Owner-reported complaints naming the brake system, filed with NHTSA
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Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2001 Pontiac Aztek submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 32 reports on file name it.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
The 25 most recent of 32, in the owner's own words
THE CAR WAS PARK! THE KEYS IN, I PULLED KEYS OUT N THE CAR ROLLED BACKWARDS I HOP IN THE CAR N TURN THE WHEEL AND I FLEW OUT AND THE CAR RAN ME OVER TIRE ON MY BACK THE CAR DIDN'T STOP I PUSHING THE BRAKES NOTHING! *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC AZTEK. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN HIS WIFE APPLIED THE BRAKE, SHE EXPERIENCED IMMEDIATE AND COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE. A POPPING AND WHOOSHING SOUND WAS HEARD AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT ONE OF THE BRAKE LINES FAILED DUE TO RUSTED THROUGH AT THE POINT OF FAILURE, AS WELL AS EXTREMELY RUSTED AT EVERY PLACE IT WAS CLIPPED TO THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE TO THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE. THE MECHANIC RECOMMENDED THE ENTIRE BRAKE LINE BE REPLACED. . THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 136,000. THE CONSUMER STATED IT WAS THE SECOND TIME, THE BRAKE LINE FAILED, DUE TO CORROSION. THE FIRST TIME WAS IN 2007, WHEN THE VEHICLE HAD 65,000 MILES. UPDATED 03/11/15. *JB
BRAKE LINE THAT RUNS FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE TO THE PASSENGER SIDE WAS ROTTED OUT, RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE, AGAINST THE FIREWALL. THE OTHER PARTS OF THE LINE ARE "OK". SEEMS TO BE A COMMON THING IN THIS CHASSIS. *TR
BRAKES FAILED - THE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR WHILE ENTERING US10 IN BAY COUNTY, MI. WHY - BECAUSE THE BRAKE LINE FAILED. TO ME, THIS IS A VEHICLE SAFETY ISSUE AND A DESIGN PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED AT GRAFF CHEVROLET, 3636 E WILDER RD, BAY CITY, MI. THE FIX INCLUDED REPLACING A SECTION OF BRAKE LINE THAT WAS WRAPPED IN HEAT REFLECTING TAPE. THE WAY I SEE IT, THE TAPE TRAPPED WATER BETWEEN THE TAPE AND THE STEEL TUBE CAUSING THE RUSTED TUBE TO FAIL. POOR ENGINEERING DESIGN. HOW MANY MORE CARS ARE THERE OUT THERE, ON THIS CAR PLATFORM, THAT WILL EXPERIENCE THIS FAILURE? I OWN A 1958 CHEVY CONV, THAT HAS EXISTED IN MICHIGAN SINCE 1958. IT HAS NOT HAD THIS PROBLEM. I'M NOT LOOKING FOR MONEY. I WANT TO PROTECT ALL THE PEOPLE OWNING THESE VEHICLES FROM BE KILLED OR WHATEVER OTHER LIFE ALTERING THINGS THAT COULD HAPPEN. I WAS VERY VERY LUCKY WHEN MY BRAKES FAILED. *TR
MY CAR STARTED TO RUN HOT AS SOON AS THE CAR WAS DROVE ABOUT A QUARTER OF A MILE, BUT THE FLUID WASN'T HOT. MY HUSBAND REPLACED THE THERMOSTAT, HOSES, A COOLING SENSOR, AND SOME OTHER THINGS. WHEN NONE OF THAT WORKED, WE TOOK IT TO A RADIATOR SHOP AND THEY TOLD US WE NEED HEAD GASKETS. WE HAVE A 2001 AZTEK AND WHEN WE GOT THE CAR IN 2004, THE GASKETS BLEW BUT IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY. THAT IS AN EXPENSIVE JOB. GM NEEDS TO RECALL THIS VEHICLE AND GIVE US ALL SOME RELIABLE CARS AND TRUCKS! *TR
