2003 Pontiac Aztek fuel system problems

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC AZTEK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES DID NOT ALWAYS RESPOND AND NEEDED TO BE APPLIED REPEATEDLY IN ORDER TO FUNCTION AS NORMAL. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE ANTI LOCK BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP, WHERE FAULTY SENSORS WHERE REPLACED; HOWEVER THE WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHO FOUND A LEAK ON THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE THEN EXPERIENCED DIFFICULTY DRIVING UPHILL. THE VEHICLE'S SPEED DECREASED AND THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO ACCELERATE. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE PIVOTAL JOINTS IN THE REAR WHEELS WERE DEFECTIVE AND CAUSED UNUSUAL TREAD WEAR AND TEAR OF THE TIRES. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALLS ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS 07E021000 (FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES) AND 07V349000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE, HOWEVER NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED DUE TO MILEAGE ON VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

NHTSA complaint #10463281 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

DASH LOSING DIFFERENT COMPONENT OPERATION. STARTED WITH FUEL GAUGE AND TEMPERATURE GAUGE THEN AFFECTED RADIO LIGHTS AND LCD DISPLAY. NOW VEHICLE SPEEDOMETER HAS BECOME ERRATIC AND UNTRUSTWORTHY. RADIO LIGHTS AND DISPLAY AN INCONVENIENCE BUT THE COMBINATION OF FUEL AND NOW THE SPEEDOMETER NOT READING PROPERLY IS CAUSING A CONCERN FOR SAFETY. AT THE RATE THIS IS GOING THE WHOLE DASH WILL BE MALFUNCTIONING SOON. ACCORDING TO WHAT I SEE THE PARTS ALONE CAN BE $300 - $500 PLUS THE REPAIR CHARGES. INTERNET HAS COUNTLESS ENTRIES ABOUT THE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS ON THE PONTIAC AZTEKS BUT NO SERVICE BULLETINS ON THE NHTSA WEB SITE AND NO MENTIONING OF ANY RECALLS BY PONTIAC. WHY ISN'T THE NHTSA LOOKING INTO THIS WITH SO MANY PROBLEMS BEING SHARED ON THE INTERNET? WHY ARE THE OWNERS BEING REQUIRED TO PAY FOR THESE REPAIRS SINCE IT'S SUCH A WIDESPREAD AZTEK ISSUE?

NHTSA complaint #10438987 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

LEAKAGE FROM THE FUEL TANK INLET FILLER PIPE (INLET CHECK VALVE). SIMILAR ISSUE AS TO NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER 07V349000. HOWEVER, 07V349000 ONLY INCLUDED VEHICLES FOR THE PONTIAC AZTEK BUILT IN MAY 2003 FOR THE RECALL PHASE. I PURCHASED MY AZTEK IN FEB 2003.

NHTSA complaint #10428149 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

OUR GAS TANK INLET CHECK VALVE IS LEAKING ON OUR 2003 AZTEK. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS EXACT PART IN 2007. WE WERE NOT THE OWNERS AT THAT TIME AND THEY OWNERS DID NOT TAKE CARE OF IT. IT IS NOW LEAKING AND GM IS REFUSING TO LET US USE THIS RECALL. THEY ARE SAYING IT MAY BE COVERED UNDER A SPECIAL COVERAGES POLICY BUT THAT WE HAVE TO PAY TO TAKE IT IN. THEY WILL NOT HAUL IT IN, BUT WE WILL HAVE TO DRIVE IT WHICH IS VERY UNSAFE FOR A LEAK THAT EXCESSIVE.

NHTSA complaint #10347046 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

2003 PONTIAC AZTEK - FUEL SMELL FOR SEVERAL WEEKS WITH NO OBVIOUS CAUSE. WEATHER WARMED DURING THIS PERIOD AND SMELL BECAME STRONGER WITH INCREASED AMBIENT TEMPS. ABOUT THREE OR FOUR WEEKS LATER, FUEL WAS FOUND ON THE GROUND BENEATH THE FILLER VENT TUBE BEGINNING WITH A SMALL DAMP SPOT AND EVENTUALLY BECOMING A PUDDLE (ONLY WHEN TANK WAS FILLED). TOOK IT LOCAL DEALER WHERE THEY INFORMED ME THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE 2003 MODEL YEAR AND IT WOULD COST ME $1200 TO REPLACE THE TANK. I WAS INFORMED THAT THEY WOULD ACCEPT NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE VEHICLE OR ACCIDENTS IF I CHOSE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE IN THIS CONDITION. I WENT HOME, RESEARCHED THE RECALLS AND DISCOVERED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE 2004 MODEL YEAR. MY VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED IN MAY OF 2003 AND THE RECALL BEGAN IN OCTOBER OF 2003 FOR THE 2004 MODEL YEAR. I RETURNED TO THE DEALER, TOLD THEM THAT THEY HAD 12 HOURS TO MAKE UP THEIR MINDS ON HOW THEY WANTED TO HANDLE IT. MY FAMILY HAD TO GO TO DULUTH THAT WEEKEND AND WE HAD NO OTHER TRANSPORTATION. I TOLD THEM THAT IF ANYTHING HAPPENED AS A RESULT OF THAT TRIP, THEY COULD CLAIM ALL THEY WANTED THAT THEY WERE NOT RESPONSIBLE BUT A JURY WOULD CERTAINLY SEE IT MUCH DIFFERENTLY. THEY CALLED ME THE NEXT MORNING AND SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT TO REPLACE THE TANK AND I AGREED TO PONY UP $100 OF THE COST JUST TO BE FAIR. THE VEHICLE HAD ABOUT 60,000 ON IT AT THE TIME.

