2003 Pontiac Aztek Problems

Since we first bought the car in 2005, whenever the fuel tank is filled to 3/4 or higher the car starts to smell of fuel fumes. If it is filled up full to the top, it literally spills fuel onto the ground (about 16oz). I called GM and they told me to bring it to the dealership. The dealership looked at it and determined that it is a bad weld on the fuel tank filler neck and also confirmed that the car is exhibiting the same symptoms as listed in multiple safety recalls regarding this fuel tank. The vin of this vehicle is within the range of safety recall bulletin number 06230, and is exhibiting the exact issues mentioned in that bulletin, but GM is saying that the specific vin is not included and that I need to contact NHTSA to have my vin added before they will fix it. The car only has 130,000 miles on it and this has been an issue for over 17 years. The dealership chat agent also told me to fill the car up to the top before bringing it in even though I told them that it's dangerous and will spill fuel. Now the vehicle is stuck at the dealership because they are saying that it's too dangerous to drive but they can't fix it until this vin is included in the recall by NHTSA. Upon further inspection of carcomplaints.com this appears to effect a lot more of these vehicles than the amount listed in the recall bulletin. I am certain that there are many vehicles driving around like mine that are posing a risk to the public. The car smells like an open gas can and seems like if someone were to smoke a cigarette in front of it that it would explode. This is dangerous. The crack is on top of the tank which is a place I could not have possibly caused the crack, this is 100% a manufacturing issue and my vehicle should have been included in this recall. I need my car back but can't risk my family in it until it is fixed. The dealership inspected it and GM told me to make this report.

"TAKATA RECALL"" STALLS WHEN I'M DRIVING OR WHEN I'M COMING TO A STOP IT WILL COMPLETELY SHUT OFF AND WHEN I START IT UP AND THROUGHOUT THE RIDE IS SHAKES AND VIBRATES SOMETIMES IT WON'T START SOMETIMES IT'LL START RIGHT AWAY I DON'T REPLACE SPARK PLUGS COILS OIL CHANGED I'M STILL DOING THE SAME THING EVERY PLACE I GO SAYING THE SAME THING YOUR SAYS POSSIBLE MISFIRES CYLINDER 5 FUEL AND C2O OXYGEN SIMPSON AND I ALSO REPLACE THE FUEL FILTER STILL NO DIFFERENT STILL WRITES THE SAME WAY RUNS HOT LIKE IT'S NOT GETTING NO WATER TO THE 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. I HAVE RESEARCHED AND THERE ARE 2 DIFFERENT RECALLS FOR MY VEHICLE WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN DONE DUE TO MY VIN NOT BEING ACNOWLEGED WITH THE RECALL

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 DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNAVAILABLE.

"TAKATA RECALL"" STALLS WHEN I'M DRIVING OR WHEN I'M COMING TO A STOP IT WILL COMPLETELY SHUT OFF AND WHEN I START IT UP AND THROUGHOUT THE RIDE IS SHAKES AND VIBRATES SOMETIMES IT WON'T START SOMETIMES IT'LL START RIGHT AWAY I DON'T REPLACE SPARK PLUGS COILS OIL CHANGED I'M STILL DOING THE SAME THING EVERY PLACE I GO SAYING THE SAME THING YOUR SAYS POSSIBLE MISFIRES CYLINDER 5 FUEL AND C2O OXYGEN SIMPSON AND I ALSO REPLACE THE FUEL FILTER STILL NO DIFFERENT STILL WRITES THE SAME WAY RUNS HOT LIKE IT'S NOT GETTING NO WATER TO THE ENGINE

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 DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNAVAILABLE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC AZTEK. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO STOP AT A STOP SIGN, THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOOR AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP THE CONTACT DROVE ONTO THE GRASS ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONER CONDENSATION PIPE CAUSED THE BRAKE LINE TO ROT. THE BRAKE LINES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. UPDATED 03/01/17*LJ *CN

