2003 Pontiac Aztek

128 federal complaints (188 component records) · 3 recall campaigns on file · 2 federal investigations · 389 service bulletins · 4 Canadian recalls
See all 5 model years of the Pontiac Aztek →
Engine
3.4L 6-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
4WD/AWD
EPA economy
16 city / 22 hwy
Federal complaints
128
Recall campaigns
3
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Fuel system
36
Electrical system
28
Engine & cooling
23
Brakes
20
Power train
14
Suspension
12
Steering
8
Glass & wipers
7
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 16 complaints01 years old: 19 complaints2 years old: 16 complaints3 years old: 14 complaints4 years old: 12 complaints5 years old: 10 complaints56 years old: 5 complaints7 years old: 3 complaints8 years old: 5 complaints9 years old: 4 complaints10 years old: 3 complaints1011 years old: 7 complaints12 years old: 4 complaints13 years old: 1 complaints14 years old: 2 complaints15 years old: 4 complaints1516 years old: 0 complaints17 years old: 0 complaints18 years old: 0 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 0 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 125 of 128 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 14 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 10 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 13 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 16 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 13 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 6 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 8 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 3 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 4 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 0 complaints200,000+ miles: 1 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 88 of 128 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Fuel system

36 complaint records1 fire report
"DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE GAS TANK WHICH IS PLASTIC DEVELOPED A CRACK AND STARTED TO LEAK, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A FIRE...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse fuel system parts in the directory →

Electrical system

28 complaint records5 fire reports
"ELECTRICAL MECHANICS IN THE CAR, I HAVE BEEN STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF CITY TRAFFIC AND CANNOT GET THE CAR TO MOVE. IT STALLS OUT IN TRAFFIC. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →

Engine & cooling

23 complaint records1 fire report
"INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET LEAKS. PROBLEM EVIDENCED ITSELF AT ROUGHLY 58,000 MILES. IT APPEARS TO BE A COMMON DEFECTIVE CONDITION. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →

Federal defect investigations

Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
EA07006
opened Apr 2007
closed Sep 2007Fuel System, GasolineFUEL TANK LEAKAGE - led to recall 07V349000
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...
RQ06009
opened Dec 2006
closed Apr 2007Fuel System, GasolineFUEL 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...

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
07V349000Fuel System, GasolineON CERTAIN VEHICLES, VARIATIONS IN THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS OR EXPOSURE TO HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURES MAY LEAD TO FRACTURE OF THE FUEL TANK INLET CHECK VALVE (ICV).Normally free
03V250000EquipmentCERTAIN MINIVANS, PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO.Normally free
03V052000SteeringIN SOME OF THESE SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE DIAMETER OF THE STEERING COLUMN INTERMEDIATE SHAFT IS TOO SMALL.Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2006199
2006-08-15
Suspension49,116On 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...
2004028
2004-01-23
Wheels6,168On 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.
2003172
2003-07-16
Seats And Restraints54,634Certain 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...
2003036
2003-02-14
Steering728On 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.

