Owners have filed 91 complaints
about the 1998 Pontiac Firebird with NHTSA between 1998 and 2022.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 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 — 76
Against the median year of the Pontiac Firebird. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
23.1% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 0
0% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 1998 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.
Sep 1998peak 13Aug 2022
Recalls on the 1998 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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 1998170934 units in Canada
Emissions
NOTE: VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 5.7 LITRE ENGINES. THE EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION (EGR) VALVE COULD FAIL DUE TO INTERNAL CORROSION. THIS COULD RESULT IN THE VEHICLE FAILING TO MEET APPLICABLE EMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS. CORRECTION: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE EGR VALVE FOR PART NUMBER AND REPLACE, IF NECESSARY, WITH A NEW DESIGN EGR VALVE.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Houston, TXFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
SLOW LEAK OF GASOLINE COMING FROM REAR OF CAR DIDN'T NOTICE IT BUT I COULD SMELL GAS WHEN THE CAR WAS TURNED ON THE REAR WAS SMOKING BUT NOT FROM THE EXHAUST THEN FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #10498362 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 92,000 milesKokomo, INCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION. THE DUAL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED DUE TO SEVERE DAMAGE. *NM DRIVER HIT SHOULDER ON THE STEERING WHEEL THAT CAUSED A LIGAMENT TEAR, AND PASSENGER SUFFERED A CUT ON THE HEAD.
NHTSA complaint #10057367 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 92,000 milesKokomo, INCrash2 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION. THE DUAL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED DUE TO SEVERE DAMAGE. *NM DRIVER HIT SHOULDER ON THE STEERING WHEEL THAT CAUSED A LIGAMENT TEAR, AND PASSENGER SUFFERED A CUT ON THE HEAD.
NHTSA complaint #10057367 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Baton Rouge, LACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
VEHICLE WOULD FAIL TO STOP WHEN APPLYING ABS BRAKES SUDDENLY TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT AT 45MPH. HAD HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE AT 90 DEGREE ANGLE. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. DRIVER WAS INJURED, BUT NOT TREATED AT EMERGENCY ROOM, WENT TO PRIVATE DOCTOR.
NHTSA complaint #896887 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Baton Rouge, LACrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
VEHICLE WOULD FAIL TO STOP WHEN APPLYING ABS BRAKES SUDDENLY TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT AT 45MPH. HAD HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE AT 90 DEGREE ANGLE. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. DRIVER WAS INJURED, BUT NOT TREATED AT EMERGENCY ROOM, WENT TO PRIVATE DOCTOR.
NHTSA complaint #896887 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newnan, GACrash
SEATS
I WAS DRIVING AND SAW A DEER; PUT ON BRAKES MAKING THEM SOUND, DEER HIT FRONT END OF CAR TEARING OFF LEFT HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY AND MANGLING INSIDE OF LIGHT; ALSO PUSHED THE LEFT FRONT QUARTER PANEL TOWARD THE DRIVER'S DOOR WITH MINOR DENT IN THAT SECTION. TOOK CAR TO DEALER NEXT MORNING AND RECEIVED ESTIMATE. DURING THE NEXT FEW DAYS NOTICED THAT THE SEAT FELT LIKE IT WAS LOOSE WHEN TURNING SHARP CURVES AND WOULD MAKE A THUMP SOUND. CAR IN FOR REPAIRS. DEALER HAS STATED THAT THE ACCIDENT COULD NOT HAVE CAUSED THE SEAT TO BECOME LOOSE IN ITS TRACKS. BOLTS ARE TIGHT.
NHTSA complaint #742883 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Kensington, MD
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Fuel lines on this car are non-metallic. Apparently, some sharp-toothed critter bit the line causing a fuel leak as confirmed by the independent service center indicated on the uploaded invoice. There was no warning. I noticed a puddle under the differential. Replacement lines are no longer available from manufacturer. Problem must be known because repair kits (see invoice) are available. "Best" solution is replacement of existing nylon lines with metallic lines (as should have been done when the car was first manufactured). As this would be an extremely costly and impractical repair, may I suggest an alternative: cover the fuel lines with a braided stainless steel sheath. This would be effective as well as both practical and relatively inexpensive. Leaving the lines exposed risks further damage and increased possibility of fire. My car is available for inspection upon request.