I HAD A FLAT TIRE, REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE. I WAS UNAWARE OF THE ACTUAL MILEAGE THAT WAS ON MY CAR AT THAT TIME. PULLED OVER AND CHANGED FLAT TIRE WITH SPARE DOUGHNUT TIRE (WHICH IS A JOKE). I PROCEEDED TO DRIVE OFF AND THE ABS LIGHT IMMEDIATELY CAME ON AND SAID IT WAS DISABLED. I CONTINUED DRIVING TO LES SCHWAB TIRE CENTER IN HOOD RIVER, OR.. THEY SAID THE FLAT WAS NOT REPAIRABLE AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO SELL ME 1 TIRE SINCE MY VEHICLE IS AWD. I LIMPED BACK HOME TO PORTLAND ON THE 35 MPH SPARE TIRE. I WAS ABLE TO GET CHEAPER TIRES THROUGH ANOTHER DEALER BUT WHEN MY NEW TIRES WERE PUT ON MY ABS NEVER REACTIVATED AND TO THIS DAY THE LIGHT STAYS ON SAYING IT IS DISABLED. IT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DRIVING A 1973 MONTE CARLO VS A 2003 PONTIAC AZTEK. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL PLACES CHECK IT OUT AND THEY HAVE SAID IT IS IN THE WHEEL SENSORS??? ALL 4? I HAD THEM REPLACED AND IT STILL SAYS THE ABS IS DISABLED. WHAT IS THE PROBLEM? AND THIS WENT OUT OVER HAVING A FLAT TIRE?? I DO NOT HAVE THE MONEY TO TAKE IT TO DEALER. PLEASE TELL ME WHAT TO DO TO GET THIS FIXED. IT IS ANNOYING AT BEST. THANK YOU. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC AZTEK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES DID NOT ALWAYS RESPOND AND NEEDED TO BE APPLIED REPEATEDLY IN ORDER TO FUNCTION AS NORMAL. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE ANTI LOCK BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP, WHERE FAULTY SENSORS WHERE REPLACED; HOWEVER THE WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHO FOUND A LEAK ON THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE THEN EXPERIENCED DIFFICULTY DRIVING UPHILL. THE VEHICLE'S SPEED DECREASED AND THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO ACCELERATE. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE PIVOTAL JOINTS IN THE REAR WHEELS WERE DEFECTIVE AND CAUSED UNUSUAL TREAD WEAR AND TEAR OF THE TIRES. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALLS ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS 07E021000 (FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES) AND 07V349000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE, HOWEVER NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED DUE TO MILEAGE ON VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

I NOTICED THAT WHEN I AM ON AN UNEVEN ROAD OR HIT A BUMP JUST RIGHT, THE VEHICLE SWERVES BADLY, SOMETIMES INTO THE OTHER LANE. I CALLED PONTIAC AND WAS ADVISED THAT THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD NOT JUST TO THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE BUT TO OTHERS ON THE ROADS ALSO. THEY TOLD ME THAT I NEED TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP TO GET A DIAGNOSIS. I ADVISED THEM THAT THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET ABOUT THE SAME THING & THESE PEOPLE HAVE SPENT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS & IT IS STILL NOT FIXED. I ADVISED PONTIAC THAT THIS IS GOING TO CAUSE A MAJOR WRECK ONE DAY & THEY ARE GOING TO BE LIABLE FOR NOT RECOGNIZING THE PROBLEM & FIXING IT. I AM VERY UPSET ABOUT THIS PROBLEM WITH THE SUSPENSION AND THE STEERING THAT IT JUST PULLS ANY DIRECTION WHEN JUST A LITTLE BUMP..I WOULD LIKE SOMETHING DONE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM....... *TR

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. THE CONTACT WAS STANDING BY THE OPENED DOOR AND SUSTAINED MODERATE INJURIES FROM BEING STRUCK BY THE DOOR AS THE VEHICLE GAINED SPEED. THE VEHICLE ROLLED INTO THE LAKE AND WAS DESTROYED AS A RESULT OF CRASHING AND BEING SUBMERGED IN WATER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SAVAGE FACILITY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000. UPDATED 7/12/12 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE JUMPED FROM REVERSE TO NEUTRAL. SHE WAS SITTING IN THE VEHICLE WITH HER FOOT ON THE BRAKE, WITH THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE. WHEN SHE REMOVED HER FOOT FROM THE BRAKE TO CONTINUE BACKING UP, SHE DISCOVERED THE VEHICLE WAS IN NEUTRAL. IT WAS MOMENTS LATER, WHEN SHE STANDING OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE, WHEN THE VEHICLE JUMPED FROM PARK KNOCKING HER DOWN TO THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WENT INTO THE LAKE. UPDATED 07/18/12

