Pontiac Aztek

clintonjohn

Is it true that the 3.4 liter engine in the Aztek was built in China? For those more knowledgeable than myself, should this be a concern in terms of quality and reliability? I ask because I had once heard that Volkswagens made in Mexico were less reliable than those made in Germany. I wondered if the same might be true for GM vehicles not made in the US or Canada. Chinese built products always seemed to strike me as shoddy. Have things changed? Finally, it kind of irritates me that I make a small effort to "buy American" and it turns out that a major component was assembled overseas.

ray80

While I'm not completely sure, I don't believe the 3.4 for the Aztek was built in china. I think the newer 3.4 (as is in the Eqinox) is however.

helenm72

I've just recently purchased a 2005 Aztek, as a demo, with 8,686 miles on it. I've had it for two weeks. I drove about 35 miles down the interstate last week and as I was coming to a stop at the bottom of the exit ramp, the engine died. I thought MAYBE I'd done something to attribute to the problem, restarted the engine and didn't think much about it. Today I went into town and as I was pulling into a parking spot and putting on the brake, the engine died again, before I was completely in the parking spot. Any ideas from anyone??? I really have NO "want" to go back to the dealership we purchased the vehicle at, as we are not happy with the experience. I just thought I'd check here to see if anyone has any ideas. Thanks guys!!
:confuse:

97wrangler

Me and my wife purchased our aztec brand new. After about 16 months we had to have the right front wheel bearings replaced. Now just this friday it sounds as if they have gone out again only worse this time. It almost feels like you are running over a "heavy duty" soda can along with the humming and vibrations. I do not believe it is safe to even drive to the dealer ship. Will probably have to have them come and tow it and then argue with the clerk to get the loner car that is suppose to be included in the EXTRA WARRANTY that I paid a pretty penny for. I too have sticking problems with the rear hatch but only when it is cold,but I can live with that. What I find ridiculous is too read through these posts and see the same mechanical problems on all years of the aztek model. Totally unacceptable, GM!!!It is no wonder that they are the financial trouble that they are in.I am seriously considering to trade in our aztek and possibly go foriegn or go with Chrysler.

bobk4

Bought a 2001 Aztek new. Two weeks ago went to start it and NOTHING. Looked like someone pulled the battery. The key locked in and shift was locked in park. Jump started it and took to dealer. He said all charging systems were working. Figured it could be battery so had new one put in. The other day same thing. Back to dealer charged battery and said if happens again have it towed in. Anyone ever had a problem like this??

kori

Hi Texasdaisy

I'm new to this site and I have a similar problem with my odometer. On my '01 Aztek it still calculates the miles but it doesn't light up. I have to use a flashlight to see the mileage. I was told by a dealer that without looking at it it may be the cluster but they wouldn't know until they removed it and sent it out. I surely don't want to have a cluster repaired just for a blown light bulb. Plus that would take 5-7days to do and this is my only vehicle. Do you have any new info on your odometer situation. Was it fixed? How? Any info would really help me. If anyone else has a similar problem and solution please let me know. Thanks in advance for your reply.

renee1227

Unbelievable, all the wheel bearing problems. I have an 02' Aztek. Let me go down the list of problems I have had. 100 miles after my warranty ran out, my engine went. I've changed tires twice. My A/C compressor went out. And now of course the dealership says my left front bearing is bad....a second opinion says it's the right. So I'm not sure what to do yet. I love this car....but I couldn't have picked a worse car. I've had nothing but problems. I'm getting the vibrating sound too when I hit about 50 mph. As soon as this is paid off, I'm getting rid of it. Two years left! :sick:

renee1227

Forgot to tell you that the dealership told me these were horrible cars. They also said they are known for bad wheel bearings. They stopped making them...think 05 was the last? Is anyone else annoyed at the big hunk of plastic in the back preventing you from seeing any car behind you? :mad:

ray80

I have heard of it happening in a couple other cases, unfortunatly I have not heard of a fix for it.

