Owners have filed 329 complaints
about the 2001 Pontiac Aztek with NHTSA between 2000 and 2019.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 5 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 99
Against the median year of the Pontiac Aztek. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 89
17.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 45
27% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
63.6%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
63.6%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
2716.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
3621.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
4325.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
2514.8%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1810.7%
150,000+ miles
84.7%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA
rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that
ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do
not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
Frontal crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2001 Pontiac Aztek 4-DR. w/SAB
—
—
—
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Nov 2000peak 14May 2019
NHTSA investigations into the 2001 Pontiac Aztek
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
GM IS RECALLING (NHTSA RECALL NO. 07V-349) CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2002-2004 BUICK RENDEZVOUS, CHEVROLET VENTURE (REGULAR WHEELBASE) AND 2001-2004 PONTIAC AZTEK AND MONTANA (REGULAR WHEELBASE) VEHICLES TO REPLACE FUEL TANKS AND CORRECT A DEFECT THAT MAY ALLOW FUEL LEAKAGE.THE VEHICLE RECALL POPULATION IS RENDEZVOUS AND AZTEK VEHICLES BUILT IN MAY 2003, VENTURE AND MONTANA VEHICLE BUILT IN JUNE THROUGH AUGUST 2002 AND CERTAIN SAME MODEL VEHICLES REGISTERED IN NEVADA, ARIZONA, VIRGIN ISLANDS, PUERTO RICO AND HAWAII THAT WERE BUILT THROUGH NOV/DEC 2003 (DEPENDING ON MODEL).THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VEH...
RQ06009Opened 14 Dec 2006Closed 18 Apr 2007FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
FUEL TANK LEAKAGE
CERTAIN SUBJECT VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT LEAKAGE OF ODOR AND/OR FUELFROM THE LOWER PORTION OF THE FUEL TANK INLET FILLER PIPE (INLET CHECK VALVE).THE INLET CHECK VALVE (ICV) AND THE FUEL TANK ARE JOINED TOGETHER USING A HOT PLATE WELDING PROCESS FOR PLASTIC PARTS.GM REPORTS THAT ITS ANALYSIS OF FIELD RETURNED PARTS SHOW EVIDENCE OF PROCESS VARIATIONS FOR DIFFERENT MANUFACTURING PERIODS.THESE VARIATIONS PRODUCED SOME ICV TO FUEL TANK JOINTS WITH POOR MELT FLOW LINES.ODI'S ANALYSIS OF GM'S WARRANTY CLAIM DATA FINDS MORE FREQUENT FUEL TANK REPLACEMENTS IN THE HOTTER CLIMATE STATES.THIS INVESTIGATION...
Recalls on the 2001 Pontiac Aztek
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 200619949,116 units in Canada
Suspension
On certain Aztek (AWD), Montana (AWD), Relay (AWD), RendezVous (AWD), RendezVous (FWD), Silhouette (AWD), Terraza (AWD), Terraza (FWD), Uplander (AWD) and Venture (AWD) vehicles equipped with independent rear suspension, when operated in extreme cold temperature and on rough roads, water and salt can intrude past the ball joint seal. The combination of theses conditions may then lead to premature wear of the ball joint. If the ball joint wear progresses to the point of separation from the lower control arm, a loss of vehicle control may occur. Correction: Dealers will replace both ball joints with new ball joints which have a revised boot and ball stud to improve the seal to the ball stud shaft.
Recall 2002234127 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, the passenger air bag was manufactured without a check pin. An air bag without the check pin could produce increased pressure at the onset of the air bag deployment and reduced pressure afterward. This could increase the severity of injury to a person who was not properly restrained and who was close to the passenger air bag at the time of deployment. It could also reduce the ability of the air bag to protect a restrained front seat passenger. Correction: Dealers are to inspect, and if necessary, replace the passenger air bag.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Concord, NCCrash1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE CAR WAS PARK! THE KEYS IN, I PULLED KEYS OUT N THE CAR ROLLED BACKWARDS I HOP IN THE CAR N TURN THE WHEEL AND I FLEW OUT AND THE CAR RAN ME OVER TIRE ON MY BACK THE CAR DIDN'T STOP I PUSHING THE BRAKES NOTHING!