INTERMITTENTLY, WHEN IN PARK WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING, THE VEHICLE CAN NOT BE SHIFTED TO ANY GEAR WITHOUT TURNING THE ENGINE OFF AND RESTARTING. THE INVERSE OF THIS HAS BEEN TRYING TO SHIFT IN TO PART AND THE IT WILL NOT GO !. TURNING THE ENGINE OFF HAD NO EFFECT ON THIS CONDITION AND IT HAD TO BE LEFT IN GEAR. OF COURSE THE LIGHTS DON'T GO OFF AND THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE "CHOCKED" AND THE BATTERY DISCONNECTED. THE DATE CAN BE DISREGARDED AS THIS HAPPENS OCCASIONALLY. *TR

"TAKATA RECALL"" STALLS WHEN I'M DRIVING OR WHEN I'M COMING TO A STOP IT WILL COMPLETELY SHUT OFF AND WHEN I START IT UP AND THROUGHOUT THE RIDE IS SHAKES AND VIBRATES SOMETIMES IT WON'T START SOMETIMES IT'LL START RIGHT AWAY I DON'T REPLACE SPARK PLUGS COILS OIL CHANGED I'M STILL DOING THE SAME THING EVERY PLACE I GO SAYING THE SAME THING YOUR SAYS POSSIBLE MISFIRES CYLINDER 5 FUEL AND C2O OXYGEN SIMPSON AND I ALSO REPLACE THE FUEL FILTER STILL NO DIFFERENT STILL WRITES THE SAME WAY RUNS HOT LIKE IT'S NOT GETTING NO WATER TO THE ENGINE

KEY KEEPS GETTING STUCK IN IGNITION, STEERING COLUMN GETS STUCK.FUEL TANK IS LEAKING AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON AND STAYING ALONG WITH SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT. FUEL PUMP KEEPS GOING OUT REPLACED 3 TIMES.

KEY KEEPS GETTING STUCK IN IGNITION, STEERING COLUMN GETS STUCK.FUEL TANK IS LEAKING AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON AND STAYING ALONG WITH SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT. FUEL PUMP KEEPS GOING OUT REPLACED 3 TIMES.

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 VEHICLE ALSO FEELS LIKE IT IS SHAKING WHEN I APPLY THE BRAKES, AND THE BRAKES ARE FINE. IT USUALLY DOES IT WHEN I AM BRAKING AND ALSO WHEN I GO PAST 40MPH. IT HAS GOTTEN REALLY BAD THAT I AM THINKING ABOUT GETTING RID OF VEHICLE AND NOT HAVING A VEHICLE. ALSO, I CAN HEAR A CRANKING NOISE IN THE STEERING COLUMN WHEN I AM TURNING THAT MAKES ME THINK THE VEHICLE IS BREAKING IN HALF. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE GAS CAP LAST YEAR AS WELL FOR FUMES. *TR

1. FAILURE OCCURS WHEN THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS ARE ACTIVATED (INCLEMENT WEATHER, WINDSHIELD WASHER). 2. THE WIPERS BIND TOGETHER AND LOCK UP ON THE WAY BACK TO REST POSITION. THE BINDING HAPPENS FREQUENTLY, AND THIS INCIDENT IS APPROXIMATELY THE THIRD TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED ON THIS VEHICLE. THERE IS CONSTANT RISK THE WIPERS COULD BIND AT ANY TIME DURING WIPER OPERATION. CONSEQUENCES INCLUDE LOSS OF FORWARD VISIBILITY WHICH COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT, VEHICLE FIRE DUE TO MOTOR BURNING OUT WHILE WIPERS ARE STUCK (MOTOR TRIES TO MOVE WIPERS TO REST POSITION EVEN WHEN WIPERS ARE SWITCHED OFF), OR PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH IF STRUCK WHILE GETTING OUT OF THE VEHICLE AT THE SIDE OF THE INTERSTATE IN HEAVY RAIN OR SNOW TO UNBIND THE WIPERS. 3. CORRECTIVE ACTION: THE DRIVER MUST IMMEDIATELY STOP THE VEHICLE ON THE SIDE OF THE INTERSTATE IN HEAVY RAIN OR SNOW AND GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE TO MANUALLY UNBIND THE WIPERS TO RESTORE FORWARD VISIBILITY AND TO REMOVE RISK OF VEHICLE FIRE DUE TO WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR BURNOUT. WIPERS WERE REPLACED AT THE DEALER, BUT INCIDENT RECURRED. WIPERS WERE REPLACED AGAIN AT AUTO PART STORE AND CORRECT BLADE SIZES WERE VERIFIED TO BE CORRECT, BUT INCIDENT RECURRED. *TR