taurus73

Couldn't agree with you more. My hubby and I come from "GM families", both of his great g-pas were sit-downers, both of our g-pas, dads, and uncles have worked for GM all their lives. We live near a GM town (Flint, MI) so GM cars have always been what we have owned. The quality, reliability, and lack of customer service is truly disappointing. And like you said, "they wonder why they are in trouble". We were also considering trading our '03 Aztek(37,000 mi) but were told that there is no way we are getting pay-off. The similarities are so ironic..my husband said the same thing to the dealer just yesterday about going with Jeep/Chrysler or foreign. We also own a '97 Wrangler!!! Our Aztek has been in the shop all week...they just "rebuilt" the trans..said the 3rd gear burnt out and are working on the RH frt wheel bearing. We had to have it towed but GM would only pay 50/125..what bull after paying 1700 for ext warranty. How can GM expect loyalty???

jqua

I had the whole no start, key locked in, etc. a couple of yrs ago on my purchased new 2001. Towed to dealer still under warranty and if I recall correctly they replaced some rather expensive computer chip. Haven't had that same problem again.

ray80

I believe there was a TSB for parasitic battery drain on some early 2001's, That may be what jqua had corrected. I think it should have showed up before in bobk4's case. I do know from experiance that they are pretty sensitive to power flucuations. In my case I had a bad connection to battery (burr on battery creating it) and Tek would start sometimes but other times would go dead as soon as I turned the key to start position, locking everything. In bobk4's case I would be highly suspect of bad connection, cable problem , or even perhaps a bad battery (even though new)

bobk4

Hi Guy,

Would you remember which chip it was? My dealer wants to start replacing things on a hit or miss basis. They can't seem to determine where the drain is happening so any info you might have could be a saving for me.

Thanks

kori

Has anyone had any problems with the cluster? My odometer counts the miles but the light is out on it. I was told by two dealers that the cluster would have to be pulled out and the car will be inoperable for about 5-7 days until they can send it out and have it fixed. Currently I check my mileage with a flashlight. Also the air conditioner is blowing out only hot air. I heard about air compressor problems..is this something I should have a tech check out or just get it recharged. If anyone has any help I would appreciate it. Thanks
Kori

jqua

I just went through my file on the Aztek and unfortunately that invoice is one of the ones that isn't in there.

Further to some of the other comments.... GM sent me a recall early in 2001 re the battery drain problem and I took it in and had the work done.

FWIW - 2002 prior to the locked out/dead problem i got intermittent loss of all lights, (fun at night) and radio.... for a second at a time... then all would return. The car never stopped running. After they replaced the unknown chip or whatever ??? that problem went away until last fall.

After a few wet days I had the same thing, driving along, radio goes off, dash lights, headlights, OFF and then back on. Took it in after this happened a couple of times.... they couldn't duplicate it and it hasn't happened since.... I put it off to humidty bothering some computer.

misc. things replaced while it was still under warranty..... A/C condenser, head gaskets, ABS sensors, never did get them to fix the tailgate so it would open on first click of switch or at temps below 70 F. without physically lifting with hand.

Even with the above I love the vehicle but GM just doesn't have it for quality control.

Toyota or Honda will be getting my biz next time around.

97wrangler

Took aztec to dealership and found out that a clutch pad in the tranny had burned out.They rebuilt half of the tranny at 37000 miles,(I am sure that the rebuilt will last a long time).And my wheel bearings are still bad. Will have to take it in again for the fourth time in a week.It appears to me that GM just through the Aztec vehicles together with no quality or safety standards in mind at all.This will be my last Gm vehicle.

97wrangler

taurus73 just happens to be my wife. :lemon:

97wrangler

very annoyed :mad:

mikesimbo

I have not had any problems with the cluster, but I can tell you that it is pretty easy to take out. The hardest part is pulling the outer panel away from the dash, so you can get to the cluster. I have an Aztek with needle gauges, and the cluster (which contains all the gauges) comes out as a unit, and I don't think you can just replace a bulb. I think the whole IPC needs to be replaced or sent in for repair. My guess is the dealer wil replace the whole cluster.

