Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
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 smelled a strong fuel odor present in the vehicle without warning. The failure was persistent. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 07V349000 (fuel system, gasoline). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000. Updated 05/06/16 the consumer stated there was a fuel leaking from the vehicle whenever the it was filled. The consumer was not included in the recall due to the age of the vehicle. Updated 11/1/2017
Fuel tank filler sprayed fuel onto exhaust pipe while under normal interstate driving conditions. My wife smelled an electrical burning smell about 10 minutes prior to the fire while fueling at a service station. She dismissed it since there was a nearby construction crew that was burning trash in barrels. She thought perhaps it was something they were burning. After a visual inspection of the vehicle, we continued on.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Pontiac Aztek. After refueling the vehicle, it was noticed that the vehicle was losing fuel faster than usual. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel tank, fuel pump, and fuel tank lines failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 139,000.
We own a 2002 Pontiac Aztek. On Sunday, December 16, our car would not start and could not be jumped by aaa. We had it towed to the aaa-approved service station we use for all repairs. After replacing the starter, they told us that there was also a leak with the fuel inlet seal. It being the week before christmas, we were unable to repair that day. After going on the internet to research the price of the part, we discovered that there was a recall in effect for this vehicle for this specific reason. We called the Pontiac number listed in the recall notice. The customer service person looked up the recall (after I gave her the number as she was unable to find anything) and said that it did appear our vehicle was subject to recall but that it would have to be diagnosed by a Pontiac/GM dealer. We located one nearby and she put me on hold to call them. …
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. …
Check engine light appeared. Took vehicle to mechanic and was told the code was in reference to the fuel tank pressure sensor. Mechanic de-activated check engine light. After 2 days, check engine light appeared again. Took to dealer and had code checked. Same issue with fuel pressure sensor. Dealer stated this was a recall issue. Dealer checked with manufacturer and was told this was not a problem. Dealer removed connector at body pass. Check engine light de-activated. After 1 week, check engine light appeared. Traction control and anti-lock brake lights consistency appear and disappear when driving vehicle. This is a daily occurrence. In addition, the automatic door locks will lock and unlock by themselves. Upon starting up the vehicle, all gage lights will flash for a few seconds then go out. A/C stopped working and has not worked since. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Pontiac aztec. The contact stated that there was an unusually strong odor of gasoline emitting in the front exterior and interior cabin of the vehicle. The dealer was unable to duplicate or locate the origin of the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for an unrelated repair where the mechanic noticed that the fuel filler was fractured and leaking gasoline. The contact was advised that there were recalls on her year, make and model vehicle for the identical failure (NHTSA campaign id number: 07V349000: fuel system, gasoline storage); however, the manufacturer stated that her VIN was not included in the recall. No repairs were made to the vehicle. The failure mileage was 90,000 and the current mileage was 165,577.
Dt: consumer says body module has blown three times on vehicle. Consumer was on parkway when body module blew out, and vehicle and everything on car shut down. Engine stopped, all lights started blinking, the hatch popped. The body module blew at 7000 miles/at 17000 miles, and again at 27000 miles. Vehicle was taken to dealer three times and body module was replaced. First two times module blew was at night, the third was during the day. Also, consumer says that she is having problem with fuel tank popping. Tank is contracting or expanding, and nothing is relieving the pressure slowly. So when the pressure changes quickly it caused noise. Consumer says this is dangerous and can cause an explosion.
Tl* - the contact was a driving vehicle at 70 miles an hour, when the vehicle made a scraping noise due to a wheel bearing failure. There were no inicidents or casualties. The contact's car was towed and repaired. The contact received a letter from the manufacturer stating that there is a problem with wheel bearings but, this was not a recall. The contact letter also stated that reimbursement will be given if the vehicle is under 60,000 or 5 years. The contact's vehicle does not qualify under these perameters. The first incident with the wheel bearings was repaired under warranty. The vehicle 's fuel gauge does not register the contents of the fuel tank.
Tl -the contact owns a 2002 Pontiac Aztek. The contact stated she received a manufacturer's recall in 2008. The vehicle was taken to the dealer after smelling the vapors of gasoline. The vehicle was not repaired under the recall due to the vehicle having more mileage than what was stipulated in the letter. The vehicle was diagnosed that the base of the fuel tank was fractured and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified and offered no further assistance. The failure mileage was unknown. The current mileage was approximately 172,000. The VIN was unavailable. Rvk
Related 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.
NHTSA investigations
Fuel tank leakage
Certain subject vehicles May exhibit leakage of odor and/or fuelfrom the lower portion of the fuel tank inlet filler pipe (inlet check valve).the inlet check valve (icv) and the fuel tank are joined together using a hot plate welding process for plastic parts.GM reports that its analysis of field returned parts show evidence of process variations for different manufacturing periods.these variations produced some icv…
Fuel tank leakage
GM is recalling (NHTSA recall no. 07v-349) certain model year (my) 2002-2004 Buick rendezvous, Chevrolet venture (regular wheelbase) and 2001-2004 Pontiac aztek and montana (regular wheelbase) vehicles to replace fuel tanks and correct a defect that May allow fuel leakage.the vehicle recall population is rendezvous and aztek vehicles built in May 2003, venture and montana vehicle built in June through August 2002…
Fuel System complaints in other Aztek years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 2002 Pontiac Aztek?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 2002 Pontiac Aztek, 22% of the model year's 121 complaints. The component named most often is storage › tank assembly (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Pontiac Aztek fuel system problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 07V-349 (storage, Aug 8, 2007). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2002 Pontiac Aztek fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles, and 9% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to fuel & propulsion system 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.