I LIVE IN A SMALL TOWN AND THERE ARE 5 PONTIAC AZTEK AND BUICK COUNTERPARTS AND ALL FIVE OF US HAVE AT LEAST ONE MIRROR MISSING--JUST THE GLASS PART. WHAT IS THE DEAL? THE CHEAPEST I HAVE FOUND IS 71$ TO REPLACE AND I FIND THAT APPALLING SINCE I AM ON SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY AND THE CAR PAYMENT/INSURANCE IS ENOUGH BUT TO HAVE TO REPLACE THINGS LIKE A MIRROR WHICH HAS JUST SIMPLY FALLEN OUT IS OUT OF THE QUESTION. *TR

I HAD A FLAT TIRE, REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE. I WAS UNAWARE OF THE ACTUAL MILEAGE THAT WAS ON MY CAR AT THAT TIME. PULLED OVER AND CHANGED FLAT TIRE WITH SPARE DOUGHNUT TIRE (WHICH IS A JOKE). I PROCEEDED TO DRIVE OFF AND THE ABS LIGHT IMMEDIATELY CAME ON AND SAID IT WAS DISABLED. I CONTINUED DRIVING TO LES SCHWAB TIRE CENTER IN HOOD RIVER, OR.. THEY SAID THE FLAT WAS NOT REPAIRABLE AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO SELL ME 1 TIRE SINCE MY VEHICLE IS AWD. I LIMPED BACK HOME TO PORTLAND ON THE 35 MPH SPARE TIRE. I WAS ABLE TO GET CHEAPER TIRES THROUGH ANOTHER DEALER BUT WHEN MY NEW TIRES WERE PUT ON MY ABS NEVER REACTIVATED AND TO THIS DAY THE LIGHT STAYS ON SAYING IT IS DISABLED. IT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DRIVING A 1973 MONTE CARLO VS A 2003 PONTIAC AZTEK. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL PLACES CHECK IT OUT AND THEY HAVE SAID IT IS IN THE WHEEL SENSORS??? ALL 4? I HAD THEM REPLACED AND IT STILL SAYS THE ABS IS DISABLED. WHAT IS THE PROBLEM? AND THIS WENT OUT OVER HAVING A FLAT TIRE?? I DO NOT HAVE THE MONEY TO TAKE IT TO DEALER. PLEASE TELL ME WHAT TO DO TO GET THIS FIXED. IT IS ANNOYING AT BEST. THANK YOU. *TR