NHTSA complaint #11479174 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TXFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
SLOW LEAK OF GASOLINE COMING FROM REAR OF CAR DIDN'T NOTICE IT BUT I COULD SMELL GAS WHEN THE CAR WAS TURNED ON THE REAR WAS SMOKING BUT NOT FROM THE EXHAUST THEN FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #10498362 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 78,000 milesLargo, FL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WATER WAS SEEPING INTO THE RIGHT REAR TAILLIGHT FROM RAIN CORRODING THE REFLECTIVE MATERIALS IN THE TAIL LIGHT, WHICH DIMINISHED THE ILLUMINATION. THE SERVICE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT ALERTED. UPDATED 12/1/2006 -
NHTSA complaint #10170510 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,000 milesPortage, IN
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
BOUGHT THE CAR IN JAN. OF 98, AND DIDN'T HAVE ANY PROBLEMS WITH IT UNTIL 700 MILES. THAT IS WHEN THE GAS PEDAL STUCK FOR THE FIRST TIME. IT WENT TO THE FLOOR AND I DIDN'T HAVE ANY CONTROL OVER IT. LUCKILY I WAS ON A RURAL ROAD AND SHUT THE CAR OFF AND IT STOPPED. IT HAPPENED 2 TIMES AFTER THAT, ONE TIME TAKING ME 100 MPH. THE FINAL TIME I WAS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AND HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO PUT IT IN NEUTRAL, WHICH BLEW MY MOTOR AND COST ME 4000 TO REPLACE. I WOULD APPRECIATE SOME HELP BECAUSE THIS IS A LIFE THREATING PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10140506 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,000 milesPortage, IN
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
BOUGHT THE CAR IN JAN. OF 98, AND DIDN'T HAVE ANY PROBLEMS WITH IT UNTIL 700 MILES. THAT IS WHEN THE GAS PEDAL STUCK FOR THE FIRST TIME. IT WENT TO THE FLOOR AND I DIDN'T HAVE ANY CONTROL OVER IT. LUCKILY I WAS ON A RURAL ROAD AND SHUT THE CAR OFF AND IT STOPPED. IT HAPPENED 2 TIMES AFTER THAT, ONE TIME TAKING ME 100 MPH. THE FINAL TIME I WAS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AND HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO PUT IT IN NEUTRAL, WHICH BLEW MY MOTOR AND COST ME 4000 TO REPLACE. I WOULD APPRECIATE SOME HELP BECAUSE THIS IS A LIFE THREATING PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10140506 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 61,000 milesHolland, MA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
LAST YEAR I HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. THE RIGHT HEADLIGHT MOTOR BROKE. I COULDNT AFFORD TO FIX IT. I GOT IT FIXED IN JULY 03. NOW IN SEPTEMBER 03 THE LEFT IS GONE. IM VERY UPSET WITH THIS. DONT YOU THINK GM COULD MAKE SOMETHING LAST LONGER THEN 4 OR 5 YEARS? I CANT AFFORD THIS. I JUST PUT OVER $3,OOO INTO THIS CAR BETWEEN TIRE RODS BRAKES,HEADLIGHTS, NEW PASSENGER MIRROR, UNIVERSAL JOINTS,EVERYTHING IS GOING ALL AT ONCE GIVE ME A BREAK. IM 24 AND I HAVE OWNED AN 87 & 95 FIREBIRD BESIDES THIS ONE. I LOVE THE CAR BUT SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE WITH HOW LONG STUFF LASTS IN IT. MELONY MCNEANEY
NHTSA complaint #10070840 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 92,000 milesKokomo, INCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION. THE DUAL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED DUE TO SEVERE DAMAGE. *NM DRIVER HIT SHOULDER ON THE STEERING WHEEL THAT CAUSED A LIGAMENT TEAR, AND PASSENGER SUFFERED A CUT ON THE HEAD.
NHTSA complaint #10057367 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 92,000 milesKokomo, INCrash2 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION. THE DUAL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED DUE TO SEVERE DAMAGE. *NM DRIVER HIT SHOULDER ON THE STEERING WHEEL THAT CAUSED A LIGAMENT TEAR, AND PASSENGER SUFFERED A CUT ON THE HEAD.
NHTSA complaint #10057367 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mechanicsburg, PA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS
REAR TAIL LIGHT HAS A DESIGN FLAW. IT ALLOWS MOISTURE INSIDE THE TAIL LIGHT AND HAS CAUSED PROBLEMS WITH NUMEROUS REPLACEMENT BULBS AND A BUILD-UP OF MOISTURE. I FEEL IF THIS CONTINUES, IT WILL EVENTUALLY DAMAGE THE ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE INSIDE OF THE TAIL LIGHT COVER APPEARS VERY DARK, ALMOST AS IF THE TAIL LIGHT BULB IS BURNED OUT, THEREFORE CAUSING LAW ENFORCEMENT TO FOLLOW AND WATCH MY EVERY MOVE ON SOME INSTANCES.
NHTSA complaint #10049076 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stockbridge, GA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:CONCEALMENT DEVICES
LEFT SIDE HEAD LIGHT IS OVERHEATING BURNING OUT THE AMBER BULB WHICH IS USED FOR DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT. THE MOTOR FOR RAISING AND LOWERING THE HEADLIGHT LID PERFORMS ERRATIC. THE HEADLIGHT MOTOR DOES NOT RECOGNIZE THAT THE LID HAS SHUT AND CONTINUES TO RUN. THE OWNER ALSO INDICATED THAT THE ENGINE WOULD SHUT DOWN SOMETIMES WHEN THIS HAPPENS. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TS
NHTSA complaint #8024085 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dola, OH
WHEELS:RIM
CONSUMER STATED THAT THE WHEELS RIM BASE FAILED (TIRE SIZE P235 55 R16).
