RoadVitals

1990 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.
9
Latest Dec 2, 2014
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.
4
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.
0
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.
4
5 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 9 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1990 Pontiac Firebird, most frequently naming the airbags, electrical and driver assistance categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 3 manufacturer communications are on file.

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

  • Airbags333.3%
  • Electrical222.2%
  • Driver assistance111.1%
  • Engine111.1%
  • Seat belts111.1%
  • Steering111.1%

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

4 campaigns cover this model year

View all 4

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
90V114000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Jun 12, 1990
10,297 units potentially affected
The defect: FUEL RETURN HOSES MAY BREAK AT EITHER CRIMPED COUPLING.
The risk: IF THIS COUPLING SEPARATED, ALLOWING GASOLINE TO LEAK,AND AN IGNITION SOURCE WAS PRESENT, AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE COULD OCCUR.
The remedy: INSTALL A PROPERLY CRIMPED FUEL RETURN HOSE.
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

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

View all 9
Seat belts
Filed Dec 2, 2014

INSIDE PLASTIC PARTS BROKE ON DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT. REPLACEMENT DOES NOT STAY BUCKLED. RECALLS - SEARCH RESULTS SEARCH RESULTS REPORT DATE : DECEMBER 2, 2014 AT 11:21 PM NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER : 90V105000 VEHICLE MAKE / MODEL: MODEL YEAR(S): CHEVROLET / CAMARO 1984-1990 PONTIAC / FIREBIRD 1984-1990 MANUFACTURER: GENERAL MOTORS CORP. REPORT RECEIPT DATE: MAY 14, 1990 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 90V105000 NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: EA90001 COMPONENT: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY POTENTIAL NUMBER OF UNITS AFFECTED: 1,500,000 SUMMARY: PLASTIC COMPONENTS OF SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES DO NOT CONTAIN AN ULTRA VIOLET STABILIZER, AND EXPOSURE TO DIRECT SUNLIGHT AND ELEVATED INTERIOR TEMPERATURES COULD WEAKEN THE PLASTIC COMPONENTS. CONSEQUENCE: THIS COULD RESULT IN BREAKAGE OF PLASTIC COMPONENTS WHICHCOULD PREVENT BUCKLE FROM LATCHING AND PROTECTING OCCUPANT IN A SUDDEN STOP ORACCIDENT. REMEDY: REPLACE OR REPAIR SEAT BELT BUCKLE. NOTES: SYSTEM: SEAT BELT BUCKLE.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS. *JS