1)WHEN I REMOVED GAS CAP TO FILL TANK WITH GAS, I HEARD A HISSING SOUND COMING OUT OF THE GAS TANK. WHEN TRYING TO FILL TANK WITH GAS, HOSE KEPT CLICKING OFF AND WOULD NOT ALLOW ME TO PUT GAS IN THE TANK. I WENT TO A DIFFERENT GAS STATION AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED. I HAVE SINCE BEEN UNABLE TO USE THE CAR AS I CAN NOT FILL THE TANK. 2)THIS SECOND PROBLEM HAS BEEN ONGOING SINCE I PURCHASED THIS CAR. THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON A REGULAR BASIS. I HAVE HAD THIS CHECKED OUT EACH TIME AND THE MECHANICS ALWAYS HAVE A HARD TIME IDENTIFYING THE PROBLEM. THIS HAS BEEN EXTREMELY COSTLY. FURTHER MORE, THE VEHICLE CAN'T PASS INSPECTION WITH THAT LIGHT ON. 3) THIS THIRD PROBLEM HAS ALSO BEEN ONGOING. I HAVE TO REPLACE MY BRAKES AT LEAST TWICE A YEAR. THEY WEAR DOWN QUICKLY AND MAKE AN AWFUL GRINDING NOISE. THE MECHANICS CANNOT UNDERSTAND THE REASON FOR THIS EITHER. EXCEPT TO TELL ME THIS CAR IS DEFECTIVE. 4)IN THE LAST YEAR OR SO, WHEN I MAKE A TURN IN EITHER DIRECTION, THERE IS A GRINDING NOISE. MY TRANSMISSION FLUID LEVELS ARE ALWAYS GOOD WHEN THIS HAPPENS. 5) THE HATCH DOES NOT OPEN WHEN THE AUTOMATIC OPENING BUTTON IS USED, MUST ALWAYS HAVE SOMEONE IN THE BACK TO OPEN IT AS I SIMULTANEOUSLY PUSH THE BUTTON. 6)WHEN I PRESS THE BRAKES TO STOP, IT FEELS LIKE THE BRAKES DISENGAGE OR THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES KICK IN AND THIS HAPPENS WHEN ROAD IS DRY THIS CAR HAS BEEN A PIECE OF JUNK SINCE THE DAY I BOUGHT IT AND HAS CAUSED MULTIPLE FINANCIAL AND EMOTIONAL PROBLEMS WITH ALL IT'S DEFECTS. I WILL NEVER BUY A PONTIAC OR GM CAR AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!! *TR

I WAS DRIVING AT ABOUT 30MPH WHEN MY VEHICLE JUST SHUT DOWN W/O WARNING/SYMPTOMS. MY LIGHTS STILL WORKED BUT THE VEHICLE TOTALLY SHUT DOWN AND LOCKED UP OTHERWISE AND I COASTED TO A STOP MID ROADWAY. KEY WAS STUCK IN IGNITION AND IN THE ON POSITION AND WOULDN'T LET ME TURN KEY TO ANY OTHER POSITION AND KEY WOULDN'T COME OUT SO I SAT UNTIL BATTERY DIED WHICH SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF.WHEN VEHICLE INITIALLY LOST POWER AND CAME TO A STOP I TRIED TO PUT VEHICLE INTO PARK AND ATTEMPT A RESTART WHICH IS WHEN I REALIZED THE KEY AND IGNITION WOULDN'T MOVE AND THEN VEHICLE WOULDN'T MOVE OUT OF PARK EITHER.ALSO AT THE MOMENT MY CAR SHUT DOWN,I GLANCED DOWN AT DASH AND SAW SYSTEM WARNING MESSAGE FLASH STATING ABS ERROR BUT WAS UNSURE IF THIS WAS THE ONLY MESSAGE IT HAD FLASHED OR IF THIS WAS JUST THE LAST ONE THAT I CAUGHT AND THEY HAD POSSIBLY ALL FLASHED AS PART OF THE MALFUNCTION BUT HAD NEVER HEARD OF ANYTHING BRAKE RELATED CAUSE AN ENTIRE VEHICLE SYSTEM TO SHUT DOWN TOTALLY AND BE DEAD AS A RESULT WITH TOTAL LOCKUP OF ALL CONTROLS.I HAD TO HAVE VEHICLE TOWED HOME AND HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT CONFUSION FROM ALL OF THE TOW TRUCK DRIVERS, MECHANIC FRIENDS, ETC.AS TO WHAT OR WHY THIS WOULD HAPPEN. THEY ALL SUGGESTED THAT IT SEEMED TO BE MY COMPUTER OR ELECTRICAL POSSIBLY BECAUSE THE CAR WAS TOTALLY DEAD AND DID NOT MAKE ANY NOISE OR CLICK OR ANYTHING BUT SILENCE WHEN ATTEMPTING TO POWER BACK AND RESTART. I HAD MY TWO KIDS WITH ME AND ONE WAS A BABY IN A TORRENTIAL DOWNPOUR OF A RAINSTORM AND THIS WAS MY VEHICLE STRANDED MID CORNER IN A BLIND SPOT WITH NO WAY OF MOVING CAR FROM DANGER OF MIDDLE OF ROAD OR EVEN BEING ABLE TO REMOVE MY KEY SO AS TO ABANDON THE VEHICLE OUT OF SAFETY CONCERN.THIS IS NOT THE ONLY CASE OF THIS HAPPENING TO THIS VEHICLE FROM WHAT I AM READING ON CONSUMER REPORTED INCIDENTS AND COMPLAINTS/INVESTIGATIONS. THIS NEEDS TO BE A RECALL AND IT IS ALL ELECTRICAL ERROR RELATED. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC AZTEC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AND NOTICED THAT THE GEAR SHIFTER WAS IN DRIVE WITH THE ENGINE OFF. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SHIFT IN TO PARK AND THE VEHICLE STARTED AS NORMAL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT EXAMINED FOR THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE AND THERE WERE NO REPAIRS. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 123,557.

