Engine complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The vehicle has seemed to stall twice. Upon further discussion with the driver, the steering also locked. This seemed similar of the same as the GM recall for faulty ignition switches and key slots. Pontiac was contacted but the response was that the vehicle was not under a recall, was out of warranty, and that repairs would be the expense of the owner. Pontiac did not seem concerned about a potential extension of the GM recall list. Wouldn't you think that GM would be very interested in understanding if the Pontiac Aztek is affected. We are now very concerned about driving the Pontiac Aztek.
The vehicle will cut completely off while coming to a stop. While in motion and applying the brakes to come to any kind of stop, it turns completely off. It happens on a daily basis since I purchased it in 2015. Whether coming off of the highway, or just coming to a stop sign on a city street, the vehicle cuts completely off.
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.
"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
Tl* the contact owned a 2003 Pontiac Aztek. After the contact turned the engine off, black smoke and flames appeared under the hood of the vehicle. The fire department extinguished the flames. A fire report was not filed. The vehicle was destroyed and towed. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN and failure mileage were unavailable.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Pontiac Aztek. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the vehicle stalled without any warning and crashed into a tree. The contact mentioned that the air bags failed to deploy. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 192,000. The current mileage was 199,129. Updated 10/7/14
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. …
Frequently asked questions
Which Pontiac Aztek years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2001 (28), 2002 (24), 2003 (23), 2004 (13) and 2005 (5) model years. Engine complaints make up 13% of all complaints for the 2001.
Is there a recall for Pontiac Aztek engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles; 38% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine (16 mentions), followed by the cooling system (11).
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.