GOING OUT REPLACED 3 TIMES.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jun 29, 201590,000 milesOH

I CAN SMELL A GAS LEAK COMING FROM MY AZTEC. I DO KNOW THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE FUEL SYSTEM AND IT WAS NEVER HONORED BECAUSE THERE WAS NONE AT THAT TIME. THERE IS NOW A LEAK AS WELL AS A MAJOR SMELL OF FUEL COMING FROM IT. I DID CALL ABOUT THE RECALL AND THEY DON'T WANT TO HONOR IT EVEN THOU IT WAS NEVER REPLACED THE FIRST TIME. IT IS GOING TO COST ME ABOUT $1500 TO HAVE IT REPLACE....I DO BELIEVE THE RECALL SHOULD BE HONOR. I CALL THE DEALERSHIP WHERE IT WAS BOUGHT BRAND NEW. AND SPOKE WITH THE OWNERS. AND THEY SAID THEY NEVER RECEIVED THE LETTER TO HAVE IT REPLACED. THE DEALERSHIP SAID IT OUT OF WARRANTY AND THEY WILL NOT COVER IT EVEN THOU THE RECALL WAS NEVER DONE ON IT.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Feb 23, 2015165,000 milesWA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC AZTEK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL AND DISCOVERED THAT THERE WAS A FUEL LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 165,000.

Electrical System
Filed Dec 16, 2014PA

NOT EXACTLY SURE OF THE DATE OF THESE INCIDENTS, BUT I CAN SMELL FUMES COMING THROUGH THE VENTS WHEN I AM DRIVING, HAD TO GET THIS CHECKED A FEW WEEKS AGO. THE MECHANIC SAID THE GAS WAS LEAKING REPLACED THIS PART. I AM STILL SMELLING SOMETHING IN THE ENGINE AREA. I AM NOT SURE WHAT AND WHY. THE VEHICLE ALSO FEELS LIKE IT IS SHAKING WHEN I APPLY THE BRAKES, AND THE BRAKES ARE FINE. IT USUALLY DOES IT WHEN I AM BRAKING AND ALSO WHEN I GO PAST 40MPH. IT HAS GOTTEN REALLY BAD THAT I AM THINKING ABOUT GETTING RID OF VEHICLE AND NOT HAVING A VEHICLE. ALSO, I CAN HEAR A CRANKING NOISE IN THE STEERING COLUMN WHEN I AM TURNING THAT MAKES ME THINK THE VEHICLE IS BREAKING IN HALF. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE GAS CAP LAST YEAR AS WELL FOR FUMES. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Nov 5, 2014210,000 milesFL

SINCE OCTOBER 31ST. MY CAR HAS SHUT OFF ABOUT 15 WHILE DRIVING, I LOSE POWER OF MY STEERING AND CANNOT MOVE MY CAR. I SAW TODAY THAT THERE IS A GM IGNITION RECALL BUT MY CAR IS NOT INVOLVED WHEN I CALL GM.

Wheels
Filed Oct 25, 2014OR

I HAD A FLAT TIRE, REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE. I WAS UNAWARE OF THE ACTUAL MILEAGE THAT WAS ON MY CAR AT THAT TIME. PULLED OVER AND CHANGED FLAT TIRE WITH SPARE DOUGHNUT TIRE (WHICH IS A JOKE). I PROCEEDED TO DRIVE OFF AND THE ABS LIGHT IMMEDIATELY CAME ON AND SAID IT WAS DISABLED. I CONTINUED DRIVING TO LES SCHWAB TIRE CENTER IN HOOD RIVER, OR.. THEY SAID THE FLAT WAS NOT REPAIRABLE AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO SELL ME 1 TIRE SINCE MY VEHICLE IS AWD. I LIMPED BACK HOME TO PORTLAND ON THE 35 MPH SPARE TIRE. I WAS ABLE TO GET CHEAPER TIRES THROUGH ANOTHER DEALER BUT WHEN MY NEW TIRES WERE PUT ON MY ABS NEVER REACTIVATED AND TO THIS DAY THE LIGHT STAYS ON SAYING IT IS DISABLED. IT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DRIVING A 1973 MONTE CARLO VS A 2003 PONTIAC AZTEK. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL PLACES CHECK IT OUT AND THEY HAVE SAID IT IS IN THE WHEEL SENSORS??? ALL 4? I HAD THEM REPLACED AND IT STILL SAYS THE ABS IS DISABLED. WHAT IS THE PROBLEM? AND THIS WENT OUT OVER HAVING A FLAT TIRE?? I DO NOT HAVE THE MONEY TO TAKE IT TO DEALER. PLEASE TELL ME WHAT TO DO TO GET THIS FIXED. IT IS ANNOYING AT BEST. THANK YOU. *TR

