Most common 2004 Pontiac Aztek problems
Share of the 67 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Pontiac Aztek complaints by model year
Best Aztek years: 2005, 2004. Years to avoid: 2001, 2002. Compare all years →
2004 Pontiac Aztek recalls (3)
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.
Electrical system › Ignition
On certain sport utility vehicles, contamination on ignition relay contacts can cause high resistance. This can affect signals to the powertrain control module and, could cause intermittent vehicle stalls at any time.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the ignition relay free of charge. The recall began on May 4, 2005. Owners May contact Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668 and Buick at 1-866-608-8080.
Fuel system, gasoline › Storage
On certain passenger vehicles, a weld between the fuel tank inlet check valve and the fuel tank can fail.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the serial number of the fuel tank to see if it is on the list of affected tanks. If the serial number matches, the fuel tank will be replaced. Owner notification began November 4, 2003.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 3 possible defects involving the 2004 Pontiac Aztek:
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…
Ignition relay failure
On November 10, 2004, the office of defects investigation (odi) opened a preliminary evaluation to investigate the failure, malfunction, or other unsatisfactory performance of the engine control system which May result in engine stalling in certain model year (my) 2004 Buick rendezvous (gmt250) and Pontiac aztek (gmt250) vehicles allegedly caused by ignition relay failure.odi is aware of 68 non-duplicative…
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…
What 2004 Pontiac Aztek owners say
Fuel & propulsion system
My car turn off on my children and I on the highway thank god we was able to coast on the side of the road. My mechanic said that my ignition control module went out outta no where not only that crankshaft sensor and fuel line exhausted system something wrong engine light still on. With that being said I'm great my children was not hurt doing this ordeal. I learned that these cars have few complaints. But do have some issues with electrical system and vacuum how's exhausted. Just got the car I March and found out bout this recall I'm so disappointed scared to drive this car right now.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Pontiac Aztek. While refueling the vehicle, the contact was notified that fuel was spilling onto the ground. The contact noticed that the weld of the fuel line was fractured. The manufacturer stated that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 07V349000 (fuel system, gasoline) and NHTSA campaign number: 03V454000 (fuel system, gasoline). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 104,000. Updated 09/14/15
Electrical system
My car turn off on my children and I on the highway thank god we was able to coast on the side of the road. My mechanic said that my ignition control module went out outta no where not only that crankshaft sensor and fuel line exhausted system something wrong engine light still on. With that being said I'm great my children was not hurt doing this ordeal. I learned that these cars have few complaints. But do have some issues with electrical system and vacuum how's exhausted. Just got the car I March and found out bout this recall I'm so disappointed scared to drive this car right now.
Key stuck in ignition once car turned off. This has happened intermittently since first occurred in 2010. The only way to remove key is to override park shift indicator, which would allow key to be removed while vehicle in motion, thereby disabling power steering and braking. There is no fix that does not involve overriding park shift indicator per dealer.
Engine & cooling
I have not driven my vehicle for 2 months because my mechanic told me my valve cover gaskets were leaking on to my exhaust manifold and that it why it was smoking when we stopped. I talked to my local GM dealer and they said it is not part of the recall so they could not help, so I have three choices let it sit in my driveway, pay several hundred dollars to get it fixed or drive it till it starts on fire. It has the 3800 motor like all the other cars in the recall. I can get a letter from my mechanic if needed.
Driving car on road and car quit running, electrical started flashing. Pulled over and ignition switch would only go to acc. Mode, it would not turn to off position. I had car towed to my house. The ignition will only go to acc. Mode will not turn to off position where key can be removed..unhooked battery terminal and car is still parked.
2004 Pontiac Aztek engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.4L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 17 / 24 / 20 |
| 3.4L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 16 / 22 / 18 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2004 Pontiac Aztek a good car?
Based on 67 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2004 Aztek rates better than average: 54% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Aztek at the same age. It is one of the best Aztek years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2004 Pontiac Aztek?
The fuel & propulsion system — 16 complaints, 24% of all complaints for this model year, most often about storage. Next are the electrical system (15) and engine & cooling (13).
How many recalls does the 2004 Pontiac Aztek have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2004 Pontiac Aztek, the most recent from August 8, 2007 (storage). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Pontiac Aztek?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2005 and 2004. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2001 and 2002. See the full Pontiac Aztek years comparison.
At what mileage do 2004 Pontiac Aztek problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 48,000 miles; 51% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 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.