FYI - it took me (a pretty handy guy) about 1-hour to take it all apart, and 30 minutes to put it all back together. I could probably do it again in less than an hour. There are places that actually fix these things - you send them the cluster, they send it back. If you wanna fix this yourself, you should give them a call to see what they can do and how much it costs.

If you're only getting hot air from your AC, then it can be a number of things and an AC tech is best equipped to diagnose it.

While you can buy the R-134A can with the gauge that can read the refrigerant level (for about $24) and refill the system, any AC tech will tell you that a low level means a refrigerant leak. And that you need to get it fixed properly so that you don't have to keep recharging the system.

atobguy

Watch out on the Air Conditioner. I have a 2001 Aztek, with 50,000 miles and the condenser is leaking. I have not had it repaired yet since I am shy of $1,000 right now. The mechanic said that this is a typical problem for Azteks, Rendezvous etc.

This forum (and my mechanic) talks about it being a flaw with the GM design. Has anyone been successful in having GM come to the table on this issue? I mean after the warrantee...

kori

I just went in to the shop today and was told that my condenser is leaking really bad. He says that a dealer might fix it, but if not they could fix it for $400-$500. Needless to say I'm not happy about this because it's only 95 degrees outside right now. If I find out anything cheaper I'll let you know. If anyone knows anything cheaper...let's us know. by the way atobguy my Aztek is an '01 and has 55,500 miles on it. :confuse: :sick:

mjzuke

I HAVE A 2002 AZTEK AND THE AIR IS BLOWING HOT.THE CONDENSER IS BAD AND HAS TO BE REPLACEED.COST OF AROUND $900.00.PARTS HOUSES SAY THAT THE CONDENSERS ARE ON FACTORY BACK OREDER,THEY DEMAND IS GREATER THEN THE SUPPLY.I AM TRYING TO FIND OUT WHY,IF THIS IS THAT BIG OF PROBLEM WHY IS THERE NO RECALL.

kori

I called around to some salvage yards and have found some that have condensers and sometimes they may can get a hold of some reconditioned ones. I don't know what area you're in but I found the condenser for $155 and found a garage that will put it on for $120-150. Maybe that is an alternative for you. I'll be getting the work done in a few days that way. Best wishes to you.

mjzuke

THANKS,I AM IN ST.LOUIS MO.AND WILL CHECK OUT MAYBE DOING IT THAT WAY.

atobguy

Thanks also, but I am concerned that in another 3 years I will be doing it again. I would be more apt to save up and buy the new one if it was a permenant fix. My mechanic thought that there was a revised version, but he could not guarantee that I would get it. I am going to complain to GM somehow, but I am also sure that it is a waist of time.

They are probably not in a generous mood right now.

kori

I think it's worth it if it works for three years..by then I'll be in something else. I think I'll save the $ for now. I'm gonna check into a recall. Maybe if enough of us "Tekkies" complain they'll do something. :confuse:

robf1

I was doing some work changing the brakes (pads & rotors) on the front on my 2003 Aztek. Mileage is 55,000. I removed the old pads and rotors and was working to compress the RH front piston but had problems with the rubber boot not seating properly. I pumped the pedals to advance the piston and then then tried again. After several attempts, was successful! However, the LH front piston appeared to advance too far.

I am unable to compress this piston with a c-clamp; I encounter lots of resistance.
Any ideas??

atobguy

Well, they don't call me "A to B Guy" for nothing. I like to buy comfortable cars at good prices, and then I keep them for at least 10 years at a stretch. I am not particularly fond of my Aztek except that it is nice inside, and that it has everything on it including leather seat. I bought that car for a song with low mileage at 1 year old. My kind of car if the A/C works...

