Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
Tl contact owns a 2001 Pontiac aztec. The vehicle was locked in the park position. The contact read the owner's manual and attempted to release the vehicle through the cupholder as instructed. She could not do so on the driver's side and went to the passenger side instead. She was able to release the lock and was on her way back to the driver's side when the vehicle knocked her down. According to witnesses, the vehicle made an l and struck another vehicle. The vehicle was towed and has not yet been diagnosed. Updated 08/27/08. Updated 08/27/08.
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. …
My transmission gave in after three and a half years of owning this vehicle (purchased April 2001). I became stuck in traffic as a result. However, since the very beginning, the transmission has not been running smoothly at all. My car has been taken in for various types of repairs time and time again (our dealer, lasorsa in the bronx, has all the information on the repairs they've done). It was only a matter of time before the transmission gave in completely, and now that my warranty is up, I have to pay $2500 for a new transmission. I have noticed several other similar complaints for this make, model, and year, and something must be done. This car should be recalled. Our safety is at stake.
Transmission went out on my 2001 Pontiac Aztek. When my wife drove over railroad tracks a load sound came from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was driving erratically. She pushed the OnStar button and they told her there was a problem with the transmission. We took it to a local repair shop and they had to rebuild the whole transmission and even service some parts for the all wheel drive transfer case. The vehicle only has 80,000 miles, this is not normal!
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.
When I purchased my astek in July 2001, it was brand new since I have had it I have had brake problems , a wheel bearing has went out, my alignment was set wrong, I needed to get brand new tires, and my transmission is now out and its not under warranty due to high mileage. I will be investigating. And now it is sitting until I can afford $2000.00 for a transmission or I can get this resolved.
The car rolls when in gear. Front or back, depending on the pitch of the road. At a stop light, if I took my foot off my brake, it roles back. When putting the car in the garage, I stopped half way in the car roll out into the ally. The other 35 complaints didn't have this problem, so maybe its not a common problem. There is only 20,000 miles on it.
2001 Aztek with 85,000 kms the transmission blew up. Accelerated at highway on ramp, loud bang then no gears. No park, no reverse. Transmission totally rebuilt by reputable mechanic, cost $3000 told by mechanic that GM using poor quality parts, not built to last and therefore transmission fails and not built to last.
The driver was ejected from vehicle, in a rollover. The driver was properly restrained, and sustained injury. The consumer stated the transaxle failed. The vehicle suddenly swerved off of the road and rolled. The seat belt locking device did not lock, and the front-side air bags did not deploy.
I have a 2001 pontaic Aztek with 39,978 miles on it. My transmission has gone bad already and is going to cost 2,000+ dollars for repair. I feel that this problem has happened far to soon for a newer vehicle.
Transmission complaints in other Aztek years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2001 Pontiac Aztek?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2001 Pontiac Aztek, 10% of the model year's 216 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (15 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Pontiac Aztek transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 53,000 miles, and 15% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 1 fire and 2 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.