PONTIAC AZTEK · model year

2004 PONTIAC AZTEK

96 NHTSA complaints, 8 crash reports, and 4 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2004PONTIACAZTEK carries 96 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 8 crashes, 0 fires, 10 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2004 AZTEK is electrical system with 10 filings, followed by suspension:front:wheel bearing (8) and fuel/propulsion system (8). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 4 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 17 investigation files overlapping the 2004 AZTEK. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

96
Complaints
8
Crashes
0
Fires
10
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

96 filings

Crashes Reported

8 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM10
SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING8
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM8
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE5
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC5
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP5
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE5
ENGINE5
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION4
POWER TRAIN4
AIR BAGS4
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING3
SERVICE BRAKES3
VISIBILITY2
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM2

Recalls (4)

05V15700020/04/2005

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, CONTAMINATION ON IGNITION RELAY CONTACTS CAN CAUSE HIGH RESISTANCE. THIS CAN AFFECT SIGNALS TO THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE AND, COULD CAUSE INTERMITTENT VEHICLE STALLS AT ANY TIME.

07E02100012/03/2007

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES

CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.

03V45400010/11/2003

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, A WELD BETWEEN THE FUEL TANK INLET CHECK VALVE AND THE FUEL TANK CAN FAIL.

07V34900008/08/2007

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, VARIATIONS IN THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS OR EXPOSURE TO HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURES MAY LEAD TO FRACTURE OF THE FUEL TANK INLET CHECK VALVE (ICV).

Recent Complaints

20200429ENGINE

I HAVE BEEN SMELLING GAS FROM MY CAR FOR YEARS BUT JUST NEVER HAD THE MONEY TO GET IT LOOKED AT. I EVEN CALLED ABOUT RECALLS CONCERNING THE FUEL SYSTEM THAT I FOUND OUT ABOUT THROUGH RESEARCH IN 2015 BUT WAS TOLD THEY HAD BEEN CLOSED SO I WOULD BE CHARGED FOR THE REPAIRS EVEN IF IT WAS PREVIOUSLY COVERED UNDER RECALL. I NO LONGER FILL MY TANK WITH GAS BECAUSE THERE IS A LEAK. I JUST GOT MY CAR BACK FROM THE DEALERSHIP, THEY STATE THAT I NEED A NEW FUEL TANK, AND FUEL LEVER SENSOR AND SENDER. ALSO, HAVE OIL LEAKS IN 2 PLACES, THEY TELL ME I NEED UPPER & LOWER INTAKE GASKETS. AS WELL AS VALVE COVER GASKETS & OIL PUMP DRIVE O-RING REPLACED AND OIL PAN GASKET REPLACED. ALSO, NEEDS WATER PUMP AND DRIVE BELT REPLACED.I ALSO FOR THE PAST 3 OR SO YEARS HAVE TO KEEP A PEN OR PENCIL IN MY CAR TO INSERT UNDER THE STEERING WHEEL TO RELEASE MY KEY .

20200429FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I HAVE BEEN SMELLING GAS FROM MY CAR FOR YEARS BUT JUST NEVER HAD THE MONEY TO GET IT LOOKED AT. I EVEN CALLED ABOUT RECALLS CONCERNING THE FUEL SYSTEM THAT I FOUND OUT ABOUT THROUGH RESEARCH IN 2015 BUT WAS TOLD THEY HAD BEEN CLOSED SO I WOULD BE CHARGED FOR THE REPAIRS EVEN IF IT WAS PREVIOUSLY COVERED UNDER RECALL. I NO LONGER FILL MY TANK WITH GAS BECAUSE THERE IS A LEAK. I JUST GOT MY CAR BACK FROM THE DEALERSHIP, THEY STATE THAT I NEED A NEW FUEL TANK, AND FUEL LEVER SENSOR AND SENDER. ALSO, HAVE OIL LEAKS IN 2 PLACES, THEY TELL ME I NEED UPPER & LOWER INTAKE GASKETS. AS WELL AS VALVE COVER GASKETS & OIL PUMP DRIVE O-RING REPLACED AND OIL PAN GASKET REPLACED. ALSO, NEEDS WATER PUMP AND DRIVE BELT REPLACED.I ALSO FOR THE PAST 3 OR SO YEARS HAVE TO KEEP A PEN OR PENCIL IN MY CAR TO INSERT UNDER THE STEERING WHEEL TO RELEASE MY KEY .

