Comments: 1-15, 16-28
The windshield mysteriously cracked clear across when snow slid forward off the roof of the car and onto the warm windshield.
The steering has a strange shudder for which Pontiac claims there is no remedy. They say it is "inherent in the design of the vehicle." The car seem to wear out tires more quickly than normal. I believe the steering problem is a likely cause.
Driver's seat has a whole in the fabric thanks to a rough spot on the metal framework.
The air conditioning condenser developed a leak and had to be replaced.
I took the car in for a recall and the dealer somehow managed to mess up the computer which controls many of the interior functions of the vehicle. (gages speedometer etc) It took for trips back to the dealer to get this straightened out.
The radiator cap failed at 30,000 miles and had we not noticed we were not getting any heat out of the heater we could have burned up the engine. To this day we do not get much heat out of the heater.
One of the clips that lock the roof rack down broke. Dealer replaced with one from another on his lot.
Starter hangs up and sounds like a mad cat when you start the car.
We have been VERY disappointed in the Pontiac Aztek.
I've had the same condenser problem with mine. Also I have been in contact with a handful of other people in the same boat.
Anyone know how to try to push for a recall, or get GM to recognize theres a problem here?
That being said, our Aztek has been wonderful. Lots of long road trips all over the southeast US, from Atlanta to Austin.
The only trouble I had before the air conditioning was the windshield wipers managed to get stuck where they kind of cross over each other while moving. (Difficult to explain. If you saw the wipers working, you would understand). Replacing the wipers, not just the blades solved the problem.
I also know how to turn off the "Change Engine Oil" light. The guys at the shop always seem to forget to do it.
We purchased a 2001 Aztek (new) and have had nothing but problems! 7 times it went to the dealer because the windshield wipers hit each other, and they still hit today. They car shudders when braking. We feel vibrations at different speeds. 5 times the check engine light came on due to vapor leaks. Twice the gas cap has failed to seal. 3 times my wife was stranded because the car would not start due to a defective wire in the ignition system. 3 times the car was returned to the dealer for defective trim. And the trunk release has never worked properly. After 3 times at the dealer to repair the latch we gave up. The car has been parked for 1 1/2 years because each time we drive it, something goes wrong within two weeks.
Check your state for Lemon Laws. The court system works!
Sadly, Pontiac Azteks seem to be the newest thing that probably won't be around all that long. The design itself is take it or leave it. Think of the phrase "throwaway car". Ford did it with the Pinto, Chevy with the Citation.. the list goes on. Now, here's the good. If the Aztek is maticulously maintained, you will probably love it.
I had a Mercury Topaz, noted for some problems, but I have taken great care of it, and it's been nothing but a joy.
I have a 2001 Pontiac Aztek. All in all a good car with some exceptions. Most notable has been the check engine light comes on for various reasons and then extinguishes itself. I replaced the factory battery and that seemed to solve the problem - I suspect a low voltage issue.
The A/C condenser failed and is in the process of being replaced.
The left driver window motor assembly disintegrated causing the window to fall into the door with a solid crash. I disassembled the door and found the assembly had a small plastic part that had broken.
Other than these issues, not a bad car for a road warrior. I buy cars and use them for 200k miles and then toss them away. I am a 50k per year driver. I will say that I will not buy another Pontiac after the Aztek dies. I will probably look at something more durable.
As for the crack in your window, chalk that up to a little ting called thermal expansion. Try getting some of that excess snow off the roof before driving. Mine has 93k on it with no major problems in exception of the air bag light coming on.
I bought 2001 Aztec. seems alright, but,..
A/C problem, that was first small problem.
And guess what..! coolant system problem 2 times.
Of course! wiper problem as everyone complain.
And...engine main computer problem? that was biggest.
Problem I had. Now electronic problem I can't start up..
That means still I have to pay more money for Pontiac.
Suggestion: strongly recomended do not buy, even don't think.
About it.
How do you get the "Change Engine Oil" light to go off? Also, when we start it and let it run it idols very high. Two weeks ago, I also had the window problem. The plastic part in there shattered. When I got it fixed they said not to roll the windows down when it is cold outside. I do love the way it rides.
My air conditioner is broken in my 2001 Aztek. Service person said it was a leak in the condenser and would cost over $500 to repair. Of course, the problem occurred right after the warranty was ended.
Copying this from another poster:
"The left driver window motor assembly disintegrated causing the window to fall into the door with a solid crash. I disassembled the door and found the assembly had a small plastic part that had broken."
I was wondering how you were able to fix this? Ours also did this, the dealership wants to charge $120 for the whole window kit, we only need the plastic clips.
Thanks!
I have this same problem, I would love to know the answer to this problem. I am pretty handy, but the dealer told me you couldn't just get the clips.
Thanks
Sean Maloney
indianatenor@hotmail.com.
Re: Change Engine Oil light.
I sold my Aztek last year, but I think the way you get rid of the light is to turn the key to the on position, depress the gas pedal 3 times slowly (maybe it was 5?) and then start the car. It tells you how to do it in the manual.
I purchased my 2001 Aztec on August of 2004 with 34K miles in it. I have to say that at over 64K miles it is still a great car/suv (or as these are called now "cross-over"). Love everything about it. The only problem I've had is the one relating to the driver's window. The plastic clips are part of an assembly and can't be bought separately. Otherwise it has been a great everyday vehicle. It is one of those "it's ugly, but nice" types. This is one of the first cross-over vehicles and its design was too "avante-garde" for its time. Now people are catching up to the sometimes weird designs. Too bad Pontiac decided to build another "me-too" SUV instead of re-developing the Aztec's unique concept.
Another GM PIECE OF CRAP!
2001 Pontiac Aztek:
A/C fails after 1st year
Replaced all tires just after warranty expiration
Cracked plastic moldings around windows (Dealer replaced)
Transmission Problems
Radiator replaced twice
Instrumentation lighting fail
Gas Gauge fail.
Other than that it is a great car if you are a sucker for another north american gem built piece of junk - never again for me - I am just waiting for this one to finally kick the bucket!
To the person with the $500 repair just after the warranty ended - the service manager at the dealer has some discretion as to repairs post-warranty - if your mileage was low or reasonable, he could have authorized that repair to be covered. I used to process GM warranty claims and I've seen a car with well over 50K get authorized for a new transmission. They're not going to volunteer this info, by the way, but if you're insistent and persistent, you may win.
I have a Pontiac 2002 Aztec. I just took it in to get it fixed. My warranty is been run out for a while. My A/C is fried. A piece broke off and debris from it went into several other parts of the cooling system. Now I have to find a way to come up with 1200.00 to fix it. So much for my trip to Kentucky in a couple days.
Bummed OUT! In Indiana... looks like maybe a 6 hour trip with no air. UGH..