RoadVitals

1994 Pontiac Firebird Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

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.
59
Latest Jul 8, 2015
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
16
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.
20

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

  • 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.

17
reports

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

NHTSA ID 10135716 · filed Sep 7, 2005

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

NHTSA ID 10100748 · filed Nov 30, 2004
All 17 reports naming fuel system

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

10
reports

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.

NHTSA ID 732668 · filed Sep 27, 2000

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.

NHTSA ID 718170 · filed Feb 1, 2000
All 10 reports naming brakes

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

7
reports

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

NHTSA ID 10135716 · filed Sep 7, 2005

POSSIBLE ENGINE FAILURE RESULTED IN ENGINE FIRE. *MJS

NHTSA ID 551602 · filed Mar 29, 2000

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.

6
reports

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.

NHTSA ID 10191052 · filed May 17, 2007

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

NHTSA ID 763428 · filed Jun 25, 2002

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.

6
reports

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

NHTSA ID 10353218 · filed Aug 31, 2010

IT TAKES 3 TIMES BEFORE I START MY CAR SO WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT? *AK

NHTSA ID 733107 · filed Oct 1, 2000

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.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

CAR WAS TOWED TO DEALERSHIP 11/24/99 FOR SAME PROBLEM.

NHTSA ID 715548 · filed Dec 2, 1999

INTERMITTENT STEERING CLOUMN SNAP OR CLICK NOISE WHEN TURNING WHEEL.

NHTSA ID 709154 · filed Jul 25, 1999

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.

4
reports

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 ?

NHTSA ID 10732601 · filed Jul 8, 2015

WHILE DRIVING AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATES ON DASH. LIGHT CONTINUOUSLY STAYS ON. VEHICLE WILL BE TAKING TO DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

NHTSA ID 8002965 · filed Jan 28, 2002

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.

3
reports

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.

NHTSA ID 732668 · filed Sep 27, 2000

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

NHTSA ID 819730 · filed Dec 4, 1997

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.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

REAR AXLE BROKE, WHEEL FELL OFF

NHTSA ID 715367 · filed Nov 29, 1999

DRIVESHAFT BEARING FAILED.

NHTSA ID 528581 · filed Jan 21, 1998

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.

2
reports

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

NHTSA ID 559708 · filed Feb 15, 2001

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 )

NHTSA ID 730262 · filed Sep 5, 2000

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.

1
report

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

NHTSA ID 819730 · filed Dec 4, 1997

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

NHTSA ID 742320 · filed Mar 12, 2001

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.

1
report

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

NHTSA ID 819730 · filed Dec 4, 1997

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

HEADLIGHT DOORS MAKE LOUD NOISE WHEN TURNING ON OF OFF HEADLIGHTS. *AK

NHTSA ID 737907 · filed Dec 17, 2000

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

AIR CONDITIONER STOPPED WORKING DUE TO COMPRESSOR FAILURE.

NHTSA ID 709155 · filed Jul 25, 1999

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.

1
report

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

NHTSA ID 841743 · filed Jul 7, 1999

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

Data on this page last refreshed .