Looking at a Specific 2003 PONTIAC AZTEK?
Start here...enter its VIN for a free vehicle history record check.


Safety and Reliability Ratings > 2003 > Pontiac > AZTEK

2003 PONTIAC AZTEK
4 Dr. Wagon/Sport Utility
All wheel drive


CARFAX has collected the industry's leading used car safety and reliability ratings into one, convenient report. With this report, you'll know the safety and reliability of your next used car. All information presented in this report is specific to the 2003 PONTIAC AZTEK. Please view the CARFAX Vehicle History Report for the detailed history of a specific used PONTIAC.

 

CARFAX Safety Section One  Safety:

This information will help you select a vehicle model that meets your expectations for safety and security.

CARFAX Safety Section Two  Reliability:

Use this information to check how reliable a vehicle model is before you buy.


Let us do the work!
Be the first to know about 2003 PONTIAC AZTEK vehicles just listed for sale in your area.

Heading Graphic Print the Report

NHTSA Crash Test Results National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration
Divider image
 
Frontal Crash: Rating:   NHTSA Five Star Legend
Driver Rating 3 of 5  
Passenger Rating 4 of 5  
Side Crash: Rating:  
Front Seat Not Tested  
Rear Seat Not Tested  
Rollover Resistance: Rating:  
Rollover Resistance Rating 3 of 5  

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides 3 different ratings - full-width frontal crash test , side impact crash test , and rollover resistance . The frontal crash test indicates how well the safety features and restraints will protect an occupant in a head-on collision. The side-impact test conveys the chance of a severe chest injury, while the rollover resistance rating estimates the risk of rolling over in a single vehicle crash. Go to NHTSA to learn more about these results.


IIHS Crash Test Results Highway Loss Data Institute
Divider image

Frontal Offset Crash Test Rating:   4 star legend
Overall Evaluation   M
Structure/Safety Cage   A
Injury Measures  
Head/Neck   M
Chest   G
Leg/foot, left   G
Leg/foot, right   G
Restraints/dummy kinematics   M
Important: Frontal crash test ratings can be compared only among vehicles of similar weight. <p>The Pontiac Aztek was introduced in the 2001 model year and discontinued after the 2005 model year.</p> Dummy movement was reasonably well controlled. The airbag deployed late, and the dummy's head nearly hit the steering wheel through the airbag. There was too much upward steering wheel movement. Measures taken from the neck, chest, and both legs indicate low risk of injuries to these body regions in a crash of this severity. Forces on the head indicate that injuries to the head would be possible. 2001 Pontiac Aztek GT 4098 driver seat-mounted combination head and torso airbag and front right passenger seat-mounted torso airbag 108 182 74 3.4 L V6 18 25

Crash Tested Vehicle: Details | Vehicle Specifications

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) uses frontal offset and side impact crash tests to estimate the crashworthiness of a vehicle. These results are good indicators of how a frontal and side impact can structurally impact a 2003 PONTIAC AZTEK . The crashworthiness data for this 2003 PONTIAC AZTEK was provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute. Learn more about these crash test results.



Low-Speed Damage Repair Highway Loss Data Institute
Divider image

Front Crash Description: Front Crash Cost:
Front into flat barrier   Not tested by IIHS
Front into angle barrier   Not tested by IIHS
Rear Crash Description: Rear Crash Cost:
Rear into flat barrier   Not tested by IIHS
Rear into pole   Not tested by IIHS
Average Damage Per Test   Not tested by IIHS

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts four 5 mph crash tests to assess bumper performance. These results convey how well this 2003 PONTIAC AZTEK bumpers will protect the car body from damage in low-speed collisions. Low-speed damage repair costs are obtained from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute.