Anyway, stay tuned. It looks like GM is going to help me out (at least some). They will not admit that there is a problem, or that they made any changes, but they may give in on some cash. I will know tonight, but I will not be able to write to the forum again until Tuesday. I'll let you know then how I approached them, and what they did for me (if anything). :surprise:

davismom1

I just had my condenser replaced here in Illinois because it was cracked. (My sister who works for a repair shop in Texas said they had 2 Azteks within a week with condenser problems, and they welded them.) When I got mine back from the mechanic, the air conditioner still didn't work because the compressor wouldn't come on, and there were all kinds of things going crazy. When I start it up, all the lights on the dash blink and click. Sometimes the automatic door locks work, sometimes not. Sometimes windows roll down, sometimes not. Sometimes the radio blinks on and off with the signal light. Mostly, though, everything blinks on and off after start up for a few minutes and then goes on as normal -- except the air conditioner. The only consistent thing about it is that the air conditioner compressor doesn't come on. My mechanic is baffled by it. Any ideas or suggestions???
We all need to complain about this and get GM to do something about all these bad condensers.

davismom1

By the way, mine has 56,000 miles on it. Are you seeing a pattern here?

atobguy

Boy that is a coincidence that there is now at least three of us in the same age and mileage range. :P

atobguy

As promised, GM did reduce my price after I called the customer service help line. They said that they would pay for labor if I would pay for parts, so it cost me $355 . They did not admit that there was a design flaw, but I am convinced that there is a bracket that had to be modified to prevent this from happening in the future. In a way they did admit that there was a design flaw when they payed for the labor. After all I am way out of warrantee.

When I called, I told them about the forum and repeat occurrences, and I told them about the bracket information that my mechanic told me about. They were very kind and sympathetic. They wanted to know if I was the first owner, (I am not), they wanted to know if I had a dealer that I frequented for service (just oil changes on coupons), and they wanted to know my mileage (near 60K). With this kind of Q&A, I can't believe they helped me. They are either afraid that I would contact the attorney general, or they really do not want to lose a future customer - Go figure.

Well, if this repair holds it for the next 7 years or so, then I am happy for $355. But I will keep an eye on this forum to see if anyone makes a case against them on this subject.

danachristie

I have a 2001 Aztek with less than 29000 miles and I am having the same problems. Pontiac and the local dealer are not willing to help out because they state the car is out of warranty. I will be contact the BBB Auto line and filing a complaint. I have had to wait over a month just to get the no help answer.

steve73

Year 2002 , 67000miles- Problems: CD changing to Radio, Radio changing from one preset to another, Radio Loses presets, Mute coming on and off. Typically occurs after driving for some time, stopping the vehicle and then coming back to the vehicle after some time period.

I have had two radio/CD units replaced by the dealer under extended warranty and I am trying to find out if there are any technical bulletins from Pontiac/GM that I am not being told about. I am ready now to get my third replacement.

joe98

We just bought a 2005 Aztek Rally. We got what I consider to be a good deal. My problem is that in the back on both sides where the coat hook should be there are just blanks. They are screwed into the side roof panel just like a coat hook would be but its just an oval blank. The dealer was lost and said the 2005 parts list showed no hooks. I then went on line to the GM parts book and found that there are hooks on the 2004 model and the illustrations for 2004 and 2005 are exactly the same. Does any one have a 2004 and are there coat hooks in the back seat????

aztekmom

I just found out I need a condeser, too. Got the compressor replaced about three weeks ago. Now they're telling me I "hit something" or "got hit by something" on the highway that put a hole in the condensor. Seems to be a common problem. I've also continuously had a problem with the "service engine soon" light. Spent over $500 getting it through emissions inspection - something about EGR or NGR. Light stayed off for about a month and then came back on. Went back off again in April for about two weeks and then came back on. Has been on since then. Anyone have any suggestions? I don't know why, but I still love my Aztek. :-)

dave59

Our 2001 Aztek suddenly became nearly impossible to steer. Our son is the primary driver but we occasionally drive it also. We hadn't noticed any problems leading up to this failure. Our son drove the car home without noticing a problem. When we started the car, it was so difficult to trun it felt like the steering wheel lock was still on.

