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 2003 Pontiac Aztek owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Since we first bought the car in 2005, whenever the fuel tank is filled to 3/4 or higher the car starts to smell of fuel fumes. If it is filled up full to the top, it literally spills fuel onto the ground (about 16oz). I called GM and they told me to bring it to the dealership. The dealership looked at it and determined that it is a bad weld on the fuel tank filler neck and also confirmed that the car is exhibiting the same symptoms as listed in multiple safety recalls regarding this fuel tank. The vin of this vehicle is within the range of safety recall bulletin number 06230, and is exhibiting the exact issues mentioned in that bulletin, but GM is saying that the specific vin is not included and that I need to contact NHTSA to have my vin added before they will fix it. The car only has 130,000 miles on it and this has been an issue for over 17 years. …
I recently borrowed my mother-in-law's vehicle. When I returned to my home I parked in the attached garage. Later, when my daughter came home she asked why it smelled like gas. I went to check and upon entering the laundry area (directly attached to the garage via access to the house) I noticed the smell. I inspected the garage and thought, perhaps, the smell was coming from a weed wacker. Later, I went to check on some laundry and the gas smell was even worse. I opened the door to access the garage and then recalled the weed wacker was actually broken and was only there to be discarded in the trash next pickup. I was concerned and went and woke my husband saying I smelled over-powering gas smell and to please come check. He indicated he thought it May be his mom's car. …
I can smell a gas leak coming from my aztec. I do know there was a recall on the fuel system and it was never honored because there was none at that time. There is now a leak as well as a major smell of fuel coming from it. I did call about the recall and they don't want to honor it even thou it was never replaced the first time. It is going to cost me about $1500 to have it replace....I do believe the recall should be honor. I call the dealership where it was bought brand new. And spoke with the owners. And they said they never received the letter to have it replaced. The dealership said it out of warranty and they will not cover it even thou the recall was never done on it.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Pontiac aztec. When there was half a tank of fuel in the vehicle, there was no leak present. However, when the vehicle had a full tank of fuel, there was a progressing leak. The contact noticed a puddle under the vehicle and strong fuel fumes were present inside and outside the vehicle. The dealer and an independent mechanic were notified. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign numbers: 07V349000 (fuel system, gasoline) and 07e021000 (fuel system, other). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000. Updated 01/26/17
"Takata recall"" stalls when I'm driving or when I'm coming to a stop it will completely shut off and when I start it up and throughout the ride is shakes and vibrates sometimes it won't start sometimes it'll start right away I don't replace spark plugs coils oil changed I'm still doing the same thing every place I go saying the same thing your says possible misfires cylinder 5 fuel and c2o oxygen simpson and I also replace the fuel filter still no different still writes the same way runs hot like it's not getting no water to the engine
I have been having issues with my azrek shutting off on me in the middle of driving and now it wint even start. I have replaced the fuel pump and vapor sensor due to it not getting any fuel pressure. I have researched and there are 2 different recalls for my vehicle which have not been done due to my VIN not being acnowleged with the recall
Tl contact owns a 2003 Pontiac Aztek. The contact stated that there was a strong odor of fuel and discovered that there was a fuel leak. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 165,000.
Key keeps getting stuck in ignition, steering column gets stuck.fuel tank is leaking and check engine light keeps coming on and staying along with service engine light. Fuel pump keeps going out replaced 3 times.
The smell of gas, changing the fuel pump more than once. Problem reading the level of gas. Vehicle was driving when it start shaking and stop(2nd time). The vehicle was park and could not start(1st time).
2003 Pontiac Aztek - fuel smell for several weeks with no obvious cause. Weather warmed during this period and smell became stronger with increased ambient temps. About three or four weeks later, fuel was found on the ground beneath the filler vent tube beginning with a small damp spot and eventually becoming a puddle (only when tank was filled). Took it local dealer where they informed me that there were no recalls for the 2003 model year and it would cost me $1200 to replace the tank. I was informed that they would accept no responsibility for the vehicle or accidents if I chose to drive the vehicle in this condition. I went home, researched the recalls and discovered that there was a recall for the 2004 model year. My vehicle was manufactured in May of 2003 and the recall began in October of 2003 for the 2004 model year. …
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 2003 Pontiac Aztek?
NHTSA has 36 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 2003 Pontiac Aztek, 28% of the model year's 128 complaints. The component named most often is storage › tank assembly (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 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 2003 Pontiac Aztek fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 84,000 miles, and 4% 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.