Injury, Collision, & Theft Indicators Highway Loss Data Institute
Divider image

Index: Score: Rating:
Injury Index 98 Average
Collision Index 80 Average
Theft Index Not rated Not rated


These scores are stated in relative terms, with 100 being the average for all cars in each category. Scores greater than 100 represent higher risk in each category. For example, an injury indicator score of 122 means that a passenger in this model is 22% more likely to be injured in an accident. The injury, collision, and theft indicators for this 2003 PONTIAC AZTEK are provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute. Learn more about these results.



Safety Recalls
Divider image

NHTSA Safety Recalls:
Important: The following recalls were issued for the 2003 PONTIAC AZTEK by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA). To find out if a specific 2003 PONTIAC AZTEK still has open recalls that require repair, CARFAX recommends contacting an authorized dealership for more information.

Recall date: 02-07-2003
Units potentially affected: 4,512
NHTSA campaign number: 03V052000
Defective part or component: STEERING
Description: IN SOME OF THESE SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE DIAMETER OF THE STEERING COLUMN INTERMEDIATE SHAFT IS TOO SMALL. THIS CONDITION COULD ALLOW THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT TO SPIN INSIDE THE STEERING COLUMN COUPLING, RESULTING IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. IF THIS WERE TO HAPPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS MOVING, A CRASH COULD RESULTING WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND REPLACE IF NECESSARY, THE STEERING COLUMN INTERMEDIATE SHAFT. OWNERS WERE NOTIFIED BY TELEPHONE ON FEBRUARY 7, 2003, WITH A FOLLOW-UP LETTER ON FEBRUARY 11, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300 OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737.
Recall date: Not reported
Units potentially affected: 1,707,825
NHTSA campaign number: 03V250000
Defective part or component: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
Description: Certain minivans, passenger and sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 225, ""child restraint anchorage system."" The owner's manual does not explain the meaning of the location symbols for the lower universal anchorage system. This does not meet the requirements of the standard. Owners will be provided with a supplement for their owner's manual. It describes and shows the location symbols for the child restraint anchors that are located in the vehicle. Owner notification is expected to begin during August 2003. Owners should contact Buick at 1-866-608-8080, Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, GMC at 1-866-996-9463, Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668, or Oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537.


This 2003 PONTIAC AZTEK safety recall information was provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Data Loss Institute and is derived from the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration list of safety recalls. Please call the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236) to report safety defects or to obtain information on cars, trucks, child seats, and highway or traffic safety. CARFAX does not review, validate or edit the information and statements provided by the National Highway Traffic and Saftey Administration, which do not represent the opinion of CARFAX.



Looking at a Specific 2003 PONTIAC AZTEK?
Start here...enter its VIN for a free vehicle history record check.


Heading Graphic Print the Report

J.D. Power Ratings
Divider image

Ownership: Rating:
Initial Ratings (up to 1 year)  
Overall Quality Rating 2 of 5
  Mechanical Quality Rating 2.5 of 5
  Feature and Accessory Quality Rating 3 of 5
  Body and Interior Quality Rating 2 of 5
Overall Appeal Rating 3 of 5
  Performance Rating 3 of 5
  Comfort Rating 3.5 of 5
  Feature and Instrument Panel Rating 3 of 5
  Style Rating 2.5 of 5
Midterm Ratings (1-3 Years)  
  Mechanical Reliability No data from source
  Feature and Accessory Reliability No data from source
  Body and Interior Reliability No data from source
Long Term Ratings (3-5 Years)  
Overall Dependability Rating 2.5 of 5
  Mechanical Dependability Rating 2 of 5
  Feature and Accessory Dependability Rating 3 of 5
  Body and Interior Dependability Rating 2.5 of 5

J.D. Power and Associates uses selected highlights from the firm's quality and customer satisfaction syndicated studies to create the Power Ratings at the model-level. These ratings and awards are based on model rankings within each vehicle segment, whereas Power Circle Ratings compare all models across segments.

All information provided by J.D. Power and Associates is proprietary information owned by J.D. Power and Associates and is protected by U.S. and international copyright law and conventions. Reproduction of this information, in whole or in part, by any means is prohibited without the express written consent of J.D. Power and Associates, other than printing copies of the JDPA content by site visitors for their personal use. J.D. Power and Associates® is a registered trademark of J.D. Power and Associates.