NHTSA ID
10661845
Incident
Jul 16, 2014
Engine
Filed Jul 1, 1999
Fire reported

PURCHASSED CAR 9/98 FROM ACCENT AUTO ANOTHER CHANCE FINANCE, RETURNED TO DEALER WITH OVERHEATING PROBLEMS NEXT DAY. THEY SAID IT WAS A MINOR PROBLEM & SAID IT WAS FIXED. CONTINUED TO OVERHEAT, WAS BROUGHT BACK TO DEALER AT LEAST 1 TIME A MONTH. TOOK IT TO OTHER MECHANICS AND HAD MANY ITEMS FIXED BECAUSE OF OVERHEATING. FOUND OUT THAT THE ENGINE WAS NOT THE RIGHT ENGINE FOR THE CAR. CONTINUED TO HAVE HEATING PROBLEMS. THE DEALER SAID THEY WOULD REPAIR THE PROBLEM AGAIN, THEY DID NOT. THE CAR STARTED BACKFIRING AND DIED. THE DEALER TOWED THE CAR, SAID THEY WOULD PUT ANOTHER ENGINE IN. THIS TOOK 3/4WKS, I PICKED IT UP GOT TO WORK AND THE ENGINE DID THE SAME BACKFIRE & HEATING AS BEFORE. THEY TOWED IT AGAIN AND SAID THEY WOULD PUT ANOTHER ENGINE IN. I TOOK IT FOR TEST DRIVE WITH THE DEALER, IT STARTED DOING THE SAME THING, THE DEALER DROVE IT BACK TO THE LOT AS FIRE STARTED COMING OUT OF ENGINE. I WAS VERY UPSET AT THE DEALERS NON-COMPLIENCE TO FIX THE PROBLEM PROPERLY. I HAD NO USE OF THE CAR FOR 3 MONTHS. NO LONER CAR TILL LAST 3 DAYS BEFORE GETTING CAR AGAIN. TODAY IS THE SECOND DAY I HAVE HAD THE CAR BACK AND IT IS STARTING THE SAME PROBLEM. WHEN PICKED UP CAR WAS TOLD THAT I MADE THE PROBLEM BY OUTTING IN A RADIO! THEY SAID IT WAS THE ALTERNATOR AND MADE ME PAY FOR FIXING THAT PROBLEM AND TOWING COSTS. DEALER WOULD NOT GIVE ME ANY PAPER WORK ON REPAIRS THAT WERE MADE IN THE LAST 3 MONTHS. ALSO WILL NOT GIVE ME COPY OF ANYTHING THAT HAS TO DO WITH THE CAR. I AM WORRIED THAT ENGINE WILL CATCH FIRE AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. I CONTINUE TO MAKE PAYMENTS AND PAY INSURANCE ON THIS CAR. I FEEL THE CAR IS DANGERIOUS AND DEALER WILL NOT MAKE PROPER REPAIR OR GIVE ME MY MONEY BACK. I DO THINK THAT THE ENGINE WAS NEVER REPLACED OR THEY WOULD GIVE ME RECEIPTS. I KNOW THIS CAR IS AND HAS A ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS THAT HAS TO DO W/ENGINE AND ACCENT AUTO KNOWS THAT. . MY LIFE IS IN DANGER DRIVING TO AND FROM WORK. *AK

NHTSA ID
708125
Incident
May 20, 1999
Airbags
Filed Mar 4, 1996

THE AIR BAG IS COMING OUT CONSTANTLY FROM THE STEERING WHEEL FOR ANY REASON.PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK

NHTSA ID
980217
Incident
Feb 21, 1996
Airbags
Filed Mar 4, 1996

THE AIR BAG IS COMING OUT CONSTANTLY FROM THE STEERING WHEEL FOR ANY REASON.PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK

NHTSA ID
980054
Incident
Feb 21, 1996
Airbags
Filed Feb 7, 1996
Crash reported

DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY IN A FRONTAL COLLISION (12:00) AT 45 MPH. TT

NHTSA ID
978810
Incident
Dec 1, 1995
Driver assistance
Filed Dec 6, 1995

THE THROTTLE GOT STUCK WHEN VEHICLE WAS GOING 60MPH AND WOULD NOT SLOW DOWN. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT

NHTSA ID
976165
Incident
Dec 3, 1995
Electrical
Filed Apr 18, 1995
Fire reported

VEHICLE FIRE WHEN TURNING ON IGNITION, ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE. TT

NHTSA ID
963930
Incident
Mar 9, 1995
Steering
Filed Apr 18, 1995

STEERING WHEEL BROKE WHILE DRIVING AND FELL INTO DRVER'S LAP. TT

NHTSA ID
963919
Incident
Apr 7, 1995

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

020730024A

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT

DIAGNOSIS OF CRACKED OR BROKEN TRANSMISSION CASE. *TT 2006 AND PRIOR CARS AND LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS. *TT

01697

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

NO SERIAL DATA COMMUNICATIONS USING THE TECH 1 WITH A 1986 OR NEWER CAMARO, FIREBIRD OR CORVETTE WITH A 5.0 OR 5.7 LITRE ENGINE. SIT BULLETIN 1450640. *TT

876002A

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

SOME V6 ENGINES MAY, ON A VERY INFREQUENT BASIS, HAVE AN OIL ODOR CONDITION THAT IS GENERALLY ENCOUNTERED AFTER THE ENGINE'S OIL HAS BEEN CHANGED.TYPICALLY THE ODOR LASTS APPROXIMATELY 1000 MILES AFTER THE CHANGE OF OIL AND THEN DOES NOT REAPPEAR UNTIL THE NEXT CHANGE OF OIL. *TT

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

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
1990Viewing940—
1989204057.8
1988104450.6
1987103765.5
1986194760.3
1985166971.5
1984118854.8
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.