The power steering fluid level looks fine. When sitting still or moving slowly the wheel is nearly impossible to turn. Has anyone experienced similar problems or have any ideas on what could be causing this?

blue_orchid

I have a 2003 Aztek with around 50,000 mi. on it. Today I had to replace the front drivers side wheel bearing and was told by the mechanic (by the way his business is certified and they have a wonderful reputation in the area) that we should be thinking (saving) about having the other side replaced, :sick: when I asked how much time he guessed 1 month a little longer. This visit ran us just over $300.00. The part alone was around $204.00. We did purchase an extended warranty however I'm finding it to be a joke. One of the requirements is that we have to call ahead to make sure they will cover the problem. My anti-lock light just came on Saturday, the manual said to have the vehicle serviced, of course I can't get it serviced until Monday (today). My plan was to make the phone calls first thing this morning - my husband leaves for work at 5am he got down the block and turned around he said "somethings not right" (among other things). So I knew I had to get the car in - Mondays are always swamped at repair facilities, ever notice that- but thankfully our guy was able to get me in. The drive there takes about 10-15 minutes, on the way another light came on (the box that lets you know if your fuel is low) and it read 'service vehicle soon' and I heard this loud banging or dragging sound - like i was dragging a big cardboard box down the road with me. I was just praying that I would make it there without anything falling off/apart. See originally we had been thinking it was the brakes or the callipers (sp?) - he said they looked brand new the problem was the wheel bearings and he said I wouldn't have made it another 10 miles and the wheel would have fallen off. This vehicle is only 2 years old, we should not be having problems like this. :mad: There was hardly any warning - I would comapare it to taking a person to the ER as far as how important this is and the warranty people want me to call them first and see if its OK? GET REAL the car needed serviced if they approved or not the only thing I guess I can do is call them now and "plan" for the other side before that gets too bad. Does anyone have any ideas I'm open to anything? Any similar problems with their Aztek? Please let me know. I still Love My Aztek but depending on how this is handled will determine if I do business with GM in the future.

edancer

Can you help me? I am having the same pitting problem with my Aztek tail lenses and dealer says he is unaware of any bulletin. He said I must have damaged the lenses by getting some car polish on them and parking in the sun.

rollinhighlife

i have the same problem, my are flaking really bad, my dealer told me it happens over time, its 4 years old, it shouldnt fade for another 10 years,

rollinhighlife

we used a tent on the aztek for a whole week while we were camping, we had to take along a smaller 1 room tent just to put our bags in while we slept, but it was comfy, and unlike in a tent, if some is around, say a bear, you can pull the tailgate up and pull the window shut, and leave the tent on the back, the first time setting it up took about 20 minutes but i knew that was going to happen, so i tried a couple time in the driveway, then when we got there, it only took the 2 of us, about 3 minutes to put it up,

stever

I don't see any related TSB in the Edmunds Maintenance Guide.

Steve, Host

ray80

Usually when a wheel bearing is going bad you should be able to hear it for quite a while before complete distruction (wheel falling off). You should be able to hear a grinding/howling noise (metal on metal) that may change a bit with speed (maybe more noticeable at low speeds), and in the case of a front bearing, change in sound when turning one way or another.
I'm not a mechanic, but from what I have seen posted here and elswhere, generaly speaking the bearings on this vehicle do NOT tend to fail in pairs (I:E: left side wore out so right side MUST be also) so unless your mechanic actually did the test for excessive play in right side wheel I might question the need for replacement at this time.

stacy4

we have a 2002 Pontiac Aztek that we bought used last fall. Although we do really like the vehicle.....we have had it in the shop more than any other vehicle we have owned. Right now it only has 41,000 miles and is being repaired for head gasket problems. I am trying to see if there have been any other problems like this noted.

kori

Can the noise for the wheel bearing going bad sound like you're burning rubber? Even at a snails pace when I turn a corner the left driver's side sounds like I'm doing 90mph around a corner. Is this a wheel bearing issue? Has anyone experienced this noise? I love my Aztek but I sure don't want to deal with a gigantic lemon. :lemon: :confuse:

douginaz

Hello,
I recently purchased a 2001 Aztek with 49K miles. Everything seems to work OK, but when I try to program or use the door or light settings, I don't get a chime sound to confirm an input.

