Abs system lights went on and ABS system exhibits crunching, grinding, noisy and abnormal pulsing operation. June 2012 message indicates rf hub needs replacement. Done. Abs system acts up again in under 30 days same symptoms. Rear brakes/drum replaced 6/2013, ABS problems still present. Front brakes replaced 8/2013, ABS problems still present. 8/2013 taken to gm dealer service for analysis. Speed sensor replaced, ABS problem still present. Dealer advises that lf hub needs replacing and ABS harnesses on both sides. 8/2014 lf hub replaced and error message now reads that rf hub is bad again. Taking back to gm dealer this week to try and find the definitive solution. Continued one by one repairs that do not fix the problem have been a constant stream. Note: rr hub was also replaced in 2011.
Pontiac Aztek grinding brakes problems
21 of the 566 owner complaints about the Pontiac Aztek describe grinding or squealing brakes, most of them for the 2004 model year.
- owner complaints
- 21
- worst model year
- 2004
- typical mileage
- 48,146
By model year
Often reported together
What owners say
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 pontiac aztec. The contact stated that when the brake was engaged while driving at low speeds, the brake grabbed and exhibited a grinding noise. In addition, the anti-lock braking system warning light illuminated. The failure was experienced intermittently. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who replaced the front brake pads and calipers however, the failure was not corrected. The vehicle continued to exhibit the same failures. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 38,000 and the current mileage was 49,000.
In april 2011 on bumpy roads a grinding noise would come on and it took longer to stop the car. I called the dealer and was told it was probably the ABS system and could be a number of things, the computer module may be bad, the sensors on each wheel could be bad. I took the car in for service in may, had to replace the wheel bearings on one wheel and was told it was fixed $540. Then in june the car started doing the same thing, took it in again, was told another wheel needed new bearings $740 with a warranty. In august car started the vibrating and grinding again, you can hear a vibration like a motor or something comes on and then when you try to stop you have to push really really hard. At that point I went on line to check it out, seems lots of people who own either a 2003 pontiac aztek or a 2003 buick rendevous are having these same issues. The dealers are taking advantage of a defect in the car. All the blogs that I saw online are having the same problem. Many people have repacked the bearings on all wheels, replace sensors and the harness to the computer module and nothing seems to work and the dealers don't seem to know how to fix it once and for all. My car has always been worked on by the dealer. So far my dealer hasn't mentioned the computer sensor but I'm sure after I've replaced all wheel bearings they will get to that. Bottom line is if all these people are having this same safety issue, your dept needs to look at it. This is a safety issue with the ABS braking system and no one seems to know how to fix it. We are keeping our cars longer and they should last well over 100,000 miles with proper maintenance. So now I have a perfectly good car with a perfectly good engine, but no ABS braking system and it can't seem to be fixed!
Rattling and grinding sound when driving vehicle occurred over 1-month period. Took vehicle to mechanic and was told front right wheel bearings needed replacement. Cost of replacement was $600. *tr six months later, same problem occurred and the front left wheel bearings were replaced. Cost of replacement was $600. Mechanic stated this is a common problem for this vehicle.
1)when I removed gas cap to fill tank with gas, I heard a hissing sound coming out of the gas tank. When trying to fill tank with gas, hose kept clicking off and would not allow me to put gas in the tank. I went to a different gas station and the same thing happened. I have since been unable to use the car as I can not fill the tank. 2)this second problem has been ongoing since I purchased this car. The "service engine soon" light keeps coming on a regular basis. I have had this checked out each time and the mechanics always have a hard time identifying the problem. This has been extremely costly. Further more, the vehicle can't pass inspection with that light on. 3) this third problem has also been ongoing. I have to replace my brakes at least twice a year. They wear down quickly and make an awful grinding noise. The mechanics cannot understand the reason for this either. Except to tell me this car is defective. 4)in the last year or so, when I make a turn in either direction, there is a grinding noise. My transmission fluid levels are always good when this happens. 5) the hatch does not open when the automatic opening button is used, must always have someone in the back to open it as I simultaneously push the button. 6)when I press the brakes to stop, it feels like the brakes disengage or the anti-lock brakes kick in and this happens when road is dry this car has been a piece of junk since the day I bought it and has caused multiple financial and emotional problems with all it's defects. I will never buy a pontiac or gm car again!!!!!!!!!!!
