Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
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 aztec. The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH, he noticed the vehicle accelerated abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis. The dealer stated that they did not find any failure on the vehicle. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 70,000 and the current mileage was 79,000. ..updated 09/04/12 the consumer stated the first failure was just over a year ago. The vehicle accelerated to 40-45, rpms reached 3000-3100. With the vehicle stopped the rpms reached 1500-1700. The manufacturer was contacted and was reviewing the information from the vehicle to see if repairs were warranted and whether GM would assist with repairs. Updated 09/17/2012
Tl contact owns a 2002 Pontiac aztec. While driving 5 MPH the vehicle wobbled and the right front tire produced a grinding noise. The dealer stated that the right front hub bearings should be replaced, but has not made the repair. The manufacturer issued a special policy adjustment for the wheel bearings. The dealer would not replace the wheel bearings as part of the special policy adjustment because the vehicle's mileage exceeded 60,000. The current and failure mileage were 84,000. The consumer stated the repair was made by dobb's auto dealer. Update 05/04/07
Dt: the contact stated vehicle began to make a strange noise. He took the vehicle to a dealership, and they discovered there was a problem with the driver's side hub and wheel bearing. They were repaired by the dealer. Afterwards, the vehicle had the same problem on the passenger's side. The repairs were made again by the dealer under an extended warranty. Currently, the problem recurred, but no repairs have been made.
Rattling and grinding sound when driving vehicle occurred over 1-month period. Took vehicle to mechanic and was told front right wheel bearings needed replacement. Cost of replacement was $600. Six months later, same problem occurred and the front left wheel bearings were replaced. Cost of replacement was $600. Mechanic stated this is a common problem for this vehicle.
At 38,000 miles the front wheel bearings had to be replaced. When looking at this site this appears to be something to common. At what point does NHTSA look at the complaints and truly make a defect investigation? In seeing this common problem on this vehicle made by numerous people I am concerned if my time here is for venting or to cause action to begin.
Two wheel bearings have failed on my 2002 Pontiac Aztek before 50,000 miles. Fortunately I recognized the noise before anything tragic happened. Pontiac replaced the first one under warranty, but declined to offer any assistance with the bearing not under warranty. How often will these go bad and should I trust them?
Front end makes a humming noise while driving. The noise becomes louder when turning. Dealership indicated that the right hub was defective, and needed to be replaced. The part was replaced, but the failure recurred. Also, left hub was showing same signs of failure.
Had to replace 5 wheel bearings ac condensers rear latch does not unlatch at times dealer said they put on a stronger spring still only works half the time. Transmission went out at 70,000 driver door gets out of line because of hinge bending.
Knocking noise under driver side tire of a 2002 ponitac Aztek. Two different GMC dealerships looked at my car and this problem. Two different solutions were attempted but the problem still occurs.
The problem began with noisy brakes. Then all of a sudden when I went to turn a corner the brakes and tires locked up and would not turn. I almost hit several vehicles while I was trying to get this repaired. When hooked to the computer it would not throw anything telling the computer what was wrong. When it got worse it finally threw a code to the computer and said its the wheel bearings which costs $250 per tire. I cannot afford to fix all 4 tires so I have only repaired 2 at this time. Hopefully something can be done about this. Recall or reimburse me my $$ for the repairs. This is a dangerous condition for the vehicle!!!! This problem began several months ago. I have found out that the left front has already been replaced once and is defective again!!!!
Suspension complaints in other Aztek years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2002 Pontiac Aztek?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the suspension of the 2002 Pontiac Aztek, 17% of the model year's 121 complaints. The component named most often is front › wheel bearing (14 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Pontiac Aztek suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension 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 suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 42,000 miles, and 23% before 25,000 miles.
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.