Before you buy
This 2004 Pontiac Aztek has 67 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Electrical Faults.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2004 Pontiac Aztek Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 2 2004 Pontiac Aztek trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 2 trims analysed.
2004 Pontiac Aztek Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2004 Pontiac Aztek has 67 owner complaints, 5 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Electrical Faults. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Pontiac
- Model
- Aztek
- Model year
- 2004
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 67
- Crash-related complaints
- 5
- Safety recall campaigns
- 4
- Top reported component
- Electrical Faults
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 20
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 17 / 24
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- No
Common problems
Most common 2004 Pontiac Aztek problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Electrical Faults
Engine Problems
Brake System
Complaint patterns center on Electrical Faults, Engine Problems, Brake System. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2004 Pontiac Aztek?
This PONTIAC AZTEK year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection.
Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs.
May Suit
This year may suit buyers who prioritize complete maintenance records and pass a pre-purchase inspection.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers who want a lower-risk ownership profile may prefer comparing nearby model years before committing.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2004 Pontiac Aztek
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the most frequently reported complaint components on this model year
- Confirm recall repairs were completed and documented
- Check for accident damage, title brands, and mileage inconsistencies on the exact VIN
Before You Close the Deal
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2004 Pontiac Aztek, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
The PONTIAC AZTEK has 67 NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. 5 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Recall context: 4 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase.
- 67 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 4 federal recall campaigns
- 5 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Full breakdown
All 2004 Pontiac Aztek complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2004 Pontiac Aztek. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Faults | 15 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 13 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 12 | 1 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 9 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 5 | 5 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Other | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2004 Pontiac Aztek. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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 …
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 RE…
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 H…
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 O…
"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 …
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, …
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. THE…
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. THE…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 PONTIAC AZTEK. WHILE REFUELING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT WAS NOTIFIED THAT FUEL WAS SPILLING ONTO THE GROUND. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE WELD OF THE FUEL LINE WAS FRACTURED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN N…
I HAVE BEEN HAVIBG ISSUES WITH MY CALL STALLING AND FUEL LEAKAGE FPR AWHILE NOW AND WHILE CHECKING THE WEBSITE FOR RECALLS I NOTICED THERE WERE 4 RECALLS ON MY CAR. WHEN CALLED TO TRY AND HAVE THE RECALLS FIXED, I WAS TOLD THAT MY CARS VIN WASN'T ON THE LIST FOR ANY RECALLS. BUT …
DRIVING CAR ON ROAD AND CAR QUIT RUNNING, ELECTRICAL STARTED FLASHING. PULLED OVER AND IGNITION SWITCH WOULD ONLY GO TO ACC. MODE, IT WOULD NOT TURN TO OFF POSITION. I HAD CAR TOWED TO MY HOUSE. THE IGNITION WILL ONLY GO TO ACC. MODE WILL NOT TURN TO OFF POSITION WHERE KEY CAN BE…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 PONTIAC AZTEK. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY AND THE CHECK ENGINE, FUEL TANK, AND FUEL PRESSURE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE…
SEEMS LIKE THE VAN HAS BEEN LEAKING FUEL FOR SOMETIME NOW AS AN ODOR OF GAS COULD BE SMELLED WHEN DRIVING BUT NEVER REALIZED IT UNTIL THE VAN WAS PARKED ON THE CARPORT AND SAW A PUDDLE OF FUEL ON THE GROUND. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 PONTIAC AZTEK. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANU…
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 STIL…
THE GAUGES MESSED UP FIRST NONE OF THE GAUGES WORK SOMETIMES THE SPEED ODOMETER WILL MOVE BUT DOES NOT WORK . THE CAR ALSO WHEN ACCELRATING THE GAS IT WONT GO THE WAY IT SHOULD IT TAKES ALONG TIME TO BUILD UP SPEED. I HAVE SPENT A LOT OF MONEY ON THIS CAR TRYING TO GET IT TO…
THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED BURNING DRIVERS CLOTHES ON THE LEFT WRIST. THE DRIVERS RIGHT KNEECAP WAS FRACTURED BY HITTING THE DASH WHEN THE VEHICLE STRUCK A POWER POLE. *TR
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2004 Pontiac Aztek.
Safety recalls
2004 Pontiac Aztek recalls
4 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2004 Pontiac Aztek. 4 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2004 Pontiac Aztek buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2004 Pontiac Aztek reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 67 owner complaints, 5 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns for this model year. This PONTIAC AZTEK year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Pontiac Aztek?▾
#1: Electrical Faults (15 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (13 complaints). #3: Brake System (12 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2004 Pontiac Aztek?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2004 Pontiac Aztek?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2004 Pontiac Aztek, NHTSA complaints include 5 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 67 total complaints. 6 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2004 Pontiac Aztek have any recalls?▾
Yes. 4 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2004 Pontiac Aztek. A major recall area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION. 4 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2004 Pontiac Aztek?▾
This PONTIAC AZTEK year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs. Pay extra attention to Electrical Faults during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpectorAI.
Wider context: See the full Pontiac Aztek reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.