NHTSA complaint #10700603 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Concord, NCCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
THE CAR WAS PARK! THE KEYS IN, I PULLED KEYS OUT N THE CAR ROLLED BACKWARDS I HOP IN THE CAR N TURN THE WHEEL AND I FLEW OUT AND THE CAR RAN ME OVER TIRE ON MY BACK THE CAR DIDN'T STOP I PUSHING THE BRAKES NOTHING!
NHTSA complaint #10700603 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 16,000 milesQueretaro, 00Crash2 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
FRONT CRASH AGAINST A SOLID CORNER OF A BUILDING, APROX SPEED CRASH 45 MPH. GM DID NOT WANT TO REPAIR OR REPLACED, INSTEAD FACED A TRIAL WHERE THEY COMMITTED A FRAUD AND OTHER FELONIOUS, ALL OF THEM PROVEN, STILL AFTER NEARLY 9 YEARS STILL FACING CIVIL AND CRIMINAL CHARGES. GM DEALER WITH FALSE STATEMENT STILL NOW A DAYS KEEPS THE VEHICLE, SAME THAT STILL CAN BE ANALYZED NOW A DAYS BECAUSE IT HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. LOTS OF DAMAGE CAUSED BY GM, DEALERS, LAWYERS AND EXPERT WITNESSES. REGRET VERY MUCH SUCH A POOR BEHAVIOR OF GM, I MA READY TO SUPPLY AS MUCH INFORMATION AS NEEDED, PHOTOS, REPORTS, AND COURTS DOCUMENTS THAT PROVES THEIR FELONIOUS. A GM EXPERT WITNESS SUBMITTED TO THE COURT A FALSE REPORT, AND ALSO BOUGHT THE OFFICIAL EXPERT WITNESS OF THE COURT, THESE FELONIES HAVE ALREADY BEEN PROVED BYTHE COURT, THAT IS WHY NOW THEY ARE FACING A CIVIL AND CRIMINAL CHARGES, FOR GM IF NOT QUALITY GOOD IS THE FRAUD!!!!!
NHTSA complaint #10315325 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 16,000 milesQueretaro, 00Crash2 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
FRONT CRASH AGAINST A SOLID CORNER OF A BUILDING, APROX SPEED CRASH 45 MPH. GM DID NOT WANT TO REPAIR OR REPLACED, INSTEAD FACED A TRIAL WHERE THEY COMMITTED A FRAUD AND OTHER FELONIOUS, ALL OF THEM PROVEN, STILL AFTER NEARLY 9 YEARS STILL FACING CIVIL AND CRIMINAL CHARGES. GM DEALER WITH FALSE STATEMENT STILL NOW A DAYS KEEPS THE VEHICLE, SAME THAT STILL CAN BE ANALYZED NOW A DAYS BECAUSE IT HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. LOTS OF DAMAGE CAUSED BY GM, DEALERS, LAWYERS AND EXPERT WITNESSES. REGRET VERY MUCH SUCH A POOR BEHAVIOR OF GM, I MA READY TO SUPPLY AS MUCH INFORMATION AS NEEDED, PHOTOS, REPORTS, AND COURTS DOCUMENTS THAT PROVES THEIR FELONIOUS. A GM EXPERT WITNESS SUBMITTED TO THE COURT A FALSE REPORT, AND ALSO BOUGHT THE OFFICIAL EXPERT WITNESS OF THE COURT, THESE FELONIES HAVE ALREADY BEEN PROVED BYTHE COURT, THAT IS WHY NOW THEY ARE FACING A CIVIL AND CRIMINAL CHARGES, FOR GM IF NOT QUALITY GOOD IS THE FRAUD!!!!!
NHTSA complaint #10315325 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 81,800 milesFruitland, MDCrash1 injured
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC AZTEC. THE VEHICLE WAS LOCKED IN THE PARK POSITION. THE CONTACT READ THE OWNER'S MANUAL AND ATTEMPTED TO RELEASE THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE CUPHOLDER AS INSTRUCTED. SHE COULD NOT DO SO ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND WENT TO THE PASSENGER SIDE INSTEAD. SHE WAS ABLE TO RELEASE THE LOCK AND WAS ON HER WAY BACK TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE WHEN THE VEHICLE KNOCKED HER DOWN. ACCORDING TO WITNESSES, THE VEHICLE MADE AN L AND STRUCK ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND HAS NOT YET BEEN DIAGNOSED. UPDATED 08/27/08. *LJ UPDATED 08/27/08.