AIR CONDITIONING REPLACED 4 TIMES AT MY OWN EXPENSE ONCE WHEN IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY. SHORTLY AFTER IT BROKE AGAIN DUE TO DEFECT IN MANUFACTURING AS STATED BY THE DEALERSHIP. HOLE IS CREATED DUE TO BRACKET AND COOLANT LEAKS OUT. THE PURCHASE AND INSTALL OF A NEW ONE HAS COST ME $1200 EACH TIME IT HAPPENS AND FOR THE PAST 4 YEARS I'VE JUST DRIVEN WITHOUT AIR CONDITIONING DUE TO THE COST FACTOR AND KNOWING IT'S GOING TO HAPPEN AGAIN IN THE NEXT 2 MONTHS. EVERYTIME IT WAS REPLACED IT WAS FOR THE SAME PROBLEM A HOLE IN THE CONDENSER. I'VE HEAR COMPLAINTS FROM EVERY ATZEK OWNER I'VE MET ABOUT THE AIR CONDITIONING AND STILL PONTIAC REFUSES TO FESS US TO THE MANUFACTURING DEFECT. FOR THE PAST 4 YEARS I'VE HAD TO DRIVE AROUND IN 90+ DEGREE HEAT WITHOUT AIR BECAUSE OF THIS. I'M A FIELD TECHNICIAN AND I'M TRAVELING YEAR ROUND. I HAD AN 88 GRAND PRIX PREVIOUSLY AND THAT HAD ISSUES WITH THE BRAKES AND I SPENT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS ON BRAKES ONLY TO RECEIVE A LETTER 2 YEARS AFTER I GOT RID OF THE CAR CLAIMING I CAN GET MONEY BACK DUE TO A DEFECT IN THE BRAKES. I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO SUFFER FROM HEAT EXHAUSTION DUE TO A DEFECT IN THE WAY PONTIAC DESIGNED THE AC. THEY SHOULD ATLEAST BE ABLE TO DESIGN SOMETHING THAT WON'T CORE A HOLE IN THE CONDENSER. THEY ALSO HAVE ISSUES WITH THE TAILGATE AND REAR LIGHTS PEELING. I HAVE TO OPEN MY TAILGATE 2 TIMES AND USE THE KEY WHILE PULLING THE TAILGATE UP. I'VE GOTTEN THE PARTS REPLACED 2 TIMES AND IT HASN'T SOLVED THE PROBLEM THEY TELL ME EVERYTIME I OPEN THE TAILGATE I HAVE TO MANUALLY ADJUST THE STOPS SO THAT THE TAILGATE WILL OPEN AGAIN. I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO DO THIS. I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THESE ISSUES EVERYONE IS. *TR
GRADUAL LOSS OF BRAKING DUE TO A LEAK IN THE BRAKE LINE. BRAKE FLUID FROM THE LEAKING BRAKE LINE DRIPPED ON CATALYTIC CONVERTER CAUSING A FIRE. THE BRAKE LINE WAS RECONSTRUCTED BY A LICENSED MECHANIC. NO DAMAGE TO ANY OTHER PART OF THE CAR. *TR
I WAS FINDING ANTIFREEZE IN MY OIL. TOOK TO THE SHOP AND HAD TO HAVE THE INTAKE GASKET AND THE MANIFOLD GASKET REPLACED. ALSO HAD TO HAVE A NEW THERMOSTAT AND PVC VALVE. IT COST ALMOST $900.00. THIS IS NOT THE ONLY PROBLEMS HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS REPLACED 2 TIMES AND BRAKE SHOES 2 TIMES. ALSO HAD TO HAVE THE HEATER FIXED. NOW THE AC DOES NOT WORK. HAD TO HAVE THE WINDOW CONTROL UNIT REPLACED ON THE DRIVER SIDE. HAD TO HAVE COMPUTER COMPONENTS REPLACED BECAUSE THE BATTERY WENT BAD WITH NO NOTICE. AND NOW THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS DO NOT WORK. TO FIX THIS PROBLEM IS GOING TO COST ME $200 THAT IS JUST FOR THE WHOLE MOTOR AND CONNECTING RODS. BECAUSE IT IS A FACTORY ONLY PART. ALL TOGETHER I HAVE PAID ALMOST $2,000.00. THE AC IS THE CONDENSER WHICH IS ANOTHER $300.00. I HAVE HAD AND LOVED GM VEHICLES FOR AWHILE. BUT THIS KIND OF THING HAS NEVER BEEN A PROBLEM.....SOMETHING HAS GOT TO BE DONE. *JB
