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.
2003 Pontiac AztekProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 128 owner complaints about the 2003 Pontiac Aztek, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 3 safety recalls.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 19, 2022. Updated daily. Photo: BuickCentury04, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2003 Pontiac Aztek has problems
128 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
25Electrical system4 crash/fire/injury
22Fuel system, gasoline
17Engine and engine cooling
14Power train2 crash/fire/injury
14Service brakes, hydraulic
12Fuel/propulsion system
12Suspension
8Steering
7Visibility
4615 other systems6 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 25 | 4 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 22 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 17 | 0 |
| Power train | 14 | 2 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 14 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 12 | 0 |
| Suspension | 12 | 0 |
| Steering | 8 | 1 |
| Visibility | 7 | 1 |
| 15 other systems | 46 | 6 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2003 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.
no report yet
Steering
Risk. THIS CONDITION COULD ALLOW THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT TO SPIN INSIDE THE STEERING COLUMN COUPLING, RESULTING IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.
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
2003 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
2003 Pontiac Aztek safety ratings
2003 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 2003 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 electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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. I HAVE RESEARCHED AND THERE ARE 2 DIFFERENT RECALLS FOR MY VEHICLE WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN DONE DUE TO…
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. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT…
NOT EXACTLY SURE OF THE DATE OF THESE INCIDENTS, BUT I CAN SMELL FUMES COMING THROUGH THE VENTS WHEN I AM DRIVING, HAD TO GET THIS CHECKED A FEW WEEKS AGO. THE MECHANIC SAID THE GAS WAS LEAKING REPLACED THIS PART. I AM STILL SMELLING SOMETHING IN THE ENGINE AREA. I AM NOT SURE WHAT AND WHY. THE…
Own a 2003 Aztek?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.