NHTSA complaint #10236121 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 92,000 milesAnkeny, IAFire
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
GRADUAL LOSS OF BRAKING DUE TO A LEAK IN THE BRAKE LINE. BRAKE FLUID FROM THE LEAKING BRAKE LINE DRIPPED ON CATALYTIC CONVERTER CAUSING A FIRE. THE BRAKE LINE WAS RECONSTRUCTED BY A LICENSED MECHANIC. NO DAMAGE TO ANY OTHER PART OF THE CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10206380 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 147,654 milesCouncil Bluffs, IA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
BOUT 3 WEEKS AGO CAR JUST KEEP ACTING UP HAD IT FOR ONE YEAR CANT READ CODES ON CAR KEEP OVERHEATING REPLACED RADIATOR CVL AXLE BRAKES OIL CHANGE TRANSMISSION FLUID CAR JUST DECIDED TO NOT PASS 50MPH BE DRIVEABLE ONE DAY DRIVING IT WENT TO A STOP SIGN BRAKE CAR CUT OFF I SEE CHECK GAUGES COME ON SERVICE LIGHT ON CANT READ CODES TO FIND OUT ANYTHING I THINK THE WIRING IS MESS UP REPLACED STARTED AS WELL JUST TO MUCH ONLY HAD IT FOR A 1AND A HALF
NHTSA complaint #11209417 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 147,654 milesCouncil Bluffs, IA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
BOUT 3 WEEKS AGO CAR JUST KEEP ACTING UP HAD IT FOR ONE YEAR CANT READ CODES ON CAR KEEP OVERHEATING REPLACED RADIATOR CVL AXLE BRAKES OIL CHANGE TRANSMISSION FLUID CAR JUST DECIDED TO NOT PASS 50MPH BE DRIVEABLE ONE DAY DRIVING IT WENT TO A STOP SIGN BRAKE CAR CUT OFF I SEE CHECK GAUGES COME ON SERVICE LIGHT ON CANT READ CODES TO FIND OUT ANYTHING I THINK THE WIRING IS MESS UP REPLACED STARTED AS WELL JUST TO MUCH ONLY HAD IT FOR A 1AND A HALF
NHTSA complaint #11209417 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 147,654 milesCouncil Bluffs, IA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
BOUT 3 WEEKS AGO CAR JUST KEEP ACTING UP HAD IT FOR ONE YEAR CANT READ CODES ON CAR KEEP OVERHEATING REPLACED RADIATOR CVL AXLE BRAKES OIL CHANGE TRANSMISSION FLUID CAR JUST DECIDED TO NOT PASS 50MPH BE DRIVEABLE ONE DAY DRIVING IT WENT TO A STOP SIGN BRAKE CAR CUT OFF I SEE CHECK GAUGES COME ON SERVICE LIGHT ON CANT READ CODES TO FIND OUT ANYTHING I THINK THE WIRING IS MESS UP REPLACED STARTED AS WELL JUST TO MUCH ONLY HAD IT FOR A 1AND A HALF
NHTSA complaint #11209417 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Whiteville, NC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I HAVE REPLACE 2 IGNITION SWITCHES, AND STILL HAVING PROBLEMS..THE KEY WILL NOT COME OUT/UNLOCK WHEN SWITCHING CAR OFF..WHICH KILLS THE BATTERY BECAUSE I CAN'T TURN OFF THE CAR THIS IS TERRIBLE ..IT'S THE IGNITION SWITCH OR THE STEERING COLUMN, THIS HAPPENS WHEN PUTTING THE CAR IN PARK!!!!KEY WILL NOT TURN CAR OFF/CAN'T GET KEY OUT TOO
NHTSA complaint #11090947 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesBrighton, CO
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
GM HAS ISSUED A SAFETY BULLETIN IN REGARDS TO A BROKEN FUEL TANK THAT COULD CAUSE EXPLOSIONS, OR FIRE. I HAVE TRIED TO GET THEM TO PERFORM THE REPAIR BUT THEY ARE REFUSING. THE PROBLEM IS FOR ALL YEARS OF THE PONTIAC AZTEK AND BUICK RENDEZVOUS. I HAVE A LEAK FROM THIS LOCATION, THE FUEL INLET, AND AM NEARLY AFRAID TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE, BUT AT A COST OF OVER 2000 DOLLARS, GM IS ALSO INFLATING THE COST BECAUSE THEY KNOW THE REPAIR NEEDS TO BE DONE.
