Owners have filed 50 complaints
about the 1996 Pontiac Firebird with NHTSA between 1996 and 2015.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 4 of 10 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 42
Against the median year of the Pontiac Firebird. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
22% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — not reported
Too few complaints recorded a mileage to measure this.
How 1996 compares with every other Pontiac Firebird
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Apr 1996peak 4Jul 2015
NHTSA investigations into the 1996 Pontiac Firebird
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA97024Opened 13 Nov 1997Closed 29 Sep 1998VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
FUEL TUBE RETAINING CLIP FAILURE
MOST OF THE REPORTS REVIEWED IN THIS INVESTIGATION ARE FIRE INCIDENTS IN WHICH FUEL LEAKAGE HAS BEEN ALLEGED AS THE CAUSE OR THE AREA OF ORIGIN IS CONSISTENT WITH THE ALLEGED DEFECT.THERE IS NO EVIDENCE THAT THE SUBJECT CLIP WAS A FACTOR IN ANY OF THESE FIRE INCIDENTS AND NHTSA TESTING INDICATES THATBROKEN OR DISLODGED RETENTION CLIP DOES NOT RESULT IN SIGNIFICANT MOVEMENT OF THE FUEL LINE BUNDLE TOWARD THE LEFT SECONDARY AIR INJECTION CHECK VALVE.FAILURE OF THE CLIP PLACES THE FUEL LINE BUNDLE ASSEMBLY IN THE SAME CONFIGURATION AS THE 1993 MODEL YEAR LTI VEHICLES.A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND...
PE97036Opened 24 Jul 1997Closed 13 Nov 1997VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
FUEL TUB RETAINING CLIP FAILURE
OWNERS HAVE REPORTED FAILURES OF THE FUEL TUBE RETENTION CLIP THAT ATTACHES TO THE PLASTIC THROTTLE LINKAGE COVER.ACCORDING TO GM, THE SUBJECT RETENTION CLIP (P/N 12048089) WAS IMPLEMENTED IN PRODUCTION ON OCTOBER 12, 1993, TO ADDRESS A CONCERN WITH INCORRECT ASSEMBLY PLANT FUEL LINE ROUTING.MIS-ROUTED FUEL TUBES MAY FAIL FROM CONTACT WITH A HOT AIR CHECK VALVE, CREATING A FIRE HAZARD IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.GM MAINTAINS THAT NO PROBLEMS SHOULD OCCUR IF THE CLIP IS PROPERLY INSTALLED AND ISN'T MISHANDLED DURING SUBSEQUENT SERVICE OPERATIONS.SOME OWNERS HAVE ALLEGED TO ODI THAT THE SUBJECT CL...
Recalls on the 1996 Pontiac Firebird
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
07E088000
EQUIPMENT
CERTAIN HONEYWELL FRAM RACING BRAND HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 25, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 14, 2007, AND SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR VEHICLES LIST ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FILTERS ARE MARKED WITH A DATE CODE A61451 THROUGH A72571 SEQUENTIALLY. THE DATE CODE AND PART NUMBER APPEAR ON THE FILTER HOUSING. FRAM RACING HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS NOT BEARING A DATE CODE IN THIS RANGE ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL. THE GASKET OF THE OIL FILTER BECOMES MORE PLIABLE UNDER HIGH TEMPERATURES AND PRESSURES.
Risk: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE INADEQUATE SEALING AND LOSS OF ENGINE OIL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
06E065000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN AJ MOTORSPORT COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 19960805 units in Canada
Other
NOTE: FIREBIRD FORMULA AND TRANS AM WITH PERFORMANCE PACKAGE. THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT MEET LOCAL OR PROVINCIAL PASS-BY NOISE REQUIREMENTS. CORRECTION: DEALERS WILL REFLASH THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) CALIBRATION.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Statesville, NCCrash
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
1996 PONTIAC FIREBIRD SEAT BACK COLLAPSED INTO THE BACK SEAT. CONSUMER STATES THAT HE VIOLENTLY TURNED THE WHEEL TO THE LEFT ON THE HIGHWAY TO AVOID AND ACCIDENT WHEN HIS SEAT COLLAPSED INTO THE REAR SEAT CAUSING HIM TO LOSE CONTROL. *KB THE CONSUMER WAS REAR ENDED, BECAUSE WHEN THE SEAT BROKE, HE COULD NOT SEE THE ROAD AND INSTINCTIVELY APPLIED THE BRAKES. THE CONSUMER STATED THE SEAT WILL NOT LOCK IN ANY POSITION. THE CONSUMER STATED IT WASN'T THE FIRST TIME THE SEAT FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #10221739 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 57,000 milesLOS Angeles, CAFire1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH FLAMES WERE COMING FROM VEHICLE. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK *TS
NHTSA complaint #10033527 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Suwanee, GACrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
THIS IS AN ONGOING BRAKE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WHERE THE DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO STOP IN TIME, DESPITE GOOD CONDITIONS AND RELATIVELY LOW SPEED. SUMMARY DESCRIPTION: CAR DOES NOT FEEL LIKE SUFFICIENT BRAKING IS BEING PROVIDED; MORE NOTICEABLE WHEN ROTORS ARE WET. SYMPTOMS: 1) DRIVER CANNOT APPLY SUFFICIENT FORCE TO LOCK ROTORS (OR ENGAGE ANTI-LOCK SYSTEM); 2) REAR BRAKE PADS WORN COMPLETELY OUT AT 35000 MILES, WHILE FRONT PADS BARELY WORN AT ALL. OTHER RELATED FACTS: 1) HAVE PERSONALLY BLED BRAKE SYSTEM, VERIFIED NO AIR IN LINES; 2) DEALER CLAIMS SYSTEM "OPERATING AS DESIGNED" DESPITE EVIDENCE OF WORN REAR PADS; 3) AT PRESENT, CAR HAS WORN TIRES, WHICH SHOULD MAKE IT EASIER TO LOCK-UP ON WET PAVEMENT; I HAVE TO PUT BOTH FEET ON THE PEDAL AND PUSH WITH ALL MY MIGHT TO FORCE ROTORS TO LOCK (AND ANTI-LOCK SYSTEM DOES THEN ENGAGE).
