Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2001 Pontiac Aztek owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I purchased my 2001 Pontiac Aztek in November of 2003. Since then it was diagnosed with a leaking gasket requiring a repair of $750, which I have since discovered is not an usual problem with this vehicle. I have also noticed some very odd things about this vehicle: 1.when on an incline, once I remove my foot from the brake pedal the vehicle immediately starts to roll back, which risks me striking anything behind me. This requires me to put my left foot on the brake and my right foot on the gas and simultaneously lift off the brake as I begin to accelerate. I have never encountered this problem in an automatic transmission. 2.when on a level surface as soon as the brake pedal is released vehicle will accelerate on its own prior to applying gas. 3.steering is very difficult to control in even the slightest wind, and often feels like it will veer off the road. …
Tl contact owns a 2001 Pontiac aztec. She stated that the condenser would not blow cold air when engaged. The dealer stated that there was a hole in the condenser. The condenser has been replaced on four occasions. The manufacturer offered her a voucher for a new vehicle. As of August 7, 2007, the failure has not been rectified. The failure mileage was 13,745 and the current mileage was 92,000. The consumer was told that brackets were punching holes in the condenser. After the last condenser replacement, the consumer smelled something burning and noticed anti-freeze leaking only when the air conditioner was on. The consumer returned to the dealership and was informed that a new radiator was needed and there was a problem with the intake. The consumer was then told the intake was OK, but a radiator was still needed. Updated 09/11/07. The blower motor was also replaced. Updated 09/11/07.
Tl contact owns a 2001 Pontiac Aztek. While the vehicle was receiving a free oil change, the contact was informed that the intake manifold was leaking antifreeze into the engine. General motors advised him to take his vehicle to a Pontiac dealer. The dealer stated that they could not work on the vehicle through the warranty and advised the contact to take his vehicle to another dealer. General motors stated that they would repair the vehicle under warranty, but later changed there mind. The reference number from general motors was 71-616597877. The purchase date was unknown. The current mileage was 89,595 and failure mileage was 89,575.
Dt: the contact owns a 2001 Pontiac aztec. Five months ago the exterior and interior lights malfunctioned while driving. The contact replaced two oxygen sensors; one in May 2005, and one in August 2005. The contact was still experiencing the same problem. The contact went back to auto zone today and their computer showed her that she needed another oxygen sensor. The car was no longer under warranty. The contact has not spoken to the manufacturer. The contact stated she had gone to several mechanics, and they did not know what the problem was. The only thing showing up was a bad oxygen sensor.
Coolant leak on Pontiac 2001 Aztek. The lower intake manifold gasket failed. I did not have an accident, but it could have seized the engine with out warning. The low coolant warning never came on even after I was one gallon low. Dealer replaced gasket for cost of $730. Pontiac would not help with pricing. I did a web search and found a TSB on the gasket where GM/Pontiac aknowledges the problem. I am also a member of aztekfanclub.com and other memebers have had the same problem and have had Pontiac help cover the cost of the repair.
The consumer stated she saw fluid leaking from under her vehicle in her driveway. She says she took her vehicle to the mechanic, who said it was her radiator. She then took the vehicle to somewhere else to get a second opinion, that mechanic told her that the problem was the radiator, air conditioning, and the engine intake manifold. The vehicle was leaking coolant into the intake manifold. She says her vehicle is not old enough to have this kind of problem. Front brake rotors are rusting and must be replaced.
I lost heat in my 2001 Pontiac Aztek, brought to repair shop, leaking intake manifold gasket was the cause. They said this is a known problem, GM has new service bulletin on it and new design. Cost to repair 794.00 car has 43203 miles. Called GM and they will not help, even though they know its a bad gasket design on and affecting about every GM vehicle with the 3.4l v^ engine. I purchased new and expect GM to cover these costs. And am curious why a recall has not been issued?
While applying the brake pedal the consumer heard a loud noise and the vehicle vibrated uncontrollably. The consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and drove it to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic determined that the brakes needed to be replaced and replaced them. However, the problem recurred. The transmission felt as if it was falling out, the tire exploded while driving, the power lost, and hatch (rear) would not open.
Tl* - the contact owns a 2001 Pontiac aztec. The contact stated took the vehicle to the repair shop to be serviced and was informed that the head gasket needed to be replaced. The dex coolant used in her vehicle caused the head gasket to deteriorate. The contact then called the manufacturer and was told to take the vehicle to one of their mechanics. Updated 03/19/07.
Upon starting when engine was cold, vehicle made loud clunking from engine compartment. Engine was shut off, dealership called. We were told to drive car to dealer. Vehicle was towed to the dealership. Upon investigation engine was found to have been manufactured with the incorrect piston rod pins causing them to not be lubricated. Engine was replaced.
Engine complaints in other Aztek years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2001 Pontiac Aztek?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2001 Pontiac Aztek, 13% of the model year's 216 complaints. The component named most often is engine (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Pontiac Aztek engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2001 Pontiac Aztek, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2001 Pontiac Aztek engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 56,000 miles, and 18% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.