1994 Pontiac Firebird Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1994 Pontiac Firebird, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Fuel system1725.0%
- Brakes1014.7%
- Engine710.3%
- Body & structure68.8%
- Electrical68.8%
- Steering57.4%
- Airbags45.9%
- Visibility34.4%
- Powertrain (other)22.9%
- Tires & wheels22.9%
- Interior & seats11.5%
- Suspension11.5%
- Transmission11.5%
- Exterior lighting11.5%
- Heating & air conditioning11.5%
- Seat belts11.5%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE CAR ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE IS THE MAJOR THING, BUT ALSO YOU COULD ALWAYS HEAR NOISES FROM THE WHEELS GOT THEM INSPECTED TWICE AND THE PEOPLE SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG. *JB
GAS CAP FAILURE IN NORMAL USE ON 1994 PONTIAC FIREBIRD FORMULA (V8 ENGINE ). (1) THREADED PORTION OF GAS CAP, PART THAT THREADS INTO THE FILLER TUBE, BECAME SWOLLEN THRU NORMAL USE (EXPOSURE TO NORMAL GASOLINE VAPORS), TO THE POINT WHERE THE CAP WOUOLD NO LONGER THREAD PROPERLY AND SEAL. (2) SINCE THE CAP COULD NOT BE PROPERLY THREADED INTO THE FILLER TUBE, THE GAS TANK LOST PROPER PRESURIZATION/VACUUM AND THIS AFFECTED GASOLINE VAPOR RECOVERY FROM THE TANK AND ULTIMATELY, WHILE THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING, FROM THE VAPOR CANISTER. GASOLINE VAPORS WERE PRESENT IN MY GARAGE. SINCE THE SEAL WAS NOT CONTACTING THE FILLER TUBE, THERE MIGHT HAVE BEEN SOME POSSIBILITY OF GASOLINE SPILLAGE IN THE EVENT OF A ROLLOVER. (3) REPLACED THE CAP, DRIVEABILITY AND GAS MILEAGE INCREASED. CAN NO LONGER SMELL GASOLINE IN MY GARAGE. THIS COULD BE A PROBLEM IN THAT THE GAS CAP, MADE OF SOME SORT OF PLASTIC IS AFFECTED BY NORMAL GAOLINE VAPORS (THIS WOULD INCLUDE THE METHANOL ADDITIVE THAT IS FOUND AT MOST GAS STATIONS NOW-A-DAYS). THE PLASTIC SWELLS TO THE POINT THAT THE CAP IS DIFFICULT TO THREAD INTO THE FIILLER TUBE, CONSEQUENTLY, WHEN HEARING THE "THREE CLICKS", IT IS A FALSE TIGHTENING AND THE SEAL DOES NOT MAKE CONTACT WITH THE FILLER TUBE. SINCE THE SEAL DOES NOT MAKE CONTACT, DIRT AND OTHER CONTAMINATES WORK THEIR WAY UNDER THE SEAL AND FURTHER DETERIORATE IT.*AK
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE ABS DO NOT LOCK UP SOMETIMES WHEN I SLOW DOWN AT AN INTERSETION. THE DOOR SKINS ON BOTH DOORS HAVE BECOME SEPARATED SEVERSAL TIMES WHICH MAKES THE CAR DOORS NOT SHUT ALL THE WAY WHICH HAS ALMOST CAUSED ME AND OTHERS OUR LIVES. THE POWER WINDOWS AND LOCKS ALWAYS BREAK SO THAT I CAN NOT OPEN MY DOOR OR WINDOWS THEY ALSO COME OFF TRACK . THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS SCRATCH THE WINDSHIELD SO IT HAS TO BE REPLACED AND THEY DO NOT WIPE THE WHOLE WINDSHIELD WHICH LEAVES BLIND SPOTS IN MY POINT OF SIGHT CAUSING ME TO PULL OVER TO NOT CAUSE RECKS.
DISC BRAKES MISSING BACKPLATE ALLOWING RAIN TO SOAK BRAKES RESULTING IN DRASTICALLY REDUCED BRAKING POWER. GM SAYS IT IS AN UNFORTUNATE SIDE EFFECT OF SUCH A HIGH PERFORMANCE BRAKING SYSTEM. CONDENSATION IN DISTRIBUTOR CAUSES SPUTTERING. DEALER OFFERED $1000 RETROFIT TO A VENTED DISTRUBUTOR. KNOWN BIG PROBLEM WITH OPTITRONIC IGNITION. GENERAL MOTORS REFUSED TO COVER UNDER WARRANTY.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE CAR ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE IS THE MAJOR THING, BUT ALSO YOU COULD ALWAYS HEAR NOISES FROM THE WHEELS GOT THEM INSPECTED TWICE AND THE PEOPLE SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG. *JB
POSSIBLE ENGINE FAILURE RESULTED IN ENGINE FIRE. *MJS
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 PONTIAC FIREBIRD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PLASTIC CLIP ON THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE FAILED. THE CLIP ASSISTS IN PREVENTING THE FUEL LINES FROM MAKING A CONNECTION. THERE ARE EXPOSED FUEL LINES LOCATED ON THE TOP OF THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN # 93V199000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS), BUT HER VIN IS NOT INCLUDED. THE CONTACT IS AWARE OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED AND THE POSSIBILITY OF A FIRE. THE DEALER HAS NOT DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE. THE ENGINE SIZE AND FUEL SYSTEM WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 159,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 157,000.
