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Engine coolingPart report

2002 Pontiac Aztek Engine cooling Problems

Complaints
21about this part
Share
17%of 121 total for the year
Median mileage
56,776miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 21 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2002 Pontiac Aztek, 17% of the 121 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 56,776 miles.

Example complaints

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

“I have a 2002 Pontiac Aztek and there's a ticking noise in the motor and the oil is good and all the other fluids are good. My A/C stop working and the back hatch doesn't unlock sometimes and to fix the problem I have to disconnect the battery for about 15mins or longer for it to work , can you tell me what could be the problem and how to fix it .”

NHTSA complaint #10242500, filed 2008-09, 92,402 miles

“The failure was the cooling system. Keep in mind I take good care of my cars. All of a sudden it got hot with no warning signs. After only 47000 miles, my Pontiac started to leak coolant from everywhere. So I took it to a Pontiac dealer were they seen I needed a new thermostat, water pump,and upper and lower intake gaskets and seals. After it was all said and done. I had to pay 1,200 dollars !”

NHTSA complaint #10098380, filed 2004-11, 47,000 miles

“My vehicle has repeatedly over heated so that I have to pull over on the interstate, after having the thermostat replaced, the vehicle continued to over heat so therefore I took it to the dealership where purchase. I was told I have a leak in the manifold gasget. While online researching this problem I came upon a website that indicated that a leaking manifold gasget is a commom problem with my type of vehicle along with other types made by GM”

NHTSA complaint #10121081, filed 2005-05, 56,776 miles

“Drove to work no problems, went to start up to go home 8 hours later and got nothing . Towed home and replace the starter and recharge battery(dead after trying to start it) started with a very loud knock sound from what I think is the top end , took it to dealer where bought it 28 earlier from and they sai dmotor was shot. …”

NHTSA complaint #10255242, filed 2009-01, 67,000 miles

“Dt: the caller said engine service light was on. When she took vehicle to the dealer, they said they fixed it. The caller said after picking up the vehicle that the passenger side headlight was missing. The dealer said it was stolen. The caller said the vehicle will not pass inspection. Manufacturer has not been contacted yet.”

NHTSA complaint #10136487, filed 2005-09, 66,500 miles

Related service bulletins

Engine cooling: other model years

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

Other parts of the 2002 Pontiac Aztek

Fuel system
27 complaintsSuspension
20 complaintsElectrical system
18 complaintsBrakes
16 complaintsBody and structure
11 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
10 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
9 complaintsEquipment
8 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsEngine
3 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2002 Pontiac Aztek

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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