Air conditioning replaced 4 times at my own expense once when it was under warranty. Shortly after it broke again due to defect in manufacturing as stated by the dealership. Hole is created due to bracket and coolant leaks out. The purchase and install of a new one has cost me $1200 each time it happens and for the past 4 years I've just driven without air conditioning due to the cost factor and knowing it's going to happen again in the next 2 months. Everytime it was replaced it was for the same problem a hole in the condenser. I've hear complaints from every atzek owner I've met about the air conditioning and still Pontiac refuses to fess us to the manufacturing defect. For the past 4 years I've had to drive around in 90+ degree heat without air because of this. I'm a field technician and I'm traveling year round. I had an 88 Grand Prix previously and that had issues with the brakes and I spent thousands of dollars on brakes only to receive a letter 2 years after I got rid of the car claiming I can get money back due to a defect in the brakes. I shouldn't have to suffer from heat exhaustion due to a defect in the way Pontiac designed the ac. They should atleast be able to design something that won't core a hole in the condenser. They also have issues with the tailgate and rear lights peeling. I have to open my tailgate 2 times and use the key while pulling the tailgate up. I've gotten the parts replaced 2 times and it hasn't solved the problem they tell me everytime I open the tailgate I have to manually adjust the stops so that the tailgate will open again. I shouldn't have to do this. I'm not the only one with these issues everyone is.

- Seaford, NY, USA

I was finding antifreeze in my oil. Took to the shop and had to have the intake gasket and the manifold gasket replaced. Also had to have a new thermostat and pvc valve. It cost almost $900. This is not the only problems have had to have the front wheel bearings replaced 2 times and brake shoes 2 times. Also had to have the heater fixed. Now the ac does not work. Had to have the window control unit replaced on the driver side. Had to have computer components replaced because the battery went bad with no notice. And now the windshield wipers do not work. To fix this problem is going to cost me $200 that is just for the whole motor and connecting rods. Because it is a factory only part. All together I have paid almost $2,000. The ac is the condenser which is another $300. I have had and loved GM vehicles for awhile. But this kind of thing has never been a problem.....something has got to be done.

- Woodward, OK, USA

The contact owns a 2001 Pontiac aztec. She stated that the condenser would not blow cold air when engaged. The dealer stated that there was a hole in the condenser. The condenser has been replaced on four occasions. The manufacturer offered her a voucher for a new vehicle. As of August 7, 2007, the failure has not been rectified. The failure mileage was 13,745 and the current mileage was 92,000. The consumer was told that brackets were punching holes in the condenser. After the last condenser replacement, the consumer smelled something burning and noticed anti-freeze leaking only when the air conditioner was on. The consumer returned to the dealership and was informed that a new radiator was needed and there was a problem with the intake. The consumer was then told the intake was ok, but a radiator was still needed. Updated 09/11/07. The blower motor was also replaced. Updated 09/11/07.

- Oak Park , MI, USA

Fuel gauge stopped working, could not tell how much fuel there was. Dealer said fuel sensor went out. Notice other complaints of this type at 50,000 miles. Also ac also went out at 50,000 defected bracket GM will not back up.

- Oconto, Wi 54153, WI, USA

Air conditioning failure. Had to replace condenser because of faulty bracket.

- Oconto, WI, USA

Air conditioner condenser was replaced in summer of 2003 and again in 2005. Mechanic said that both incidents were due to faulty engineering (bracket). The bracket somehow causes a hole in the condenser in the same place. I have saved the old condensers for proof. There is nothing the mechanic can do to prevent it from happening again.

- Rowland Heights, CA, USA

Air conditioner stopped functioning at around 60,000 miles. Ac condenser was replaced. Repair tech said that there was a bracket that was poorly made, and that bracket would punch holes in the condenser. Tech said the parts supplier had sold over 200 condensers in the past 2 weeks. Repair tech had fixed 3 exactly like this one over the past several months.

- Farmington, MN, USA

Condenser broke for air conditioner. I have seen this problem on just about every Aztek!

- Linden, MI, USA

We have had multiple thing go wrong with our 2001 Aztek we purchased under 40,000 miles, now has about 60, 000- the front brake rotors were warped- mechanic said that they had to have been like that from manufacturer, as he has never seen anything that bad in a car of that age- air conditioner is not working- went on the web, and it looks like many owners are also experiencing this due to cracked/leaking compressors- also, fuel gauge stopped working shortly after we purchased- needle is very sporadic, and you never know how much gas you have- this also seems to be a common problem- had interior electrical problems as well- this was the only thing fixed by Pontiac- I recently contacted Pontiac, who was unwilling to address any of these issues.

