no report yet
Fuel system, gasoline: storage
Risk. A FRACTURE MAY ALLOW FUEL VAPORS TO PASS THROUGH AND ALLOW DROPLETS OF FUEL TO ACCUMULATE ON THE SIDE OF THE FUEL TANK.
2002 Pontiac AztekProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 121 owner complaints about the 2002 Pontiac Aztek, most often about the engine and engine cooling. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through April 8, 2017. Updated daily. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2002 Pontiac Aztek has problems
121 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
21Engine and engine cooling
20Suspension
19Fuel system, gasoline1 crash/fire/injury
18Electrical system
12Service brakes, hydraulic1 crash/fire/injury
11Structure
10Latches/locks/linkages
9Power train
8Equipment
3716 other systems3 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine and engine cooling | 21 | 0 |
| Suspension | 20 | 0 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 19 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 18 | 0 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 12 | 1 |
| Structure | 11 | 0 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 10 | 0 |
| Power train | 9 | 0 |
| Equipment | 8 | 0 |
| 16 other systems | 37 | 3 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2002 Pontiac Aztek recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
no report yet
Other: owners/service/other manual
Risk. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Pontiac.
Best & worst years
2002 vs. every other Aztek year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Aztek median. How we score
'01'02'03'04'05
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2002 Pontiac Aztek safety ratings
2002 Pontiac Aztek 4-DR. w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
Frontal crashNot rated
- Rollover: 4 stars (0.0% risk)
- Stability control: No
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
2 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2002 Pontiac Aztek, and the recalls they led to.
- FUEL TANK LEAKAGELed to recall 07V-349
- FUEL TANK LEAKAGENo recall
In owners' words
What Aztek owners report
Recent engine and engine cooling complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 PONTIAC AZTEC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE HEAD GASKET OVERHEATED ON THE VEHICLE. HE NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD OVERHEAT BY THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE RISING ON THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT…
DROVE TO WORK NO PROBLEMS, WENT TO START UP TO GO HOME 8 HOURS LATER AND GOT NOTHING. TOWED HOME AND REPLACE THE STARTER AND RECHARGE BATTERY(DEAD AFTER TRYING TO START IT) STARTED WITH A VERY LOUD KNOCK SOUND FROM WHAT I THINK IS THE TOP END, TOOK IT TO DEALER WHERE BOUGHT IT 28 EARLIER FROM AND…
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 TELL…
Own a 2002 Aztek?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.