THE ELECTRICAL HAS DONE NOTHING BUT MESSED UP FIRST THE RADIO LIGHT WENT OUT AND NOW THE DASH LIGHT IS OUT SO THERE IS NO VISIBILITY AT NIGHT TO SEE YOUR SPEED, THE ANTI LOCK LIGHT STAYS ON UNTIL THE ANTI LOCK LIGHT COMES ON, ALSO THE ALL WHEEL DRIVE KEEPS DISABLING, I HAVE REPLACE 3 OF THE 4 HUBS THAT WERE EATEN THROUGH AND NOW ITS LOOKING LIKE ANOTHER ONE IS GOING. THE BRAKE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON AND DINGING, I HAVE TO TURN THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON TO GET IT TO STOP, I AM EATING THROUGH THE BRAKE PADS BECAUSE OF THE ANTI LOCK BRAKES DON'T TURN OFF RIGHT AWAY, ALSO HAVE PROBLEMS WHERE THE CAR WHEN YOU START IT UP DOES NOT START IT JUST GOES RIGHT TO BATTERY LIGHT BUT YET NOTHING WRONG JUST GLITCHING. I HAVE READ ALOT OF FORUMS ON THE AZTEK AND THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING TO ALOT OF AZTEKS AND I HAVE TALKED TO PEOPLE THAT I KNOW THAT OWN AZTEKS AND THEY HAVE ALOT OF THE SAME ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. *TR

DT: THE HAZARD, TURN, AND BRAKE LIGHTS QUIT THIS HAPPENED ALL AT ONCE. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER AND THEY PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST, THE SWITCH WHICH SHOWED TO BE DEFECTIVE. THE AFOREMENTIONED WERE REPLACED, A NEW SWITCH WAS INSTALLED AND NEW FLASHERS. *AK

1)WHEN I REMOVED GAS CAP TO FILL TANK WITH GAS, I HEARD A HISSING SOUND COMING OUT OF THE GAS TANK. WHEN TRYING TO FILL TANK WITH GAS, HOSE KEPT CLICKING OFF AND WOULD NOT ALLOW ME TO PUT GAS IN THE TANK. I WENT TO A DIFFERENT GAS STATION AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED. I HAVE SINCE BEEN UNABLE TO USE THE CAR AS I CAN NOT FILL THE TANK. 2)THIS SECOND PROBLEM HAS BEEN ONGOING SINCE I PURCHASED THIS CAR. THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON A REGULAR BASIS. I HAVE HAD THIS CHECKED OUT EACH TIME AND THE MECHANICS ALWAYS HAVE A HARD TIME IDENTIFYING THE PROBLEM. THIS HAS BEEN EXTREMELY COSTLY. FURTHER MORE, THE VEHICLE CAN'T PASS INSPECTION WITH THAT LIGHT ON. 3) THIS THIRD PROBLEM HAS ALSO BEEN ONGOING. I HAVE TO REPLACE MY BRAKES AT LEAST TWICE A YEAR. THEY WEAR DOWN QUICKLY AND MAKE AN AWFUL GRINDING NOISE. THE MECHANICS CANNOT UNDERSTAND THE REASON FOR THIS EITHER. EXCEPT TO TELL ME THIS CAR IS DEFECTIVE. 4)IN THE LAST YEAR OR SO, WHEN I MAKE A TURN IN EITHER DIRECTION, THERE IS A GRINDING NOISE. MY TRANSMISSION FLUID LEVELS ARE ALWAYS GOOD WHEN THIS HAPPENS. 5) THE HATCH DOES NOT OPEN WHEN THE AUTOMATIC OPENING BUTTON IS USED, MUST ALWAYS HAVE SOMEONE IN THE BACK TO OPEN IT AS I SIMULTANEOUSLY PUSH THE BUTTON. 6)WHEN I PRESS THE BRAKES TO STOP, IT FEELS LIKE THE BRAKES DISENGAGE OR THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES KICK IN AND THIS HAPPENS WHEN ROAD IS DRY THIS CAR HAS BEEN A PIECE OF JUNK SINCE THE DAY I BOUGHT IT AND HAS CAUSED MULTIPLE FINANCIAL AND EMOTIONAL PROBLEMS WITH ALL IT'S DEFECTS. I WILL NEVER BUY A PONTIAC OR GM CAR AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!! *TR

