Owners have filed 188 complaints
about the 2003 Pontiac Aztek with NHTSA between 2003 and 2022.
The largest single group is the fuel & propulsion.
Across this model's run it ranks 3 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 — 57
Against the median year of the Pontiac Aztek. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 49
9.6% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 44
26% 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
21.6%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
64.9%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
1713.8%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1814.6%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
2016.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
2318.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
2318.7%
150,000+ miles
1411.4%
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.
Jan 2003peak 9Aug 2022
NHTSA investigations into the 2003 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 2003 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 20040286,168 units in Canada
Wheels
On certain vehicles, the aluminum wheels are not marked with "T" and "DOT" as required by CMVSS 120. Correction: Since this does not pose any safety risk, no corrective action is required.
Recall 200317254,634 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
Certain vehicles do not comply with CMVSS 225 and 210.2. The Owner's Manual does not include the location symbols for the Lower Universal Anchorage System for Restraint Systems and Booster Cushions and an explanation of the meaning of the symbols. Correction: Owner's will receive an Owner's Manual supplement.
Recall 2003036728 units in Canada
Steering
On certain vehicles, the steering column intermediate shaft is undersized, which could allow the intermediate shaft to spin inside the steering column coupling resulting in loss of directional control of the vehicle. If this were to happen while the vehicle is moving, a crash could result without prior warning. Correction: Dealer will inspect, and replace if necessary, the steering column intermediate shaft.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Mineral Ridge, OHFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 PONTIAC AZTEK. AFTER THE CONTACT TURNED THE ENGINE OFF, BLACK SMOKE AND FLAMES APPEARED UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. A FIRE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10966457 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mineral Ridge, OHFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 PONTIAC AZTEK. AFTER THE CONTACT TURNED THE ENGINE OFF, BLACK SMOKE AND FLAMES APPEARED UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. A FIRE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10966457 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 73,000 milesEast Lansing, MI1 injured
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC AZTEC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH THE ENGINE IN OPERATION. THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WAS COMPLETELY OPEN. SUDDENLY, THE UNOCCUPIED VEHICLE BEGAN TO ROLL INTO A NEARBY LAKE. THE CONTACT WAS STANDING BY THE OPENED DOOR AND SUSTAINED MODERATE INJURIES FROM BEING STRUCK BY THE DOOR AS THE VEHICLE GAINED SPEED. THE VEHICLE ROLLED INTO THE LAKE AND WAS DESTROYED AS A RESULT OF CRASHING AND BEING SUBMERGED IN WATER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SAVAGE FACILITY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000. UPDATED 7/12/12 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE JUMPED FROM REVERSE TO NEUTRAL. SHE WAS SITTING IN THE VEHICLE WITH HER FOOT ON THE BRAKE, WITH THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE. WHEN SHE REMOVED HER FOOT FROM THE BRAKE TO CONTINUE BACKING UP, SHE DISCOVERED THE VEHICLE WAS IN NEUTRAL. IT WAS MOMENTS LATER, WHEN SHE STANDING OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE, WHEN THE VEHICLE JUMPED FROM PARK KNOCKING HER DOWN TO THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WENT INTO THE LAKE. UPDATED 07/18/12
NHTSA complaint #10461174 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 127,000 milesHolly, MIFire
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE AND TOTALLED MY CAR. MY HOME ALMOST BURNED TO THE GROUND.
NHTSA complaint #10249373 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesBroadview Hts., OHCrash
STEERING
2003 PONTIAC AZTEC, 75,000 MILES WITH NO SYMPTOMS BLEW TIE ROD CAUSING CAR TO SWERVE DUE TO LACK OF BRAKES AND STEERING AND FLIPPED INTO RAVINE.
