Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 34 | −76% | — | Electrical | Good |
| 2004 | 67 | −54% | 3 | Fuel System | Good |
| 2003 | 128 | 1.3× | 3 | Fuel System | Average |
| 2002 | 121 | 1.4× | 2 | Fuel System | Caution |
| 2001 | 216 | 2.5× | 5 | Electrical | Avoid |
* Complaints compared with the median Aztek year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Pontiac Aztek problems
Latest Pontiac Aztek recalls
Fuel system, gasoline › Storage
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).
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.
Electrical system › Ignition
On certain sport utility vehicles, contamination on ignition relay contacts can cause high resistance. This can affect signals to the powertrain control module and, could cause intermittent vehicle stalls at any time.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the ignition relay free of charge. The recall began on May 4, 2005. Owners May contact Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668 and Buick at 1-866-608-8080.
Fuel system, gasoline › Storage
On certain passenger vehicles, a weld between the fuel tank inlet check valve and the fuel tank can fail.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the serial number of the fuel tank to see if it is on the list of affected tanks. If the serial number matches, the fuel tank will be replaced. Owner notification began November 4, 2003.
Equipment › Other › Owners/service/other manual
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.
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…
Steering
In some of these sport utility vehicles, the diameter of the steering column intermediate shaft is too small.
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.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Pontiac Aztek should you avoid?
2001 and 2002 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Aztek years at the same age, led by electrical system problems in the 2001.
What is the best year for the Pontiac Aztek?
2005 has the fewest complaints compared with other Aztek years at the same age, followed by 2004. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Pontiac Aztek problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the fuel & propulsion system (125), electrical system (107) and engine & cooling (93). Fuel System complaints peak in the 2001 model year.
How many recalls has the Pontiac Aztek had?
8 recalls across 2001–2005. The model year with the most is 2001. See all Pontiac Aztek recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.