NHTSA complaint #10343847 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

I JUST BOUGHT A USED 2003 PONTIAC AZTEK YESTERDAY FROM A USED CAR DEALER, AND TODAY THE FUEL SYSTEM IS LEAKING GAS. THE DEALER SAID THAT THE CAR HAD NOT BEEN WRECKED. I HAVE NOT ORDERED A CARFAX TO VERIFY HIM. THERE ARE A COUPLE OF RECALLS FOR THIS PROBLEM ALREADY BUT A PONTIAC MECHANIC SAID OVER THE PHONE THAT MY VEHICLE IS NOT AFFECTED. IT SEEMS LIKE MY VEHICLE SHOULD BE ADDED TO THE RECALL LIST BECAUSE OF SO MANY SIMILARITIES. THERE ARE APPROXIMATELY 21,000 UNITS AFFECTED BY THE CURRENT RECALLS. IT JUST DOES NOT SEEM ACCURATE THAT ALL OF THOSE FUEL SYSTEMS WERE CONSIDERED FAULTY AND THAT MY AZTEK'S FUEL SYSTEM IS CONSIDERED FINE WHEN IT IS LEAKING GAS. MY AZTEK WAS MANUFACTURED IN NOVEMBER 2002. THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT IS ON AND STAYS ON MOST OF THE TIME. THE DEALER SWORE THE PROBLEM WAS JUST A LOOSE GAS CAP AND THERE WAS NOTHING ELSE WRONG WITH IT. WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR, THE TANK WAS FILLED JUST ABOVE EMPTY AND I FILLED THE TANK THAT EVENING WITH 15.8 GALLONS OF 87 OCTANE GAS AND WOKE UP TODAY WITH THE ENTIRE INSIDE OF MY HOME SMELLING LIKE GASOLINE. MY HUSBAND WAS ABLE TO SEE THAT THE GAS IS LEAKING FROM AROUND THE JOINT BETWEEN THE FILLER HOSE AND THE FUEL TANK. THE LEAK IS NOT HEAVY OR FLOWING IT IS JUST STEADILY SEEPING. THE VEHICLE STILL DRIVES REALLY SMOOTH. BUT I AM NOT SURE HOW EXPLOSIVE A GAS LEAK IS AND I AM NOT DRIVING IT UNTIL I DO. I HAVE A SCAN GAUGE AND IT ESTIMATES THE CAR GETTING AROUND 7MPG. THE VEHICLE HAS 92,500 MILES ON IT AND ONLY ONE PREVIOUS OWNER. ALL OF THE COMPLAINTS THAT I HAVE RESEARCHED ONLINE SEEM IDENTICAL. I JUST WANT TO KNOW IF THIS FUEL LEAK IS FROM A COMMON FAULTY PART THAT THE MANUFACTURER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR.

NHTSA complaint #10293477 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC AZTEK. THE CONTACT SMELLED A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. HE ALSO OBSERVED A SMALL AMOUNT OF FUEL SPILLING FROM THE LOWER PORTION OF THE FUEL TANK. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR REPAIR. THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER RQ06009 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP), ALTHOUGH THE FAILURES WERE IDENTICAL. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 74,000.

NHTSA complaint #10246091 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC AZTEC. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V349000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE). THREE WEEKS LATER, SHE SMELLED A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED HER THAT SHE WAS SENT THE NOTICE IN ERROR; THEREFORE, THE CONTACT WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR COSTS. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 108,000. UPDATED 07/15/08 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE PROBLEM WAS NOT RELATED TO THE RECALL. THE PROBLEM WAS ALEAKING FULE LINE GOING INTO THE FUEL FILTER. UPDATED 07/15/08.