NHTSA complaint #10945461 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 132,000 milesJamesville, WI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC AZTEK. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT CHARGED THE BATTERY AND STARTED THE VEHICLE, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT IT WAS NOT A BATTERY ISSUE. THE TECHNICIAN SUSPECTED AN IGNITION FAILURE AND PLANNED TO RUN A DIAGNOSTIC TEST THE FOLLOWING DAY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 132,000.
NHTSA complaint #10851496 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 153,000 milesRedwood, NY
AIR BAGS
THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT AIRBAG DEPLOYED AFTER THE DRIVER SHUT THEIR DOOR, WHILE THE CAR WAS IN PARK.
NHTSA complaint #10731393 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesRockchester, NY
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC AZTEK. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO CLOSE THE DOOR, THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
NHTSA complaint #10714071 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Concord, NCCrash1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE CAR WAS PARK! THE KEYS IN, I PULLED KEYS OUT N THE CAR ROLLED BACKWARDS I HOP IN THE CAR N TURN THE WHEEL AND I FLEW OUT AND THE CAR RAN ME OVER TIRE ON MY BACK THE CAR DIDN'T STOP I PUSHING THE BRAKES NOTHING!
NHTSA complaint #10700603 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Concord, NCCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
THE CAR WAS PARK! THE KEYS IN, I PULLED KEYS OUT N THE CAR ROLLED BACKWARDS I HOP IN THE CAR N TURN THE WHEEL AND I FLEW OUT AND THE CAR RAN ME OVER TIRE ON MY BACK THE CAR DIDN'T STOP I PUSHING THE BRAKES NOTHING!
NHTSA complaint #10700603 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesCincinnati, OH
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC AZTEK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER REVERSING OUT OF A DRIVE WAY, THE VEHICLE MADE A LOUD NOISE AS THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED INTO PARK AND THE IGNITION WAS TURNED OFF. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT A ROUND OBJECT FELL FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSE THAT THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE 100,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10610945 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesCincinnati, OH
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC AZTEK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE FAILED TO INDICATE THE AMOUNT OF FUEL THAT WAS STORED IN THE FUEL TANK AFTER IT WAS REFUELED. NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSE THAT THE FUEL GAUGE FLOATER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10610949 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 162,000 milesTulsa, OK
STEERING
THE KEY CAN BE PULLED OUT OR FALL OUT OF THE IGNITION CYLINDER WITH ALMOST NO RESISTANCE IN THE RUN POSITION, AND DOOR AJAR, KEYS IN IGNITION CHIMES NO LONGER OPERATE AFTER FIRST OCCURRENCE OF KEY FALLOUT. KEY FALLOUT OCCURS EASIER AS TIME GOES ON, I AM UNSURE OF THE EXACT DATE OF FIRST OCCURRENCE.
NHTSA complaint #10609503 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 162,000 milesTulsa, OK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE KEY CAN BE PULLED OUT OR FALL OUT OF THE IGNITION CYLINDER WITH ALMOST NO RESISTANCE IN THE RUN POSITION, AND DOOR AJAR, KEYS IN IGNITION CHIMES NO LONGER OPERATE AFTER FIRST OCCURRENCE OF KEY FALLOUT. KEY FALLOUT OCCURS EASIER AS TIME GOES ON, I AM UNSURE OF THE EXACT DATE OF FIRST OCCURRENCE.
NHTSA complaint #10609503 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 52,687 milesAnchorage, AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
AFTER ARRIVING HOME FROM WORK, I FOLLOWED MY NORMAL ROUTINE: PARKING IN MY DRIVEWAY, CUTTING OFF THE ENGINE AND REMOVING THE KEY BEFORE EXITING THE VEHICLE; HOWEVER, I COULD NOT REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH. NO MATTER WHAT I ATTEMPTED IT WOULD NOT BUDGE. MY ADULT SON ALSO TRIED TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH WITH NO SUCCESS. THE KEY WAS STUCK IN THE 2ND POSITION-- MEANING THAT THE VEHICLE WAS STILL "ON" JUST NOT RUNNING. I LEFT IT AS IT WAS WITH MY KEY STUCK IN THE IGNITION. THE NEXT MORNING, OF COURSE, MY BATTERY WAS DEAD BECAUSE THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS STILL IN THE "ON" POSITION. THE NEXT DAY I FOUND A TEMPORARY "WORKAROUND" ON YOUTUBE. HOWEVER, THE IGNITION IS STILL NOT FIXED AND I AM STILL USING THE TEMPORARY WORKAROUND. I HAVE CONTACTED A LOCAL GM DEALER AND GM OFFICES ONLY TO BE TOLD THAT THE RECALL DOES NOT COVER MY VEHICLE. I KNEW THAT BEFORE I CALLED THEM; WHICH WASN'T THE REASON I CONTACTED THEM. I ASKED WHY THIS PARTICULAR IGNITION PROBLEM WAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL AND I WAS TOLD BY A GM REPRESENTATIVE THAT IT HAD TO BE ISSUED FROM YOUR ORGANIZATION. I THINK THIS SHOULD BE ADDED TO THE IGNITION SWITCH RECALL THAT IS CURRENTLY BEING INVESTIGATED. GM DID AN OVERALL POOR JOB WITH THE IGNITION SWITCHES ON THE VEHICLES THAT WERE SOLD TO THE PUBLIC AND THEY NEED TO TAKE ACCOUNTABILITY FOR IT. THANK YOU.