Steering
Filed Oct 25, 2014125,000 milesIN

I WAS DRIVING AT ABOUT 30MPH WHEN MY VEHICLE JUST SHUT DOWN W/O WARNING/SYMPTOMS. MY LIGHTS STILL WORKED BUT THE VEHICLE TOTALLY SHUT DOWN AND LOCKED UP OTHERWISE AND I COASTED TO A STOP MID ROADWAY. KEY WAS STUCK IN IGNITION AND IN THE ON POSITION AND WOULDN'T LET ME TURN KEY TO ANY OTHER POSITION AND KEY WOULDN'T COME OUT SO I SAT UNTIL BATTERY DIED WHICH SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF.WHEN VEHICLE INITIALLY LOST POWER AND CAME TO A STOP I TRIED TO PUT VEHICLE INTO PARK AND ATTEMPT A RESTART WHICH IS WHEN I REALIZED THE KEY AND IGNITION WOULDN'T MOVE AND THEN VEHICLE WOULDN'T MOVE OUT OF PARK EITHER.ALSO AT THE MOMENT MY CAR SHUT DOWN,I GLANCED DOWN AT DASH AND SAW SYSTEM WARNING MESSAGE FLASH STATING ABS ERROR BUT WAS UNSURE IF THIS WAS THE ONLY MESSAGE IT HAD FLASHED OR IF THIS WAS JUST THE LAST ONE THAT I CAUGHT AND THEY HAD POSSIBLY ALL FLASHED AS PART OF THE MALFUNCTION BUT HAD NEVER HEARD OF ANYTHING BRAKE RELATED CAUSE AN ENTIRE VEHICLE SYSTEM TO SHUT DOWN TOTALLY AND BE DEAD AS A RESULT WITH TOTAL LOCKUP OF ALL CONTROLS.I HAD TO HAVE VEHICLE TOWED HOME AND HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT CONFUSION FROM ALL OF THE TOW TRUCK DRIVERS, MECHANIC FRIENDS, ETC.AS TO WHAT OR WHY THIS WOULD HAPPEN. THEY ALL SUGGESTED THAT IT SEEMED TO BE MY COMPUTER OR ELECTRICAL POSSIBLY BECAUSE THE CAR WAS TOTALLY DEAD AND DID NOT MAKE ANY NOISE OR CLICK OR ANYTHING BUT SILENCE WHEN ATTEMPTING TO POWER BACK AND RESTART. I HAD MY TWO KIDS WITH ME AND ONE WAS A BABY IN A TORRENTIAL DOWNPOUR OF A RAINSTORM AND TH

Engine
Filed Aug 30, 2014164,000 milesOH

ENGINE RPM SURGES TO OVER 3000 WITHOUT WARNING. THIS OFTEN HAPPENS WHEN THE CAR IS INITIALLY PLACED IN DRIVE AFTER STARTING THE ENGINE. THE DRIVER MAY NEED TO SUDDENLY APPLY THE BRAKE IF BEHIND A CAR. THE HIGH RPM ALSO ACTS AS AN UNDESIRED "CRUISE CONTROL" SYSTEM, THOUGH THE VEHICLE IS NOT EQUIPPED WITH "CRUISE". THE DRIVER MUST ALSO FIRMLY HOLD THE BRAKE PEDAL DOWN WHILE STOPPED AS THE CAR WILL LURCH FORWARD. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 11, 201483,000 milesIA

MY ANTI LOCK BRAKES COME ON WITHOUT WARNING ALL THE TIME. EVEN IF ITS A SIMPLE STOP SIGN OR IM TURNING A CORNER. I CAN FEEL THE VIBRATION UNDER MY FEET AND MY ANTI-LOCK LIGHT COMES ON, THE DASH. ITS VERY SCARY. I BOUGH MY CAR NOT EVEN 6 MONTHS AGO FROM A LOCAL DEALER. THE BRAKE ISSUE STARTED ABOUT 2 MONTHS IN TO ME HAVING THE VEHICLE. I HAVE DONE RESEARCH ONLINE AND IT SEEMS THIS IS KNOWN ISSUE FOR THESE TYPES OF CARS. SOMETHING ABOUT A SENSOR INSIDE THE STEERING WHEEL. ITS IS VERY UNSAFE AND FROM THE THINGS I'VE READ A VERY COMMON ISSUE. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Jun 17, 2014125,000 milesMI

IN THE MIDDLE OF TURNING ON A BUSY ROAD I SUDDENLY LOST ALL POWER TO MY CAR. IT SEEMED AS IF MY CAR WAS SHUT OFF BUT THE IGNITION WAS STILL IN THE ON POSITION. I ALMOST HIT/SIDE SWIPED 3 DIFFERENT CARS. THIS HAS BEEN A RECURRING ISSUE SINCE ABOUT FEB. 2014. I HAVE GONE TO DIFFERENT SHOPS AND NO ONE CAN SEEM TO TELL ME WHAT IS WRONG. FIRST IT WAS AN O2 SENSOR, THEN POSSIBLY A BAD SEAL ON MY GAS CAP, NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. I'VE GONE THROUGH FIXING EVERYTHING THEY SAY AND NOW EVERYONE SEEMS TO BE AT A LOSS. I'VE HAD THIS ISSUE BOTH WHILE DRIVING AND WHILE SLOWING DOWN TO TURN. *TR