Tl*the contact owns a 2005 pontiac aztek. While driving 1-60 MPH, the vehicle pulled to the left and he heard a grinding sound coming from the front of the vehicle. As of april 18, 2008, the dealer had not inspected the vehicle. The contact inspected the vehicle and notice the lug nuts were discolored and the wheels were hot. He replaced the front wheel bearings and there were no further occurrences. The failure and current mileages were 63,000. Updated 05/21/08 *bf updated 05/20/08
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 pontiac aztec. While driving 5 MPH the vehicle wobbled and the right front tire produced a grinding noise. The dealer stated that the right front hub bearings should be replaced, but has not made the repair. The manufacturer issued a special policy adjustment for the wheel bearings. The dealer would not replace the wheel bearings as part of the special policy adjustment because the vehicle's mileage exceeded 60,000. The current and failure mileage were 84,000.*ak the consumer stated the repair was made by dobb's auto dealer. Update 05/04/07
I purchased a used 2003 pontiac aztek in oct of 2006, it has 43k miles. The next day, I noticed a squealing noise when I turned, I took it back to the dealership and was advised it was due to the vehicle being "all wheel drive". About 4 days later, I noticed that when I am on an uneven road or hit a bump just right, the vehicle swerves badly, sometimes into the other lane. I called pontiac and was advised that this is a safety hazard not just to the driver of the vehicle but to others on the roads also. They told me that I need to take it to the dealership to get a diagnosis. I advised them that there are many complaints on the internet about the same thing & these people have spent thousands of dollars & it is still not fixed. I advised pontiac that this is going to cause a major wreck one day & they are going to be liable for not recognizing the problem & fixing it.
I own (2) aztek's, a 2002 and a 2004. I received a letter in sept 06 stating that there is an issue with front bearings wearing prematurely on 2002 aztek's. The letter stated that they will replace any defective bearings within (5) years of date of purchase or 60,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Since my 2002 aztek is located at my vacation home, it has only 18,000 miles on it and has not exhibited the worn bearing symptoms. However, my 2004 aztek did have the bearing issue at 48,000 miles. I called pontiac and they said they wouldn't cover the expense because it is not within the VIN range. When I took it to the dealer for repairs, the dealer told me that they expected the recall to be expanded to later model azteks and to keep my receipt for reimbursement at a later date. I have since tried to recoup my money to no avail. Beware, regardless of what year aztek you have, you will most likely experience the premature bearing wear before 50,000 miles. Make sure you address this issue as soon as you experience the symptoms, hum growl or grinding coming from the front wheels. Talking with pontiac customer service people is a joke. They could care less about losing a customer. No wonder the american automakers keep losing market share.
On april 17, 2006, I brought my 2004 aztek in to the pontiac dealer because there was a loud grinding noise and vibration coming from under the front passenger side of my vehicle. I was told that the front right wheel bearing was failing, and that it had to be replaced. Since it was just out of warranty, at 63,031 miles, I paid for this repair. Then, on september 13, 2006, I heard the same noise and vibration coming from the front drivers side of my vehicle. I brought my vehicle into the dealership again, and paid to have the front left wheel bearing replaced. There is a recall notice out on this failure, if the vehicle is under 60,000 miles and 5 years of service. I did not see this recall notice on your website. I believe these failures could have potential severe consequences, and gm should reimburse me for the necessary repairs.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the Pontiac Aztek grinding brakes
Which Pontiac Aztek years have grinding or squealing brakes problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2004 (7 complaints), 2001 (6 complaints) and 2003 (4 complaints).
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