18th Jan 2010, 18:36
I bought my 2003 Aztek in 2009. It had high mileage (148000). I paid cash for it and it was cheap, but there were a lot of problems with it. Small stuff, like gas cap, brake fluid cap, rearview mirror, seats wouldn't recline, etc.
The dealer said they just had the lower intake gaskets replaced. Didn't know it, but this means there is a problem far more serious. First, 2 $8 gaskets cost nearly $1000 to put in. Turns out a rocker arm bolt was stripped and had to have a new head. At a dealer, that can be another $1000. Luckily my brother is a mechanic and we did it ourselves.
ABS light stays on due to a speed sensor needing replaced, check engine light on due to MAF sensor, half the lights inside don't work (on the dash) or are dim, sometimes won't release my key, sometimes won't shift from park, and the list goes on.
I've had it 5 months and these are the biggest problems. Now it has 156000. I like the car a lot when it runs problem-free. Great room and gas mileage.
14th Dec 2010, 08:00
Seem to have had many of the same problems with my 2001 Aztec, but it is a great car and I am so glad that I bought it. The thing that bothers me most is the car taking so long to heat up in the winter and overheating in the summer.
8th Feb 2011, 00:07
I purchased my 2001 Aztek in Houston in the year 2000. It has been the most dependable car I have ever owned in my entire life. It now has over 225,000 miles on it and it runs just as good today as the day I drove it off the dealer lot. I have always maintained the engine and drive train, and it has paid off. The engine, at this high mileage, does not use any oil.
I did go through the original set of tires pretty fast, but found out that it was the tires themselves that was at fault. I replaced them with cheap WalMart tires, and never had another problem.
Other than replacing the battery at 145,000 miles, I did experience a leak in the air conditioning core. This is always brought on by dragging the ground effects dam under the front of the car over an obstacle. The air dam presses on an aluminum tube at the base of the core and fractures it, causing a freon leak. I had a friend weld it back, and it worked fine.
Another problem I had at 125,000 miles was the speed control sensor went bad, which made the engine race. This was cheap to replace.
At 175,000 miles, I had to have the head gaskets replaced.
At 205,000 miles, I had to replace the fuel pump because the fuel gauge quit working.
Now I am over 225,000 miles and the car runs just as well as the day I bought it. I have no idea how much longer I will be able to drive this car, but as for now, I think it can do another 150,000 miles before it bites the dust.
5th May 2011, 21:21
I had the same problem. You have to take the plastic off the bottom of the steering wheel, and you'll see a little push button there that you have to push and hold to turn the key all the way off.. I had my husband drill a hole in the plastic big enough to stick my finger in, so I could put the plastic back on the steering wheel, and that works much better! Hope this helps.
20th Sep 2011, 16:53
I have a 2001 Aztek, and I am trying to change out the little motor that runs the heater fan. I seem to be having trouble removing the old motor; the screws rotate, but it doesn't seem to be coming out. Any suggestions?
16th Jul 2009, 18:28
I fell in love with the outside, I got my 2001 in Feb 2008 and unfortunately I am considering changing it because:
Latch issue, radio screen is not visible, engine light on, ABS light on, and after the ST hour of having it the battery came on, it was the fault of squirrels, a loose cord, the battery and many more checks from many places, so far NO real explanation.
Recently my car was not starting, keeps locking me out, and most recently the motor sound forced after 15 miles.
PROS, lots of room, fits love seats, extra big TV, 8 medium size dogs, different look, lots of storage for trinkets.