20200401UNKNOWN OR OTHER

FUEL TANK IS LEAKING; THERE IS A HISTORY OF A RECALL THAT HAS NEVER BEEN REPAIRED ON THIS VEHICLE. IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE.

Mileage: 117,000

20200327CrashSEATS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 PONTIAC AZTEC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH CRASHED INTO A GMC ENVOY AND FLIPPED OVER LANDING ON THE ROOF. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO UNLOCK AS THE CONTACT WAS CUT FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STRUCK THE STEERING WHEEL, WAS UNCONSCIOUS, AND SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE EYE WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT LOT. THE OCCUPANT OF THE GMC HAD NO REPORTED INJURIES. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 171,000. *DT CONSUMER STATED SHE HAS LOST HER EYE SIGHT DUE TO AIRBAG FAILURE.*JB*DT*JB

Mileage: 171,000

20200327CrashSEAT BELTS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 PONTIAC AZTEC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH CRASHED INTO A GMC ENVOY AND FLIPPED OVER LANDING ON THE ROOF. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO UNLOCK AS THE CONTACT WAS CUT FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STRUCK THE STEERING WHEEL, WAS UNCONSCIOUS, AND SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE EYE WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT LOT. THE OCCUPANT OF THE GMC HAD NO REPORTED INJURIES. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 171,000. *DT CONSUMER STATED SHE HAS LOST HER EYE SIGHT DUE TO AIRBAG FAILURE.*JB*DT*JB

Mileage: 171,000

20200327CrashAIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 PONTIAC AZTEC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH CRASHED INTO A GMC ENVOY AND FLIPPED OVER LANDING ON THE ROOF. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO UNLOCK AS THE CONTACT WAS CUT FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STRUCK THE STEERING WHEEL, WAS UNCONSCIOUS, AND SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE EYE WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT LOT. THE OCCUPANT OF THE GMC HAD NO REPORTED INJURIES. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 171,000. *DT CONSUMER STATED SHE HAS LOST HER EYE SIGHT DUE TO AIRBAG FAILURE.*JB*DT*JB

Mileage: 171,000

20190117SERVICE BRAKES

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 PONTIAC AZTEK. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE VEHICLE FINALLY STOPPED BEFORE REACHING AN INTERSECTION. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT BRAKE FLUID WAS LEAKING AND THE BRAKE HOSES WERE FRACTURED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE SYSTEM WAS FRACTURED. THE BRAKES AND HOSES WERE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000.. *BF CONSUMER STATED POWERSTEERING HIGH PRESSURE RUPTURED DUE TO RUST. THE DAY THE BRAKE LINES WERE GETTING REPAIRED CONSUMER WAS TOLD FUEL LINE FROM THE PUMP TO THE INJECTORS WAS ALSO RUSTED AND WOULD LEAK ANYTIME. *JB

Mileage: 95,000

20180701ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

MY CAR TURN OFF ON MY CHILDREN AND I ON THE HIGHWAY THANK GOD WE WAS ABLE TO COAST ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. MY MECHANIC SAID THAT MY IGNITION CONTROL MODULE WENT OUT OUTTA NO WHERE NOT ONLY THAT CRANKSHAFT SENSOR AND FUEL LINE EXHAUSTED SYSTEM SOMETHING WRONG ENGINE LIGHT STILL ON. WITH THAT BEING SAID I'M GREAT MY CHILDREN WAS NOT HURT DOING THIS ORDEAL. I LEARNED THAT THESE CARS HAVE FEW COMPLAINTS. BUT DO HAVE SOME ISSUES WITH ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND VACUUM HOW'S EXHAUSTED. JUST GOT THE CAR I MARCH AND FOUND OUT BOUT THIS RECALL I'M SO DISAPPOINTED SCARED TO DRIVE THIS CAR RIGHT NOW.

Mileage: 10

20180701FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

MY CAR TURN OFF ON MY CHILDREN AND I ON THE HIGHWAY THANK GOD WE WAS ABLE TO COAST ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. MY MECHANIC SAID THAT MY IGNITION CONTROL MODULE WENT OUT OUTTA NO WHERE NOT ONLY THAT CRANKSHAFT SENSOR AND FUEL LINE EXHAUSTED SYSTEM SOMETHING WRONG ENGINE LIGHT STILL ON. WITH THAT BEING SAID I'M GREAT MY CHILDREN WAS NOT HURT DOING THIS ORDEAL. I LEARNED THAT THESE CARS HAVE FEW COMPLAINTS. BUT DO HAVE SOME ISSUES WITH ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND VACUUM HOW'S EXHAUSTED. JUST GOT THE CAR I MARCH AND FOUND OUT BOUT THIS RECALL I'M SO DISAPPOINTED SCARED TO DRIVE THIS CAR RIGHT NOW.

Mileage: 10

20180701POWER TRAIN

MY CAR TURN OFF ON MY CHILDREN AND I ON THE HIGHWAY THANK GOD WE WAS ABLE TO COAST ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. MY MECHANIC SAID THAT MY IGNITION CONTROL MODULE WENT OUT OUTTA NO WHERE NOT ONLY THAT CRANKSHAFT SENSOR AND FUEL LINE EXHAUSTED SYSTEM SOMETHING WRONG ENGINE LIGHT STILL ON. WITH THAT BEING SAID I'M GREAT MY CHILDREN WAS NOT HURT DOING THIS ORDEAL. I LEARNED THAT THESE CARS HAVE FEW COMPLAINTS. BUT DO HAVE SOME ISSUES WITH ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND VACUUM HOW'S EXHAUSTED. JUST GOT THE CAR I MARCH AND FOUND OUT BOUT THIS RECALL I'M SO DISAPPOINTED SCARED TO DRIVE THIS CAR RIGHT NOW.

Mileage: 10

20170928ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

"TAKATA RECALL" ON MY CAR THE ELECTRONIC IS NOT WORKING AND HASN'T BEEN FOR A LONG TIME, THE LIGHTS KEEP COMING ON AND WON'T GO BACK OFF. AND THE GAS TANK IS NOT WORKING RIGHT, I CAN'T GET GAS INTO MY TANK , IT DOES GO IN BUT I HAVE TO KEEP TRYING BECAUSE IT POPS OUT AND DON'T LET ME PUT GAS IN IT.

Mileage: 19,000

20170928FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

"TAKATA RECALL" ON MY CAR THE ELECTRONIC IS NOT WORKING AND HASN'T BEEN FOR A LONG TIME, THE LIGHTS KEEP COMING ON AND WON'T GO BACK OFF. AND THE GAS TANK IS NOT WORKING RIGHT, I CAN'T GET GAS INTO MY TANK , IT DOES GO IN BUT I HAVE TO KEEP TRYING BECAUSE IT POPS OUT AND DON'T LET ME PUT GAS IN IT.

Mileage: 19,000

20170928UNKNOWN OR OTHER

"TAKATA RECALL" ON MY CAR THE ELECTRONIC IS NOT WORKING AND HASN'T BEEN FOR A LONG TIME, THE LIGHTS KEEP COMING ON AND WON'T GO BACK OFF. AND THE GAS TANK IS NOT WORKING RIGHT, I CAN'T GET GAS INTO MY TANK , IT DOES GO IN BUT I HAVE TO KEEP TRYING BECAUSE IT POPS OUT AND DON'T LET ME PUT GAS IN IT.

Mileage: 19,000

20161125FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY FOR 45 MINUTES AND WHEN GOT HOME NOTICE THERE WAS GAS COMING FROM MY PONTIAC AZTEC. DID SOME RESEARCH AND NOTICE THERE'S A RECALL. CALL BUICK AND THEY TOLD ME MY VIN IS NOT COVER UNDER THE RECALL. REALLY?

20160816EXTERIOR LIGHTING

LIGHTING GOES OUT AT NIGHT WHICH IS VERY DANGEROUS

20151104ENGINE

I HAVE NOT DRIVEN MY VEHICLE FOR 2 MONTHS BECAUSE MY MECHANIC TOLD ME MY VALVE COVER GASKETS WERE LEAKING ON TO MY EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND THAT IT WHY IT WAS SMOKING WHEN WE STOPPED. I TALKED TO MY LOCAL GM DEALER AND THEY SAID IT IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL SO THEY COULD NOT HELP, SO I HAVE THREE CHOICES LET IT SIT IN MY DRIVEWAY, PAY SEVERAL HUNDRED DOLLARS TO GET IT FIXED OR DRIVE IT TILL IT STARTS ON FIRE. IT HAS THE 3800 MOTOR LIKE ALL THE OTHER CARS IN THE RECALL. I CAN GET A LETTER FROM MY MECHANIC IF NEEDED.

Mileage: 204,000

20150811ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

KEY STUCK IN IGNITION ONCE CAR TURNED OFF. THIS HAS HAPPENED INTERMITTENTLY SINCE FIRST OCCURRED IN 2010. THE ONLY WAY TO REMOVE KEY IS TO OVERRIDE PARK SHIFT INDICATOR, WHICH WOULD ALLOW KEY TO BE REMOVED WHILE VEHICLE IN MOTION, THEREBY DISABLING POWER STEERING AND BRAKING. THERE IS NO FIX THAT DOES NOT INVOLVE OVERRIDING PARK SHIFT INDICATOR PER DEALER.

Mileage: 70,000

20150811ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

KEY STUCK IN IGNITION ONCE CAR TURNED OFF. THIS HAS HAPPENED INTERMITTENTLY SINCE FIRST OCCURRED IN 2010. THE ONLY WAY TO REMOVE KEY IS TO OVERRIDE PARK SHIFT INDICATOR, WHICH WOULD ALLOW KEY TO BE REMOVED WHILE VEHICLE IN MOTION, THEREBY DISABLING POWER STEERING AND BRAKING. THERE IS NO FIX THAT DOES NOT INVOLVE OVERRIDING PARK SHIFT INDICATOR PER DEALER.

Mileage: 70,000

20150611FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 PONTIAC AZTEK. WHILE REFUELING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT WAS NOTIFIED THAT FUEL WAS SPILLING ONTO THE GROUND. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE WELD OF THE FUEL LINE WAS FRACTURED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V349000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V454000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 104,000. UPDATED 09/14/15*LJ

Mileage: 104,000

20150522FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I HAVE BEEN HAVIBG ISSUES WITH MY CALL STALLING AND FUEL LEAKAGE FPR AWHILE NOW AND WHILE CHECKING THE WEBSITE FOR RECALLS I NOTICED THERE WERE 4 RECALLS ON MY CAR. WHEN CALLED TO TRY AND HAVE THE RECALLS FIXED, I WAS TOLD THAT MY CARS VIN WASN'T ON THE LIST FOR ANY RECALLS. BUT THE ISSUES DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL IS THE EXACT ISSUE I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING FIR THE LAST YEAR OR SO. WHY NOT LET ME BRING THE CAR IN TO BE CHECKED AND IF THE ISSUE MY CAR IS HAVING IS THE PARTS ON THE RECALL LIST, JUST REPLACE THEM. BUT NO NOT GM, THEY REFUSED TO EVEN LOOK AT THE CAR. SO DISAPPOINTED IN GM, ESPECIALLY SINCE I JUST BOUGHT ANOTHER GM VEHICLE. LOOKING IN TO REPLACING IT NOW.

Compare 2004PONTIACAZTEK to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2004 PONTIAC AZTEK have?
The 2004 PONTIAC AZTEK has 96 NHTSA complaints, 8 crashes, 0 fires, 10 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2004 PONTIAC AZTEK?
Yes, the 2004 PONTIAC AZTEK has 4 recall(s). The most common affected component is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 PONTIAC AZTEK?
The most-complained component for the 2004 PONTIAC AZTEK is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM with 10 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING and FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM.
Is the 2004 PONTIAC AZTEK safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.