NHTSA complaint #10243502 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lancaster, TXFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
2003 PONTIAC AZTEC, CAUGHT ON FIRE AND THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN SITTING 14 HOURS I ONLY HAD THE AZTEC FOR JUST ABOUT 2 WEEKS, THE FIRE STARTING UNDER THE HOOD IN AN ELECTRICAL BOX THE SUV WAS A TOTAL, MEAN WHILE I LOST MY DOWN PAYMENT OF 1,000 AND IS STILL LEFT WITH OUT TRANSPORTATION THE INSURANCE COMPANY PAID OFF THE LOAN WHICH LEFT ME A BALANCE OWED NOW, RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DEDUCTIBLE AND AGAIN THE LOSS OF MY DOWN PAYMENT AND NO CAR THIS HAS BEEN AN NIGHTMARE FOR ME IT HAS BEEN 3 MONTHS AND I STILL FEEL I SHOULD HAVE BEEN AWARDED AN DOWN PAYMENT THE FIRE WAS THE MANUFACTURING FAULT AND THE INSURANCE WENT ONLY AFTER THE BOOK VALUE AND ME AS A CUSTOMER WELL NOTHING BUT MISERY AND PAIN. JANICE.
NHTSA complaint #10135731 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Daly City, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Since we first bought the car in 2005, whenever the fuel tank is filled to 3/4 or higher the car starts to smell of fuel fumes. If it is filled up full to the top, it literally spills fuel onto the ground (about 16oz). I called GM and they told me to bring it to the dealership. The dealership looked at it and determined that it is a bad weld on the fuel tank filler neck and also confirmed that the car is exhibiting the same symptoms as listed in multiple safety recalls regarding this fuel tank. The vin of this vehicle is within the range of safety recall bulletin number 06230, and is exhibiting the exact issues mentioned in that bulletin, but GM is saying that the specific vin is not included and that I need to contact NHTSA to have my vin added before they will fix it. The car only has 130,000 miles on it and this has been an issue for over 17 years. The dealership chat agent also told me to fill the car up to the top before bringing it in even though I told them that it's dangerous and will spill fuel. Now the vehicle is stuck at the dealership because they are saying that it's too dangerous to drive but they can't fix it until this vin is included in the recall by NHTSA. Upon further inspection of carcomplaints.com this appears to effect a lot more of these vehicles than the amount listed in the recall bulletin. I am certain that there are many vehicles driving around like mine that are posing a risk to the public. The car smells like an open gas can and seems like if someone were to smoke a cigarette in front of it that it would explode. This is dangerous. The crack is on top of the tank which is a place I could not have possibly caused the crack, this is 100% a manufacturing issue and my vehicle should have been included in this recall. I need my car back but can't risk my family in it until it is fixed. The dealership inspected it and GM told me to make this report.
NHTSA complaint #11480288 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,007 milesSacramento, CA
ENGINE
"TAKATA RECALL"" STALLS WHEN I'M DRIVING OR WHEN I'M COMING TO A STOP IT WILL COMPLETELY SHUT OFF AND WHEN I START IT UP AND THROUGHOUT THE RIDE IS SHAKES AND VIBRATES SOMETIMES IT WON'T START SOMETIMES IT'LL START RIGHT AWAY I DON'T REPLACE SPARK PLUGS COILS OIL CHANGED I'M STILL DOING THE SAME THING EVERY PLACE I GO SAYING THE SAME THING YOUR SAYS POSSIBLE MISFIRES CYLINDER 5 FUEL AND C2O OXYGEN SIMPSON AND I ALSO REPLACE THE FUEL FILTER STILL NO DIFFERENT STILL WRITES THE SAME WAY RUNS HOT LIKE IT'S NOT GETTING NO WATER TO THE ENGINE
NHTSA complaint #11141535 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,007 milesSacramento, CA
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