BOUGHT 2001 AZTEC BECAUSE I HAD ALWAYS LIKED THE DESIGN. HAD CAR FOR FOUR MONTHS AND BRAKES WERE SQUEALING. TOOK BACK TO DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THEY NEEDED CLEANING. DIDN'T HELP. TOOK BACK AND THEN THEY WANTED TO REPLACE THE PADS,WHICH THEY SAID WEREN'T ORIGINAL GM PADS(EVEN THOUGH THEY WERE INSPECTED BEFORE I BOUGHT IT) AND I WOULD HAVE TO PAY BECAUSE THAT WASN'T COVERED BY WARRANTY. TOOK IT 2 SERVICE CENTER OUTSIDE OF DEALERSHIP AND BRAKE PADS WERE FINE JUST EMITTED A LOT OF BRAKE DUST THEY BOTH SAID. HEAD LIGHTS SOMEWHAT FLICKER WHEN DRIVING. DUAL CLIMATE CONTROL PASSENGER SIDE LIGHT ON TEMP WENT OUT. ON TAILLIGHTS THE FINISH IS COMING OFF(A COMMON PROBLEM FOR THESE VEHICLES BEING CHEAP GRADE PLASTIC). THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW BUTTON SOMETIMES DOESN'T WORK AND THE ENTIRE UNIT FELL THROUGH AND HAD TO GET INSIDE OF DOOR TO PUSH IT BACK THROUGH TO GET WINDOW UP BECAUSE IT WAS RAINING(ANOTHER PROBLEM A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE).IT SEEMS THESE VEHICLES HAVE DEFECTIVE GAS GAUGES. MINE WENT OUT AFTER MARATHON GAS HAD BAD GAS AND THE COMPANY HAD TO REPLACE EVERYONE'S SENSORS. I DON'T THINK IT WAS THE GAS. THE GAS GAUGE ALWAYS MOVES UP AND DOWN STILL AND WHEN IDLING GOES DOWN. THE SES LIGHT COMES ON AND THE CAR TEMP GOES OUT. HAD IT DIAGNOSED AND THE COMP SAID TEMP CONTROL MODULATOR PLUG WAS DIRTY. HAD PLUG CLEANED AND REMEDIED PROBLEM. 2 WEEKS LATER THE SAME HAPPENED AGAIN AND 5 MIN AFTER THE SES LIGHT CAME ON THE CHECK ENGINE SOON LIGHT CAME ON. NOW BOTH LIGHTS ARE ON AND THIS VEHICLE NEVER HAS NOTHING GOING RIGHT. *JB
WE HAVE HAD MULTIPLE THING GO WRONG WITH OUR 2001 AZTEK WE PURCHASED UNDER 40,000 MILES, NOW HAS ABOUT 60, 000- THE FRONT BRAKE ROTORS WERE WARPED- MECHANIC SAID THAT THEY HAD TO HAVE BEEN LIKE THAT FROM MANUFACTURER, AS HE HAS NEVER SEEN ANYTHING THAT BAD IN A CAR OF THAT AGE- AIR CONDITIONER IS NOT WORKING- WENT ON THE WEB, AND IT LOOKS LIKE MANY OWNERS ARE ALSO EXPERIENCING THIS DUE TO CRACKED/LEAKING COMPRESSORS- ALSO, FUEL GAUGE STOPPED WORKING SHORTLY AFTER WE PURCHASED- NEEDLE IS VERY SPORADIC, AND YOU NEVER KNOW HOW MUCH GAS YOU HAVE- THIS ALSO SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM- HAD INTERIOR ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS AS WELL- THIS WAS THE ONLY THING FIXED BY PONTIAC- I RECENTLY CONTACTED PONTIAC, WHO WAS UNWILLING TO ADDRESS ANY OF THESE ISSUES. *JB
LOST BRAKES AND ENGINE FIRE ENSUED. DEALER SAID BRAKE LINE BROKE ,UNKNOWN CAUSE. *NM
DT: THE CAR IS HAVING BRAKE PROBLEMS, AND THE CONSUMER HAS BEEN FIXING THE BRAKES EVERY SINCE SHE OWNED THE VEHICLE. THE AIR CONDITIONER HAS BEEN REPLACED 3 TIMES WITHIN THE FIRST YEAR SHE OWNED THE CAR. THE CAR WAS HAVING SENSOR PROBLEMS. IN ORDER FOR THE CONSUMER TO GET HER STICKER FOR THE YEAR, HER CAR HAD TO BE IN GOOD SHAPE. THE PLACE WHERE CONSUMER BOUGHT HER CAR IS COMMITTING FRAUD. THEY DIDN'T DO A THOROUGH CHECK ON CONSUMER'S CAR BEFORE SHE BOUGHT IT. THERE IS RUST UNDERNEATH HER HOOD. *TT
ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL FEATURES HAVE NEVER WORKED PROPERLY; ABS COMES ON AT SLOW SPEEDS, AND SOMETIMES THE SYSTEM JUST SHUTS ITSELF OFF. DEALER AND MY REGULAR MECHANICS HAVE DEALT WITH THIS FROM 2001 WHEN I PURCHASED THE CAR (A DEMO) FROM THE DEALER (9,152 MILES) UP TO NOW (2005, 56,925 MILES). I HAVE SPENT A SMALL FORTUNE HAVING THIS DIAGNOSED AND REPAIRED, AND PONTIAC HAS TOLD ME IT IS NO LONGER THEIR PROBLEM. I HAVE HAD ALL THE FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS, HUB ASSEMBLIES, PIGTALES AND HARNESSES REPLACED MORE THAN ONCE; I HAVE NEW BRAKES; I HAVE NEW FRONT STRUTS (MONROE); I HAVE NO PATIENCE.
THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON WHILE PULLING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS A WIRE ON THE ELECTRONIC SENSOR ATTACHMENT TO THE WHEEL HUB WORE OUT. DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. *AK
THE CONSUMER STATED SHE SAW FLUID LEAKING FROM UNDER HER VEHICLE IN HER DRIVEWAY. SHE SAYS SHE TOOK HER VEHICLE TO THE MECHANIC, WHO SAID IT WAS HER RADIATOR. SHE THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE TO SOMEWHERE ELSE TO GET A SECOND OPINION, THAT MECHANIC TOLD HER THAT THE PROBLEM WAS THE RADIATOR, AIR CONDITIONING, AND THE ENGINE INTAKE MANIFOLD. THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING COOLANT INTO THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. SHE SAYS HER VEHICLE IS NOT OLD ENOUGH TO HAVE THIS KIND OF PROBLEM. FRONT BRAKE ROTORS ARE RUSTING AND MUST BE REPLACED. *JB *SC
WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKE PEDAL THE CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND THE VEHICLE VIBRATED UNCONTROLLABLY. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND DROVE IT TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE BRAKES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND REPLACED THEM. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK THE TRANSMISSION FELT AS IF IT WAS FALLING OUT, THE TIRE EXPLODED WHILE DRIVING, THE POWER LOST, AND HATCH (REAR) WOULD NOT OPEN. *SC
CONSUMER IS CONCERNED WITH THE REAR BRAKES AND ROTORS. CONSUMER STATES,THAT THE REAR BRAKES AND ROTORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS BUT THE PROBLEM STILL OCCURS. *AK *NM
8081 MILES: SRS LIGHT ON INTERMITTENTLY. (REFLASH PCM AND BCM) BATTERY GOES DEAD INTERMITTENTLY. (REPLACED BATTERY AND CLEANED TERMINALS) THE BRAKES SQUEAL AND ERRATIC FUEL GAUGE. (NO PROBLEM FOUND AT THAT TIME). *AK 8125 MILES: SES LIGHT ON AGAIN. (CLEANED CORRODED CONNECTORS FOR ABS AND FUEL PUMP) 8155 MILES: SES ON AGAIN. (REPLACED ALL FEMAILE TERMINALS AND CLEARED CODES. DROPPED FUEL TANK TO REPLACE FUEL MODULES, REPLACED ALL TERMINALS AT MODULE. 11541 MILES: AIR BAG LIGHT ON INTERMITTENTLY (COULD NOT REPRODUCE) TURN SIGNAL FUSE BLOWING REGULARLY (REPLACED NEUTRAL WIRING SAFETY SWITCH, ADJ FOR REVERSE LIGHTS) 12018: TURN SIGNALS BLOWING STILL. (REPLACED FLASHER UNIT) 23968 MILES: RIGHT FROMT WHEEL METAL ON METAL CLICKING NOISE AT ALL SPEEDS (NO PROBLEM FOUND) CHECK LEFT FRONT MASTER WINDOW CONTROL SWITCH FALLEN INTO DOOR (REPLACED SWITCH BEZEL IN DRIVERSIDE) 30233 MILES: METAL ON METAL CLICKING NOISE AGAIN (TURNED AND ROTATED ROTARS) DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW STICKS AND STOPS GOING UP OR DOWN. (NOTHING DONE) 33442 MILES: WINDOWS STICK IN UP OR DOWN POSITION AFTER DRIVERS SIDED FAILS TO FUNCTION. (UNABLE TO REPRODUCE) 35875 MILES: POWER WINDOWS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY, STICKIN UP OR DOWN POSITION (UNABLE TO REPRODUCE PROBLEM) REAR LIFT GATE NOT FULLY RELEASING (ADJUSTED HATCH BUMPERS AND LUBED LATCHES.
