2002 Pontiac Aztek: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 121 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is suspension (15% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Aug 2007
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 121 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 pontiac aztek. After refueling the vehicle, it was noticed that the vehicle was losing fuel faster than usual. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel tank, fuel pump, and fuel tank lines failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 139,000.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jul 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 pontiac aztek. The contact smelled a strong fuel odor present in the vehicle without warning. The failure was persistent. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 07v349000 (fuel system, gasoline). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000. Updated 05/06/16*lj the consumer stated there was a fuel leaking from the vehicle whenever the it was filled. The consumer was not included in the recall due to the age of the vehicle. Updated 11/1/2017*js”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Feb 2016
“2002 pontiac aztek. Consumer writes in regards to fuel odors and leaks by the fuel tank inlet. Consumers internet search found an expired recall bulletin for the same issue, requests assistance with repairs. *smd the consumer noticed the fuel smell was stronger after he filled up. *jb”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jan 2016
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 pontiac aztek. While driving 45 mph, the alarm system sounded, the locks operated on their own, and the trunk opened without being prompted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 180,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 2015
“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*cn”Owner report · Engine · Mar 2014
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 pontiac aztek. The contact stated that the engine overheating light illuminated while she drove at 50 mph. The vehicle was towed to the mechanic who located the failure at the head gasket and the intake manifold. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 127,000.”Owner report · Engine · Mar 2013
“Tl -the contact owns a 2002 pontiac aztek. The contact stated she received a manufacturer's recall in 2008. The vehicle was taken to the dealer after smelling the vapors of gasoline. The vehicle was not repaired under the recall due to the vehicle having more mileage than what was stipulated in the letter. The vehicle was diagnosed that the base of the fuel tank was fractured and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified and offered no further assistance. The failure mileage was unknown. The current mileage was approximately 172,000. The VIN was unavailable. Rvk”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Dec 2012
“2002 pontiac aztek was parked and was idling. Smelled strong odor of fuel. Upon examination, fuel was leaking profusely around the filler tube. Tried to have it sealed by a certified mechanic. It could not be repaired. Tank will leak out any fuel quantity over 3 us gallon. It does not leak when kept under this quantity of fuel.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Sep 2012
“I am going on my fifth wheel bearing replacement on my 2002 pontiac aztek. There is a known problem with these and general motors seems to ignore the issue. How many times do I have to replace these so my car is safe to drive. I would like some compensation for all the time and expense I have had with this car. It has cost me 300.00 a bearing, times 5 bearings. What is general motors saying about the problem? *tr”Owner report · Wheels · Jul 2012
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 pontiac aztec. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 mph, the head gasket overheated on the vehicle. He noticed that the vehicle would overheat by the temperature gauge rising on the instrumental panel. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic who informed the contact that he would need to replace the head gasket. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was unavailable. The failure mileage was 111,000.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Dec 2010
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.
Remedy: DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.
CERTAIN MINIVANS, PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEM." THE OWNER'S MANUAL DOES NOT EXPLAIN THE MEANING OF THE LOCATION SYMBOLS FOR THE CHILD RESTRAINT LOWER UNIVERSAL ANCHORAGE SYSTEM.
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A SUPPLEMENT FOR THEIR OWNER'S MANUAL. THIS SUPPLEMENT DESCRIBES AND SHOWS THE LOCATION SYMBOLS FOR THE CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORS THAT ARE LOCATED IN THE VEHICLE AND ON THE CHILD RESTRAINT OR BOOSTER CUSHION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 18, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537.
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, VARIATIONS IN THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS OR EXPOSURE TO HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURES MAY LEAD TO FRACTURE OF THE FUEL TANK INLET CHECK VALVE (ICV).
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK. THE RECALL WILL BE MAILED IN TWO PHASES WITH THE FIRST PHASE BEGINNING ON DECEMBER 4, 2007. THE SECOND PHASE WILL BE MAILED ON DECEMBER 13, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080; CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668. THE VEHICLE POPULATION INCLUDES BUICK RENDEZVOUS AND PONTIAC AZTEK VEHICLE BUILT IN MAY 2003; CHEVROLET VENTURE AND PONTIAC MONTANA VEHICLES BUILT FROM JUNE THROUGH AUGUST 2002; AND ALL VEHICLES REGISTERED IN NEVADA, ARIZONA, VIRGIN ISLANDS, PUERTO RICO, AND HAWAII.
How other years compare
Check your exact Aztek by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2002 Pontiac Aztek reliable?
NHTSA has 121 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2002 Pontiac Aztek. The most complained-about area is suspension (15% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2002 Pontiac Aztek problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 65,000 miles or less.
Does the 2002 Pontiac Aztek have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, other:storage:tank assembly:pressure relief devices. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.