2003 Pontiac Aztek Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 6%of 128 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 120,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the steering of the 2003 Pontiac Aztek, 6% of the 128 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 120,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was driving at about 30mph when my vehicle just shut down w/o warning/symptoms. My lights still worked but the vehicle totally shut down and locked up otherwise and I coasted to a stop mid roadway. …”
NHTSA complaint #10649959, filed 2014-10, 125,000 miles“Key keeps getting stuck in ignition, steering column gets stuck.fuel tank is leaking and check engine light keeps coming on and staying along with service engine light. Fuel pump keeps going out replaced 3 times.”
NHTSA complaint #10789037, filed 2015-11, 120,000 miles“Not exactly sure of the date of these incidents, but I can smell fumes coming through the vents when I am driving, had to get this checked a few weeks ago. The mechanic said the gas was leaking replaced this part. I am still smelling something in the engine area. I am not sure what and why. The vehicle also feels like it is shaking when I apply the brakes, and the brakes are fine. It usually does it when I am braking and also when I go past 40mph. It has gotten really bad that I am thinking about getting rid of vehicle and not having a vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #10664531, filed 2014-12“1)when I removed gas cap to fill tank with gas, I heard a hissing sound coming out of the gas tank. When trying to fill tank with gas, hose kept clicking off and would not allow me to put gas in the tank. I went to a different gas station and the same thing happened. I have since been unable to use the car as I can not fill the tank. 2)this second problem has been ongoing since I purchased this car. The service engine soon light keeps coming on a regular basis. I have had this checked out each time and the mechanics always have a hard time identifying the problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10230084, filed 2008-06“I purchased a used 2003 Pontiac Aztek in oct of 2006, it has 43k miles. The next day, I noticed a squealing noise when I turned, I took it back to the dealership and was advised it was due to the vehicle being all wheel drive . About 4 days later, I noticed that when I am on an uneven road or hit a bump just right, the vehicle swerves badly, sometimes into the other lane. I called Pontiac and was advised that this is a safety hazard not just to the driver of the vehicle but to others on the roads also. They told me that I need to take it to the dealership to get a diagnosis. …”
NHTSA complaint #10176774, filed 2006-12Related recalls
- 03V052000Feb 20, 2003In some of these sport utility vehicles, the diameter of the steering column intermediate shaft is too small.Covers: Pontiac Aztek 2003, Buick Rendezvous 2003
Related service bulletins
- 10113436Feb 20, 2017This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician the steps needed to diagnose and repair the vehicles that may have unwanted or phantom phone…
Steering: other model years
Other parts of the 2003 Pontiac Aztek
36 complaintsElectrical system
25 complaintsBrakes
18 complaintsEngine cooling
17 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
14 complaintsSuspension
12 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
7 complaintsElectronic stability control
6 complaintsEngine
6 complaintsEquipment
4 complaintsExterior lighting
4 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Pontiac Aztek
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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