T-TOP FLEW OFF ON I-95. THANKFULLY DID NOT HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE WHICH WOULD HAVE BEEN DISASTROUS AT THAT SPEED. HAD DRIVEN OVER 40 MILES AT HIGHWAY SPEED SINCE LAST TIME TOP WAS OFF, SO SOMEHOW IT UNLATCHED ITSELF. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAVE A 94 PONTIAC FIREBIRD 3.4 THAT IS GIVING ME A VATS PROBLEM. THE SECURITY LIGHT DOES NOT BLINK BUT THE CAR WILL NOT START FOR ANYTHING. *TR
IT TAKES 3 TIMES BEFORE I START MY CAR SO WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT? *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
CAR WAS TOWED TO DEALERSHIP 11/24/99 FOR SAME PROBLEM.
INTERMITTENT STEERING CLOUMN SNAP OR CLICK NOISE WHEN TURNING WHEEL.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
IM NOT SURE WHOM TO TALK TO? I BOUGHT A CAR FROM THIS GUY, THE PICTURE HE SENT ME WASNT THE VECHILE I BOUGHT. I PAID HIM HALF DOWN 750.00 AND FOUND OUT EVERYTHING THAT WAS WRONG WITH THE CAR. IT LOOKS LIKE THE VIN # HAS BEEN CUT OUT OF THE DASH, THE NUMBERS ON THE DOOR HAS BEEN PILLED OF AND PUT BACK ON BUT THERE OVER LAPPING, THE AIR BAGS WIRES HAVE BEEN CUT, THE STEERING WHEEL WIRES ARE HANGING OUT THE DASH IS ALL CRACKED, AND EVERYTHING HAS BEEN TAKEN OFF THE CAR. IT LOOKS NICE ON THE OUTSIDE. I TOLD HIM I WANTED MY MONEY BACK THE NEXT DAY AND TOLD HIM WHY? WHERE DO I GO TO HAVE THIS CAR LOOKED AT BECAUSE I DONT THINK IT IS WHAT IT SAYS? AND I DONT WANT TO GET IN TROUBLE FOR DRIVING A CAR THAT HAS MESSED UP VIN NUMBERS. I TOLD THE GUY I WAS TAKING HIM TO COURT, AND HE ALREADY SPENT MY MONEY AND DONT HAVE A DIME. AND IS CALLING AND THREATEN ME HE WQANTS HIS CAR OR THE REST OF THE MONEY. I DONT WANT THE CAR. I WANT MY MONEY BACK, COULD YOU HELP ME ?
WHILE DRIVING AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATES ON DASH. LIGHT CONTINUOUSLY STAYS ON. VEHICLE WILL BE TAKING TO DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE ABS DO NOT LOCK UP SOMETIMES WHEN I SLOW DOWN AT AN INTERSETION. THE DOOR SKINS ON BOTH DOORS HAVE BECOME SEPARATED SEVERSAL TIMES WHICH MAKES THE CAR DOORS NOT SHUT ALL THE WAY WHICH HAS ALMOST CAUSED ME AND OTHERS OUR LIVES. THE POWER WINDOWS AND LOCKS ALWAYS BREAK SO THAT I CAN NOT OPEN MY DOOR OR WINDOWS THEY ALSO COME OFF TRACK . THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS SCRATCH THE WINDSHIELD SO IT HAS TO BE REPLACED AND THEY DO NOT WIPE THE WHOLE WINDSHIELD WHICH LEAVES BLIND SPOTS IN MY POINT OF SIGHT CAUSING ME TO PULL OVER TO NOT CAUSE RECKS.