BOUGHT THE CAR NEW, SINCE THEN: HAD TO REPLACE ELECTRICAL "MEMORY" TWICE BECAUSE THE CHANGE OIL LIGHT WOULDN'T RESET AND THEN THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON; THE CONDENSER LEAKED AND THE AIR CONDITIONER WOULDN'T WORK; NOW, MY GAS GAGE GOES UP TO FULL, THEN THE LOW FUEL LIGHT COMES ON, THEN IT RETURNS TO FULL AND VICE VERSA. I HAVE NO IDEA HOW MUCH GAS IS IN THE CAR! TAKING IT IN FOR REPAIR ON THAT ISSUE TOMORROW. THE WHOLE BRAKING SYSTEM IS SHAKY - WHENEVER I TRY TO BRAKE, IF THERE IS ANY KIND OF A BUMP IN THE ROAD, THE BRAKES DON'T GRAB PROPERLY AND IT TAKES WAY TOO LONG TO STOP. THEY CHECKED MY BRAKES AND THEY ARE FINE. ALSO HAVING THE DEALER LOOK AT MY TAIL LIGHT COVERS AND ROOF BRAKE LIGHT COVER TOMORROW, THEY ARE DISCOLORED AS IF ACID IS EATING AWAY THE TOP PART OF THE COVER. LASTLY, THE "K" PART OF THE "AZTEC" ON THE BACK WINDOW BROKE OFF WHILE WASHING THE CAR! AND I ONLY USE A SPONGE!*AK
OUR AIR CONDITIONER QUIT WORKING, WE THOUGHT IT JUST NEEDED TO BE RE-CHARGED, I HAD IT RE-CHARGED TWO WEEKS IN A ROLL, THEN IT QUIT WORKING AGAIN, I LOOKED ON THE INTERNET AND SAW MANY COMPLAINS ABOUT THE COMPRESSOR LEAKING IN THE AZTEK 2001, I WOULD THINK THAT A NOTIFICATION SHOULD BE SENT OUT TO CONSUMERS. OF COURSE THIS ALL HAPPENS AFTER THE WARRANTY JUST RAN OUT. YOU WANT TO INCREASE YOUR SALES AND WITH PROBLEMS LIKE THIS MANY OF US GET RATHER WEARY OF GM AUTOS.
AFTER THE 1ST YEAR ROUTINE NYS INSPECTION, I WAS REQUIRED TO REPLACE THE REAR BRAKES. DEALER AND SUBSEQUENT CALL TO PONTIAC BOTH INDICATED THAT THE MATERIAL USED ON BRAKE PADS WEAR MORE QUICKLY SINCE THEY ARE NO LONGER MADE OF THE ASBESTOS MATERIAL. GRANTED AT 22000 MILES IT WAS SOONER THAN EXPECTED. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT DUE TO FAILURE TO ROTATE MY TIRES AT THE 6000 MILE MARK, I HAD TO REPLACE 2 TIRES DUE TO WEAR. DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT PASS THE NYS INSPECTION WITHOUT COMPLETING THE WORK... AM I TO EXPECT A BRAKE REPLACEMENT YEARLY? *JB
THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE WHEN THE BRAKE WAS APPLIED. *JB
SOON AFTER PURCHASE THERE WAS A CLICKING NOISE THAT BEGAN IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WHEN APPLYING BRAKES. THE CLICKING NOISE THEN TURNED INTO A POPPING NOISE THAT COULD BE FELT WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES. THERE IS WIND NOISE ON THE LEFT FRONT DOOR POST, NOISE IN THE FRONT END OF VEHICLE, THE RIGHT HEADLIGHT IS INOPERABLE, THE HORN IS INOPERABLE, AND THE WIPERS DO NOT TURN OFF AT TIMES. *JG *JB
ABS WAS NOT FIXED PROPERLY, REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE AT BTWN 40-45 MPH, NONE OF THE VEHICLES AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. PICTURES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST. *AK
WHEN APPLYING BRAKES THERE IS A SQUEAKING NOISE. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER ,AND THEY REPLACED BRAKE ROTORS. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own
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