Model year guide

2004 Pontiac aztek

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2004 Pontiac aztek is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 3 on record.

2004 Pontiac aztek — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2004 Pontiac aztek at a glance

Safety recalls4
Owner complaints67
Combined18–20 mpg

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2004 Pontiac aztek recalls 4

Fuel System, Gasoline:storage NHTSA Campaign #07V349000 · manufacturer #06230 · 08/08/2007

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, VARIATIONS IN THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS OR EXPOSURE TO HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURES MAY LEAD TO FRACTURE OF THE FUEL TANK INLET CHECK VALVE (ICV).

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK. THE RECALL WILL BE MAILED IN TWO PHASES WITH THE FIRST PHASE BEGINNING ON DECEMBER 4, 2007. THE SECOND PHASE WILL BE MAILED ON DECEMBER 13, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080; CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668. THE VEHICLE PO…

Fuel System, Other:storage:tank Assembly:pressure Relief Devices NHTSA Campaign #07E021000 · 12/03/2007

CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.

Fix: DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.

Electrical System:ignition NHTSA Campaign #05V157000 · manufacturer #05014 · 20/04/2005

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, CONTAMINATION ON IGNITION RELAY CONTACTS CAN CAUSE HIGH RESISTANCE. THIS CAN AFFECT SIGNALS TO THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE AND, COULD CAUSE INTERMITTENT VEHICLE STALLS AT ANY TIME.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION RELAY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 4, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668 AND BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080.

Fuel System, Gasoline:storage NHTSA Campaign #03V454000 · manufacturer #03055 · 10/11/2003

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, A WELD BETWEEN THE FUEL TANK INLET CHECK VALVE AND THE FUEL TANK CAN FAIL.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SERIAL NUMBER OF THE FUEL TANK TO SEE IF IT IS ON THE LIST OF AFFECTED TANKS. IF THE SERIAL NUMBER MATCHES, THE FUEL TANK WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 4, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080 OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2004 Pontiac aztek common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 67 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Fuel System
Sniff for fuel odor, check for leaks, hard starts or stalling, and confirm the fuel gauge reads correctly.

2004 Pontiac aztek safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Frontal — driver★★★★★
Frontal — passenger★★★★★
Side — front seat★★★★★
Side — rear seat★★★★★
Frontal crash test — 2004 Pontiac Aztek 4-DR.Frontal crash test
Side barrier test — 2004 Pontiac Aztek 4-DR.Side barrier test

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2004 Pontiac Aztek 4-DR.. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2004 Pontiac aztek MPG & running costs

Combined18–20 mpg
City17 mpg
Highway23 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,525
EPA size classSport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$5,625 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 2 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2004 Pontiac aztek costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$17,625
Fuel only$17,625
Per mile$0.24

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Dimensions & weight

Length
182.3 in
Width
73.6 in
Height
66.5 in
Wheelbase
108.3 in
Curb weight
3,779 lb
Front track
62.6 in
Rear track
63.8 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2004 Pontiac aztek. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 3

FUEL TANK LEAKAGE Closed

GM IS RECALLING (NHTSA RECALL NO. 07V-349) CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2002-2004 BUICK RENDEZVOUS, CHEVROLET VENTURE (REGULAR WHEELBASE) AND 2001-2004 PONTIAC AZTEK AND MONTANA (REGULAR WHEELBASE) VEHICLES TO REPLACE FUEL TANKS AND CORRECT A DEFECT THAT MAY ALLOW FUEL LEAKAGE. THE VEHICLE RECALL POPULATION IS RENDEZVOUS AND AZTEK VEHICLES BUILT IN MAY 2003, VENTURE AND MONTANA VEHICLE BUILT IN JUNE THROUGH AUGUST 2002 AN…

NHTSA #EA07006 · Fuel System, Gasoline · opened Apr 2007 · closed Sep 2007

FUEL TANK LEAKAGE Closed

CERTAIN SUBJECT VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT LEAKAGE OF ODOR AND/OR FUEL FROM THE LOWER PORTION OF THE FUEL TANK INLET FILLER PIPE (INLET CHECK VALVE). THE INLET CHECK VALVE (ICV) AND THE FUEL TANK ARE JOINED TOGETHER USING A HOT PLATE WELDING PROCESS FOR PLASTIC PARTS. GM REPORTS THAT ITS ANALYSIS OF FIELD RETURNED PARTS SHOW EVIDENCE OF PROCESS VARIATIONS FOR DIFFERENT MANUFACTURING PERIODS. THESE VARIATIONS PRODUCED SOME…

