AI Damage2005 Pontiac Aztek: common problems
Owners of the 2005 Pontiac Aztek filed 34 complaints with NHTSA, most often about electrical system and engine. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 34
- involving a crash
- 2
What fails most often
- 1 Electrical system 26% of all complaints
- 2 Engine 12% of all complaints
- 3 Fuel system 12% of all complaints
- 4 Powertrain 12% of all complaints
- 5 Fuel/propulsion system 9% of all complaints
- 6 Service brakes 9% of all complaints
- 7 Vehicle speed control 9% of all complaints
- 8 Air bags 6% of all complaints
- Electrical system: 9 complaints (26% of all).
- Engine: 4 complaints (12% of all).
- Fuel system: 4 complaints (12% of all).
- Powertrain: 4 complaints (12% of all).
- Fuel/propulsion system: 3 complaints (9% 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 cylnamed in 1 complaints
- automatic, 4-speed
Drive: FWD, AWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 34 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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 9 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel system | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Seats | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Wheels | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1 | 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.
Abs system failed to respond on 2005 aztek. ** answer required*** during an abrupt stop the abs failed. As a result the vehicle ran through a red light and hit the side of a van which was coming through the intersection.
1. I was in a car accident going 55 mph and hit the back end of another car. 2. The air bags did not deploy.
The vehicle will cut completely off while coming to a stop. While in motion and applying the brakes to come to any kind of stop, it turns completely off. It happens on a daily basis since I purchased it in 2015.
All-wheel-drive disabled and anti-lock brake lights came on, in my car I have no power can really make it up a hill doesn't want to go anywhere, it just started happening don't know what's wrong with it. And this happened while I was driving home from work
The contact discovered that the entire fuel system was corroded and leaked fuel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the fuel filler neck fractured. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.
I actually got on the site to research recalls on another vehicle we recently purchased and out of curiosity included the aztec we still own. No recalls showed? I couldn't believe it since it has been nothing but trouble from day 1. Just as all others described the ignition messes up all the time. My gauges go crazy!
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.
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.
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 6,426 of 36,659 model years in the NHTSA data (top 18% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Aztek has 113 complaints (5 years in the data). This year has 34, below average.
What to check before buying
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
- Fuel system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Pontiac Aztek?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: electrical system, engine, fuel system. Total complaints: 34. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: fuel system, fuel smell (12%), infotainment or screen glitches (9%), warning lights, check engine (9%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2005 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 2005 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 2005 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 2026-11-06.