In an earlier post I read that a BCM replaced with the updated version will not allow programming of lights and door locks.

I wondered if the lack of chime is an indication of a replaced BCM. There are plenty of other events that cause sounds of one sort or another, but I definitely don't get the confirming chimes when I press the door lock once when one or more of the doors are open. The doors DO lock after a few seconds when the last door is closed.

The instrument panel was removed to repair the odometer light before I got the car, so if a special sounder for these functions is in the area of the instrument panel, anything is possible; I found missing screws and an extra screw lying loose in the area of the dash.

Thanks for any suggestions you can offer,
Doug

rodemeier

I also just found out that I need a new ac condenser. This is after spending about $600 on recent repairs. My 2001 Aztek had a psychotic light show - check engine, low fuel, etc. all going on at once - doors locked and wouldn't open - car quit running going down the highway at 60 MPH. My car is, of course, past warranty so repairs are at my expense. The computer was initially replaced at a cost of $450. That repair job never was any good. The very next day the car did all the same things it did before the $450. Next to go was the blower motor. The fan only worked on two speeds - dealer said it was a 50 cent part - cost me $106 for a new blower motor. Anyone else having all these problems???? Are you getting any satisfaction from GM. I called their customer service and was very nicely told - too bad - your car is too old. There are bulletins out on some of these issues. However, I was told by GM that a bulletin is not a recall and they will do nothing. Isn't it time for a recall on these cars???

kori

Doug
My 2001 Aztek odometer light is out. It was out when I purchased the car. The salesperson lied and told me that the light would come on when I set my personal settings. NOT TRUE! Then they wanted to give me the run around to fix it. After amount a month or so of run around, the original salesperson isn't working there anymore so now noone knows what I'm talking there were supposedly no repair ticket written up for it. Just a big ole mess.
Did they replace a part in your :confuse: cluster or did they just replace a light bulb. My miles are still calculating because I can see them with a flashlight, they are just not lit up. Could you let me know what they did so that I can possibly have mine fixed, especially if it's just a light bulb. Every dealer I took it to wants to replace the whole cluster but everything else works. Thanks. Any info you have will be helpful.

Kori

douginaz

Kori,
I bought the car from my son's father-in-law and wasn't around when they did the work, but from what he said, they removed the instrument cluster and sent it to a repair place in Detroit (MI I assume). Another post I saw recently mentioned removal for several days and it sounded like the same type of repair.

And that's about all I know. If you could set the car aside for a while and have experience with today's electronics, you might be able to find the problem. Since this seems to be a recurring problem, I'd look for a lamp failure or a solder joint failure if it turns out to be an LED or series of them that provides the light.

I've seen instrument clusters offered on eBay for a reasonable price, but you might not be any better off.

Doug

PS
For what it's worth, if mine did it again and it was only a matter of reading the miles, I'd just use a flashlight when I really cared about the miles traveled. If you want a record of mileage while on a trip or other occasion, get a GPS receiver and use that for milage. My old Garmin GPS III contains a trip computer that gives me more info than the Odometer and I wouldn't consider traveling without it.

BTW, my odometer was the same as yours, it still recorded, but was nearly impossible to read.

kori

Thanks Doug

I think you're right, I'd rather not bother with shipping off parts and being without my car for a lightbulb. My only concern is how this will affect my trade-in/re-sale value. For what I've heard the value at that time is really bad. Just thought if wasn't very expensive or time consuming I'd have it repaired. But with all the reports about repairs these vehicles need I'd better save every penny for the other stuff. I already have a a/c condenser and possible wheel bearing to get fixed. :sick: :mad: :lemon:

Kori