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Engine coolingPart report

2001 Pontiac Aztek Engine cooling Problems

Complaints
28about this part
Share
13%of 216 total for the year
Median mileage
56,000miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 28 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2001 Pontiac Aztek, 13% of the 216 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 56,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“I have a 2001 aztec Pontiac. During a routine visit in a car shop, they told me my car has an intake gasket leak and they cannot repair it. They suggested me to see GM in direct and find a deal with them. How can it be possible since my car has only 60,000 miles ?”

NHTSA complaint #10168372, filed 2006-09, 60,168 miles

“I lost heat in my 2001 Pontiac Aztek, brought to repair shop, leaking intake manifold gasket was the cause. They said this is a known problem, GM has new service bulletin on it and new design. Cost to repair 794.00 car has 43203 miles. Called GM and they will not help, even though they know its a bad gasket design on and affecting about every GM vehicle with the 3.4l v^ engine. I purchased new and expect GM to cover these costs. And am curious why a recall has not been issued?”

NHTSA complaint #10104339, filed 2004-12, 43,203 miles

“I purchased my 2001 Pontiac Aztek in november of 2003. Since then it was diagnosed with a leaking gasket requiring a repair of $750, which I have since discovered is not an usual problem with this vehicle. I have also noticed some very odd things about this vehicle: 1.when on an incline, once I remove my foot from the brake pedal the vehicle immediately starts to roll back, which risks me striking anything behind me. This requires me to put my left foot on the brake and my right foot on the gas and simultaneously lift off the brake as I begin to accelerate. …”

NHTSA complaint #10102122, filed 2004-12, 52,000 miles

“- the contact owns a 2001 Pontiac aztec. The contact stated took the vehicle to the repair shop to be serviced and was informed that the head gasket needed to be replaced. The dex coolant used in her vehicle caused the head gasket to deteriorate. The contact then called the manufacturer and was told to take the vehicle to one of their mechanics. Updated 03/19/07.”

NHTSA complaint #10179337, filed 2007-01, 23,940 miles

“Upon starting when engine was cold, vehicle made loud clunking from engine compartment. Engine was shut off, dealership called. We were told to drive car to dealer. Vehicle was towed to the dealership. Upon investigation engine was found to have been manufactured with the incorrect piston rod pins causing them to not be lubricated. Engine was replaced.”

NHTSA complaint #10043408, filed 2003-10, 42,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Engine cooling: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
200513%
2004812%
20031713%
20022117%
20012813%

Other parts of the 2001 Pontiac Aztek

Electrical system
40 complaintsFuel system
39 complaintsBrakes
31 complaintsAir bags
27 complaintsEquipment
27 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
22 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
13 complaintsOther or unknown
12 complaintsTires
10 complaintsVehicle speed control
10 complaintsExterior lighting
9 complaintsSuspension
9 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2001 Pontiac Aztek

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology