2005 Pontiac Aztek: problems, recalls and reliability

“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. *tr”Owner report · Steering · Mar 2015

“My main temp gauages is acting haywire. The radiator temperature gauge is supposed to be in the (based on a wall clock) 0 (12) to 6 hand position with 0 being hot and 6 cold. Gas gauge is from the 6 to 12. The temperature gauge has flipped over to the 10 or 11 position such that when the gas tank is full, that needle can't even go all the way to the 12 position because it is blocked by the temperature guage. I have no idea if my car is overheating or if the temp gauge is affecting the gasoline level gauge.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Nov 2014

“When the radio is turned on an extremely loud screeching sound is heard. The noise continues even after the key is turned off. There is an electrical crackling sound in the dash and when the brake is depressed there is a loud crackling sound. No gauges work correctly. They either peg out or operate out of the expected range of operation. The airbag light flashes off and on. The awd light is on all the time. The gas gauge always below "e". *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Nov 2014

“Key became locked in the ignition. Could not turn the car off nor remove key. Took to dealer and they kept the vehicle and placed me in a loaner. Had to replace the ignition in order to correct. Vehicle VIN was not included in any recalls related to this. Fortunately I was not charged as this was the 4th time I had to bring in the vehicle in my first 30 days of ownership. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · May 2013

“A couple of days after purchasing the vehicle I noticed very strong odor of gas inside vehicle while in motion and it got noticeably stronger while idling. Took to dealer and they checked it placed me in a loaner. Could not find a problem. This occurred 2 more times over the course of the next week.they repaired what they believed to be the problem but I was back in less than 48 hours later and in another loaner. 4 technicians and 2 service managers later,the bottom half of the engine had to be rebuilt due to a fuel leak due to a faulty o-ring. Car VIN was not included in recall and cost over 1200 to repair.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · May 2013

“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 pontiac aztek. The contact stated that there was a strong fuel odor coming in the interior and the exterior of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic but they could not detect if there was a fuel leak or why the fuel odor was so strong. The dealer was notified of the failure who offered no assistance. The manufacturer was also notified who stated that there were no recalls for the vehicle and offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was unavailable. The failure mileage was 66,000 and the current mileage was 70,000.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Dec 2011

“There was a strong fuel odor coming in the interior and the exterior of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic but they could not detect if there was a fuel leak or why the fuel odor was so strong. This only seem to happen in the cold weather months the smelll is a lot stronger when the car is not moving but still running in traffic or warming up or at a stop light. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Nov 2010