NHTSA complaint #703728 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lewisville, TXFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
ELECTRICAL SHORT IN FUSE BOX MELTED FUEL LINES AND CAUSED FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #514288 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Louisville, TXFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE DRIVING. THE FUEL LINE IS TOO CLOSE TO THE ENGINE AND IT CAUSED A FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #807034 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Robertsdale, ALCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
IN WET AND DRY WEATHER THE ABS BRAKES LOCK UP. *AK CONSUMER STATES THE SECOND TIME INCIDENT HAPPENED ANOTHER VEHICLE PULLED OUT IN FRONT HIM AND CONSUMER SLAMMED ON BRAKES, THE FRONT TIRES LOCKED UP, THE TIRES LOCKED UP AND WHEN CONSUMER SLAMMED ON BRAKES THE FROONT OF VEHICLE TURNED SIDEWAYS AND THE TRUCK IN ANOTHER LANE HIT CONSUMER;S VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #805897 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Lehighton, PA
CHILD SEAT:LATCH CONNECTOR/CLIP
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A COSCO SAFETY SEAT LIGHT AND COMFY SAFETY SEAT (NA), MODEL NUMBER: IC-108BVN (NA). THE SEAT WAS MANUFACTURED ON NOVEMBER 6, 2013. THE SAFETY SEAT WAS BEING UTILIZED IN A 1996 PONTIAC FIREBIRD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BOTTOM LEFT LATCH BECAME DIFFICULT TO RELEASE WHEN REMOVING THE CHILD SEAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A SCREWDRIVER WAS NEEDED TO DEPRESS THE LATCH IN ORDER TO RELEASE THE CHILD SEAT. THE FAILURE RECURRED CONSTANTLY. THE CHILD WAS IN THE SAFETY SEAT AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN AND PURCHASE DATE WERE UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10744253 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Statesville, NCCrash
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
1996 PONTIAC FIREBIRD SEAT BACK COLLAPSED INTO THE BACK SEAT. CONSUMER STATES THAT HE VIOLENTLY TURNED THE WHEEL TO THE LEFT ON THE HIGHWAY TO AVOID AND ACCIDENT WHEN HIS SEAT COLLAPSED INTO THE REAR SEAT CAUSING HIM TO LOSE CONTROL. *KB THE CONSUMER WAS REAR ENDED, BECAUSE WHEN THE SEAT BROKE, HE COULD NOT SEE THE ROAD AND INSTINCTIVELY APPLIED THE BRAKES. THE CONSUMER STATED THE SEAT WILL NOT LOCK IN ANY POSITION. THE CONSUMER STATED IT WASN'T THE FIRST TIME THE SEAT FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #10221739 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 38,000 milesLAS Vegas, NV
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:CONCEALMENT DEVICES
THE PLASTIC GEARS THAT DRIVE THE HEADLIGHT PODS ON MY 1996 PONTIAC FIREBIRD HAVE FAILED. RETRACTION OF THE HEADLIGHT CAUSES LOUD GRINDING NOISES. OCCAISIONALLY, ONE OR OTHER OF THE HEADLIGHT PODS DOES NOT RASIE WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS ARE TURNED ON. IT CAN ONLY BE A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE THE PODS NO LONGER OPERATE AT ALL. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE GIVEN THE LOW MILEAGE OF THE VEHICLE. THE PROBLEM IS WELL KNOWN AMONG FIREBIRD OWNERS AND SOME ENTERPRISING SOUL HAS EVEN COME UP WITH A "FIX". NOTE THIS FIX REQUIRES THE DISASSEMBLY OF PARTS THAT WERE NEVER INTENDED TO BE TAKEN APART. HTTP://WWW.BFRANKER.BADZ28.COM/HEADLIGHTFIX/INDEX.HTM GM CHARGE OVER $200 DOLLARS FOR THE POD DRIVE MOTOR. THAT IS SIMPLY EXTORTION.