1. THE VEHICLE WILL NOT COME OUT OF PARK WITHOUT SHUTTING IT OFF IF I LEAVE IT RUNNING AND PUT IT IN PARK LIKE AT A DRIVE-THROUGH ETC. HAVE NOT HAD IT CHECKED OR REPAIRED BECAUSE OUT OF WARRANTY AND CANNOT AFFORD TO FIX. 2. THE REAR WINDOW HATCH WILL NOT OPEN PROPERLY. I HAD THE DEALER REPAIR ONCE WHILE STILL UNDER WARRANTY BUT IT IS DOING IT AGAIN. 3. FRONT WHEEL BEARING REPLACED ONCE AND IS ROARING LIKE IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. 4. THE BACK MIDDLE SEAT BELT FELL APART AND IS TOO EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR. 5. THE VEHICLE GOES THROUGH BRAKES RATHER QUICKLY. HAS BEEN LESS THAN A YEAR AND THEY NEED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. *NM

WHILE DRIVING 30MPH ANOTHER VEHICLE RAN THROUGH A STOP LIGHT AND COLLIDED WITH THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO TIME TO DEPRESS THE BRAKES. ON IMPACT NEITHER OF THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. *AK *NM

AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY WHEN VEHICLE STRUCK CEMENT MEDIAN AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH. *LA

WE PURCHASED A NEW 2003 PONTIAC AZTEK IN MARCH OF 2003. TO DATE WE HAVE HAD THE CAR IN FOR REPAIRS ON THE HEATER FAN MOTOR REPLACED TWICE, THE DRIVERS DOOR HINGES RESET TWICE, THE REAR TRUNK RELEASE REPLACED TWICE, REPAINTED THE DRIVERS DOOR AND REAR DRIVERS AREA NEAR TAILLIGHT BECAUSE THE PAINT WAS GONE, SEVERAL NO-STARTS THAT WERE NOT REPEATED AT THE GARAGE-BUT NEEDED JUMP STARTS TO RUN, REAR DRIVERS TAIL-LIGHT WAS REPLACED ONCE BECAUSE IT WAS FALLING OUT AND ITS STARTING TO FALL OUT AGAIN, FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS ARE BEING REPLACED TOMORROW. WE HAVE A LITTLE OVER 18,000 MILES ON THE CAR AND HATE IT AND WILL PROBABLY NEVER BUY ANOTHER PONTIAC BECAUSE OF THIS LEMON. ALL REPAIRS HAVE BEEN DONE UNDER WARRANTY SO FAR, BUT WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THAT RUNS OUT? SELL IT TO THE NEXT SUCKER I GUESS. *JB *TR

DRIVERS SIDE DOOR HINGE BECAME BENT AFTER A YEAR OF USE. APPARENTLY PONTIAC KNOWS OF THE WEAKNESS AND ISSUES NEW HINGES ONLY IF THERE IS A PROBLEM. I REQUESTED HAVING THE OTHER HINGE REPLACED AT SAME TIME. WILL NOT DO...ONLY IF IT BECOMES DAMAGED. *JB

