Suspension complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
I own (2) Aztek's, a 2002 and a 2004. I received a letter in sept 06 stating that there is an issue with front bearings wearing prematurely on 2002 Aztek's. The letter stated that they will replace any defective bearings within (5) years of date of purchase or 60,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Since my 2002 Aztek is located at my vacation home, it has only 18,000 miles on it and has not exhibited the worn bearing symptoms. However, my 2004 Aztek did have the bearing issue at 48,000 miles. I called Pontiac and they said they wouldn't cover the expense because it is not within the VIN range. When I took it to the dealer for repairs, the dealer told me that they expected the recall to be expanded to later model azteks and to keep my receipt for reimbursement at a later date. I have since tried to recoup my money to no avail. …
On April 17, 2006, I brought my 2004 Aztek in to the Pontiac dealer because there was a loud grinding noise and vibration coming from under the front passenger side of my vehicle. I was told that the front right wheel bearing was failing, and that it had to be replaced. Since it was just out of warranty, at 63,031 miles, I paid for this repair. Then, on September 13, 2006, I heard the same noise and vibration coming from the front drivers side of my vehicle. I brought my vehicle into the dealership again, and paid to have the front left wheel bearing replaced. There is a recall notice out on this failure, if the vehicle is under 60,000 miles and 5 years of service. I did not see this recall notice on your website. I believe these failures could have potential severe consequences, and GM should reimburse me for the necessary repairs.
We purchased our 2003 Pontiac Aztek last July (03). This January, the vehicle started making a horrible grinding noise when driving on the highway. We took it to our local GM dealer for repair, and the left front wheel bearing had separated internally and needed to be replaced on 2/4/04. A few weeks later, noise returned. The right front wheel bearing had to be replaced today (3/29/04). This vehicle has less than 12,000 miles on it. One of the employees at the dealership said another Aztek with low mileage had to have one bearing replaced twice. Could GM have gotten a defective batch of bearings, or is there possibly some design flaw that causes the bearings to wear out abnormally quickly? For the most part, I love this vehicle, but there are two other issues with it which could make it less safe to drive. …
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. …
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
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Pontiac Aztek. The contact stated that after reversing out of a drive way, the vehicle made a loud noise as the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was placed into park and the ignition was turned off. After inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that a round object fell from under the vehicle. The manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnose that the power steering failed. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage 100,000 and the current mileage was unknown.
Have had on-going issues with electrical system and A/C evaporator drain. Have had the drain cleaned twice and repaired once. Still have water draining into passenger compartment. Have replaced both front hubs, four wiring harnesses, the fuel pump, the battery, and the blower motor twice. Most of these failures due to corrosion/melting. Another harness now needs to be replaced due to corrosion.
Frequently asked questions
Which Pontiac Aztek years have suspension problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2002 (20), 2003 (12), 2001 (9) and 2004 (8) model years. Suspension complaints make up 17% of all complaints for the 2002.
Is there a recall for Pontiac Aztek suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension 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 suspension problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 46,000 miles; 56% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the front › wheel bearing (31 mentions), followed by the front › hub (4).
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.