NHTSA complaint #10100419 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 73,000 milesFrankfort, OH
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THIS IS THE SECOND TIME I'VE HAD TO REPLACE THE MIRROR ON THE DRIVERS SIDE OF THIS CAR. THE MIRROR BREAKS OFF OF THE CONTROLS WHICH MAKES IT FLOP AROUND. YOU CAN'T USE IT TO DRIVE WITH, NOR CAN YOU GET IT TO STAY STILL. YOU CAN'T REPLACE JUST THE MIRROR EITHER. YOU HAVE TO BUY THE WHOLE PIECE (CASING AND MIRROR) THEN YOU HAVE TO HAVE IT PAINTED. GRRRRRRRRRR!
NHTSA complaint #10070677 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 73,000 milesFrankfort, OH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
THIS IS THE SECOND TIME I'VE HAD TO REPLACE THE MIRROR ON THE DRIVERS SIDE OF THIS CAR. THE MIRROR BREAKS OFF OF THE CONTROLS WHICH MAKES IT FLOP AROUND. YOU CAN'T USE IT TO DRIVE WITH, NOR CAN YOU GET IT TO STAY STILL. YOU CAN'T REPLACE JUST THE MIRROR EITHER. YOU HAVE TO BUY THE WHOLE PIECE (CASING AND MIRROR) THEN YOU HAVE TO HAVE IT PAINTED. GRRRRRRRRRR!
NHTSA complaint #10070677 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 57,000 milesLOS Angeles, CAFire1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH FLAMES WERE COMING FROM VEHICLE. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK *TS
NHTSA complaint #10033527 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dallas, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
THE SPARK PLUG WIRES GO BAD WHICH CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO MISFIRE. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST TEN TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER HAS A SAFETY CAMPAIGN FOR THIS PROBLEM FOR UP TO 70,000 MILES OR SEVEN YEARS. THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER FIXED ONE TIME AT NO COST. THE OTHER TIMES THE CONSUMER HAD TO PAY THE EXPENSES.
NHTSA complaint #10027249 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bloomington, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
WHILE PLACING KEY INSIDE OF IGNITION SWITCH VEHICLE WILL NOT START. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #8017619 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kewadin, MI
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
WHEN COLD OR DAMP OUTSIDE ENGINE IDLE WILL RACE AND STICK AT 2500 TO 3000 RPM. VEHICLE HAS MANUAL TRANSMISSION - 5 SPEED. SOMETIMES (OCASSIONALLY) TURNING OFF THE VEHICLE AND RESTARTING SOLVES THE PROBLEM, MOST TIMES NO. COULD BE DANGEROUS IN THE WINTER CAUSING EXCESS TORQUE TO REAR WHEELS.
NHTSA complaint #754168 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kewadin, MI
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
WHEN COLD OR DAMP OUTSIDE ENGINE IDLE WILL RACE AND STICK AT 2500 TO 3000 RPM. VEHICLE HAS MANUAL TRANSMISSION - 5 SPEED. SOMETIMES (OCASSIONALLY) TURNING OFF THE VEHICLE AND RESTARTING SOLVES THE PROBLEM, MOST TIMES NO. COULD BE DANGEROUS IN THE WINTER CAUSING EXCESS TORQUE TO REAR WHEELS.
NHTSA complaint #754168 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Palmdale, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
ONGOING PROBLEM WITH FUEL ODOR/VAPOR GETTING INTO VEHICLE VEHICLE BEEN IN DEALER SHOP ON FOUR OCCASIONS, AND STILL UNABLE TO LOCATE CAUSE. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS ON THIS MATTER.
NHTSA complaint #880176 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Baton Rouge, LA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
WHILE DRIVING CAR STARTED HESITATING AND ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON DUE TO A DEFECTIVE WATER PUMP. VEHICLE HAS HAD 3 WATER PUMPS PREVIOUSLY. PROBLEM STILL EXISTS.
NHTSA complaint #870117 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Baton Rouge, LA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
WHILE DRIVING CAR STARTED HESITATING AND ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON DUE TO A DEFECTIVE WATER PUMP. VEHICLE HAS HAD 3 WATER PUMPS PREVIOUSLY. PROBLEM STILL EXISTS.
NHTSA complaint #870117 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Port Huron, MI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
DEALER SAID - NO RECALL ON THIS COMPONENT. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED IN SUMMARY.