Engine
Filed May 21, 2014146,000 milesGA

MY AZTEK STARTED TO SPUTTERING ONE MORNING, BRINGING MY CAR TO A STOP. THE CAR STALLED AND I WOULD HAVE TO RESTART. IT SEEMED LIKE I COULDN'T GO OVER 40 MPH. IT'S JUST KEPT HICCUPING. I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC AND GOT A NEW FUEL AND AIR FILTER. STILL HAVING PROBLEMS, I REPLACED THE IDLE AIR CONTROL VALVE. THAT DIDN'T FIX THE PROBLEM. MY CAR CONTINUED TO GET WORSE AND COULDN'T EVEN GET ANYWHERE. TOOK IT TO HAVE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER REPLACED, AND IT RAN OK FOR ABOUT TWO WEEKS THEN IT BEGAN TO DO IT AGAIN. TOOK IT BACK TO THE SHOP, AND DIAGNOSTICS READ THAT IT NEEDED A NEW O2 SENSOR. SO I REPLACED THAT AND IT SEEMS LIKE IT HAS ONLY GOTTEN WORSE. THE SHOP THAT REPLACED THE CONVERTER AND O2 SENSOR SPENT 6 HOURS OR LABOR TRYING TO FIND THE ROOT OF THE PROBLEM AND THEY COULDN'T FIGURE IT OUT; AND REFUSED TO REPLACE ANYTHING ELSE BECAUSE THEY WERE UNCOMFORTABLE WITH CHARGING ME MORE MONEY AND THE CAR NOT GETTING FIXED.THIS MORNING (ABOUT A LITTLE OVER A MONTH THIS ALL STARTED) I TRIED TO MAKE IT INTO TOWN WHERE I COULD TAKE IT TO ANOTHER SHOP, AND MY CAR COMPLETELY GAVE UP. THE KEY WOULDN'T EVEN TURN OVER. SO THAT HAS RACKED ME UP A NICE TOWING BILL. OVER 1000 DOLL AS S IN THE LAST MONTH, AND MY CAR IS COMPLETELY DEAD. SEEMS LIKE MY PROBLEM IS THE SAME AS EVERYONE ELSE'S ON THE INTERNET WITH AN AZTEK. *TR

Engine
Filed May 7, 2014130,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC AZTEK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

Electrical System
Filed Aug 27, 201399,600 milesNY

TL- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC AZTEK. THE CONTACT STATED AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE WASHED AND DRIED THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT A WIRE HAD GOTTEN WET AND MELTED SEVERAL FUSES. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 99,600. DT

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 22, 2013126,000 milesNJ

I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 4 MINS. I STOPPED AT LIGHT AND CAR CUT OFF. CAR NEVER CUT ON AFTER. I JUST PURCHASED CAR ON JUNE 26 2013. I WAS TOLD THERE AREN'T ANT PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR AND IF I HAVE ANY PROBLEMS TO BRING IT BACK I BROUGHT IT BACK TO FIND THAT THEY DIDN'T VALUE THEIR WORD. THEY WOULDN'T ACCEPT CAR BACK AND EXCHANGE FOR MY PURCHASE. ALTHOUGH I AM UNABLE TO DRIVE CAR TIL THIS DAY. *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jun 27, 2012150,000 milesNJ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC AZTEK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES DID NOT ALWAYS RESPOND AND NEEDED TO BE APPLIED REPEATEDLY IN ORDER TO FUNCTION AS NORMAL. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE ANTI LOCK BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP, WHERE FAULTY SENSORS WHERE REPLACED; HOWEVER THE WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHO FOUND A LEAK ON THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE THEN EXPERIENCED DIFFICULTY DRIVING UPHILL. THE VEHICLE'S SPEED DECREASED AND THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO ACCELERATE. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE PIVOTAL JOINTS IN THE REAR WHEELS WERE DEFECTIVE AND CAUSED UNUSUAL TREAD WEAR AND TEAR OF THE TIRES. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALLS ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS 07E021000 (FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES) AND 07V349000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE, HOWEVER NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED DUE TO MILEAGE ON VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission1 injured
Filed Jun 11, 201273,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC AZTEC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH THE ENGINE IN OPERATION. THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WAS COMPLETELY OPEN. SUDDENLY, THE UNOCCUPIED VEHICLE BEGAN TO ROLL INTO A NEARBY LAKE. THE CONTACT WAS STANDING BY THE OPENED DOOR AND SUSTAINED MODERATE INJURIES FROM BEING STRUCK BY THE DOOR AS THE VEHICLE GAINED SPEED. THE VEHICLE ROLLED INTO THE LAKE AND WAS DESTROYED AS A RESULT OF CRASHING AND BEING SUBMERGED IN WATER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SAVAGE FACILITY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000. UPDATED 7/12/12 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE JUMPED FROM REVERSE TO NEUTRAL. SHE WAS SITTING IN THE VEHICLE WITH HER FOOT ON THE BRAKE, WITH THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE. WHEN SHE REMOVED HER FOOT FROM THE BRAKE TO CONTINUE BACKING UP, SHE DISCOVERED THE VEHICLE WAS IN NEUTRAL. IT WAS MOMENTS LATER, WHEN SHE STANDING OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE, WHEN THE VEHICLE JUMPED FROM PARK KNOCKING HER DOWN TO THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WENT INTO THE LAKE. UPDATED 07/18/12