1. THE VEHICLE WILL NOT COME OUT OF PARK WITHOUT SHUTTING IT OFF IF I LEAVE IT RUNNING AND PUT IT IN PARK LIKE AT A DRIVE-THROUGH ETC. HAVE NOT HAD IT CHECKED OR REPAIRED BECAUSE OUT OF WARRANTY AND CANNOT AFFORD TO FIX. 2. THE REAR WINDOW HATCH WILL NOT OPEN PROPERLY. I HAD THE DEALER REPAIR ONCE WHILE STILL UNDER WARRANTY BUT IT IS DOING IT AGAIN. 3. FRONT WHEEL BEARING REPLACED ONCE AND IS ROARING LIKE IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. 4. THE BACK MIDDLE SEAT BELT FELL APART AND IS TOO EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR. 5. THE VEHICLE GOES THROUGH BRAKES RATHER QUICKLY. HAS BEEN LESS THAN A YEAR AND THEY NEED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. *NM

I RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2003 PONTIAC AZTEK AND WANTED TO COMPLAIN ABOUT THE LATCH SYSTEM. ACCORDING TO MY OWNERS MANUAL THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH THE LATCH, HOWEVER IT IS MISSING THE REAR LATCH TETHERS. THE OWNERS MANUAL CLEARLY INDICATES FOR THE CENTER POSITION THE LATCH ANCHOR IS LOCATED DIRECTLY BEHIND THE SEAT ON THE FLOOR OF THE CARGO AREA, BUT THERE IS NO LATCH ANCHOR THERE. I AM NOT SURE IF SOME DESIGNER CHANGED THE POSITION OF THE LATCH ANCHOR AND DID NOT CHANGE THE OWNERS MANUAL BUT I HAVE LOOKED AND CAN FIND NO REAR LATCH ANCHOR FOR THE CENTER SEATING. *JB

TIRES ON MY AZTEK SQUEEK. I BROUGHT TO DEALERSHIP. DEALER STATED THAT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM ON PRIOR YEAR GRANDAMS. THERE ARE NO SERVICE BULLETINS ON THIS PROBLEM. TO FURTHER EXPLAIN PROBLEM....TIRE BEADS RUB ON RIM CAUSING A SQUEEKING NOISE. THIS IS ASSOCIATED WITH THE TIRE BRAND....GOODYEAR EAGLE RS-A. I AM "FIGHTING" WITH THE PONTIAC DEALER AND PONTIAC CUSTOMER SERVICE. THEY MAY REPLACE THE FRONT TIRES ONLY...IF PONTIAC APPROVES. I WAS TOLD BY SERVICE AT THE CAR DEALERSHIP THAT THIS WILL TEMPORARILY CORRECT THE PROBLEM UNTIL TIRES ARE ROTATED. THEN THE PROBLEM WILL OCCUR AGAIN WITH THE OTHER SET OF TIRES.

WHILE DRIVING, THE TIRES VALVES CAME OFF. *AK THE RIGHT FRONT AND BOTH REAR TIRE VALVES TIPS BLEW OFF DURING AN AIR PRESSURE CHECK. THE VALVE CORE BROKE OFF INSIDE THE VALVE WHICH CAUSED THE FAILURE. *PH *JB

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC AZTEK. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO STOP AT A STOP SIGN, THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOOR AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP THE CONTACT DROVE ONTO THE GRASS ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONER CONDENSATION PIPE CAUSED THE BRAKE LINE TO ROT. THE BRAKE LINES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. UPDATED 03/01/17*LJ *CN

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC AZTEC. ON OCTOBER 26, 2006, THE CONTACT HEARD A RATTLING NOISE AND NOTICED WATER ON THE FLOOR OF THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER THREE TIMES FOR THESE FAILURES. SOON AFTER HER WARRANTY EXPIRED, SHE WAS INFORMED THAT A BLOWER MOTOR WAS NEEDED FOR THE A/C SYSTEM AND SHE PAID FOR THE REPAIR. ON JANUARY 9, 2007, THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC BECAUSE IT WOULD NOT START. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT SHE NEEDED A BATTERY. ON OCTOBER 30, 2007, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR WINTERIZING AND REGULAR SERVICE MAINTENANCE. A NOISE WAS HEARD IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT PAID $3,023 FOR THE REPAIR. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 76,143 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,180. THE DEALER STATED PERFORMED REPAIRS ON THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLY. UPDATED 11/16/07 *TR