RoadVitals

1984 Pontiac Firebird

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
11
Latest May 18, 2007
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
8
Latest Oct 24, 2007
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
8
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
0

Overview

Our database contains 11 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1984 Pontiac Firebird, most frequently naming the body & structure, brakes and seat belts categories. 8 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 8 NHTSA investigations name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Body & structure422.2%
  • Brakes422.2%
  • Seat belts422.2%
  • Interior & seats316.7%
  • Fuel system15.6%
  • Suspension15.6%
  • Tires & wheels15.6%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

8 campaigns cover this model year

View all 8

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
07E088000

EQUIPMENT

Oct 24, 2007
121,680 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE INADEQUATE SEALING AND LOSS OF ENGINE OIL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
The remedy: HONEYWELL WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED OIL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING NOVEMBER 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-890-2075.
HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.View on NHTSA.gov
06E043000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

May 19, 2006
88,303 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
The risk: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
The remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.View on NHTSA.gov
91V055000

PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL

Apr 11, 1991
179,036 units potentially affected
The defect: PARKING BRAKE ADJUSTER FAILS TO OPERATE AND DO NOT WORK AFTER BRAKE PAD WEAR.
The risk: PARKING BRAKES WILL NOT COMPLETELY HOLD A PARKED VEHICLEWHEN PARKED ON A SLOPE, CAUSING UNINTENDED VEHICLE ROLLAWAY WHICH COULD RESULTIN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
The remedy: REPLACE NONFUNCTIONING PARKING BRAKE ADJUSTERS.
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

EA90012ClosedEngineering Analysis

REAR AXLE SHAFT FAILURE

Opened Feb 28, 1990
Closed Apr 24, 1991

There is no summary currently available

POWER TRAIN
C90001ClosedInvestigation

REAR DISC BRAKES

Opened Feb 21, 1990
Closed Jul 31, 1991

There is no summary currently available

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
EA90001ClosedEngineering Analysis

SAFETY BUCKLE BREAKAGE

Opened Oct 3, 1989
Closed Jul 10, 1990

There is no summary currently available

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLYLed to recall 90V105000
PE89148ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

SAFETY BELT BUCKLE BREAKAG

Opened Aug 1, 1989
Closed Oct 3, 1989

SUMMARY:REPORTEDLY THE PLASTIC BUCKLE COVER BREAKS AND PIECES FALLINTO THE BUCKLE MECHANISM MAKING THE BUCKLE INOPERATIVE.===

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 11
BrakesFuel systemInterior & seats+2 more
Filed May 18, 2007

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1984 PONTIAC FIREBIRD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER WILL NOT REPAIR, REPLACE, OR PROVIDE REFUNDS ON RECALL REPAIRS PERTAINING TO HIS VEHICLE'S YEAR, MAKE, AND MODEL. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VIN IS OUT OF RANGE AND IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALLS. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT THE DEALER IS BEING DISHONEST. HE STATED THAT THERE ARE SEVEN RECALLS ISSUED ON HIS VEHICLE. THOSE RECALLS ARE AS FOLLOWS: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL, SEAT BELTS: REAR:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY, SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING, SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS, AND, WHEELS:CAP/COVER/HUB. THE ENGINE SIZE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 100,000.

NHTSA ID
10191189
Incident
May 14, 2007
Mileage
100,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Aug 23, 2000

WHILE DRIVING HIT A POTHOLE AND WHEELS STARTED TO WOBBLE FROM SIDE TO SIDE. CONSUMER COULD NOT STEER PROPERLY,. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP, AND MECHANIC INDICATED THAT FRAME RAIL WAS CRACKED WHICH WAS LOCATED BEHIND STEERING BOX.*AK

NHTSA ID
868474
Incident
Aug 1, 2000
BrakesSeat belts
Filed Jan 16, 2000

I AM NOT SURE THAT THIS IS A NECCESSARY FILING. I WAS RESEARCHING RECALLS FOR A USED CAR THAT I PURCHASED AND WANTED TO CONFIRM THAT THE VEHICLE DID IN FACT HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE COMPONENTS INDICATED. IF I AM GOING ABOUT THE PROCEDURE IN A WRONG MANNER PLEASE ADVISE(AND DIRECT). NO SAFETY DEFECT (S) LISTED IN SUMMARY. *AK

NHTSA ID
717410
Incident
Dec 3, 1999
Filed Apr 30, 1999

NO SUMMARY

NHTSA ID
706125
Body & structure
Filed Dec 31, 1998

NO SUMMARY PROVIDED BY CONSUMER

NHTSA ID
701759
Body & structure
Filed Jul 21, 1998

CONSUMER WAS MAKING A ROUTINE SERVICE INSPECTION OF VEHICLE WHEN NOTICED THE FRAME WAS BROKEN AT THE STEERING BOX. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK

NHTSA ID
825679
Incident
Jul 2, 1998
Interior & seatsSuspension
Filed Feb 25, 1998

VEHICLE CHASSIS IS RATED AT 18,340 LBS BUT IS ADVERTISED AT 19,840 LBS.

NHTSA ID
531506
BrakesInterior & seatsSeat belts
Filed Feb 4, 1998

FRONT SEAT BACK, SEAT BELT, AND REAR BRAKE FAILURE.

NHTSA ID
531419

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Pontiac Firebird by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2002211039.3
2001240034.6
2000240046.9
1999471043.5
1998630040.7
1997493258.7
1996412259.7
1995843263.9
1994593267.3
1993183057.4
1992274048.0
1991275361.4
1990940—
1989204057.8
1988104450.6
1987103765.5
1986194760.3
1985166971.5
1984Viewing118854.8
1983435—
1982344—
1981021—
1980131—
1979231—
1978321—
1977121—
1976131—
1975021—
1974040—
1973020—
1972010—
1971010—
1970010—
1969020—
1968020—
1967010—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.