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
PIP5601C
Jul 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
23-NA-001
Mar 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.
PIP5358D
Feb 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment by engineering.
PIP4723J
Oct 2024
Electrical SystemThis Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving...
PIT5099H
Sep 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air.
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
PIT3271P
Sep 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles.
General Communication
Aug 2024
SERVICE CAMPAIGNElectrical SystemVehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions).
16-NA-383
Jun 2024
EngineThis service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
18-NA-099
Jun 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
24-NA-098
Jun 2024
Electrical SystemThis service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
09-00-89-008G
May 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis Warranty Administration bulletin provides retail and wholesale service personnel with the policies/procedures and the warranty transaction submission procedures that support the Personal Property Damage process.
10-08-45-001H
Mar 2024
Electrical SystemThis bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
16-NA-383
Mar 2024
Engine And Engine CoolingThis technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
22-NA-074
Feb 2024
Engine And Engine CoolingThis service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
02-08-42-001J
Jan 2024
Exterior LightingThis informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
PI1394B
Jan 2024
Engine And Engine CoolingThis PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
PIP5601B
Jan 2024
EquipmentThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vibration complaints that are one of the most challenging complaints to accurately diagnose and repair.
17-NA-170
Oct 2023
WheelsThis service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.
10-00-89-006J
Sep 2023
EquipmentThis service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only).
PIT5099G
Sep 2023
VisibilityThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air.
07-08-49-020R
Sep 2023
EquipmentThis informational bulletin provides information for the IPC odometer programming method quick reference guide.
18-NA-073
Aug 2023
Engine And Engine CoolingThis service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and prevent unnecessary engine replacement.
PIP5628G
Aug 2023
EngineThis Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D
PIP5358C
Jul 2023
EquipmentThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment by engineering.
17-NA-170
Apr 2023
WheelsThis service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.
19-NA-219
Apr 2023
Engine And Engine CoolingThis diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
PIP5628F
Apr 2023
Engine And Engine CoolingThis Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D
19-NA-219
Mar 2023
Engine And Engine CoolingThis diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
22-NA-009
Mar 2023
Engine And Engine CoolingThis service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
17-NA-073
Feb 2023
EquipmentThis warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
01-08-42-001O
Feb 2023
Exterior LightingThis service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
23-NA-001
Feb 2023
EquipmentThis service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.
PIP5628E
Feb 2023
EquipmentThis Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D
23-NA-001
Jan 2023
EquipmentThis service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.
09-00-89-008F
Dec 2022
EquipmentThis Warranty Administration bulletin provides retail and wholesale service personnel with the policies/procedures and the warranty transaction submission procedures that support the Personal Property Damage process.
PIP5540J
Dec 2022
VisibilityThis Preliminary information communicates to the technician the need to inspect the induction system for potential icing issues in very cold ambient temperatures. To allow the ice to melt so that it can be drained from the related components.
PIT3271N
Nov 2022
WheelsThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles.
22-NA-074
Nov 2022
Engine And Engine CoolingThis service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
10-00-89-006I
Oct 2022
EquipmentThis service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only).
PIC5453D
Sep 2022
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician that General Motors and General Motors of Canada Company do not support cross border sales.
06-00-89-031H
Sep 2022
Power TrainThis service bulletin provides information on OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification.
22-NA-009
Sep 2022
Engine And Engine CoolingThis service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
PIP5640A
Sep 2022
Power TrainThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician to not remove the torque converter bolts and start the engine as this may cause damage to the torque converter of the crankshaft on vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission.
22-NA-009
Jun 2022
Engine And Engine CoolingThis service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
PIT5099F
Jun 2022
VisibilityThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air.
PIP5358B
May 2022
StructureThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment by engineering.
12-00-89-003B
May 2022
EngineThis service bulletin provides policy information on warranty administration guidelines for multiple repairs with independent causes (GM Canada Dealers Only).
22-NA-074
Mar 2022
Engine And Engine CoolingThis service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
22-NA-009
Mar 2022
Engine And Engine CoolingThis service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
PIT3271M
Mar 2022
TiresThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles.
PIT3271L
Feb 2022
WheelsThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles.
PIP4723F
Jan 2022
Fuel SystemThis Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving...
22NA009
Jan 2022
Engine And Engine CoolingThis service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
PIP5628E
Dec 2021
Engine And Engine CoolingThis Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D
PIT3099U
Aug 2021
EquipmentThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about installing General Motors Accessory parts/kits. Technicians should refer to Service Information for information regarding most accessories.
010842001N
Jun 2021
Exterior LightingThis service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
100089006H
May 2021
EquipmentThis service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only).
PIP5358A
May 2021
EquipmentThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment by engineering.
PIP5640A
Apr 2021
WheelsThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician to not remove the torque converter bolts and start the engine as this may cause damage to the torque converter of the crankshaft on vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission.
PIP5163E
Mar 2021
Fuel SystemThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about engine block of possible cylinder bore damage, scoring or out of round as the possible cause of engine oil consumption, misfire, cylinder leakage or blow by.

Showing 60 of 389 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Smell for fuel and watch the first restart when hot.Hard starting when warm, hesitation under load, or any fuel odor near the tank or engine bay match this vehicle's fuel-system cluster. Check the recall table for fuel pump campaigns.
  2. Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
  3. Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 3 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Pontiac Aztek →