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 .
The worst 2004 Pontiac Aztek problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Fuel system16
- Electrical15
- Engine13
- Brakes12
- Suspension8
- Airbags5
- Transmission4
- Acceleration3
- Steering3
- Visibility3
- Body2
- Lights2
- Wheels2
- Locks1
- Seat belts1
- Seats1
- Tires1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2004 Pontiac Aztek
Recalls 3
Fuel system, gasoline: storage
- What is wrong
- 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).
- Risk
- A fracture may allow fuel vapors to pass through and allow droplets of fuel to accumulate on the side of the fuel tank. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the fuel tank. The recall will be mailed in two phases with the first phase beginning on december 4, 2007. The second phase will be mailed on december 13, 2007. Owners may contact buick at 1‑866‑608‑8080; chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438; or pontiac at 1‑800‑620‑7668. The vehicle population includes buick rendezvous and pontiac aztek vehicle built in may 2003; chevrolet venture and pontiac montana vehicles built from june through august 2002; and all vehicles registered in nevada, arizona, virgin islands, puerto rico, and hawaii.
Recall number 07V349000 · Recall details
Electrical system: ignition
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- The vehicle cannot be restarted immediately. If this were to occur, it could result in a vehicle crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the ignition relay free of charge. The recall began on may 4, 2005. Owners may contact pontiac at 1‑800‑620‑7668 and buick at 1‑866‑608‑8080.
Recall number 05V157000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: storage
- What is wrong
- On certain passenger vehicles, a weld between the fuel tank inlet check valve and the fuel tank can fail.
- Risk
- If these parts separate, the driver may notice an odor of fuel, the service engine soon or check engine light may illuminate, and/or fuel may leak onto the ground. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the serial number of the fuel tank to see if it is on the list of affected tanks. If the serial number matches, the fuel tank will be replaced. Owner notification began november 4, 2003. Owners should contact buick at 1‑866‑608‑8080 or pontiac at 1‑800‑620‑7668.
Recall number 03V454000 · Recall details
See all 3 recalls for the 2004 Pontiac Aztek
Defect investigations
Fuel tank leakage
Gm is recalling (the federal safety agency recall no. 07v‑349) certain model year (my) 2002-2004 buick rendezvous, chevrolet venture (regular wheelbase) and 2001-2004 pontiac aztek and montana (regular wheelbase) vehicles to replace fuel tanks and correct a defect that may allow fuel leakage.the vehicle recall population is rendezvous and aztek vehicles built in may 2003, venture and montana vehicle built in june through august 2002 and certain same model vehicles registered in nevada, arizona, virgin islands, puerto rico and hawaii that were built through nov/dec 2003 (depending on model).the total number of vehicles recalled is 20,594 (includes 15,196 subject aztek and rendezvous vehicles). In addition to the recall, gm will extend the warranty on my 2002-2004 rendezvous and regular wheel base venture vans and my 2001-2004 aztek and regular wheelbase montana vans not included in the recall to provide warranty coverage for a period of 10 years or 150,000 miles, whichever occurs first.gm will begin notifying owners in december 2007.gm reports that the fuel inlet pipe containing the inlet check valve (icv) may fracture and allow fuel vapors or fuel to leak out.gm data revealed that elevated ambient temperatures, higher carbon content in the icv and variation in the manufacturing process were the contributing factors for potential cracks in the icv.beginning december 2003, gm built vehicles with a redesigned fuel tank/icv.subject vehicles not included in the recall or extended warranty did not show a failure trend similar to the above vehicles..for additional details, see recall 07v‑349.this investigation is closed.
EA07006
Fuel tank leakage
Certain subject vehicles may exhibit leakage of odor and/or fuelfrom the lower portion of the fuel tank inlet filler pipe (inlet check valve).the inlet check valve (icv) and the fuel tank are joined together using a hot plate welding process for plastic parts.gm reports that its analysis of field returned parts show evidence of process variations for different manufacturing periods.these variations produced some icv to fuel tank joints with poor melt flow lines.odi's analysis of gm's warranty claim data finds more frequent fuel tank replacements in the hotter climate states.this investigation has been upgraded to an engineering analysis (ea07-006) to further assess this matter.
RQ06009
Ignition relay failure
On november 10, 2004, the office of defects investigation (odi) opened a preliminary evaluation to investigate the failure, malfunction, or other unsatisfactory performance of the engine control system which may result in engine stalling in certain model year (my) 2004 buick rendezvous (gmt250) and pontiac aztek (gmt250) vehicles allegedly caused by ignition relay failure.odi is aware of 68 non-duplicative complaints and 1092 warranty claims related to the subject issue.there are no known crashes related to ignition relay failure on the subject vehicles.by letter dated april 19, 2005, general motors corp. (gm) has notified odi that it will conduct a safety recall (nthsa recall no. 05v‑157) to replace defective ignition relay modules in approximately 34,996 subject vehicles built between october 13, 2003 and march 8, 2004.this period of vehicle production is associated with escalated warranty claims rates and complaints that allege engine stall due to ignition relay failure.gm has identified parts suppliers who used materials containing silicone in the manufacture of specific components for the ignition relay module.silicone contamination can result in silica deposits forming on the contacts as the relay switches and the heat generated by the resultant arc converts the silicone to silica.silica build-up on the contacts is progressive and may produce a voltage drop across the relay sufficient to cause an intermittent no-start or engine stall condition.warranty analysis indicates the incidence of no/hard start versus engine stall to be equal.analysis of towing claims and detailed service records indicates that vehicles may experience restart difficulties after a stalling incident approximately 20-30 percent of the time.the use of silicone materials in the manufacture of the subject ignition relay has been discontinued.the action taken by gm is sufficient to resolve the issues raised by this investigation.accordingly, this investigation is closed.
PE04075
Technical service bulletins for the 2004 Pontiac Aztek 431
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.
- Unknown or other
- Electrical system
- Unknown or other
- Unknown or other
- Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles
- This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as...
- This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS)...
- This Warranty Administration bulletin provides retail and wholesale service personnel with the...
2004 Pontiac Aztek fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.4L 6‑cyl | FWD | 17 | 24 | 20 |
| 3.4L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 16 | 22 | 18 |
What 2004 Pontiac Aztek owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Fuel tank is leaking; there is a history of a recall that has never been repaired on this vehicle. It is a safety issue.
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
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.
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.
"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.
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?
Lighting goes out at night which is very dangerous
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.
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.
Compare the 2004 Pontiac Aztek
Other model years
Questions about the 2004 Pontiac Aztek
Is the 2004 Pontiac Aztek reliable?
Owners have filed 67 complaints about the 2004 Pontiac Aztek, fewer than a typical Aztek model year.
What is the 2004 Pontiac Aztek year score?
The 2004 Pontiac Aztek scores 82 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Pontiac Aztek: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2004 Pontiac Aztek?
Fuel and propulsion system, with 16 complaints, typically around 98,126 miles. Next is electrical (15).
How many recalls does the 2004 Pontiac Aztek have?
3 recalls, covering fuel system, gasoline and electrical system.
Was there a recall on the 2004 Pontiac Aztek fuel system?
Yes, 2 recalls: 07V349000, 03V454000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Pontiac Aztek have the most fuel system problems?
The Pontiac Aztek model years with the most fuel system complaints are 2001 (39 complaints), 2003 (36 complaints) and 2002 (27 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2004 Pontiac Aztek get?
Official estimates for the 2004 Pontiac Aztek range from 18 to 20 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.4L 6-cyl, FWD) gets 17 city and 24 highway.
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