Suspension
Filed May 20, 2012106,000 milesNY

I NOTICED THAT WHEN I AM ON AN UNEVEN ROAD OR HIT A BUMP JUST RIGHT, THE VEHICLE SWERVES BADLY, SOMETIMES INTO THE OTHER LANE. I CALLED PONTIAC AND WAS ADVISED THAT THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD NOT JUST TO THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE BUT TO OTHERS ON THE ROADS ALSO. THEY TOLD ME THAT I NEED TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP TO GET A DIAGNOSIS. I ADVISED THEM THAT THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET ABOUT THE SAME THING & THESE PEOPLE HAVE SPENT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS & IT IS STILL NOT FIXED. I ADVISED PONTIAC THAT THIS IS GOING TO CAUSE A MAJOR WRECK ONE DAY & THEY ARE GOING TO BE LIABLE FOR NOT RECOGNIZING THE PROBLEM & FIXING IT. I AM VERY UPSET ABOUT THIS PROBLEM WITH THE SUSPENSION AND THE STEERING THAT IT JUST PULLS ANY DIRECTION WHEN JUST A LITTLE BUMP..I WOULD LIKE SOMETHING DONE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM....... *TR

Electrical System
Filed Dec 8, 2011IL

DASH LOSING DIFFERENT COMPONENT OPERATION. STARTED WITH FUEL GAUGE AND TEMPERATURE GAUGE THEN AFFECTED RADIO LIGHTS AND LCD DISPLAY. NOW VEHICLE SPEEDOMETER HAS BECOME ERRATIC AND UNTRUSTWORTHY. RADIO LIGHTS AND DISPLAY AN INCONVENIENCE BUT THE COMBINATION OF FUEL AND NOW THE SPEEDOMETER NOT READING PROPERLY IS CAUSING A CONCERN FOR SAFETY. AT THE RATE THIS IS GOING THE WHOLE DASH WILL BE MALFUNCTIONING SOON. ACCORDING TO WHAT I SEE THE PARTS ALONE CAN BE $300 - $500 PLUS THE REPAIR CHARGES. INTERNET HAS COUNTLESS ENTRIES ABOUT THE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS ON THE PONTIAC AZTEKS BUT NO SERVICE BULLETINS ON THE NHTSA WEB SITE AND NO MENTIONING OF ANY RECALLS BY PONTIAC. WHY ISN'T THE NHTSA LOOKING INTO THIS WITH SO MANY PROBLEMS BEING SHARED ON THE INTERNET? WHY ARE THE OWNERS BEING REQUIRED TO PAY FOR THESE REPAIRS SINCE IT'S SUCH A WIDESPREAD AZTEK ISSUE? *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Oct 1, 201193,523 milesTX

LEAKAGE FROM THE FUEL TANK INLET FILLER PIPE (INLET CHECK VALVE). SIMILAR ISSUE AS TO NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER 07V349000. HOWEVER, 07V349000 ONLY INCLUDED VEHICLES FOR THE PONTIAC AZTEK BUILT IN MAY 2003 FOR THE RECALL PHASE. I PURCHASED MY AZTEK IN FEB 2003. *TR

Exterior Lighting
Filed Sep 24, 2011OH

THE ELECTRICAL HAS DONE NOTHING BUT MESSED UP FIRST THE RADIO LIGHT WENT OUT AND NOW THE DASH LIGHT IS OUT SO THERE IS NO VISIBILITY AT NIGHT TO SEE YOUR SPEED, THE ANTI LOCK LIGHT STAYS ON UNTIL THE ANTI LOCK LIGHT COMES ON, ALSO THE ALL WHEEL DRIVE KEEPS DISABLING, I HAVE REPLACE 3 OF THE 4 HUBS THAT WERE EATEN THROUGH AND NOW ITS LOOKING LIKE ANOTHER ONE IS GOING. THE BRAKE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON AND DINGING, I HAVE TO TURN THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON TO GET IT TO STOP, I AM EATING THROUGH THE BRAKE PADS BECAUSE OF THE ANTI LOCK BRAKES DON'T TURN OFF RIGHT AWAY, ALSO HAVE PROBLEMS WHERE THE CAR WHEN YOU START IT UP DOES NOT START IT JUST GOES RIGHT TO BATTERY LIGHT BUT YET NOTHING WRONG JUST GLITCHING. I HAVE READ ALOT OF FORUMS ON THE AZTEK AND THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING TO ALOT OF AZTEKS AND I HAVE TALKED TO PEOPLE THAT I KNOW THAT OWN AZTEKS AND THEY HAVE ALOT OF THE SAME ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. *TR

