Pontiac Aztek Problems by Year
NHTSA has 566 owner complaints and 8 safety recalls on file for the Pontiac Aztek, across 5 model years (2001–2005). The 2001 model year has the most complaints (216). The most reported problem area overall is electrical system.
Pontiac Aztek years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Aztek year: 2001. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
- 2001 Aztek: 216 complaints, 5 recalls
- 2003 Aztek: 128 complaints, 3 recalls
- 2002 Aztek: 121 complaints, 2 recalls
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.
Most common Pontiac Aztek problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System problems | 107 | 5 | 2 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 81 | 5 | 0 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 75 | 5 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 63 | 5 | 3 |
| Power Train | 53 | 5 | 3 |
| Suspension | 50 | 5 | 0 |
| Equipment | 40 | 4 | 1 |
| Air Bags | 38 | 5 | 19 |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 30 | 5 | 0 |
| Visibility | 27 | 4 | 0 |
| Structure | 23 | 4 | 0 |
| Exterior Lighting | 21 | 5 | 0 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 21 | 4 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 20 | 5 | 2 |
| Engine | 18 | 4 | 1 |
| Steering | 18 | 5 | 2 |
| Fuel System, Other | 15 | 4 | 0 |
| Service Brakes | 14 | 5 | 1 |
| Tires | 14 | 4 | 1 |
| Wheels | 11 | 5 | 0 |
| Seat Belts | 9 | 3 | 5 |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 6 | 3 | 0 |
| Seats | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| Interior Lighting | 5 | 2 | 0 |
| Electronic Stability Control | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Air | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Child Seat | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel System, Diesel | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Parking Brake | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Electric | 1 | 1 | 0 |
All Pontiac Aztek model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 Aztek | 34 | 0 | — | Electrical System | Far fewer complaints than other years |
| 2004 Aztek | 67 | 3 | — | Electrical System | Fewer complaints than other years |
| 2003 Aztek | 128 | 3 | — | Electrical System | More complaints than other years |
| 2002 Aztek | 121 | 2 | — | Engine and Engine Cooling | About as many complaints as other years |
| 2001 Aztek | 216 | 5 | — | Electrical System | Far more complaints than other years |
More from Pontiac: all Pontiac models · VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which Pontiac Aztek years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 2001 (216) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Aztek year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.
What is the biggest problem with the Pontiac Aztek?
Electrical System, with 107 complaints across 5 model years.
How many recalls does the Pontiac Aztek have?
8 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.