NHTSA complaint #10232254 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

1)WHEN I REMOVED GAS CAP TO FILL TANK WITH GAS, I HEARD A HISSING SOUND COMING OUT OF THE GAS TANK. WHEN TRYING TO FILL TANK WITH GAS, HOSE KEPT CLICKING OFF AND WOULD NOT ALLOW ME TO PUT GAS IN THE TANK. I WENT TO A DIFFERENT GAS STATION AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED. I HAVE SINCE BEEN UNABLE TO USE THE CAR AS I CAN NOT FILL THE TANK. 2)THIS SECOND PROBLEM HAS BEEN ONGOING SINCE I PURCHASED THIS CAR. THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON A REGULAR BASIS. I HAVE HAD THIS CHECKED OUT EACH TIME AND THE MECHANICS ALWAYS HAVE A HARD TIME IDENTIFYING THE PROBLEM. THIS HAS BEEN EXTREMELY COSTLY. FURTHER MORE, THE VEHICLE CAN'T PASS INSPECTION WITH THAT LIGHT ON. 3) THIS THIRD PROBLEM HAS ALSO BEEN ONGOING. I HAVE TO REPLACE MY BRAKES AT LEAST TWICE A YEAR. THEY WEAR DOWN QUICKLY AND MAKE AN AWFUL GRINDING NOISE. THE MECHANICS CANNOT UNDERSTAND THE REASON FOR THIS EITHER. EXCEPT TO TELL ME THIS CAR IS DEFECTIVE. 4)IN THE LAST YEAR OR SO, WHEN I MAKE A TURN IN EITHER DIRECTION, THERE IS A GRINDING NOISE. MY TRANSMISSION FLUID LEVELS ARE ALWAYS GOOD WHEN THIS HAPPENS. 5) THE HATCH DOES NOT OPEN WHEN THE AUTOMATIC OPENING BUTTON IS USED, MUST ALWAYS HAVE SOMEONE IN THE BACK TO OPEN IT AS I SIMULTANEOUSLY PUSH THE BUTTON. 6)WHEN I PRESS THE BRAKES TO STOP, IT FEELS LIKE THE BRAKES DISENGAGE OR THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES KICK IN AND THIS HAPPENS WHEN ROAD IS DRY THIS CAR HAS BEEN A PIECE OF JUNK SINCE THE DAY I BOUGHT IT AND HAS CAUSED MULTIPLE FINANCIAL AND EMOTIONAL PROBLEMS WITH ALL IT'S DEFECTS. I WILL NEVER BUY A PONTIAC OR GM CAR AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!

NHTSA complaint #10230084 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE

2003 PONTIAC AZTEK WITH A RECALL CONCERNING A FUEL LEAK. CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT FOR RECALL REPAIR THAT WAS DONE BEFORE THE RECALL WAS RECEIVED. CONSUMER WOULD LIKE TOTAL REIMBURSEMENT.

NHTSA complaint #10221696 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

WE HAVE REPLACED THE GAS TANK ON OUR 2003 AZTEK BECAUSE IT WAS LEAKING GASOLINE FROM AROUND THE JOINT WITH THE FILLER TUBE AND FILLING OUR HOUSE (WITH ATTACHED GARAGE) WITH A STRONG GAS SMELL. WE UNDERSTAND FROM YOUR WEBSITE THAT THIS PROBLEM IS THE SUBJECT OF A RECALL. THE ORIGINAL TANK IS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #10206818 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC AZTEK. DURING A ROUTINE INSPECTION, THE DEALER FOUND A CRACK IN THE FUEL TANK. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,537 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 98,000. UPDATED 12/12/2007

NHTSA complaint #10203539 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE

ON SATURDAY SEPT. 1ST MY AUNT TOLD US SHE SMELLED GAS WHEN SHE CAME OVER TO OUR HOUSE. WHEN WE WENT OUTSIDE TO CHECK IT OUT WE NOTICED GAS DRIPPING FAIRLY QUICKLY OUT OF THE BOTTOM OF OUR PONTIAC AZTEC. WE HAVE HAD NO OTHER PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR AND HAVE NOT SMELLED GAS BEFORE. WE HAVE NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT IN THE VEHICLE NOR HAVE WE HAD ANYTHING HIT THE CAR. WE HAVE NOT TAKEN THE CAR IN TO A CERTIFIED DEALER YET WHILE WE TRY TO ASCERTAIN THE RECALL DATA. WE IMMEDIATELY LOOKED UP ANY RECALLS AND FOUND YOURS ON SEVERAL WEBSITES. HOWEVER, WHEN I CALLED THE GM PHONE NUMBER LISTED THEY SAID THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THAT MODEL AT THIS TIME. THAT IS NOT THE CASE. COULD SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME WHAT TO DO IN ORDER TO SEE IF THIS RECALL CONCERNING GAS TANKS, AND FUEL LEAKAGE APPLIES TO MY CAR. THANK GOD SHE HAPPENED TO SMELL THE GAS OR WE COULD HAVE HAD A SERIOUS EXPLOSION. WE ARE VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. THANK YOU SO MUCH,

NHTSA complaint #10202279 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC AZTEK. THE CONTACT WAS WALKING BESIDE HIS VEHICLE WHEN HE SMELLED GAS. HE LOOKED UNDER THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED GAS LEAKING FROM THE INLET ON THE SIDE OF THE TANK. HE PLACED A CONTAINER UNDER THE LEAK. THE CONTACT HAS NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE MECHANIC. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 84,000.