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Sep 19, 2011101,000 milesOK

IN APRIL 2011 ON BUMPY ROADS A GRINDING NOISE WOULD COME ON AND IT TOOK LONGER TO STOP THE CAR. I CALLED THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD IT WAS PROBABLY THE ABS SYSTEM AND COULD BE A NUMBER OF THINGS, THE COMPUTER MODULE MAY BE BAD, THE SENSORS ON EACH WHEEL COULD BE BAD. I TOOK THE CAR IN FOR SERVICE IN MAY, HAD TO REPLACE THE WHEEL BEARINGS ON ONE WHEEL AND WAS TOLD IT WAS FIXED $540. THEN IN JUNE THE CAR STARTED DOING THE SAME THING, TOOK IT IN AGAIN, WAS TOLD ANOTHER WHEEL NEEDED NEW BEARINGS $740 WITH A WARRANTY. IN AUGUST CAR STARTED THE VIBRATING AND GRINDING AGAIN, YOU CAN HEAR A VIBRATION LIKE A MOTOR OR SOMETHING COMES ON AND THEN WHEN YOU TRY TO STOP YOU HAVE TO PUSH REALLY REALLY HARD. AT THAT POINT I WENT ON LINE TO CHECK IT OUT, SEEMS LOTS OF PEOPLE WHO OWN EITHER A 2003 PONTIAC AZTEK OR A 2003 BUICK RENDEVOUS ARE HAVING THESE SAME ISSUES. THE DEALERS ARE TAKING ADVANTAGE OF A DEFECT IN THE CAR. ALL THE BLOGS THAT I SAW ONLINE ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. MANY PEOPLE HAVE REPACKED THE BEARINGS ON ALL WHEELS, REPLACE SENSORS AND THE HARNESS TO THE COMPUTER MODULE AND NOTHING SEEMS TO WORK AND THE DEALERS DON'T SEEM TO KNOW HOW TO FIX IT ONCE AND FOR ALL. MY CAR HAS ALWAYS BEEN WORKED ON BY THE DEALER. SO FAR MY DEALER HASN'T MENTIONED THE COMPUTER SENSOR BUT I'M SURE AFTER I'VE REPLACED ALL WHEEL BEARINGS THEY WILL GET TO THAT. BOTTOM LINE IS IF ALL THESE PEOPLE ARE HAVING THIS SAME SAFETY ISSUE, YOUR DEPT NEEDS TO LOOK AT IT. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE WITH THE ABS BRAKING

Electrical System
Filed Aug 2, 201176,000 milesND

2003 PONTIAC AZTEK HAS BEEN BUILDING FROM ABS AND BRAKE LIGHTS AND CHIMES TO FUEL GAGE LOSSES ALL INTERMITTENT. VEHICLE LOCKS UP AND WON'T START OR HAS STARTED STARTING ON ITS OWN IN THE GARAGE. IT IS REMINDING ME OF BEING A KID IN THE 60S AND PLAYING PINBALL WITH ALL THE LIGHTS AND "SPECIALS" LIGHTING UP! READING FROM ONLINE STUFF I AM IN A GROUP OF MANY OWNERS HAVING PROBLEMS THAT ARE THE SAME. ONE COMMON THEME IS THE BODY CONTROL MODULE! IS GM HIDING THEIR HEADS IN THE SAND OVER THIS PROBLEM. I AM GOING TO BE REPLACING MY MODULE AS I DON'T WANT MY CAR GASING US TO DEATH AT NIGHT IN MY GARAGE. LUCKY MY DOOR TO THE GARAGE WAS OPEN TODAY! I AM TOTALLY DISAPPOINTED THAT GM HAS NOT AND THE GOVERNMENT HAS NOT MADE THEM SET UP AND TAKE CARE OF THESE PROBLEMS. NO FIRE YET NO DAMAGE YET NO CRASH YET! AND THEY ARE LUCKY IF THIS HASN'T HURT SOMEONE YET. *KB

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed May 3, 201141,506 milesMA

IT STARTED RUNNING ON ITS OWN AND THE RPM'S WENT UP TO 3000 IN PARK GEAR. I TOOK IT BACK TO COLONIAL SERVICE DEPARTMENT. THEY LOOKED AT IT AND DECIDED THAT I NEEDED TO HAVE MY IAC - IDLE AIR CONTROL MOTOR REPLACED. THE NEXT DAY 4/28/11, I PICKED UP MY CAR AND DROVE IT HOME. IT SEEMED AS THOUGH EVERYTHING WAS FIXED AND WORKING FINE. UNTIL, I DROVE MY CAR ON 4/30/11. THAT IS WHEN MY CAR'S RPM WENT UP TO 3500 IN PARK GEAR. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE MY CAR FROM SOUTH BOSTON, MA ALL THE WAY TO THE CAR DEALERSHIP IN WATERTOWN, MA WITHOUT STEPPING ON THE GAS PEDAL AT A SPEED OF 40 MPH. NOW THE DEALERSHIP IS SAYING I NEED TO REPLACE THE TPS - THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR. I AM NOT SURE THIS IS GOING TO FIX MY PROBLEM BUT I KNOW THAT I NEEDED TO REPORT THIS TO NHTSA. MOST LIKELY YOU WILL BE RECEIVED ANOTHER EMAIL FROM ME SHORTLY. THIS IS SOMETHING THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESS AND RESOLVED. I DO NOT WANT TO BE IN MY CAR AND HAVE AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. I DON'T WANT IT TO SEEM LIKE THIS PROBLEM WAS NEVER REPORTED TO PONTIAC OR NHTSA. THIS CAN SAVE A LOT OF PEOPLES LIVES. PLEASE HAVE SOMEONE RESEARCH THIS PROBLEM AND GET BACK TO ME. PREVIOUS EMAIL SENT TO [email protected] ON 4/24/11- DEAR SIR OR MADAM, I AM PRESENTLY HAVING A PROBLEM WITH MY 2003 PONTIAC AZTEK. WITHIN THE LAST FOUR DAYS, WHILE DRIVING MY CAR IT STARTED COASTING/DRIVING ON ITS OWN WITH ME NOT HAVING TO PRESS THE GAS PEDAL. LIKE ON 4/24/11, I WAS DRIVING AT A SPEED OF 40 MPH ON THE ROAD. I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE GAS PEDAL AND

Power Train
Filed Sep 24, 2010123,557 milesMN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC AZTEC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AND NOTICED THAT THE GEAR SHIFTER WAS IN DRIVE WITH THE ENGINE OFF. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SHIFT IN TO PARK AND THE VEHICLE STARTED AS NORMAL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT EXAMINED FOR THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE AND THERE WERE NO REPAIRS. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 123,557.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Aug 3, 201078,000 milesTX

