2002 Pontiac Aztek problems
Owners have filed 173 complaints about the 2002 Pontiac Aztek with NHTSA. Suspension accounts for 12.7% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of engine and engine cooling at 12.7%.
Complaints173
Crashes3
Fires1
Injuries2
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Suspension 12.7% · 22
Engine and engine cooling 12.7% · 22
Fuel system, gasoline 11.0% · 19
Electrical system 11.0% · 19
Service brakes, hydraulic 7.5% · 13
Structure 6.4% · 11
Latches/locks/linkages 5.8% · 10
Power train 5.2% · 9
Severity
Of those complaints, 3 describe a crash, 1 describe a fire and 2 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 3 model years of the Pontiac Aztek in this data, 2002 ranks 3rd by complaint volume — 2001 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 7 in the last three years against 15 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 66,500 miles.
In owners' own words
My Pontiac aztec uses the dexcool orange coolant and has 60,000 miles. I noticed that the temperature of the vehicle has become erratic and began to research the issue I read an article stating that the coolant become brown and turns to sludge in the radiator after further inspection I have found that this is the case with my 2002 aztec. This is known to cause blown head gaskets and engine damage. Engine and engine cooling
The failure was the cooling system. Keep in mind I take good care of my cars. All of a sudden it got hot with no warning signs. After only 47000 miles, my Pontiac started to leak coolant from everywhere. So I took it to a Pontiac dealer were they seen I needed a new thermostat, water pump,and upper and lower intake gaskets and seals. After it was all said and done. I had to pay 1,200 dollars ! Engine and engine cooling · reported at 47,000 miles
2002 Aztek front left wheel bearing and cups needed to be replaced, a coolant leak developed, replaced intake manifold gasket and the engine oil light would not turn off due to broke wire under air cleaner box .***No answer required***. *Mr the rear spoiler reduces visibility through the rear window and power door switch does not unlock the rear door latch, had to be unlocked using the key. Engine and engine cooling
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…