NHTSA complaint #10597487 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesNokomis, FL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC AZTEK. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN HIS WIFE APPLIED THE BRAKE, SHE EXPERIENCED IMMEDIATE AND COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE. A POPPING AND WHOOSHING SOUND WAS HEARD AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT ONE OF THE BRAKE LINES FAILED DUE TO RUSTED THROUGH AT THE POINT OF FAILURE, AS WELL AS EXTREMELY RUSTED AT EVERY PLACE IT WAS CLIPPED TO THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE TO THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE. THE MECHANIC RECOMMENDED THE ENTIRE BRAKE LINE BE REPLACED. . THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 136,000. THE CONSUMER STATED IT WAS THE SECOND TIME, THE BRAKE LINE FAILED, DUE TO CORROSION. THE FIRST TIME WAS IN 2007, WHEN THE VEHICLE HAD 65,000 MILES. UPDATED 03/11/15.
NHTSA complaint #10574420 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ST. Paul, MN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC AZTEC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10568770 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 196,000 milesTerre Haute, IN
AIR BAGS
WAS DRIVING THE CAR THE PASSENGER AIRBAG DEPLOYED . LIKE TO SCARE ME TO DEATH.
NHTSA complaint #10565722 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesLake Worth, FL
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE
AS I HAVE SEEN OTHER OWNERS OF THIS SPECIFIC CAR STATE ON YOUR SITE, MY FUEL TANK HAS DEVELOPED A CRACK, AND I WAS TOLD BY GM THAT I AM OUT OF LUCK BECAUSE IT IS "OUT OF RECALL SINCE 2011," EVEN THOUGH I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED ABOUT A POSSIBLE PROBLEM WITH MY FUEL TANK! SO NOW I AM DRIVING AROUND IN, ESSENTIALLY, A MOLOTOV COCKTAIL, HAVING TO SPEND $800 TO REPLACE A GAS TANK THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE REPLACED BY GM IN 2007, AT NO COST, BECAUSE GM FAILED TO NOTIFY ME. THIS IS VILE. TO THINK THAT GM DOESN'T CARE IF OWNERS OF THEIR CARS ARE DRIVING AROUND IN POTENTIAL FIREBOMBS, THAT THEY KNEW ABOUT, IS SICKENING. I PURCHASED THIS CAR NEW, AND CERTAINLY DESERVED TO BE NOTIFIED ABOUT PROBLEMS THAT ARE POTENTIALLY LIFE-THREATENING, AND OFFERS TO REPLACE DEFECTIVE PARTS, THAT WERE SUPPOSED TO BE SENT TO ME, AS PER THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID #07V349000.
NHTSA complaint #10547808 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesSault STE Marie, MI
SERVICE BRAKES
BRAKE LINE THAT RUNS FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE TO THE PASSENGER SIDE WAS ROTTED OUT, RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE, AGAINST THE FIREWALL. THE OTHER PARTS OF THE LINE ARE "OK". SEEMS TO BE A COMMON THING IN THIS CHASSIS.