OUR GAS TANK INLET CHECK VALVE IS LEAKING ON OUR 2003 AZTEK. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS EXACT PART IN 2007. WE WERE NOT THE OWNERS AT THAT TIME AND THEY OWNERS DID NOT TAKE CARE OF IT. IT IS NOW LEAKING AND GM IS REFUSING TO LET US USE THIS RECALL. THEY ARE SAYING IT MAY BE COVERED UNDER A SPECIAL COVERAGES POLICY BUT THAT WE HAVE TO PAY TO TAKE IT IN. THEY WILL NOT HAUL IT IN, BUT WE WILL HAVE TO DRIVE IT WHICH IS VERY UNSAFE FOR A LEAK THAT EXCESSIVE. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jul 18, 201060,000 milesMN

2003 PONTIAC AZTEK - FUEL SMELL FOR SEVERAL WEEKS WITH NO OBVIOUS CAUSE. WEATHER WARMED DURING THIS PERIOD AND SMELL BECAME STRONGER WITH INCREASED AMBIENT TEMPS. ABOUT THREE OR FOUR WEEKS LATER, FUEL WAS FOUND ON THE GROUND BENEATH THE FILLER VENT TUBE BEGINNING WITH A SMALL DAMP SPOT AND EVENTUALLY BECOMING A PUDDLE (ONLY WHEN TANK WAS FILLED). TOOK IT LOCAL DEALER WHERE THEY INFORMED ME THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE 2003 MODEL YEAR AND IT WOULD COST ME $1200 TO REPLACE THE TANK. I WAS INFORMED THAT THEY WOULD ACCEPT NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE VEHICLE OR ACCIDENTS IF I CHOSE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE IN THIS CONDITION. I WENT HOME, RESEARCHED THE RECALLS AND DISCOVERED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE 2004 MODEL YEAR. MY VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED IN MAY OF 2003 AND THE RECALL BEGAN IN OCTOBER OF 2003 FOR THE 2004 MODEL YEAR. I RETURNED TO THE DEALER, TOLD THEM THAT THEY HAD 12 HOURS TO MAKE UP THEIR MINDS ON HOW THEY WANTED TO HANDLE IT. MY FAMILY HAD TO GO TO DULUTH THAT WEEKEND AND WE HAD NO OTHER TRANSPORTATION. I TOLD THEM THAT IF ANYTHING HAPPENED AS A RESULT OF THAT TRIP, THEY COULD CLAIM ALL THEY WANTED THAT THEY WERE NOT RESPONSIBLE BUT A JURY WOULD CERTAINLY SEE IT MUCH DIFFERENTLY. THEY CALLED ME THE NEXT MORNING AND SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT TO REPLACE THE TANK AND I AGREED TO PONY UP $100 OF THE COST JUST TO BE FAIR. THE VEHICLE HAD ABOUT 60,000 ON IT AT THE TIME. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Feb 26, 2010OK

A FEW YEARS AGO, THE RADIO LIGHTS STOPPED WORKING & A CD WAS STUCK IN THE PLAYER. SEVERAL TIMES, THE HEADLIGHTS HAVE GONE OUT. WE REPLACE THEM BUT THEY GO OUT AGAIN. A FEW MONTHS AGO, NONE OF THE INSIDE POWER PORTS WORKED. I REPLACED THE FUSE. I PLUGGED IN AN MP3 PLAYER CHARGER. AFTER DOING THIS, WHEN LEAVING THE CAR, THE LIGHTS WOULD NOT GO OUT UNLESS YOU PULLED THE FUSE. WHEN YOU WOULD SHUT THE DOORS, WITHOUT THE KEY BEING IN IT, THE DOOR LOCKS WOULD LOCK BY THEMSELVES. AS A CONSEQUENCE OF POWER STILL RUNNING TO THE LIGHTS THAT WOULD NOT GO OUT, IT DRAINED THE BATTERY AND THE BRAKE LIGHTS STOPPED WORKING. AFTER A WEEK OF HAVING TO PULL THE FUSE TO GET THE LIGHTS TO GO OUT, THE FUSE TO THE POWER PORTS BLEW AGAIN AND THEN THE LIGHTS STARTED WORKING CORRECTLY. NOW THE BLINKER LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING. I TOOK THIS CAR TO A MECHANIC ONLY FOR HIM TO TELL ME HE THOUGHT THE LIGHT SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I DID NOT PAY TO DO THIS AFTER LOOKING AT HUNDREDS OF ONLINE COMPLAINTS ABOUT ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS IN THE PONTIAC AZTEK AND INDIVIDUALS SPENDING A LOT OF MONEY FOR REPAIRS, ONLY TO FIND THAT IT DOES NOT FIX THE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WE ARE EXPERIENCING. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD WHEN ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS ARE CAUSING BRAKE LIGHTS, HEADLIGHTS, AND BLINKERS TO FAIL. AS HUGE OF A PROBLEM THAT THIS IS, PONTIAC SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR REPAIRING THIS WITH A RECALL. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Nov 25, 200992,500 milesAL

