2003 Pontiac Aztek: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2003 Pontiac Aztek: 3 recalls, 128 owner complaints and up to 20 mpg combined.
Recalls
3 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.
Steering Vehicle recall #03V052000 · 2003 · 4,512 vehicles
What's wrong: In some of these sport utility vehicles, the diameter of the steering column intermediate shaft is too small.
Why it matters: This condition could allow the intermediate shaft to spin inside the steering column coupling, resulting in loss of steering control of the vehicle. If this were to happen while the vehicle is moving, a crash could resulting without prior warning.
The fix: Dealers will inspect, and replace if necessary, the steering column intermediate shaft. Owners were notified by telephone on February 7, 2003, with a follow-up letter on February 11, 2003.
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, 6 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (25): the most common themes are electrical failure (12), stalls / loses power (8), fire / smoke (5).
- Fuel system (22): the most common themes are leaks (14), fire / smoke (2).
- Engine & cooling (17): the most common themes are leaks (5), stalls / loses power (3).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (14): the most common themes are noise or vibration (6).
The 2003 Pontiac Aztek has 128 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 5 Aztek model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 113). Complaints peaked in 2004 (18 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 70,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2002 (121 complaints, 2 recalls), 2004 (67 complaints, 3 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.4 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 20 | Regular |
| 3.4 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | Regular |
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 2003 Pontiac Aztek.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 2003 Pontiac Aztek have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2003 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 2003 Pontiac Aztek problems?
Owners have filed 128 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (25), fuel system (22), engine & cooling (17).
What gas mileage does the 2003 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 2003 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.