VehicleVerdict

2002 Pontiac Aztek problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2002 Pontiac Aztek sits mid-pack among Aztek years: 173 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 173, with 3 recalls and 2 closed investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across fuel system (28), engine (25), and suspension (22), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

173

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

2

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other Aztek years?

Aztek NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted329 complaints2001: 329 complaints2002: 173 complaints2003: 188 complaints2004: 96 complaints2005: 43 complaints
Aztek NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Aztek years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Pontiac Aztek problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System2816%
Engine2514%
Suspension2213%
Electrical System2012%
Brakes1710%
Body & Structure116%
Latches & Locks106%
Transmission95%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)85%
Lighting74%
Visibility & Wipers42%
Other32%
Tires & Wheels32%
Speed Control21%
Steering21%
Airbags11%
Seats11%

Does the 2002 Pontiac Aztek have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

07V349000Fuel SystemAugust 8, 2007 · 20,594 units

Defect

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).

Consequence

A FRACTURE MAY ALLOW FUEL VAPORS TO PASS THROUGH AND ALLOW DROPLETS OF FUEL TO ACCUMULATE ON THE SIDE OF THE FUEL TANK. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

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 CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080; CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668. THE VEHICLE POPULATION INCLUDES BUICK RENDEZVOUS AND PONTIAC AZTEK VEHICLE BUILT IN MAY 2003; CHEVROLET VENTURE AND PONTIAC MONTANA VEHICLES BUILT FROM JUNE THROUGH AUGUST 2002; AND ALL VEHICLES REGISTERED IN NEVADA, ARIZONA, VIRGIN ISLANDS, PUERTO RICO, AND HAWAII.

07E021000Fuel SystemMarch 12, 2007 · 742 units

Defect

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 UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.

Consequence

FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.

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.

03V250000OtherJuly 15, 2003 · 1,707,825 units

Defect

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 DOES NOT EXPLAIN THE MEANING OF THE LOCATION SYMBOLS FOR THE CHILD RESTRAINT LOWER UNIVERSAL ANCHORAGE SYSTEM.

Consequence

THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.

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 CHILD RESTRAINT OR BOOSTER CUSHION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 18, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“FUEL TANK FILLER SPRAYED FUEL ONTO EXHAUST PIPE WHILE UNDER NORMAL INTERSTATE DRIVING CONDITIONS. MY WIFE SMELLED AN ELECTRICAL BURNING SMELL ABOUT 10 MINUTES PRIOR TO THE FIRE WHILE FUELING AT A SERVICE STATION. SHE DISMISSED IT SINCE THERE WAS A NEARBY CONSTRUCTION CREW THAT WAS BURNING TRASH IN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · December 19, 2003 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 PONTIAC AZTEK. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT ANY WARNING AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 31, 2014 · crash

“MY CAR HAS 36,700 MILES ON IT AND I'VE NOTICED AN INCREASE IN DRIVING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE CAR. WHEN I TOOK IT IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE I WAS TOLD THAT THE BEARINGS REQUIRE REPLACEMENT. I WAS THEN INFORMED THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH ALL AZTEKS. THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN EVEN SHOWED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · May 15, 2004

“I HAVE A 2002 PONTIAC AZTEK AND THERE'S A TICKING NOISE IN THE MOTOR AND THE OIL IS GOOD AND ALL THE OTHER FLUIDS ARE GOOD. MY A/C STOP WORKING AND THE BACK HATCH DOESN'T UNLOCK SOMETIMES AND TO FIX THE PROBLEM I HAVE TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY FOR ABOUT 15MINS OR LONGER FOR IT TO WORK , CAN YOU…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 1, 2008

“WHILE DRIVING AND WHEN USING THE BRAKES, THE BRAKES WILL WORK INTERMITTENTLY AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WILL GO TO THE FLOOR, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. DEALER WILL BE NOTIFIED.*AK CONSUMER STATED WHEN HE TRIED TO BRAKE, THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP AND HE RAN INTO A RAIL. CONSUMER WAS INJURED,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 22, 2002

2002 Pontiac Aztek — common questions

Is the 2002 Pontiac Aztek reliable?

It is close to typical for the Aztek: 173 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and 2 investigations on file.

What are the most common 2002 Aztek problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (28 complaints), engine (25 complaints), suspension (22 complaints).

Does the 2002 Pontiac Aztek have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2002 Pontiac Aztek. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2002 Pontiac Aztek under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Pontiac Aztek years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Aztek years to avoid are 2001. The cleanest record among Aztek years belongs to 2005.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.