Identifix Reliability Ratings
Divider image
Category: Comments: Rating:
Engine Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Transmission & Driveline Occasional problems on this vehicle are failures of the Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid, the 2-3 Shift Solenoid and the Transmission Valve Body. A sticking valve in the Transmission Valve Body or a faulty solenoid can cause erratic shifting or a check engine light to come on. The Transmission Valve Body can become dirty and plugged. The cost to replace the Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid is estimated at $40.09 for parts and $292.00 for labor. The cost to remove the Transmission Valve Body, clean the passages and install a new 2-3 Shift Solenoid is estimated at $28.49 for parts and $474.50 for labor. All prices are estimated based at $65.00 per flat rate hour and do not include diagnostic time or any applicable taxes. Moderate Problems
Steering & Suspension Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Brakes Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Heating & Air Conditioning Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Starting & Charging Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Accessories Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Identifix Legend


This 2003 PONTIAC AZTEK reliability information was provided by Identifix. Identifix is the nation's largest technical support service for the aftermarket auto repair industry. CARFAX does not review, validate or edit the information and statements provided by Identifix, which do not represent the opinion of CARFAX.



Intellichoice Cost of Ownership & Value Rating Intellichoice
Divider image

Cost of Ownership (2003 - 2007):
Category:    Aztek AWD 4 Dr Sport Utility:
Depreciation $14,497
Financing $3,062
Insurance $6,720
State Fees $444
Fuel $4,587
Maintenance $2,333
Repairs $926
Total 5-Year Ownership Cost $32,569

Ownership costs are the costs to purchase and operate a vehicle over a period of time. Understanding these costs can save you money and help you make a wiser financial decision when it comes time to select a vehicle. Intellichoice is one of the leading providers of automotive information in the U.S.

Original Manufacturer Warranty
Divider image

Coverage: Years/Mileage:
Basic 3 years or 36,000 miles  
Drivetrain 3 years or 36,000 miles  
Emissions 2 years or 24,000 miles  
Corrosion 6 years or 100,000 miles  
Transferable Transferable: no cost, unlimited owners covered.  
Roadside Assistance Roadside assistance is covered for 3 years or 36,000 miles.  
Safety Belt & Inflatable Restraint No data from source  
Specific Components 8 years or 80,000 miles  
Notes: Manufacturer covers emissions components under basic warranty. Emissions coverage may vary by state. Refer to owners manual for specific details. Transferable: no cost, unlimited owners covered. Alignment and wheel balancing are considered maintenance after 7,500 miles. Basic warranty includes surface corrosion, batteries, adjustments, alternate transportation, roadside assistance, and tires. Roadside assistance is covered for 3 years or 36,000 miles.  

This 2003 PONTIAC AZTEK warranty information has been provided by J&L Warranty Pros.


Awards
Divider image

View awardees recognized by Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds.com, Polk Automotive, and J.D. Power and Associates.



Unauthorized Usage Disclaimer

CARFAX DEPENDS ON ITS SOURCES FOR THE ACCURACY AND RELIABILITY OF ITS INFORMATION. THEREFORE, NO RESPONSIBILITY IS ASSUMED BY CARFAX OR ITS AGENTS FOR ERRORS OR OMISSIONS IN THIS REPORT. CARFAX FURTHER EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

SYSTEMATIC RETRIEVAL OF THE CONTENT OR OTHER DATA FROM THIS SITE TO CREATE OR COMPILE, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, A COLLECTION, COMPILATION, DATABASE OR DIRECTORY WITHOUT THE EXPRESS WRITTEN PERMISSION OF CARFAX IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. THE CARFAX SAFETY & RELIABILITY RATINGS IS SUBJECT TO THE CARFAX.COM TERMS OF USE.

© 2008 CARFAX, Inc., an R.L. Polk & Co. All rights reserved.