Pontiac Aztek overheating problems

Filed May 23, 2019 · Acceleration, Electrical · 147,654 miles · IA

Bout 3 weeks ago car just keep acting up had it for one year cant read codes on car keep overheating replaced radiator cvl axle brakes oil change transmission fluid car just decided to not pass 50mph be driveable one day driving it went to a stop sign brake car cut off I see check gauges come on service light on cant read codes to find out anything I think the wiring is mess up replaced started as well just to much only had it for a 1and a half

Filed May 23, 2015 · 200,000 miles · FL

My main temp gauages is acting haywire. The radiator temperature gauge is supposed to be in the (based on a wall clock) 0 (12) to 6 hand position with 0 being hot and 6 cold. Gas gauge is from the 6 to 12. The temperature gauge has flipped over to the 10 or 11 position such that when the gas tank is full, that needle can't even go all the way to the 12 position because it is blocked by the temperature guage. I have no idea if my car is overheating or if the temp gauge is affecting the gasoline level gauge.

Filed Apr 25, 2013 · Engine · 127,000 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 pontiac aztek. The contact stated that the engine overheating light illuminated while she drove at 50 MPH. The vehicle was towed to the mechanic who located the failure at the head gasket and the intake manifold. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 127,000.

Filed Dec 10, 2010 · Engine · 111,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 pontiac aztec. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the head gasket overheated on the vehicle. He noticed that the vehicle would overheat by the temperature gauge rising on the instrumental panel. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic who informed the contact that he would need to replace the head gasket. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was unavailable. The failure mileage was 111,000.

Filed Oct 18, 2010 · Engine · UT

Purchased the pontiac 2001 aztek from a dealer used. The first week the check engine light came on. Second week the service vehicle light came on and the thermometer gauge was stuck in cold, took the car to checkers autoparts to diagnose. Was a bad thermostat. Another week later the engine started overheating. Stopped checked coolant. Was gone out of the reservoir, which I just had filled at jiffy lube that morning. Stopped by them again, they checked the liquids, found coolant mixed in with the oil. Advised not to continue driving the vehicle since it can mess up the engine. Called dealer and had them tow it. They have been working on it for the past 4 days. Stated that it was the intake manifold gasket. Wondering if this vehicle is safe after reading several complaints regarding it. And also if pontiac would fix it.

Filed Dec 15, 2008 · Suspension · 118,000 miles · IL

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 pontiac aztek. The contact repeatedly experiences failure with the front wheel of her vehicle. On december 9, 2003, the contact took the vehicle in for the hub assembly and wheel bearing to be replaced under warranty. The failures recurred and when she returned to the dealer, they stated that she would be responsible for the repair costs because the vehicle was out of warranty. The contact became upset with the dealer and called pontiac to inform them that the failure occurred prior to the repair as well; therefore, she would not pay for the repairs. The dealer repaired the vehicle for free. The vehicle was taken to the dealer a third time because it overheated and the warning light for the antilock brakes illuminated. The mechanic performed a diagnostic test and found that the anitlock and intake manifold and front driver's side wheel bearing needed to be replaced again. The contact began researching the issue for assistance. The failure mileage was 118,000.

Filed Aug 18, 2008 · Engine · 100,000 miles · CA

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 pontiac aztec. The contact stated that the engine would constantly overheat. The dealer stated that there was nothing wrong with the vehicle and just the gauge was defective. Later, the vehicle overheated to the point that there were bell-like sounds coming from the engine. The dealer inspected the vehicle again and stated that the engine head gasket had blown and needed to be replaced at the estimated cost of $3,000. In addition, the manufacturer stated that the engine needed to be replaced at the estimated cost of $7,000. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was less than 100,000 and current mileage was 116,000.

Filed Jun 7, 2008 · Electrical, Engine · 51,008 miles · FL

At 51,000 miles engine overheating when stopped at traffic lights. Added antifreeze, but did not fix the problem. At same time AC failed. Then electrical system started failing. Alarm going off for no reason, doors locking and unlocking themselves, rear hatch opening, and all gauges lighting up then going blank for 5 - 10 seconds. Took to dealer who stated that I had a failure in the intake manifold gasket, a leaking fuel filter, a shot AC system, and needed to replace the body control module. Dealer also stated that they have had to do the same work on many azteks. Took to my regular mechanic for verification and repair ($600 less than dealer wanted). Paid $1156 for intake manifold, fuel filter, and AC check. Mechanic doesn't believe that there is anything wrong with the AC system, but the problem is related to the body control module. Can not fix the module at this time - have been given estimate of $800. Seems to me that this module is a safety issue and that the federal safety agency should issue a recall and have gm reimburse those that have already had the problem fixed. This issue has been brought up by many aztek owners both on this site and others. It is really alarming to be driving at highway speeds when suddenly all the gauges go blank, even if just for a few seconds, not to mention doors locking and unlocking themselves and the alarm going off for no reason. By reading other complaints I should look forward to replacing wheel bearings also. Please look into this and do something about it.

Filed Mar 13, 2008 · Brakes, Lights · 10,000 miles · NY

Air conditioning replaced 4 times at my own expense once when it was under warranty. Shortly after it broke again due to defect in manufacturing as stated by the dealership. Hole is created due to bracket and coolant leaks out. The purchase and install of a new one has cost me $1200 each time it happens and for the past 4 years I've just driven without air conditioning due to the cost factor and knowing it's going to happen again in the next 2 months. Everytime it was replaced it was for the same problem a hole in the condenser. I've hear complaints from every atzek owner I've met about the air conditioning and still pontiac refuses to fess us to the manufacturing defect. For the past 4 years I've had to drive around in 90+ degree heat without air because of this. I'm a field technician and I'm traveling year round. I had an 88 grand prix previously and that had issues with the brakes and I spent thousands of dollars on brakes only to receive a letter 2 years after I got rid of the car claiming I can get money back due to a defect in the brakes. I shouldn't have to suffer from heat exhaustion due to a defect in the way pontiac designed the AC. They should atleast be able to design something that won't core a hole in the condenser. They also have issues with the tailgate and rear lights peeling. I have to open my tailgate 2 times and use the key while pulling the tailgate up. I've gotten the parts replaced 2 times and it hasn't solved the problem they tell me everytime I open the tailgate I have to manually adjust the stops so that the tailgate will open again. I shouldn't have to do this. I'm not the only one with these issues everyone is.

Filed Aug 21, 2007 · Engine · 39,880 miles · GA

Head gasket blown on 2004 pontiac aztek rally, 3.4l engine, 39,880 miles. I bought this car used 3 months ago with 37,000 miles at southtowne hyundai in riverdale, ga - 770‑471‑1000. They told me the car was mechanically sound and had passed a 60-point inspection. Recently, upon driving up a 5-mile hill, about midway the car started overheating. I let it cool down, turned off the A/C, turned on the heater and drove back approx. 5 miles to the nearest service station. The car did not indicate any more overheating. Tech's could not find a leak. There was no more overheating until a couple of weeks later. On my way to get an oil change, it happened again. Took it to pontiac service department. They diagnosed a blown head gasket. I researched the internet, this seems to be a common failure for this particular car. Pontiac said it will fix free of charge if I pay $1,100 for maintenance service (replacing all fluids - which had been done 3,000 miles ago at the southtowne hyundai). Lucky for me, the head gasket did not blow on a highway or heavy traffic but close to the dealership. I am now waiting for repairs through pontiac.