"TAKATA RECALL"" STALLS WHEN I'M DRIVING OR WHEN I'M COMING TO A STOP IT WILL COMPLETELY SHUT OFF AND WHEN I START IT UP AND THROUGHOUT THE RIDE IS SHAKES AND VIBRATES SOMETIMES IT WON'T START SOMETIMES IT'LL START RIGHT AWAY I DON'T REPLACE SPARK PLUGS COILS OIL CHANGED I'M STILL DOING THE SAME THING EVERY PLACE I GO SAYING THE SAME THING YOUR SAYS POSSIBLE MISFIRES CYLINDER 5 FUEL AND C2O OXYGEN SIMPSON AND I ALSO REPLACE THE FUEL FILTER STILL NO DIFFERENT STILL WRITES THE SAME WAY RUNS HOT LIKE IT'S NOT GETTING NO WATER TO THE ENGINE
NHTSA complaint #11141535 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,007 milesSacramento, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
"TAKATA RECALL"" STALLS WHEN I'M DRIVING OR WHEN I'M COMING TO A STOP IT WILL COMPLETELY SHUT OFF AND WHEN I START IT UP AND THROUGHOUT THE RIDE IS SHAKES AND VIBRATES SOMETIMES IT WON'T START SOMETIMES IT'LL START RIGHT AWAY I DON'T REPLACE SPARK PLUGS COILS OIL CHANGED I'M STILL DOING THE SAME THING EVERY PLACE I GO SAYING THE SAME THING YOUR SAYS POSSIBLE MISFIRES CYLINDER 5 FUEL AND C2O OXYGEN SIMPSON AND I ALSO REPLACE THE FUEL FILTER STILL NO DIFFERENT STILL WRITES THE SAME WAY RUNS HOT LIKE IT'S NOT GETTING NO WATER TO THE ENGINE
NHTSA complaint #11141535 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 113,690 milesOlean, NY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
FIREWALL LEAKS A LOT OF WATER INTO BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR AREAS. THE WATER LEAKING IN CAUSES THOSE INTERIOR AREAS TO BECOME SOAKING WET AND DANGEROUS (FUSE BOX LOCATED WHERE WATER IS LEAKING), ESPECIALLY WHEN IT RAINS (EVEN WET DUE IN THE MORNING CAN CAUSE WATER TO LEAK INTO THE FRONT CABIN AREA). VEHICLE STATIONARY AND EITHER IN A PARKING LOT OR SIDE STREET. I WILL TAKE PICTURES/VIDEO THE NEXT TIME IT OCCURS AND UPLOAD THEM AS DESCRIBED BELOW.
NHTSA complaint #11124103 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 74,573 milesHazel Park, MI
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I RECENTLY BORROWED MY MOTHER-IN-LAW'S VEHICLE. WHEN I RETURNED TO MY HOME I PARKED IN THE ATTACHED GARAGE. LATER, WHEN MY DAUGHTER CAME HOME SHE ASKED WHY IT SMELLED LIKE GAS. I WENT TO CHECK AND UPON ENTERING THE LAUNDRY AREA (DIRECTLY ATTACHED TO THE GARAGE VIA ACCESS TO THE HOUSE) I NOTICED THE SMELL. I INSPECTED THE GARAGE AND THOUGHT, PERHAPS, THE SMELL WAS COMING FROM A WEED WACKER. LATER, I WENT TO CHECK ON SOME LAUNDRY AND THE GAS SMELL WAS EVEN WORSE. I OPENED THE DOOR TO ACCESS THE GARAGE AND THEN RECALLED THE WEED WACKER WAS ACTUALLY BROKEN AND WAS ONLY THERE TO BE DISCARDED IN THE TRASH NEXT PICKUP. I WAS CONCERNED AND WENT AND WOKE MY HUSBAND SAYING I SMELLED OVER-POWERING GAS SMELL AND TO PLEASE COME CHECK. HE INDICATED HE THOUGHT IT MAY BE HIS MOM'S CAR. HE CAME DOWN, SMELLED THE GAS TOO, AND WE PULLED THE CAR OUT AND PARKED IT IN THE DRIVEWAY AND LEFT THE GARAGE DOOR OPEN FOR A BIT. THE SMELL WENT AWAY. MY MOTHER-IN-LAW HAS BEEN ILL FOR A PERIOD OF TIME BUT PREVIOUSLY SHE WOULD COMPLAIN OF HER GAS GAUGE NOT WORKING PROPERLY. THAT SAID, I INSPECTED BOTH THE GARAGE AND THE DRIVEWAY OR LEAKS AND FOUND NONE. WHEN I DID MOVE THE CAR I DID SMELL GAS OUTSIDE OF THE CAR BUT NOT NEARLY AS STRONG AS WHEN IT WAS ENCLOSED INSIDE THE ATTACHED GARAGE. MY IN-LAWS KEEP THIS VEHICLE PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY SO THE CHANCE OF THEM SMELLING THE ISSUE AND THINKING ANYTHING SERIOUSLY WRONG WAS SLIM. I'M NOT COMFORTABLE DRIVING THE CAR AND WOULDN'T RECOMMEND ANYONE ELSE DRIVE IT UNTIL IT IS EVALUATED BY A CERTIFIED MECHANIC (MY OPINION BY A DEALERSHIP MECHANIC)
