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 2002 Pontiac Aztek owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Pontiac Aztek. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the vehicle stalled without any warning and crashed into a tree. The contact mentioned that the air bags failed to deploy. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 192,000. The current mileage was 199,129. Updated 10/7/14
At 51,000 miles engine overheating when stopped at traffic lights. Added antifreeze, but did not fix the problem. At same time ac failed. Then electrical system started failing. Alarm going off for no reason, doors locking and unlocking themselves, rear hatch opening, and all gauges lighting up then going blank for 5 - 10 seconds. Took to dealer who stated that I had a failure in the intake manifold gasket, a leaking fuel filter, a shot ac system, and needed to replace the body control module. Dealer also stated that they have had to do the same work on many azteks. Took to my regular mechanic for verification and repair ($600 less than dealer wanted). Paid $1156 for intake manifold, fuel filter, and ac check. Mechanic doesn't believe that there is anything wrong with the ac system, but the problem is related to the body control module. …
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. 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.
As noted in previous statements this vehicle is difficulty at starting and cranking at various situation. Playing the radio with engine off, must wait ten minutes before attempting to start, then it May crank or you have to start over. Its not the radio its the ignition lock cylinder as done in the past. It doesn't matter, stop, or moving it has done all you mention, and with the lights off at night you can injured a pedestrian or ourselves. This car was recall and it was said to have been fix but here we stuck here from 04/07/17 possibly will get help from the nearest GMC car dealer on 04/10/17. Keep all this information for official used only. Thanks updated 05/17/17 updated 07/25/2017
Battery light illuminated and vehicle started to lose power. Once the vehicle was on the shoulder, it completely died. After waiting for 30-40 min. For assistance, the consumer was able to restart the vehicle. The Firestone mechanic informed the consumer the failure occurred as a result of the computer failing to communicate with another part. On the other hand, a mechanic from the Pontiac dealership stated the failure could have occurred as a result of loose cables. The consumer disagreed because the vehicle started up after approx. 30 minutes. The consumer would like to be reimbursed for expenses paid to Firestone tire & service centers for diagnoses.
Drove to work no problems, went to start up to go home 8 hours later and got nothing . Towed home and replace the starter and recharge battery(dead after trying to start it) started with a very loud knock sound from what I think is the top end , took it to dealer where bought it 28 earlier from and they sai dmotor was shot. How can this be with no engine light ever coming on , no over heating .I have been paying a year now on a auto I drove for only 28 days please help ...what is wrong with it or what can I do to get it fixed without costing a bundle (don't have alot cause I have to make payment on my "lemon".
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Pontiac aztec. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the head gasket overheated on the vehicle. He noticed that the vehicle would overheat by the temperature gauge rising on the instrumental panel. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic who informed the contact that he would need to replace the head gasket. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was unavailable. The failure mileage was 111,000.
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.
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
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 !
Engine complaints in other Aztek years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2002 Pontiac Aztek?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2002 Pontiac Aztek, 20% of the model year's 121 complaints. The component named most often is cooling system (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Pontiac Aztek engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2002 Pontiac Aztek, though it has 2 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 2002 Pontiac Aztek engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 67,000 miles, and 13% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires 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.