RoadVitals

1991 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.
27
Latest Dec 11, 2018
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.
5
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.
3
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
3 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 27 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1991 Pontiac Firebird, most frequently naming the fuel system, body & structure and airbags categories. 5 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 3 NHTSA investigations name it; and 4 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

  • Fuel system828.6%
  • Body & structure310.7%
  • Airbags310.7%
  • Electrical310.7%
  • Tires & wheels27.1%
  • Brakes27.1%
  • Other / unspecified13.6%
  • Powertrain (other)13.6%

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

5 campaigns cover this model year

View all 5

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
94V077000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP

Apr 25, 1994
232,988 units potentially affected
The defect: THE FUEL FILLER NECK SOLDER JOINT CAN DEVELOP CRACKS OR PIN HOLE LEAKS, WHICH DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY." THE CRACKS AND HOLES CAN ALLOW FUEL VAPOR AND FUEL LEAKAGE.
The risk: CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: GASOLINE VAPORS AND FUEL LEAKS CAN RESULT IN A FIRE IF EXPOSED TO A SOURCE OF IGNITION.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY AND REPLACE THOSE WHICH EXHIBIT THE CRACKS OR PIN HOLE LEAKS.
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.Manufacturer number 92C36View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

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

EA93005ClosedEngineering Analysis

FUEL LEAKS

Opened Jan 29, 1993
Closed Apr 26, 1994

There is no summary currently available

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGESLed to recall 94V077000
PE92073ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

FUEL TANK LEAKAGE

Opened Sep 2, 1992
Closed Jan 29, 1993

There is no summary currently available

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
DP91012ClosedDefect Petition

AXLE SHAFT AND WHEEL LUG STUDS

Opened Sep 17, 1991
Closed Jan 16, 1992

AXLE SHAFT AND WHEEL LUG STUDS

SUSPENSION

Recent owner complaints

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

View all 27
Fuel systemSeat belts
Filed Dec 11, 2018

SEAT BELT SOMETIMES LATCH AND SOMETIMES IT WON'T/ FUEL LEAK AND FUMES

NHTSA ID
11160757
Incident
Sep 28, 2018
Mileage
138,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Jul 11, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 PONTIAC FIREBIRD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS FUEL LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SOUDER JOINT WAS FRACTURED WHICH, ALLOWED FUEL TO LEAK. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 94V077000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000.

NHTSA ID
10609960
Incident
Jul 10, 2014
Mileage
135,000 mi
Driver assistance
Filed Mar 9, 2010

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 PONTIAC FIREBIRD. WHILE STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED FORWARD WITHOUT DRIVER INTENT. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO BE REPAIRED WHEN HE WAS ADVISED BY THE DEALER THAT THE DRIVERS SIDE PRESSURE SENSOR, BEHIND THE HEADLIGHT, WAS DEFECTIVE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000 AND THE CURRENT WAS 56,000. UPDATED 05/10/10 *BF THE DEALER REPLACED THE THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR. UPDATED 06/11/10*JB

NHTSA ID
10318042
Incident
Aug 14, 1995
Mileage
10,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Aug 25, 2008

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 PONTIAC FIREBIRD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FIRST TIME HE PLACED FUEL IN THE VEHICLE, GASOLINE BEGAN TO LEAK AND FUMES WERE PRESENT. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS THAT APPLIED TO HIS VIN. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS 94V077000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE: TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP) AND 06E043000 (FUEL SYSTEM: GASOLINE). THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 61,231 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,230. UPDATE 10/01/08 *CW THE GAS TANK FILLER NECK SEAM AT THE TANK LEAKED GAS. UPDATED 10/03/08. *JB

NHTSA ID
10239565
Incident
Jun 25, 2008
Mileage
60,230 mi
Fuel system
Filed Feb 2, 2006

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A GASOLINE SMELL COMING FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE IT WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. UPON INSPECTION THE MECHANIC FOUND A LEAK COMING FROM THE GASOLINE FILLER PIPE. THERE IS A NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID #94V077000, REGARDING THE GASOLINE: STORAGE TANK ASSEMBLY: FILLER PIPE AND CAP. THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL HOWEVER IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. UPDATED 3/20/2006 - *NM

NHTSA ID
10149284
Incident
Feb 1, 2006
Mileage
68,300 mi
Brakes
Filed Dec 18, 2002

WHEN APPLYING THE THE BRAKES THE VEHICLE PULSATES UP AND DOWN. CONSUMER STATES TOOK TO DEALER AND DISCOVERED THE ROTORS WERE WARPED. CAUSE IS UNKNOWN. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. TS

NHTSA ID
10001151
Airbags
Filed Aug 26, 2002
Crash reported

IN A FRONTAL COLLISION NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED ON IMPACT.*AK

NHTSA ID
8017194
Incident
Jul 19, 2002
Fuel system
Filed Aug 1, 2002

VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 94V077000 FOR FUEL TANK NECK FILLER BUT HAS SAME LEAKING PROBLEM.L PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK

NHTSA ID
8015309

Manufacturer communications

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

130089009

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)

Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules

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
1991Viewing275361.4
1990940—
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.