NHTSA #RQ06009 · Fuel System, Gasoline · opened Dec 2006 · closed Apr 2007

IGNITION RELAY FAILURE Closed

ON NOVEMBER 10, 2004, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO INVESTIGATE THE FAILURE, MALFUNCTION, OR OTHER UNSATISFACTORY PERFORMANCE OF THE ENGINE CONTROL SYSTEM WHICH MAY RESULT IN ENGINE STALLING IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2004 BUICK RENDEZVOUS (GMT250) AND PONTIAC AZTEK (GMT250) VEHICLES ALLEGEDLY CAUSED BY IGNITION RELAY FAILURE. ODI IS AWARE OF 68 NON-DUPLICATIVE COMPLAINT…

NHTSA #PE04075 · Electrical System · opened Nov 2004 · closed Apr 2005

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 432

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 432.

This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.

Bulletin PIP5601C · Jul 2025

This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.

Bulletin 23-NA-001 · Electrical System · Mar 2025

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 record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment…

Bulletin PIP5358D · Feb 2025

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, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester  and Vehicle Data Record…

Bulletin PIP4723J · Electrical System · Oct 2024

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 Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures…

Bulletin PIT5099H · Sep 2024

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 Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures…

Bulletin PIT5099H · Sep 2024

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in que…

Bulletin PIT3271P · Sep 2024

Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exc…

Bulletin General Communication · Electrical System · Aug 2024

This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.

Bulletin 18-NA-099 · Jun 2024

This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.

Bulletin 24-NA-098 · Electrical System · Jun 2024

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the AZTEK. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

Canadian recalls 3

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2004 Pontiac aztek. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.

Suspension

On certain Aztek (AWD), Montana (AWD), Relay (AWD), RendezVous (AWD), RendezVous (FWD), Silhouette (AWD), Terraza (AWD), Terraza (FWD), Uplander (AWD) and Venture (AWD) vehicles equipped with independent rear suspension, when operated in extreme cold temperature and on rough roads, water and salt can intrude past the ball joint seal. The combination of theses conditions may the…

Transport Canada #2006199 · Aug 2006

Electrical

On certain vehicles, contamination on ignition relay contacts can cause high resistance. This can affect signals to the powertrain control module, which could result in intermittent engine stalling. In some cases, the vehicle cannot be restarted immediately. If this were to occur, it could result in a vehicle crash. Correction: Dealers will replace the ignition relay.

Transport Canada #2005113 · Apr 2005

Fuel System

On certain vehicles, a weld between the fuel tank inlet valve and the fuel tank was not made to specification and can fail. If these parts separate, the driver may notice an odour of fuel, the Service Engine Soon or Check Engine light may illuminate, and/or fuel may leak onto the ground. If a sufficient amount of fuel leaked and if an ignition source were present, a vehicle fir…

Transport Canada #2003266 · Nov 2003

Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.

About the Pontiac aztek

The Pontiac Aztek is a mid-size crossover SUV marketed by General Motors introduced in 2000 for the 2001 to 2005 model years. As a four-door crossover with front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive, the Aztek featured a four-speed automatic transmission with a V6 engine. Marketed by Pontiac as a "sport recreational vehicle," the Aztek used a shortened platform shared with GM's minivans featuring 94 cubic feet of cargo room with its rear seats removed. The design employed conventional rear outswing doors rather than sliding doors, and a split rear tailgate, the lower section formed with seat indentations and cupholders. Other features included a front center console that doubled as a rem…

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

2004 Pontiac aztek trims & engines on record

Engines
3.4L 6-cyl

2004 Pontiac aztek vehicles on record

Other Pontiac aztek model years

2004 Pontiac aztek — frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 Pontiac aztek have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2004 Pontiac aztek. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 2004 Pontiac aztek?

Across all 67 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, service brakes, hydraulic.

What is the 2004 Pontiac aztek safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2004 Pontiac aztek crash-test ratings of frontal 3★, side 5★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 2004 Pontiac aztek get?

The 2004 Pontiac aztek has U.S. EPA estimates of 18–20 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (2 versions).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.