MotorDeets

2001 Pontiac Aztek: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2001 Pontiac Aztek: 5 recalls, 216 owner complaints and up to 20 mpg combined.

5vehicle recalls
216owner complaints
14mention a crash
20best combined mpg
2001 Pontiac Aztek
Photo: BuickCentury04 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

5 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Airbags Vehicle recall #01V026000 · 2001 · 38 vehicles

What's wrong: The passenger air bag inflator modules were built without the correct amount of generant, which produces the gas that fills the air bag. Some were built with a double load of generant and some were built without generant.

Why it matters: In the event of a crash that would trigger a passenger air bag deployment, a double load of generant can cause the inflator module to explode. If the air bag module explodes, metal and plastic debris could cause severe injury to vehicle occupant. A module with no generant would not inflate the air…

The fix: Dealers will replace the passenger air bag module. Telephone calls were made to owners on January 29, 2001. Follow up owner mailing began on April 17, 2001.

Seats Vehicle recall #01V383000 · 2001 · 75,816 vehicles

What's wrong: 225, "child restraint anchorage systems." the seat latch anchor wire diameter is greater than 6.1 mm.

Why it matters: If the connector for a latch-type child restraint is not attached correctly to the anchorage points, the restraint will not properly protect a child in the event of a crash.

The fix: Dealers will inspect the latch anchor wires and repair those with an improper diameter. Owner notification began April 10, 2002.

Airbags Vehicle recall #02V329000 · 2002 · 272 vehicles

What's wrong: On certain passenger, sport utility vehicles and MINI vans, some of these vehicles have a passenger air bag that was manufactured without a check valve pin. An air bag without the check valve pin could produce increased pressure at the onset of the air bag deployment and reduced pressure afterward.

Why it matters: This could increase the severity of injury to a person who was not properly restrained and who was close to the passenger air bag at the time of deployment. It could also reduce the ab8ility of the air bag to protect a restrained front seat passenger.

The fix: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the passenger air bag. Owner notification began December 16, 2002.

Equipment Vehicle recall #03V250000 · 2003 · 1,707,825 vehicles

What's wrong: Certain minivans, passenger and sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 225, "child restraint anchorage system." the owner's manual does not explain the meaning of the location symbols for the child restraint lower universal anchorage system.

Why it matters: This does not meet the requirements of the standard.

The fix: Owners will be provided with a supplement for their owner's manual. This supplement describes and shows the location symbols for the child restraint anchors that are located in the vehicle and on the child restraint or booster cushion. Owner notification began August 18, 2003. Owners should contact…

Fuel system Vehicle recall #07V349000 · 2007 · 20,594 vehicles

What's 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).

Why it matters: 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.

The fix: 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.

1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Fuel system (other) Equipment recall #07E021000 · 2007 · 742 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

Why it matters: Fuel May leak, possibly resulting in a fire.

The fix: Delphi will notify owners and replace the upr free of charge. The recall began on April 23, 2007. Owners can contact delphi at 877-411-8770.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 6 mention a fire, 18 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Electrical40
Fuel system29
Engine & cooling28
Airbags27
Brakes (hydraulic)27
Equipment27
Transmission & drivetrain22
Visibility (wipers, glass)13

What owners describe

The 2001 Pontiac Aztek has 216 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 5 Aztek model years for complaints (1.9× the average Aztek year). Complaints peaked in 2004 (44 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 60,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2002 (121 complaints, 2 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
3.4 L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive172420Regular
3.4 L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive162319Regular

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2001 Pontiac Aztek.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

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FAQ

Does the 2001 Pontiac Aztek have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 5 vehicle recalls for the 2001 Pontiac Aztek, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2001 Pontiac Aztek problems?

Owners have filed 216 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (40), fuel system (29), engine & cooling (28).

What gas mileage does the 2001 Pontiac Aztek get?

EPA ratings run up to 20 mpg combined (3.4 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2001 Pontiac Aztek repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Aztek years

20012002200320042005