NHTSA complaint #11089660 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 153,000 milesEureka, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I HAVE BEEN HAVING ISSUES WITH MY AZREK SHUTTING OFF ON ME IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING AND NOW IT WINT EVEN START. I HAVE REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP AND VAPOR SENSOR DUE TO IT NOT GETTING ANY FUEL PRESSURE. I HAVE RESEARCHED AND THERE ARE 2 DIFFERENT RECALLS FOR MY VEHICLE WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN DONE DUE TO MY VIN NOT BEING ACNOWLEGED WITH THE RECALL
NHTSA complaint #11067057 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 153,000 milesEureka, IL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I HAVE BEEN HAVING ISSUES WITH MY AZREK SHUTTING OFF ON ME IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING AND NOW IT WINT EVEN START. I HAVE REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP AND VAPOR SENSOR DUE TO IT NOT GETTING ANY FUEL PRESSURE. I HAVE RESEARCHED AND THERE ARE 2 DIFFERENT RECALLS FOR MY VEHICLE WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN DONE DUE TO MY VIN NOT BEING ACNOWLEGED WITH THE RECALL
NHTSA complaint #11067057 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mineral Ridge, OHFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 PONTIAC AZTEK. AFTER THE CONTACT TURNED THE ENGINE OFF, BLACK SMOKE AND FLAMES APPEARED UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. A FIRE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10966457 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mineral Ridge, OHFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 PONTIAC AZTEK. AFTER THE CONTACT TURNED THE ENGINE OFF, BLACK SMOKE AND FLAMES APPEARED UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. A FIRE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10966457 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 82,000 milesBoca Raton, FL
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC AZTEK. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO STOP AT A STOP SIGN, THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOOR AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP THE CONTACT DROVE ONTO THE GRASS ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONER CONDENSATION PIPE CAUSED THE BRAKE LINE TO ROT. THE BRAKE LINES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. UPDATED 03/01/17*LJ
NHTSA complaint #10947401 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 82,000 milesBoca Raton, FL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC AZTEK. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO STOP AT A STOP SIGN, THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOOR AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP THE CONTACT DROVE ONTO THE GRASS ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONER CONDENSATION PIPE CAUSED THE BRAKE LINE TO ROT. THE BRAKE LINES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. UPDATED 03/01/17*LJ
NHTSA complaint #10947401 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 82,000 milesBoca Raton, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC AZTEK. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO STOP AT A STOP SIGN, THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOOR AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP THE CONTACT DROVE ONTO THE GRASS ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONER CONDENSATION PIPE CAUSED THE BRAKE LINE TO ROT. THE BRAKE LINES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. UPDATED 03/01/17*LJ
