2003 Pontiac Aztek
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 216 |
| 2002 | 121 |
| 2003 | 128 |
| 2004 | 67 |
| 2005 | 34 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
22% of complaints: electrical system — 28 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing wiring and interior/under dash.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 PONTIAC AZTEK. AFTER THE CONTACT TURNED THE ENGINE OFF, BLACK SMOKE AND FLAMES APPEARED UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. A FIRE REPORT WAS NOT FILED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20170317
Also filed under ENGINE
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180205
Also filed under FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
18% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 23 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing storage and tank assembly.
16% of complaints: service brakes — 20 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
13% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 17 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.
11% of complaints: power train — 14 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and differential unit.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC AZTEC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH THE ENGINE IN OPERATION. THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WAS COMPLETELY OPEN. SUDDENLY, THE UNOCCUPIED VEHICLE BEGAN TO ROLL INTO A NEARBY LAKE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120611
WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 55 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY AND APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION GEAR WAS STUCK IN DRIVE,DRIVER LOST CONTROL, RESULTING IN A COLLISION. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20030903
SAFETY TIMELINE
IN SOME OF THESE SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE DIAMETER OF THE STEERING COLUMN INTERMEDIATE SHAFT IS TOO SMALL.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND REPLACE IF NECESSARY, THE STEERING COLUMN INTERMEDIATE SHAFT. OWNERS WERE NOTIFIED BY TELEPHONE ON FEBRUARY 7, 2003, WITH A FOLLOW-UP LETTER ON FEBRUARY 11, 2003. OWNERS WH
Campaign 03V052000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN MINIVANS, PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEM." THE OWNER'S MANUAL DO
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A SUPPLEMENT FOR THEIR OWNER'S MANUAL. THIS SUPPLEMENT DESCRIBES AND SHOWS THE LOCATION SYMBOLS FOR THE CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORS THAT ARE LOCATED IN THE VEHICLE AND ON THE
Campaign 03V250000 — check if this car was fixed
FUEL TANK LEAKAGE
FUEL TANK LEAKAGE
CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNI
Remedy: DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.
Campaign 07E021000 — check if this car was fixed
ON 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).
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK. THE RECALL WILL BE MAILED IN TWO PHASES WITH THE FIRST PHASE BEGINNING ON DECEMBER 4, 2007. THE SECOND PHASE WILL BE MAILED ON DECEMBER 13, 2007. OWNERS MAY CON
Campaign 07V349000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2003 Pontiac Aztek — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (28 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (23 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (20 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 03V052000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 03V250000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E021000 (fuel system, other) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07V349000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2003 Pontiac Aztek reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Pontiac Aztek?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 22% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Pontiac Aztek have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.