NHTSA — Engine And Engine Cooling: Engine Problems

3.4

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
38,336 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2002 Pontiac Aztek engine problems

engine problem

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2002 Pontiac Aztek Owner Comments

problem #3

Apr 272008

Aztek 6-cyl

  • 51,008 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

At 51,000 miles engine overheating when stopped at traffic lights. Added antifreeze, but did not fix the problem. At same time ac failed. Then electrical system started failing. Alarm going off for no reason, doors locking and unlocking themselves, rear hatch opening, and all gauges lighting up then going blank for 5 - 10 seconds. Took to dealer who stated that I had a failure in the intake manifold gasket, a leaking fuel filter, a shot ac system, and needed to replace the body control module. Dealer also stated that they have had to do the same work on many Azteks. Took to my regular mechanic for verification and repair ($600 less than dealer wanted). Paid $1156 for intake manifold, fuel filter, and ac check. Mechanic doesn't believe that there is anything wrong with the ac system, but the problem is related to the body control module. Can not fix the module at this time - have been given estimate of $800. Seems to me that this module is a safety issue and that NHTSA should issue a recall and have GM reimburse those that have already had the problem fixed. This issue has been brought up by many Aztek owners both on this site and others. It is really alarming to be driving at highway speeds when suddenly all the gauges go blank, even if just for a few seconds, not to mention doors locking and unlocking themselves and the alarm going off for no reason. By reading other complaints I should look forward to replacing wheel bearings also. Please look into this and do something about it.

- Ocala, FL, USA

problem #2

Oct 232003

Aztek 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 41,000 miles
Loud knocking noise in engine. We had it in the shop twice so they could remove and disassemble the engine and replace all six pistons, rod bearings and gaskets. First time at 34,000 miles, second time at 46,000 miles. Currently at 51,000 miles and engine noise is back. Front left wheel bearing went out at 41,000 miles. Left front wheel bearing went out at 51,000 miles. Fly wheel rattles. Rear hatch only works intermittently after 2 repairs.

- Manistee, MI, USA

problem #1

Aug 152003

Aztek 6-cyl

  • 23,000 miles
Battery light illuminated and vehicle started to lose power. Once the vehicle was on the shoulder, it completely died. After waiting for 30-40 min. For assistance, the consumer was able to restart the vehicle. The Firestone mechanic informed the consumer the failure occurred as a result of the computer failing to communicate with another part. On the other hand, a mechanic from the Pontiac dealership stated the failure could have occurred as a result of loose cables. The consumer disagreed because the vehicle started up after approx. 30 minutes. The consumer would like to be reimbursed for expenses paid to Firestone tire & service centers for diagnoses.

- Bristol, TN, USA

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