NHTSA complaint #10947401 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Odessa, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC AZTEK. AFTER RE-FUELING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED STRONG FUEL FUMES INSIDE THE VEHICLE AND NEAR THE FUEL TANK. THE FUEL AND TEMPERATURE GAUGES FLUCTUATED UP AND DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY A MECHANIC MORE THAN ONCE. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTIFIED TWO DIFFERENT DEALERS TO TRY TO SCHEDULE A REPAIR APPOINTMENT. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V349000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10908517 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesBelmar, NJ
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC AZTEC. WHEN THERE WAS HALF A TANK OF FUEL IN THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS NO LEAK PRESENT. HOWEVER, WHEN THE VEHICLE HAD A FULL TANK OF FUEL, THERE WAS A PROGRESSING LEAK. THE CONTACT NOTICED A PUDDLE UNDER THE VEHICLE AND STRONG FUEL FUMES WERE PRESENT INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER AND AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WERE NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 07V349000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) AND 07E021000 (FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000. UPDATED 01/26/17*LJ
NHTSA complaint #10882907 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 161,564 milesChesapeake, VA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THE SMELL OF GAS, CHANGING THE FUEL PUMP MORE THAN ONCE. PROBLEM READING THE LEVEL OF GAS. VEHICLE WAS DRIVING WHEN IT START SHAKING AND STOP(2ND TIME). THE VEHICLE WAS PARK AND COULD NOT START(1ST TIME).
NHTSA complaint #10807754 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesJamestown, MO
STEERING
KEY KEEPS GETTING STUCK IN IGNITION, STEERING COLUMN GETS STUCK.FUEL TANK IS LEAKING AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON AND STAYING ALONG WITH SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT. FUEL PUMP KEEPS GOING OUT REPLACED 3 TIMES.
NHTSA complaint #10789037 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesJamestown, MO
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
KEY KEEPS GETTING STUCK IN IGNITION, STEERING COLUMN GETS STUCK.FUEL TANK IS LEAKING AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON AND STAYING ALONG WITH SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT. FUEL PUMP KEEPS GOING OUT REPLACED 3 TIMES.
NHTSA complaint #10789037 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesJamestown, MO
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
KEY KEEPS GETTING STUCK IN IGNITION, STEERING COLUMN GETS STUCK.FUEL TANK IS LEAKING AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON AND STAYING ALONG WITH SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT. FUEL PUMP KEEPS GOING OUT REPLACED 3 TIMES.
NHTSA complaint #10789037 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesPoland, OH
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I CAN SMELL A GAS LEAK COMING FROM MY AZTEC. I DO KNOW THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE FUEL SYSTEM AND IT WAS NEVER HONORED BECAUSE THERE WAS NONE AT THAT TIME. THERE IS NOW A LEAK AS WELL AS A MAJOR SMELL OF FUEL COMING FROM IT. I DID CALL ABOUT THE RECALL AND THEY DON'T WANT TO HONOR IT EVEN THOU IT WAS NEVER REPLACED THE FIRST TIME. IT IS GOING TO COST ME ABOUT $1500 TO HAVE IT REPLACE....I DO BELIEVE THE RECALL SHOULD BE HONOR. I CALL THE DEALERSHIP WHERE IT WAS BOUGHT BRAND NEW. AND SPOKE WITH THE OWNERS. AND THEY SAID THEY NEVER RECEIVED THE LETTER TO HAVE IT REPLACED. THE DEALERSHIP SAID IT OUT OF WARRANTY AND THEY WILL NOT COVER IT EVEN THOU THE RECALL WAS NEVER DONE ON IT.
NHTSA complaint #10730947 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 165,000 milesCosmopolis, WA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC AZTEK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL AND DISCOVERED THAT THERE WAS A FUEL LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 165,000.