NHTSA complaint #727001 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
OAK View, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
DEFECT IN THE WIRING HARNESS CAUSING FUSES TO BLOW OUT CONTINUALLY. MJS
NHTSA complaint #548342 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Gabriel Blvd, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
FUSE BLEW OUT AND ENGINE SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING. CONSUMER SAID THAT MECHANIC INDICATED IT WAS THE FUSE. IF ON THE FREEWAY IT COULD CAUSE A FIRE OR ACCIDENT. WHEN CONSUMER PUTS KEY IN FUSE IT WILL IMMEDIATELY BLOW OUT.
NHTSA complaint #856594 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Whitewright, TX
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
ABS WARNING LIGHT ON DASH COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY. RESTARTING CAR (1 TO 3 TIMES) MAY CORRECT PROBLEM. BRAKES ALSO SLIP ON DRY PAVEMENT CAUSING LOW TRACTION LIGHT TO COME ON AND MAY CAUSE ABS WARNING LIGHT TO COME ON.
NHTSA complaint #715379 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
NO SUMMARY
NHTSA complaint #713470 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Prince George, VA
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES
THE CABLE ON THE LT. DRIVER SIDE KEEPS BREAKING. THIS WILL BE THE THIRD TIME REPLACED. I HAVE SEEN IT BREAK BOTH TIMES, NO ONE WAS TOUCHING THE MIRROR WHEN IT HAPPENED. IT JUST "POPS" AND THE MIRROR FLIPS UP.
NHTSA complaint #713210 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
D.h.s., CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
OIL LEAKS SIMULTANEOUSLY LEAKING FROM THE FRONT,REAR,MAIN,HEAD,AND OIL PAN GASKETS.
NHTSA complaint #709072 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Port Huron, MI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
THE BRAKES ARE REPEATEDLY FAILING. WHEN STOPPING THEY WILL BEGIN TO SLOW THE VEHICLE AND THEN LET GO, ALLOWING THE VEHICLE TO PROCEED FORWARD. IT IS ESPECIALLY HAZARDOUS WHILE TURNING. THE NO TRACTION LIGHT ILLUMINATES WHEN OCCURRING. EVENTUALLY THIS COULD LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #708996 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Port Huron, MI
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
THE BRAKES ARE REPEATEDLY FAILING. WHEN STOPPING THEY WILL BEGIN TO SLOW THE VEHICLE AND THEN LET GO, ALLOWING THE VEHICLE TO PROCEED FORWARD. IT IS ESPECIALLY HAZARDOUS WHILE TURNING. THE NO TRACTION LIGHT ILLUMINATES WHEN OCCURRING. EVENTUALLY THIS COULD LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #708996 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saulsbury, NC
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES THE BRAKE LIGHTS ARE NOT ILLUMINATING. THE ELECTRONIC SPECIALIST SAYS THERE IS A SHORTAGE IN ONE OF THE TWO WIRES THAT RUNS FROM DASH TO REAR OF VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #837981 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Agawam, MA
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FIRST TRANSMISSION REPLACED AT 34000 MNUFACTURER'S WARRANTY, SECOND TRANSMISSION BEING REPLACED WITH ONLY 40,000 MI ON IT. MANUFACTURER WILL ONLY PAY 1/3 OF $2,200 COST. SAME PROBLEM ON BOTH TRANSMISSIONS.
NHTSA complaint #705839 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Suwanee, GACrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
THIS IS AN ONGOING BRAKE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WHERE THE DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO STOP IN TIME, DESPITE GOOD CONDITIONS AND RELATIVELY LOW SPEED. SUMMARY DESCRIPTION: CAR DOES NOT FEEL LIKE SUFFICIENT BRAKING IS BEING PROVIDED; MORE NOTICEABLE WHEN ROTORS ARE WET. SYMPTOMS: 1) DRIVER CANNOT APPLY SUFFICIENT FORCE TO LOCK ROTORS (OR ENGAGE ANTI-LOCK SYSTEM); 2) REAR BRAKE PADS WORN COMPLETELY OUT AT 35000 MILES, WHILE FRONT PADS BARELY WORN AT ALL. OTHER RELATED FACTS: 1) HAVE PERSONALLY BLED BRAKE SYSTEM, VERIFIED NO AIR IN LINES; 2) DEALER CLAIMS SYSTEM "OPERATING AS DESIGNED" DESPITE EVIDENCE OF WORN REAR PADS; 3) AT PRESENT, CAR HAS WORN TIRES, WHICH SHOULD MAKE IT EASIER TO LOCK-UP ON WET PAVEMENT; I HAVE TO PUT BOTH FEET ON THE PEDAL AND PUSH WITH ALL MY MIGHT TO FORCE ROTORS TO LOCK (AND ANTI-LOCK SYSTEM DOES THEN ENGAGE).
NHTSA complaint #703728 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.