Transmission complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
I have two 2005 Pontiac AWD azteks . At aprox 30,000 miles each they started to vibrate .( September & October 2007 ) having just moved to the area I took them to fletches. The car started to vibrate mid October it has been in now 3 or 4 times nothing has been working for the fix . I then called Pontiac .they agreed with the dealer that there is nothing more they can do because they don't know what is causing the vibration. I was told " don't take it back to fletches they will call me if they find out what to do" . He told me he would call fletches and call me back .I still have not heard from anyone I would like my cars fixed.
Failure of interlock transmission system on a 2005 Pontiac Aztek. The vehicle would not shift out of park when the brake was depressed fully, and the button on the automatic shifter would not push in. This is on a vehicle with 27,361 miles on it, and an automatic transmission. The vehicle was not covered under warranty, had to be towed, ands a cable fixed/repaired.
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.
The gauges messed up first none of the gauges work sometimes the speed odometer will move but does not work . The car also when accelrating the gas it wont go the way it should it takes along time to build up speed. I have spent a lot of money on this car trying to get it to run proper I have replaced the transmission and I have had it in the shop at g.m.c to have the issue with the fuel system issue they replaced a part but it did not resolve the problem they had no idea what the problem was and this was teague Chevrolet-Buick inc mabank, tx, 75147. As of May 2, 2014 the car want stay running this has something to do with the fuel system I just found out about the recall I was never notified about this I only found out cause I was serching on what could be wrong with my Aztek and I found the recall this axtek is a real lemon.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Pontiac aztec. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked with the engine in operation. The front driver's side door was completely open. Suddenly, the unoccupied vehicle began to roll into a nearby lake. The contact was standing by the opened door and sustained moderate injuries from being struck by the door as the vehicle gained speed. The vehicle rolled into the lake and was destroyed as a result of crashing and being submerged in water. The vehicle was towed to a savage facility. The manufacturer was not notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 73,000. Updated 7/12/12 the consumer stated the vehicle jumped from reverse to neutral. She was sitting in the vehicle with her foot on the brake, with the vehicle in reverse. When she removed her foot from the brake to continue backing up, she discovered the vehicle was in neutral. …
We purchased this vehicle as a "GM certified vehicle" but found out later that it was not properly inspected as the brakes were bad all of the way around. The dealer took care of it, but 3 days later a loud humming started to occur when we turned the vehicle left. Upon reporting it to the dealership, they told me they could fix it for $600+. This problem has since gotten worse to the point where the humming almost drowns out your voice when you drive down the road. And if you turn left, it is so loud that it hurts your ears. Even when we turn at a slow rate of speed, say in a parking lot, it sounds like a deep hum and crunching sound on the left front and rear. The dealership says it's clutch pads, and that they are not responsible for the repairs as we reported it 3 days after we bought the Aztek. …
On August 16, 2004 I purchased a 2002 Pontiac Aztek from pines Pontiac Buick in pembroke pines florida, one reason for this purchase was the certified use car sticker and what it meant. Within a few days I went back to the dealer with a complaint of (1) the rear end sounds like it was falling off the vehicle especially when you drove over expansion joints or any thing in the road over a 1/2".the dealership claimed that their was a TSB to replace the ball joint on the rear wheel, I still have the problem today. But of much serious concern is the fact that my vehicle is a veratrak all wheel drive, which was making a moaning noise with every turn left, or right. The car was taken back to the dealer ship numerous times to no avail this was done a few times during the so called warranty period and many times after that. …
Loud knocking noise in engine. We had it in the shop twice so they could remove and disassemble the engine and replace all six pistons, rod bearings and gaskets. First time at 34,000 miles, second time at 46,000 miles. Currently at 51,000 miles and engine noise is back. Front left wheel bearing went out at 41,000 miles. Left front wheel bearing went out at 51,000 miles. Fly wheel rattles. Rear hatch only works intermittently after 2 repairs.
Frequently asked questions
Which Pontiac Aztek years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2001 (22), 2003 (14) and 2002 (9) model years. Transmission complaints make up 10% of all complaints for the 2001.
Is there a recall for Pontiac Aztek transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 57,000 miles; 54% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (25 mentions), followed by the axle hubs (5).
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.