NHTSA complaint #10512407 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Smithville, TN
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I CONTACTED PONTIAC REGARDING A RECALL ON MY AZTEC WHICH INCLUDES THE FUEL TANK, THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE SINCE IT CAN CATCH FIRE WITH JUST A SPARK FROM ELECTRICAL ON MY CAR, WELL THEY SAID THAT I WAS OUT OF THE RECALL SINCE 2011 I WAS NOT EVEN AWARE THERE WAS A RECALL UNTIL I STARTED INVESTIGATING MY PROBLEM ONLINE, I DID NOT RECEIVE ANY NOTICE REGARDING THIS SAFETY ISSUE I AM NOT THE ORIGINAL OWNER I BOUGHT IT USED BUT I REGISTERED IT AND NEVER RECEIVED ANY NOTICE, MY CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN RIDE IN THIS CAR, AND ALL THEY COULD TELL ME AT PONTIAC WAS WE ARE SORRY BUT YOU ARE OUT OF THE RECALL TIME, AND WE CAN SCHEDULE YOU AN APPOINTMENT BUT WE WILL NOT PAY, SO THEY DO NOT CARE IF SOMEONE COULD POSSIBLY DIE IN A VEHICLE THAT WAS A FACTORY DEFAULT , WHICH IS THEIR FAULT NOT MINE. THEY ARE REFUSING TO FIX THIS PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10503908 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 197,000 milesMaxwell, IA
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC AZTEC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE LOADING THE VEHICLE WITH BOXES, THE SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED ERRONEOUSLY, STRIKING A PASSENGER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS WAITING FOR A CORPORATE ENGINEER TO FURTHER INSPECT THE DAMAGE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 197,000.
NHTSA complaint #10464429 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 155,624 milesBAY City, MI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
BRAKES FAILED - THE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR WHILE ENTERING US10 IN BAY COUNTY, MI. WHY - BECAUSE THE BRAKE LINE FAILED. TO ME, THIS IS A VEHICLE SAFETY ISSUE AND A DESIGN PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED AT GRAFF CHEVROLET, 3636 E WILDER RD, BAY CITY, MI. THE FIX INCLUDED REPLACING A SECTION OF BRAKE LINE THAT WAS WRAPPED IN HEAT REFLECTING TAPE. THE WAY I SEE IT, THE TAPE TRAPPED WATER BETWEEN THE TAPE AND THE STEEL TUBE CAUSING THE RUSTED TUBE TO FAIL. POOR ENGINEERING DESIGN. HOW MANY MORE CARS ARE THERE OUT THERE, ON THIS CAR PLATFORM, THAT WILL EXPERIENCE THIS FAILURE? I OWN A 1958 CHEVY CONV, THAT HAS EXISTED IN MICHIGAN SINCE 1958. IT HAS NOT HAD THIS PROBLEM. I'M NOT LOOKING FOR MONEY. I WANT TO PROTECT ALL THE PEOPLE OWNING THESE VEHICLES FROM BE KILLED OR WHATEVER OTHER LIFE ALTERING THINGS THAT COULD HAPPEN. I WAS VERY VERY LUCKY WHEN MY BRAKES FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #10446848 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 89,000 milesBatavia, NY
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC AZTEC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE FAILED. AFTER REFUELING THE VEHICLE TO FULL CAPACITY, THE FUEL GAUGE WOULD SHOW AN EMPTY READING ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE SENSOR IN THE FUEL TANK HAD FAILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000.
NHTSA complaint #10401327 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Suffolk, VA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
2001 PONTIAC AZTEC. CONSUMER STATES THAT HE HAS SOME ELECTRICAL SAFETY ISSUES WITH HIS VEHICLE. HE HAS REPLACED THE HEADLAMP SWITCH ASSEMBLY, INSTRUMENT CONTROL ASSEMBLY, HVA TEMPERATURE CONTROL ASSEMBLY, FUEL PUMP MODULE ASSEMBLY AND TURN SIGNAL SWITCH ASSEMBLY. *KB THE LIGHTS THAT ILLUMINATED THE ASSEMBLIES BURNED OUT AND THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO SEE THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AT NIGHT. DUE TO THE SENDING UNIT MALFUNCTIONING, THE FUEL GAUGE WOULD NOT REGISTER THE AMOUNT OF FUEL REMAINING IN THE TANK. BECAUSE THE SENDING UNIT WAS A PART OF THE FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY, THE ENTIRE UNIT REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT WITH THE HEADLIGHTS ON, WHEN THE CONSUMER ACTIVATED THE TURN SIGNAL, THE HIGH BEAM LIGHTS WOULD COME ON. UPON TURNING THE SIGNAL OFF, THE HIGH BEAMS WOULD ALSO TURN OFF.
NHTSA complaint #10380674 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