NHTSA complaint #10199397 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

2003 AZTEK. NOTICED 1/4 TANK OF GAS LEAKED UNDER VEHICLE. NO PRIOR PROBLEM WITH GAS LEAKAGE OR EVENT CAUSING THE LEAKAGE. TOOK CAR TO GM DEALER. THEY SAID I WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE FUEL TANK. NO USED PARTS OR AFTERMARKET PARTS COULD BE USED BECAUSE OF A MODIFICATION TO THE GAS TANK AFTER THIS CAR WAS PRODUCED. NO RECALL INFORMATION WAS AVAILABLE. I CONTACTED PONTIAC CUSTOMER SERVICE AND GOT A RUN-AROUND. THEY WERE TO CALL THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT TO DISCUSS. THEY FAILED TO FOLLOW THROUGH. THERE IS A NHTSA RQ06-009 ACTION OPEN ON THIS PROBLEM BUT NO ONE SEEMED TO CARE. IT APPEARS THAT I AM STUCK PAYING FOR A MANUFACTURER DEFECT.

NHTSA complaint #10195980 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC AZTEK. WHILE PARKED THE CONTACT SMELLED GASOLINE AND OBSERVED IT LEAKING FROM THE FUEL TANK. UPON ARRIVING HOME THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE LEAK HAD INCREASED. THE DEALER ADVISED HER TO DRIVE TO THE REPAIR SHOP WITH THE FUEL LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE GAS TANK, AND STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO GM USING PLASTIC TO CONNECT THE FILLER HOSE TO THE GAS TANK. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 50,100, AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,067.*AK EA07-006.PCO

NHTSA complaint #10188647 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

VEHICLE WOULD NOT START ONE DAY, THE START THE NEXT. THEN IT WOULDN'T START AT ALL. HAD HEATER PROBLEM BEFORE, BUT WHEN THEY CHECKED IT , IT WAS FINE. THEN WHEN IT WOULDN'T START AT ALL, HAD IT TOWED. THE GARAGE I HAD IT TOWED TO HAD BEEN THE ONE TO CHECK THE HEATER A COUPLE OF WEEKS PRIOR TO IT BREAKING DOWN, THEY HAD GIVEN IT AN OIL CHANGE ALSO. AFTER THE TOW, THEY INFORMED ME THAT ANTI-FREEZE HAD BEEN GETTING INTO THE INTAKE OIL(HEAD GASKETS),AND THEY WOULD HAVE TO TAKE IT ALL APART(LABOR!!!)---AND THAT THE FUEL PUMP WAS BAD. I'VE ONLY HAD THE VEHICLE FOR A LITTLE OVER A YEAR!!!THANK GOD I HAD A WARRANTY EXTENDED,(EVEN THOUGH I AM PAYING A LOT FOR THAT ALSO!!)THAT I ONLY(!) HAD TO PAY THE 100.00 DEDUCTIBLE, BUT THEN HAD TO PAY FOR FILTERS,OIL(AGAIN!!) AND MISCELLANEOUS OTHER EXPENSES THE WARRANTY DIDN'T PAY!!ALTOGETHER, WITH WHAT THE WARRANTY PAID, AND WHAT I PAID (341.00)---IT CAME TO 2,200.00!!!---NOW THIS CAR IS ONLY 4 YEARS OLD,BARELY!!! AND I THINK THAT THIS IS RIDICULOUS!!!

NHTSA complaint #10182782 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

TL*- THE CONTACT HAS A 2003 PONTIAC AZTEC 55200. ON JANUARY 31, 2007 THE CONTACT FOUND A POOL OF LEAKED FUEL UNDER THE VEHICLE AFTER HE SENSED A GAS SMELL. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE THE NIGHT BEFORE. THE SMELL TRAVELED FROM THE GARAGE TO THE HOME OVER NIGHT, AND WAS NOTICED IN THE EARLY MORNING HOURS. THE CONTACT THEN VENTILATED THE HOME ,AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER THAT MORNING. THE SERVICE ADVISER DETERMINED THAT THE GAS TANK SEPARATED FROM THE MAIN HOLD, CAUSING THE GAS LEAK. THE CONTACT FILED A COMPLAINT AGAINST GMC BECAUSE THE LEAK COULD HAVE BEEN IGNITED AND A FIRE MAY HAVE OCCURRED. *AK EA07-006.PCO

NHTSA complaint #10181369 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.