2005 Pontiac Aztek Problems
- Complaints
- 34filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 56,000miles, 30 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 19 mpgcombined, 3.4L 6-cyl FWD · 17 city / 24 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2005 Pontiac Aztek (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 34 consumer complaints for the 2005 Pontiac Aztek. The part named most often is electrical system, with 9 complaints (26% of the total), followed by fuel system (7) and engine (4). 30 of the complaints include a mileage, and 47% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 56,000 miles. Of all complaints, 2 involved a crash, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 482 technical service bulletins for this model year. Electrical system complaints overlap with 100 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Fuel system complaints overlap with 16 technical service bulletins filed under the same part.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system9 26%
- Fuel system7 21%
- Engine4 12%
- Brakes3 8.8%
- Vehicle speed control3 8.8%
- Air bags2 5.9%
- Other or unknown2 5.9%
- Seats2 5.9%
- Steering2 5.9%
Also reported: Wheels (2), Engine cooling (1), Exterior lighting (1), Suspension (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “Key became locked in the ignition. Could not turn the car off nor remove key. Took to dealer and they kept the vehicle and placed me in a loaner. Had to replace the ignition in order to correct. Vehicle VIN was not included in any recalls related to this. Fortunately I was not charged as this was the 4th time I had to bring in the vehicle in my first 30 days of ownership.”
NHTSA complaint #10593327, filed 2014-05, 93,000 milesFuel system: “My 2005 Pontiac aztec fuel gauge has quit working properly. I never know when I start the vehicle if it will work or not. It may show empty it may go past empty and sometimes it working properly. I have done some research and the seems to be a problem with all aztecs.”
NHTSA complaint #10256834, filed 2009-01, 54,000 milesEngine: “A couple of days after purchasing the vehicle I noticed very strong odor of gas inside vehicle while in motion and it got noticeably stronger while idling. Took to dealer and they checked it placed me in a loaner. Could not find a problem. This occurred 2 more times over the course of the next week.they repaired what they believed to be the problem but I was back in less than 48 hours later and in another loaner. 4 technicians and 2 service managers later,the bottom half of the engine had to be rebuilt due to a fuel leak due to a faulty o-ring. …”
NHTSA complaint #10593326, filed 2014-05, 91,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “I have two 2005 Pontiac awd azteks . At aprox 30,000 miles each they started to vibrate .( september & october 2007 ) having just moved to the area I took them to fletches. The car started to vibrate mid october it has been in now 3 or 4 times nothing has been working for the fix . I then called Pontiac .they agreed with the dealer that there is nothing more they can do because they don't know what is causing the vibration. I was told don't take it back to fletches they will call me if they find out what to do . …”
NHTSA complaint #10222262, filed 2008-03, 29,900 milesMileage when problems were reported
47% of the 30 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 27,351 and 100,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2005 Pontiac Aztek version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aztek AWD | 3.4L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 22 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Aztek FWD | 3.4L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 17 | 24 | 19 | $3,550 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2005 Pontiac Aztek in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 482 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11020816Jul 18, 2025Other or unknown. This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- 11019074May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11019073May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11019072May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11017252Mar 28, 2025Other or unknown, Electrical system. This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.
- 11014455Feb 20, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get…
- 11011782Dec 7, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. The J-35616-64B is…
- 11009156Oct 25, 2024Electrical system. This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester…
- 11007744Sep 12, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical…
- 11007743Sep 12, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical…
Other model years of the Pontiac Aztek
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 34 | 56,000 | 0 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2004 | 67 | 48,146 | 3 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 128 | 70,000 | 3 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 121 | 65,000 | 2 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2001 | 216 | 60,000 | 5 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Pontiac Aztek model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2005 Pontiac Aztek have?
NHTSA recorded 34 consumer complaints for the 2005 Pontiac Aztek as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2005 Pontiac Aztek is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 9 complaints (26% of the total), followed by fuel system with 7.
Has the 2005 Pontiac Aztek been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2005 Pontiac Aztek get?
The EPA rates the 2005 Pontiac Aztek (Aztek FWD, 3.4L 6-cyl) at 19 mpg combined, 17 city and 24 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,550 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2005 Pontiac Aztek reported?
Among the 30 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 56,000 miles and the middle half falls between 27,351 and 100,000 miles; 47% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.