AI Damage2002 Pontiac Aztek: common problems
Owners of the 2002 Pontiac Aztek filed 121 complaints with NHTSA, most often about fuel system and engine and cooling. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 121
- involving a crash
- 2
What fails most often
- 1 Fuel system 19% of all complaints
- 2 Engine and cooling 17% of all complaints
- 3 Suspension 17% of all complaints
- 4 Electrical system 15% of all complaints
- 5 Service brakes 13% of all complaints
- 6 Structure 9% of all complaints
- 7 Latches, locks, linkages 8% of all complaints
- 8 Powertrain 7% of all complaints
- Fuel system: 23 complaints (19% of all).
- Engine and cooling: 21 complaints (17% of all).
- Suspension: 20 complaints (17% of all).
- Electrical system: 18 complaints (15% of all).
- Service brakes: 16 complaints (13% of all).
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 3.4 L · petrol · 6 cyl
- automatic, 4-speed
Drive: FWD, AWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 121 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel system | 23 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 21 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 20 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 18 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 16 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 11 | 0 | 0 |
| Latches, locks, linkages | 10 | 0 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 9 | 0 | 0 |
| Equipment | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Steering | 2 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
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.
I was wearing my seat belt. The back of the drivers seat failed, causing me to fall backward and hit my knees on the plastic panels on the underside of the steering column.
Playing the radio with engine off, must wait ten minutes before attempting to start, then it may crank or you have to start over. Its not the radio its the ignition lock cylinder as done in the past.
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.
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. The consumer noticed the fuel smell was stronger after he filled up.
Updated 05/06/16 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
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.
In a hard stop in stop-and-go rush hour freeway traffic, a corroded steel hydraulic brake line failed. This was the line from the abs module to the right front brake. As such it immediately caused a substantial loss of braking ability - I was in the far left lane and I was able to abruptly move to the left shoulder.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 3,120 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 9% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Aztek has 113 complaints (5 years in the data). This year has 121, about average.
What to check before buying
- Fuel system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Suspension. Wheel alignment, control arms, subframe, even tire wear.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Pontiac Aztek?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: fuel system, engine and cooling, suspension. Total complaints: 121. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: A/C or heater (12%), knocking, grinding or other noise (10%), fuel system, fuel smell (7%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2002 Pontiac Aztek?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2002 Pontiac Aztek from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2002 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.