NHTSA complaint #568159 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dola, OH
WHEELS:RIM
THE TIRE RIM IS CUTTING INTO TIRE. DEALER NOTIFIED.
NHTSA complaint #8020249 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wichita Falls, TX
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
HARSH 1-2 UPSHIFT, ENGINE CHECK LIGHT HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES AND CANNOT TRACE PROBLEM. CD PLAYER QUIT WORKING SOON AFTER WARRANTY EXPIRED
NHTSA complaint #764148 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wichita Falls, TX
POWER TRAIN
HARSH 1-2 UPSHIFT, ENGINE CHECK LIGHT HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES AND CANNOT TRACE PROBLEM. CD PLAYER QUIT WORKING SOON AFTER WARRANTY EXPIRED
NHTSA complaint #764148 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wichita Falls, TX
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.
HARSH 1-2 UPSHIFT, ENGINE CHECK LIGHT HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES AND CANNOT TRACE PROBLEM. CD PLAYER QUIT WORKING SOON AFTER WARRANTY EXPIRED
NHTSA complaint #764148 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pawhatan, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
BATTERY IS LINKING INTO WIRING HARNESS, AND IS HARD TO START MOTOR.
NHTSA complaint #8007756 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Baton Rouge, LACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
VEHICLE WOULD FAIL TO STOP WHEN APPLYING ABS BRAKES SUDDENLY TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT AT 45MPH. HAD HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE AT 90 DEGREE ANGLE. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. DRIVER WAS INJURED, BUT NOT TREATED AT EMERGENCY ROOM, WENT TO PRIVATE DOCTOR.
NHTSA complaint #896887 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Baton Rouge, LACrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
VEHICLE WOULD FAIL TO STOP WHEN APPLYING ABS BRAKES SUDDENLY TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT AT 45MPH. HAD HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE AT 90 DEGREE ANGLE. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. DRIVER WAS INJURED, BUT NOT TREATED AT EMERGENCY ROOM, WENT TO PRIVATE DOCTOR.
NHTSA complaint #896887 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fairview, OR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #751563 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Yukon, OK
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
SPRINGS ARE ALSO WORN OUT, HAD WINDOW MOTORS REPLACED AND THEY STILL MAKE CRUNCHING NOISES. THIS CAR STAYS AT THE PONTIAC SERVICE DEPARTMENT INSTEAD OF MY GARAGE.
NHTSA complaint #746481 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Yukon, OK
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
SPRINGS ARE ALSO WORN OUT, HAD WINDOW MOTORS REPLACED AND THEY STILL MAKE CRUNCHING NOISES. THIS CAR STAYS AT THE PONTIAC SERVICE DEPARTMENT INSTEAD OF MY GARAGE.
NHTSA complaint #746481 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
W. Bridge Water, MA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 60 MPH ENGINE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED UP TO 80 MPH. WHEN STEPPED ON BRAKE PEDAL TO REDUCE SPEED BRAKES DID NOT WORK.
NHTSA complaint #890351 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
W. Bridge Water, MA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 60 MPH ENGINE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED UP TO 80 MPH. WHEN STEPPED ON BRAKE PEDAL TO REDUCE SPEED BRAKES DID NOT WORK.
NHTSA complaint #890351 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Denver, CO
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING 50MPH STEERING STARTED TO JERK VIOLENTLY WHILE BRAKING. THIS SECOND TIME AT 26,000 MILES THAT FRONT ROTORS NEEDED REPLACING. DEALER STATED IT WAS NATURAL WEAR AND TEAR.
NHTSA complaint #888726 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newnan, GACrash
SEATS
I WAS DRIVING AND SAW A DEER; PUT ON BRAKES MAKING THEM SOUND, DEER HIT FRONT END OF CAR TEARING OFF LEFT HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY AND MANGLING INSIDE OF LIGHT; ALSO PUSHED THE LEFT FRONT QUARTER PANEL TOWARD THE DRIVER'S DOOR WITH MINOR DENT IN THAT SECTION. TOOK CAR TO DEALER NEXT MORNING AND RECEIVED ESTIMATE. DURING THE NEXT FEW DAYS NOTICED THAT THE SEAT FELT LIKE IT WAS LOOSE WHEN TURNING SHARP CURVES AND WOULD MAKE A THUMP SOUND. CAR IN FOR REPAIRS. DEALER HAS STATED THAT THE ACCIDENT COULD NOT HAVE CAUSED THE SEAT TO BECOME LOOSE IN ITS TRACKS. BOLTS ARE TIGHT.
NHTSA complaint #742883 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.