Pontiac Aztek Brake Problems

Owners have filed 80 complaints about brakes problems with the Pontiac Aztek — 14% of all Aztek complaints. The worst model years are 2001 (31), 2003 (18) and 2002 (16). Problems typically start around 54,000 miles. No brake recall has been issued for the Aztek.

80complaints
2001worst year
54ktypical miles
0related recalls
4crashes
2fires

Brake complaints by model year

20012002200320042005311618123
Brake complaints per model year, Pontiac Aztek.
YearComplaintsShare of year's complaintsTypical mileage
200539%100,000 miles
20041218%38,000 miles
20031814%83,000 miles
20021613%47,000 miles
20013114%44,000 miles

Which parts fail

  • Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
    20
  • Foundation components › Disc › Rotor
    9
  • Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
    3
  • Foundation components › Drum
    3
  • Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module
    2
  • Foundation components › Disc › Pads
    2
  • Conventional › Air
    1
  • Foundation components
    1

Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).

Mileage when the problem started

  • Under 25k
    1123%
  • 25k–50k
    1531%
  • 50k–75k
    817%
  • 75k–100k
    510%
  • 100k–150k
    510%
  • 150k+
    48%

What owners report

ABS system failed to respond on 2005 Aztek. ** answer required*** during an abrupt stop the ABS failed. As a result the vehicle ran through a red light and hit the side of a van which was coming through the intersection. The vehicle had been tot he dealer the week before to have the brakes checked and the found no problems. The air bags also failed to deploy during this accident. The consumer's vehicle was a total loss.

2005 Aztek · Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · 26,000 miles · Nov 2005 · crash

All-wheel-drive disabled and anti-lock brake lights came on, in my car I have no power can really make it up a hill doesn't want to go anywhere, it just started happening don't know what's wrong with it. And this happened while I was driving home from work

2005 Aztek · 100,000 miles · Jan 2017

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Pontiac Aztek. While driving 35 MPH, the contact attempted to stop the vehicle and the brake pedal traveled to the floorboard. The vehicle finally stopped before reaching an intersection. The contact noticed that brake fluid was leaking and the brake hoses were fractured. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who diagnosed that the brake system was fractured. The brakes and hoses were repaired. The manufacturer was notified and did not assist. The dealer was not notified. The failure mileage was 95,000.. Consumer stated powersteering high pressure ruptured due to rust. The day the brake lines were getting repaired consumer was told fuel line from the pump to the injectors was also rusted and would leak anytime.

2004 Aztek · 95,000 miles · Jan 2019

While pulling into a parking area the vehicle stalled without warning. As a result the steering column and brakes locked up. The dealer claimed that a power steering pump was installed on the vehicle. The power steering column is still whining and the brakes are still grinding and the starter is still hesitating. The front and back bumpers separated from the vehicle, the steering wheel had a lot of play, the windshield contained numerous chips, the windows squealed when opening and closing, there was a constant whining sound coming from the steering wheel, the steering wheel and the brakes would lock up when in motion, and the vehicle was never properly aligned. When the vehicle was taken in for the whining, brakes and the starter, the consumer was told that nothing was wrong with the vehicle. The consumer was later told that the power steering pump had an air bubble. …

2004 Aztek · 2,000 miles · May 2004

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Pontiac Aztek. While attempting to stop at a stop sign, the brake pedal traveled to the floor and the vehicle failed to stop the contact drove onto the grass on the side of the road in order to stop the vehicle. The dealer diagnosed that the air conditioner condensation pipe caused the brake line to rot. The brake lines needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 82,000. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. Updated 03/01/17

2003 Aztek · 82,000 miles · Jan 2017

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Pontiac Aztek. The contact stated that the brakes did not always respond and needed to be applied repeatedly in order to function as normal. The contact also stated that the anti lock brake warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a repair shop, where faulty sensors where replaced; however the warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer, who found a leak on the fuel injection system. The contact replaced the fuel injection system. The vehicle then experienced difficulty driving uphill. The vehicle's speed decreased and the contact was unable to accelerate. The mechanic stated that the pivotal joints in the rear wheels were defective and caused unusual tread wear and tear of the tires. …

2003 Aztek · 150,000 miles · May 2012

My rear brakes had to be changed the first time at 13,590 miles and I was told it was not covered under my warranty my brakes then had to be replaced on the rear again at 16,473 and since then my brakes have been pads and rotors and brakes have been like changing oil every three thousand miles . I have also had to have my body control module replaced my security control module and my radio ,fuel sensor and windshield wiper sensor and brakes again I currently have a compressor that needs replacement and a air conditioner and heater that are no longer working I have called the bbb auto line and filed two complaints with them and numerous complaints to my dealer and GM I have been offered free oil changes and tire rotations and extended warranty on a car that is an accident waiting to happen .my hatch does not work correctly I have the ticking noise in my engine and my dash board lights …

2002 Aztek · 16,000 miles · Apr 2004

Purchased 2002 Pontiac Aztek as of 10/08/2005 from Saturn of arlington, texas, pre-owned vehicle sales dept. Problem developed during application of brakes following acceleration of all speeds; results in mysterious clatter during engagement of braking system seemingly originating from right-rear of vehicle. Safety issue results from lack of definitive determination of complete operation/engagement of ABS or if issue pertains to other mechanical defect of suspension/wheel assembly/cv joints, etc. Dealership service dept. Determined issue to be clip of right-rear brake; part replaced as of 10/14/2005; issue not resolved. Dealership service dept. …

2002 Aztek · Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · 47,000 miles · Oct 2005

Frequently asked questions

Which Pontiac Aztek years have brake problems?

By NHTSA complaints, the 2001 (31), 2003 (18), 2002 (16) and 2004 (12) model years. Brake complaints make up 14% of all complaints for the 2001.

Is there a recall for Pontiac Aztek brake problems?

No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for any Pontiac Aztek model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.

At what mileage do Pontiac Aztek brake problems start?

Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 54,000 miles; 54% happened before 50,000 miles.

What part fails most often?

Owners most often name the antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (20 mentions), followed by the foundation components › disc › rotor (9).

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.