- Holland, MI, USA

On May 28, 2004 I took my 2001 Aztek to dealer to see why my air conditioner did not blow cold air they found leak in right lower corner of condenser, $845 plus tax I declined the repairs but still cost me $75 just to check. I asked at a regular car repair place and they tried to get a new condenser but was told this was a defect and would not be able to fix. This was at 75,174 miles. I bought the car new. Very few problems other than this. I am now at 97,000 and still no air. Why fix if it will do it again.

- Mount Orab, OH, USA

Air conditioner stopped working. I was told that the compressor case cracked and leaked all the coolant.

- Saginaw, MI, USA

A/C condenser has a leak on the right hand side, bottom corner. Vehicle had just 47,200 miles. It appears this is a frequent failure (6 replacements listed NHTSA complaints and 3 web sites with over 18 identical complaints). One source stated that it appeared to be caused by manufacture process in which insuficent weld process was used causing failure due to normal vibration between 42,000 and 60,000 miles. This is listed as an alert for Canadian comsumers as well so I am sure it is a frequent problem.

- Rockford, IL, USA

Air conditioner condenser developed a hole resulting in need for new installation.

- Berrien Springs, MI, USA

Air conditioner condenser cracked just after the 50,000 mile mark. This car has been driven conservatively in non-extreme conditions with regular checkups. It cracked completely on its own without any help from myself. It was only a matter of a few days before the cold level inside went from cold to hot. The repair required the replacement of the condenser which proved to be very costly for me; $850. Neither the dealer or Pontiac customer service offered any help for my situation even though I was informed by the dealer that this problem is very common with Azteks.

- Andover, MN, USA

Have had on-going issues with electrical system and A/C evaporator drain. Have had the drain cleaned twice and repaired once. Still have water draining into passenger compartment. Have replaced both front hubs, four wiring harnesses, the fuel pump, the battery, and the blower motor twice. Most of these failures due to corrosion/melting. Another harness now needs to be replaced due to corrosion.

- Ithaca, NY, USA

I took my 2001 Pontiac Aztek in for A/C service on 5/11/04 because the air emitted was not cool. They recharged the A/C. less than 24 hours later, the air was warm again. I took it back to the garage where they ran dye through the A/C and found the compressor needs replaced at an estimate of $1000. They said this should not happen at 43,000 miles and could be a manufacturer problem. I checked several vehicle information sites on the internet and found this to be a common problem at the same mileage, but GM will not issue a recall. This is a very expensive repair and is obviously the fault of the manufacturer. It's a shame that GM will lose valuable customers over something like this.

- Westerville, OH, USA

Took my 2001 Pontiac Aztek in last week 10 Mar 04 with a A/C problem. They told me it was low on freon and serviced it back up and sent me on my way. 5 days later turned on the A/C and again no cold air. Took my Aztek back in today and they called and told me that I have a crack in my condenser on the right side on the bottom. Look up on NHTSA web site and find a technical service bulletin and call Pontiac but they don't have it on their system so they will not offer any assistance for me. The technical service bulletin on this website says exactly the problem I have and even gives new installation instructions for the new condenser. Why have new installation procedures? obviously there is a problem if you have to install it a new way but Pontiac won't offer any help. It's obviously a manufacturer deficiency and they are not willing to correct it without wanting to charge me $1000. The way I'm being treated I don't think I will ever own another GM product.

- Rio Rancho, NM, USA

When I bought my 2001 Aztek in September 2001, I was told by the salesperson that it would be a dependable durable car. It has been anything but. Will not keep alignment so the tires have worn prematurely. The seal around the passenger door leaked causing carpet damage which was not replaced by the dealership. Air conditioner condenser had a crack and one week after replacement, the car ran hot. Luckily, all of this happened under warranty. One week after the condenser was replaced, the car ran hot. One week after the intake was fixed, it ran hot again. The dealership service department added coolant and sent me on my way. The same day it ran hot again (Saturday). I took the car back in on Monday morning at 35,946 miles. They drove the car 33 miles to see if the car would get hot. It was returned to me with 35,979 miles and they could not duplicate the problem. I have also had brake failure, the transmission is slipping, there is a ticking noise underneath in front and back, and the car feels unstable on the road. Overall I feel very unsafe in the car and would like for the dealer to buy the car back at full purchase price.

- Knightdale, NC, USA

At 42,000 miles the condensor began to leak oil, rendering the A/C inoperable.

- Gillette, WY, USA

While driving with the air conditioner on in my 2001 Pontiac Aztek, there was a strong odor of gasoline (3 days in a row). Car was brought in for servicing on Monday Aug 11, they were having problems duplicating problem. Still working on it.

- Stratford, CT, USA