I JUST BOUGHT A USED 2003 PONTIAC AZTEK YESTERDAY FROM A USED CAR DEALER, AND TODAY THE FUEL SYSTEM IS LEAKING GAS. THE DEALER SAID THAT THE CAR HAD NOT BEEN WRECKED. I HAVE NOT ORDERED A CARFAX TO VERIFY HIM. THERE ARE A COUPLE OF RECALLS FOR THIS PROBLEM ALREADY BUT A PONTIAC MECHANIC SAID OVER THE PHONE THAT MY VEHICLE IS NOT AFFECTED. IT SEEMS LIKE MY VEHICLE SHOULD BE ADDED TO THE RECALL LIST BECAUSE OF SO MANY SIMILARITIES. THERE ARE APPROXIMATELY 21,000 UNITS AFFECTED BY THE CURRENT RECALLS. IT JUST DOES NOT SEEM ACCURATE THAT ALL OF THOSE FUEL SYSTEMS WERE CONSIDERED FAULTY AND THAT MY AZTEK'S FUEL SYSTEM IS CONSIDERED FINE WHEN IT IS LEAKING GAS. MY AZTEK WAS MANUFACTURED IN NOVEMBER 2002. THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT IS ON AND STAYS ON MOST OF THE TIME. THE DEALER SWORE THE PROBLEM WAS JUST A LOOSE GAS CAP AND THERE WAS NOTHING ELSE WRONG WITH IT. WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR, THE TANK WAS FILLED JUST ABOVE EMPTY AND I FILLED THE TANK THAT EVENING WITH 15.8 GALLONS OF 87 OCTANE GAS AND WOKE UP TODAY WITH THE ENTIRE INSIDE OF MY HOME SMELLING LIKE GASOLINE. MY HUSBAND WAS ABLE TO SEE THAT THE GAS IS LEAKING FROM AROUND THE JOINT BETWEEN THE FILLER HOSE AND THE FUEL TANK. THE LEAK IS NOT HEAVY OR FLOWING IT IS JUST STEADILY SEEPING. THE VEHICLE STILL DRIVES REALLY SMOOTH. BUT I AM NOT SURE HOW EXPLOSIVE A GAS LEAK IS AND I AM NOT DRIVING IT UNTIL I DO. I HAVE A SCAN GAUGE AND IT ESTIMATES THE CAR GETTING AROUND 7MPG. THE VEHICLE HAS 92,500 MILES ON IT AND ONLY ONE PREVIOUS

Visibility
Filed Nov 1, 200947,890 milesVA

1. FAILURE OCCURS WHEN THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS ARE ACTIVATED (INCLEMENT WEATHER, WINDSHIELD WASHER). 2. THE WIPERS BIND TOGETHER AND LOCK UP ON THE WAY BACK TO REST POSITION. THE BINDING HAPPENS FREQUENTLY, AND THIS INCIDENT IS APPROXIMATELY THE THIRD TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED ON THIS VEHICLE. THERE IS CONSTANT RISK THE WIPERS COULD BIND AT ANY TIME DURING WIPER OPERATION. CONSEQUENCES INCLUDE LOSS OF FORWARD VISIBILITY WHICH COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT, VEHICLE FIRE DUE TO MOTOR BURNING OUT WHILE WIPERS ARE STUCK (MOTOR TRIES TO MOVE WIPERS TO REST POSITION EVEN WHEN WIPERS ARE SWITCHED OFF), OR PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH IF STRUCK WHILE GETTING OUT OF THE VEHICLE AT THE SIDE OF THE INTERSTATE IN HEAVY RAIN OR SNOW TO UNBIND THE WIPERS. 3. CORRECTIVE ACTION: THE DRIVER MUST IMMEDIATELY STOP THE VEHICLE ON THE SIDE OF THE INTERSTATE IN HEAVY RAIN OR SNOW AND GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE TO MANUALLY UNBIND THE WIPERS TO RESTORE FORWARD VISIBILITY AND TO REMOVE RISK OF VEHICLE FIRE DUE TO WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR BURNOUT. WIPERS WERE REPLACED AT THE DEALER, BUT INCIDENT RECURRED. WIPERS WERE REPLACED AGAIN AT AUTO PART STORE AND CORRECT BLADE SIZES WERE VERIFIED TO BE CORRECT, BUT INCIDENT RECURRED. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Oct 21, 200996,000 milesPA

ELECTRICAL MECHANICS IN THE CAR, I HAVE BEEN STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF CITY TRAFFIC AND CANNOT GET THE CAR TO MOVE. IT STALLS OUT IN TRAFFIC. *TR

Visibility
Filed Apr 22, 2009IN

I LIVE IN A SMALL TOWN AND THERE ARE 5 PONTIAC AZTEK AND BUICK COUNTERPARTS AND ALL FIVE OF US HAVE AT LEAST ONE MIRROR MISSING--JUST THE GLASS PART. WHAT IS THE DEAL? THE CHEAPEST I HAVE FOUND IS 71$ TO REPLACE AND I FIND THAT APPALLING SINCE I AM ON SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY AND THE CAR PAYMENT/INSURANCE IS ENOUGH BUT TO HAVE TO REPLACE THINGS LIKE A MIRROR WHICH HAS JUST SIMPLY FALLEN OUT IS OUT OF THE QUESTION. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Apr 15, 200938,000 milesOH