CLUTCH KEEPS GETTING STUCK IN GEAR ,IT WILL FREEZE ,WILL NOT BE ABLE TO SHIFT,CANNOT MOVE. HAS BEEN TO DEALER 5 TIMES. FIRST FOUR TIMES DEALER DID NOTHING ,FIFTH TIME, DEALER REPLACED WHOLE CLUTCH SYSTEM. OUT OF WARRANTY. DEALER HAS ALSO REPLACED MASTER CYLINDER DUE TO IT NOT ENGAGING, HOWEVER THIS DID NOT HELP TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, IN REVERSE AND SECOND GEAR, TRANSMISSION POPS OUT OF GEAR, DEALER REPLACED SHIFT BOOTS AND SAW THAT THE SHIFT CONTROL WAS BINDING, THERE WAS A MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION OF THE CLUTCH. GLOVE BOX LIGHT STAYS ON, CIGARETTE LIGHTER INOPERABLE, AND CASSETTE NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. VEHICLE IDLES ROUGH AND ALMOST STALLS AT TIMES. TRUNK RELEASE BROKE INSIDE OF THE DECKLID. *SLC
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
REAR AXLE BROKE, WHEEL FELL OFF
DRIVESHAFT BEARING FAILED.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
CONSUMER STATES THAT THE WIDE TIRES EQUIPPED ON THIS VEHICLE CAUSED 2 ACCIDENTS IN WHICH VEHICLE FISH-TAILED AND CONSUMER LOST CONTROL RESULTING IN A CRASH, ON ONE OCCASION CONSUMER HIT HIS HEAD, BUT WAS NOT INJURED, BOTH ACCIDENTS OCCURRED IN SNOWY, WET ROAD CONDITIONS. (TIRE MAKE/MODEL NOT PROVIDED) *SLC
DRIVING ON A HWY IN TEXAS MY FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE THREW IT'S TREAD. THIS WIPED OUT THE FRONT QUARTER OF MY CAR, AND LEFT STREAKS OF RUBBER DOWN THE LENGTH OF THE CAR. A WEEK AND A HALF LATER A SECOND TIRE OF THE SAME KIND HAD A PROBLEM. THIS TIRE EGGED ON THE TREAD OF THE TIRE. I REMOVED THE TIRE AND TOOK IT TO A DEALER WHO SAID IT WAS A BUSTED STEEL BELT, BUT HE ALSO WENT ON TO SAY THAT HE COULD NOT DO ANYTHING FOR ME. THE NEXT DAY WHILE SITTING IN MY CAR THE EGG BUSTED AND SEPARATED THE TREAD ON THIS TIRE SIMILAR TO THE FIRST. CAN YALL LOOK IN TO THIS AND TELL ME WHAT STEPS I NEED TO TAKE I RECOVERING SOME OF THE MONEY THAT I AM PUTTING OUT TO HAVE THIS DAMAGE FIXED? THANK YOU FOR ANY HELP AND/OR INFORMATION THAT YOU CAN PROVIDE.( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P21560R16 )
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
CLUTCH KEEPS GETTING STUCK IN GEAR ,IT WILL FREEZE ,WILL NOT BE ABLE TO SHIFT,CANNOT MOVE. HAS BEEN TO DEALER 5 TIMES. FIRST FOUR TIMES DEALER DID NOTHING ,FIFTH TIME, DEALER REPLACED WHOLE CLUTCH SYSTEM. OUT OF WARRANTY. DEALER HAS ALSO REPLACED MASTER CYLINDER DUE TO IT NOT ENGAGING, HOWEVER THIS DID NOT HELP TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, IN REVERSE AND SECOND GEAR, TRANSMISSION POPS OUT OF GEAR, DEALER REPLACED SHIFT BOOTS AND SAW THAT THE SHIFT CONTROL WAS BINDING, THERE WAS A MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION OF THE CLUTCH. GLOVE BOX LIGHT STAYS ON, CIGARETTE LIGHTER INOPERABLE, AND CASSETTE NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. VEHICLE IDLES ROUGH AND ALMOST STALLS AT TIMES. TRUNK RELEASE BROKE INSIDE OF THE DECKLID. *SLC
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
CLUTCH KEEPS GETTING STUCK IN GEAR ,IT WILL FREEZE ,WILL NOT BE ABLE TO SHIFT,CANNOT MOVE. HAS BEEN TO DEALER 5 TIMES. FIRST FOUR TIMES DEALER DID NOTHING ,FIFTH TIME, DEALER REPLACED WHOLE CLUTCH SYSTEM. OUT OF WARRANTY. DEALER HAS ALSO REPLACED MASTER CYLINDER DUE TO IT NOT ENGAGING, HOWEVER THIS DID NOT HELP TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, IN REVERSE AND SECOND GEAR, TRANSMISSION POPS OUT OF GEAR, DEALER REPLACED SHIFT BOOTS AND SAW THAT THE SHIFT CONTROL WAS BINDING, THERE WAS A MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION OF THE CLUTCH. GLOVE BOX LIGHT STAYS ON, CIGARETTE LIGHTER INOPERABLE, AND CASSETTE NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. VEHICLE IDLES ROUGH AND ALMOST STALLS AT TIMES. TRUNK RELEASE BROKE INSIDE OF THE DECKLID. *SLC
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
HEADLIGHT DOORS MAKE LOUD NOISE WHEN TURNING ON OF OFF HEADLIGHTS. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
AIR CONDITIONER STOPPED WORKING DUE TO COMPRESSOR FAILURE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
SHOULDER BELTS IN FRONT AND REAR OF THE VEHICLE WERE WORN OUT AND FREYED. CAR CAN NOT PASS STATE INSPECTION. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .