2002 Pontiac Aztek: headlights failing or too dim

8 of the 121 complaints about the 2002 Pontiac Aztek describe headlights failing or too dim.

owner complaints: 8
of this car's complaints: 7%
typical mileage: 67,000
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 8 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Headlights failing or too dim by model year

2004
1
2003
3
2002
8
2001
7

What owners say

Filed Nov 10, 2008 · Lights · MI

The passenger side, low beam, headlight has stopped working. The bulb, fuses, and wiring connections have been examined and all appear to be fine. Approximately a month later the stereo electronically locked itself as if it had been placed in another car without a matching VIN. I have been pulled over by the police for a headlight out. Upon entering a search online I see many instances where other owners have reported electrical problems with these vehicles. Some include flashing headlights, failure of door locks, stereos and security lights turning on/off. I see from the various posts that some owners have replaced the bcm as well as wiring harness' that have moisture. There doesn't appear to be a solid fix as I see some posts are recurring. Thankfully I have only received warnings from police about my failed light, however, I don't expect it to remain that way. While a loss of a stereo or electric locks are a convenience loss, the loss of and/or intermittents headlights are a true safety hazard.

Filed Jul 29, 2008 · Body, Electrical · 78,000 miles · MI

It began with my rear hatch not working on my 2002 pontiac aztek. Then the ignition began sticking and culminated with the alarm going off (while driving) and all electrical systems shutting down with increasing frequency. When this occurs, all gauges are shut down, the doors are disabled, headlights (all lights) are disabled. I've looked online and talked to the dealership. It will cost between $400-$500 to repair (gm is aware of the problem). The dealer says that it is not a safety issue, but it seems like non-functioning lights, gauges and doors/windows would certainly be a safety issue. I do like to car, but this is a major problem -- one which I can ill afford to fix right now. We are just struggling to keep a roof over our heads!

Filed Jul 26, 2006 · Electrical · 71,100 miles · IL

Problem started after dealer repair & replacement of A/C compressor and condenser, lower intake gasket leak, & fuel pump replacement. The day after these repairs battery was found to be completely dead. After battery recharge, approx. A week or two later on switching from bright to dims all lights and accessories went off including headlights & dash lights within a few seconds all came back on and instrument cluster id lights as if ignition was turned off and back on again although engine remained running. Since then we have been to dealer 3 times for this repair since june 6, 2006 and have to return for yet a fourth time as it is still an ongoing problem. Dealer has replaced an ignition switch, multifunction switch and main module. Since this happens at random they say they are having problems tracking the problem.

Filed Apr 4, 2006 · Lights · 67,000 miles · IL

Dt*: the contact stated while driving 45 MPH the driver side headlight flew off without prior incident. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop where the headlight was replaced.

Filed Sep 14, 2005 · Engine, Lights · 66,500 miles · NY

Dt: the caller said engine service light was on. When she took vehicle to the dealer, they said they fixed it. The caller said after picking up the vehicle that the passenger side headlight was missing. The dealer said it was stolen. The caller said the vehicle will not pass inspection. Manufacturer has not been contacted yet.

Filed Aug 1, 2005 · Lights · FL

The headlights have suddenly stopped working when the steering wheel tilt is in the lowest 2 positions. I called gm to see if there was a service advisory for this and they said no. They advised I take it to the dealership for diagnosis which will cost at least $90.

Filed Oct 23, 2003 · Electrical, Locks · 23,000 miles · MO

While driving doors would lock and unlock on their own, front driver and passenger windows lowered while driving, and headlights flashed on/off, causing poor visibility when driving at night. Also, dashboard lights came on and off.

Filed Feb 22, 2002 · Body · MI

Now that I've had the car a while, I see that the rear spolier hurts visibility too much. I asked gm to remove it, they won't. It blocks view of headlights of cars behind me at night. Very dangerous.