2003 PONTIAC AZTEK. TOOK IN DUE TO FLUID LEAKING INTO OIL AND CAUSING IT TO LOOK LIKE A "MILKY" SUBSTANCE. TOLD THAT THESE VEHICLES ARE KNOWN FOR THIS ISSUE AND THAT THE PROBLEM WAS WITH THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET. HAD THAT REPLACED (OVER $1,000) - THEN DISCOVERED STILL A LEAK - NOW THEY ARE SAYING IT PROBABLY NEEDS AN ENGINE. THE VEHICLE IS NOT EVEN 10YRS OLD. I READ ANOTHER DESCRIPTION SIMILAR TO THIS. HOW MANY INDIVIDUALS HAVE TO BE GOUGED BEFORE SOMETHING CAN BE DONE ABOUT THIS. IF THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES, SEEMS LIKE SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE TO STOP THE MANUFACTURER FROM PREYING ON THEIR CUSTOMERS. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Dec 17, 200849,177 milesTX

THE ENGINE STARTED TO RUN HOT AND AFTER INVESTIGATING THE PROBLEM AT HOME WE DISCOVERED THAT THE ENGINE COOLING FANS WERE NOT WORKING. WE DID NOT FIND ANY LEAKS OR DISCONNECTED BELTS OR HOSES. WE HAVE NOT HAD A PROFESSIONAL LOOK AT IT YET BUT WE ARE VERY CERTAIN THAT THE FANS ARE NOT COMING ON. *TR

Suspension
Filed Dec 15, 2008118,000 milesIL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC AZTEK. THE CONTACT REPEATEDLY EXPERIENCES FAILURE WITH THE FRONT WHEEL OF HER VEHICLE. ON DECEMBER 9, 2003, THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR THE HUB ASSEMBLY AND WHEEL BEARING TO BE REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. THE FAILURES RECURRED AND WHEN SHE RETURNED TO THE DEALER, THEY STATED THAT SHE WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR COSTS BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE CONTACT BECAME UPSET WITH THE DEALER AND CALLED PONTIAC TO INFORM THEM THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED PRIOR TO THE REPAIR AS WELL; THEREFORE, SHE WOULD NOT PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE VEHICLE FOR FREE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER A THIRD TIME BECAUSE IT OVERHEATED AND THE WARNING LIGHT FOR THE ANTILOCK BRAKES ILLUMINATED. THE MECHANIC PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND FOUND THAT THE ANITLOCK AND INTAKE MANIFOLD AND FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL BEARING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. THE CONTACT BEGAN RESEARCHING THE ISSUE FOR ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000.

Fuel System, OtherFire
Filed Nov 20, 2008127,000 milesMI

CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE AND TOTALLED MY CAR. MY HOME ALMOST BURNED TO THE GROUND. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Oct 20, 200874,000 milesAL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC AZTEK. THE CONTACT SMELLED A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. HE ALSO OBSERVED A SMALL AMOUNT OF FUEL SPILLING FROM THE LOWER PORTION OF THE FUEL TANK. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR REPAIR. THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER RQ06009 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP), ALTHOUGH THE FAILURES WERE IDENTICAL. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 74,000.

Visibility › Rear Window Wiper/Washer
Filed Oct 8, 2008127,332 milesGA

WHILE DRIVING MY WIPERS STOPPED WORKING WHILE IN THE RAIN. PLEASE REFER TO ODI ID#10100739. I ALMOST CRASHED MY CAR BECAUSE I COULD NOT SEE. I HAD TO CONSTANTLY FLICK BUTTON ON AND OFF TO GET IT TO START BACK UP. *TR

SteeringCrash
Filed Sep 26, 200875,000 milesOH

2003 PONTIAC AZTEC, 75,000 MILES WITH NO SYMPTOMS BLEW TIE ROD CAUSING CAR TO SWERVE DUE TO LACK OF BRAKES AND STEERING AND FLIPPED INTO RAVINE. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Sep 10, 200870,000 milesNJ

AZTEK IS 5 YRS OLD 70,000 MILES. HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH STALLING AFTER THE FIRST FEW MONTHS (WAS BOUGHT BRAND NEW!) COULDN'T FIND ANY PROBLEM! 9/4/08 WAS DRIVING LATE FROM A GAME AND BROKE DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY. HAD DIAGNOSTIC DONE - MISFIRE IN CYLINDER 6. TOOK IT TO DEALER - COSTING ME $4000 TO FIX! NEEDS 2 NEW HEADS!!!! *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jul 20, 2008999,999 milesCO

INTERMITTENTLY, WHEN IN PARK WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING, THE VEHICLE CAN NOT BE SHIFTED TO ANY GEAR WITHOUT TURNING THE ENGINE OFF AND RESTARTING. THE INVERSE OF THIS HAS BEEN TRYING TO SHIFT IN TO PART AND THE IT WILL NOT GO !. TURNING THE ENGINE OFF HAD NO EFFECT ON THIS CONDITION AND IT HAD TO BE LEFT IN GEAR. OF COURSE THE LIGHTS DON'T GO OFF AND THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE "CHOCKED" AND THE BATTERY DISCONNECTED. THE DATE CAN BE DISREGARDED AS THIS HAPPENS OCCASIONALLY. *TR

Complaints 1-50 of 128, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2001
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
200534100Routine
200467400Routine
2003 — this page128460Routine
2002121310Routine
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.