NHTSA complaint #10690109 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NEW Castle, PA
STEERING
NOT EXACTLY SURE OF THE DATE OF THESE INCIDENTS, BUT I CAN SMELL FUMES COMING THROUGH THE VENTS WHEN I AM DRIVING, HAD TO GET THIS CHECKED A FEW WEEKS AGO. THE MECHANIC SAID THE GAS WAS LEAKING REPLACED THIS PART. I AM STILL SMELLING SOMETHING IN THE ENGINE AREA. I AM NOT SURE WHAT AND WHY. THE VEHICLE ALSO FEELS LIKE IT IS SHAKING WHEN I APPLY THE BRAKES, AND THE BRAKES ARE FINE. IT USUALLY DOES IT WHEN I AM BRAKING AND ALSO WHEN I GO PAST 40MPH. IT HAS GOTTEN REALLY BAD THAT I AM THINKING ABOUT GETTING RID OF VEHICLE AND NOT HAVING A VEHICLE. ALSO, I CAN HEAR A CRANKING NOISE IN THE STEERING COLUMN WHEN I AM TURNING THAT MAKES ME THINK THE VEHICLE IS BREAKING IN HALF. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE GAS CAP LAST YEAR AS WELL FOR FUMES.
NHTSA complaint #10664531 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NEW Castle, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
NOT EXACTLY SURE OF THE DATE OF THESE INCIDENTS, BUT I CAN SMELL FUMES COMING THROUGH THE VENTS WHEN I AM DRIVING, HAD TO GET THIS CHECKED A FEW WEEKS AGO. THE MECHANIC SAID THE GAS WAS LEAKING REPLACED THIS PART. I AM STILL SMELLING SOMETHING IN THE ENGINE AREA. I AM NOT SURE WHAT AND WHY. THE VEHICLE ALSO FEELS LIKE IT IS SHAKING WHEN I APPLY THE BRAKES, AND THE BRAKES ARE FINE. IT USUALLY DOES IT WHEN I AM BRAKING AND ALSO WHEN I GO PAST 40MPH. IT HAS GOTTEN REALLY BAD THAT I AM THINKING ABOUT GETTING RID OF VEHICLE AND NOT HAVING A VEHICLE. ALSO, I CAN HEAR A CRANKING NOISE IN THE STEERING COLUMN WHEN I AM TURNING THAT MAKES ME THINK THE VEHICLE IS BREAKING IN HALF. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE GAS CAP LAST YEAR AS WELL FOR FUMES.
NHTSA complaint #10664531 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NEW Castle, PA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
NOT EXACTLY SURE OF THE DATE OF THESE INCIDENTS, BUT I CAN SMELL FUMES COMING THROUGH THE VENTS WHEN I AM DRIVING, HAD TO GET THIS CHECKED A FEW WEEKS AGO. THE MECHANIC SAID THE GAS WAS LEAKING REPLACED THIS PART. I AM STILL SMELLING SOMETHING IN THE ENGINE AREA. I AM NOT SURE WHAT AND WHY. THE VEHICLE ALSO FEELS LIKE IT IS SHAKING WHEN I APPLY THE BRAKES, AND THE BRAKES ARE FINE. IT USUALLY DOES IT WHEN I AM BRAKING AND ALSO WHEN I GO PAST 40MPH. IT HAS GOTTEN REALLY BAD THAT I AM THINKING ABOUT GETTING RID OF VEHICLE AND NOT HAVING A VEHICLE. ALSO, I CAN HEAR A CRANKING NOISE IN THE STEERING COLUMN WHEN I AM TURNING THAT MAKES ME THINK THE VEHICLE IS BREAKING IN HALF. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE GAS CAP LAST YEAR AS WELL FOR FUMES.
NHTSA complaint #10664531 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 210,000 milesTampa, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
SINCE OCTOBER 31ST. MY CAR HAS SHUT OFF ABOUT 15 WHILE DRIVING, I LOSE POWER OF MY STEERING AND CANNOT MOVE MY CAR. I SAW TODAY THAT THERE IS A GM IGNITION RECALL BUT MY CAR IS NOT INVOLVED WHEN I CALL GM.
NHTSA complaint #10652753 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.