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. Updated 08/27/08.

- Fruitland, MD, USA

Transmission went out on my 2001 Pontiac Aztek. When my wife drove over railroad tracks a load sound came from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was driving erratically. She pushed the onstar button and they told her there was a problem with the transmission. We took it to a local repair shop and they had to rebuild the whole transmission and even service some parts for the all wheel drive transfer case. The vehicle only has 80,000 miles, this is not normal!

- Linden, MI, USA

2001 Aztek with 85,000 kms the transmission blew up. Accelerated at highway on ramp, loud bang then no gears. No park, no reverse. Transmission totally rebuilt by reputable mechanic, cost $3000 told by mechanic that GM using poor quality parts, not built to last and therefore transmission fails and not built to last.

- Chilliwack, WA, USA

I purchased my 2001 Pontiac Aztek in November of 2003. Since then it was diagnosed with a leaking gasket requiring a repair of $750, which I have since discovered is not an usual problem with this vehicle. I have also noticed some very odd things about this vehicle: 1.when on an incline, once I remove my foot from the brake pedal the vehicle immediately starts to roll back, which risks me striking anything behind me. This requires me to put my left foot on the brake and my right foot on the gas and simultaneously lift off the brake as I begin to accelerate. I have never encountered this problem in an automatic transmission. 2.when on a level surface as soon as the brake pedal is released vehicle will accelerate on its own prior to applying gas. 3.steering is very difficult to control in even the slightest wind, and often feels like it will veer off the road. I have not experienced this to that extent in any other vehicle I have ever owned, including mini vans, full size vans, cars or trucks. 4.vehicle has an intermittent burning smell as yet unable to be identified by a mechanic, although they have hypothesised that it might be the result of the underside of the car being lower to the ground in some areas and more prone to catch debris on the road, for example plastic bags, which then stick and melt to it.

- Cottage Grove, MN, USA

While applying the brake pedal the consumer heard a loud noise and the vehicle vibrated uncontrollably. The consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and drove it to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic determined that the brakes needed to be replaced and replaced them. However, the problem recurred. The transmission felt as if it was falling out, the tire exploded while driving, the power lost, and hatch (rear) would not open.

- Phoenix, AZ, USA

My transmission gave in after three and a half years of owning this vehicle (purchased April 2001). I became stuck in traffic as a result. However, since the very beginning, the transmission has not been running smoothly at all. My car has been taken in for various types of repairs time and time again (our dealer, lasorsa in the bronx, has all the information on the repairs they've done). It was only a matter of time before the transmission gave in completely, and now that my warranty is up, I have to pay $2500 for a new transmission. I have noticed several other similar complaints for this make, model, and year, and something must be done. This car should be recalled. Our safety is at stake.

- Pelham, NY, USA

I purchased my vehicle on 7-23-04 and have only been able to drive it a total of approx 2 weeks now. The transmission started slipping while changing gears from 2nd to 3rd and after a couple days of this, it finally started slipping real bad taking off from a stop sign or red light. I have taken it to a transmission shop 5 times now and they are now going to just replace the unit.

- Forney, TX, USA

Transmission failed at 56000 miles no indication of any problems, just started making noise all of a sdden. Took it to dealer got $3900 estimate for transmission intake manifold & driveshaft.

- East Stroudsburg, PA, USA

Transmission failed suddenly and without prior warning in traffic.

- Wasilla, AK, USA

While trying to cross a stop sign consumer depressed the gas pedal and the gears slammed into place. By the time consumer came to the next intersection vehicle stalled and would not move.

- Chicago, IL, USA

Mu automatic transmission failed at 43,000 miles. Catastrophic failure- first shook, made grinding noises, then failed to engage and drive.

- Birmingham, AL, USA

When I purchased my astek in July 2001, it was brand new since I have had it I have had brake problems, a wheel bearing has went out, my alignment was set wrong, I needed to get brand new tires, and my transmission is now out and its not under warranty due to high mileage. I will be investigating. And now it is sitting until I can afford $2000 for a transmission or I can get this resolved.

- Shermansdale, PA, 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

I have a 2001 pontaic Aztek with 39,978 miles on it. My transmission has gone bad already and is going to cost 2,000+ dollars for repair. I feel that this problem has happened far to soon for a newer vehicle.

- Centerville, OH, USA

The car rolls when in gear. Front or back, depending on the pitch of the road. At a stop light, if I took my foot off my brake, it roles back. When putting the car in the garage, I stopped half way in the car roll out into the ally. The other 35 complaints didn't have this problem, so maybe its not a common problem. There is only 20,000 miles on it.

- Milwaukee, WI, USA