1998 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 1998 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
- Brakes2835.0%
- Airbags78.8%
- Visibility56.3%
- Driver assistance56.3%
- Exterior lighting56.3%
- Steering56.3%
- Fuel system45.0%
- Body & structure45.0%
- Electrical33.8%
- Suspension33.8%
- Other / unspecified22.5%
- Powertrain (other)22.5%
- Interior & seats22.5%
- Seat belts11.3%
- Transmission11.3%
- Engine11.3%
- Heating & air conditioning11.3%
- Tires & wheels11.3%
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
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
VEHICLE WOULD FAIL TO STOP WHEN APPLYING ABS BRAKES SUDDENLY TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT AT 45MPH. HAD HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE AT 90 DEGREE ANGLE. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. DRIVER WAS INJURED, BUT NOT TREATED AT EMERGENCY ROOM, WENT TO PRIVATE DOCTOR.*AK
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION. THE DUAL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED DUE TO SEVERE DAMAGE. *NM DRIVER HIT SHOULDER ON THE STEERING WHEEL THAT CAUSED A LIGAMENT TEAR, AND PASSENGER SUFFERED A CUT ON THE HEAD. *LA
VEHICLE WOULD FAIL TO STOP WHEN APPLYING ABS BRAKES SUDDENLY TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT AT 45MPH. HAD HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE AT 90 DEGREE ANGLE. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. DRIVER WAS INJURED, BUT NOT TREATED AT EMERGENCY ROOM, WENT TO PRIVATE DOCTOR.*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
SPRINGS ARE ALSO WORN OUT, HAD WINDOW MOTORS REPLACED AND THEY STILL MAKE CRUNCHING NOISES. THIS CAR STAYS AT THE PONTIAC SERVICE DEPARTMENT INSTEAD OF MY GARAGE. *AK
WINDSHIELD WIPER CIRCUIT BOARD FAILURE. WIPERS INTERMITTENTLY STOP WORKING. COMMON GMC PROBLEM.*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
BOUGHT THE CAR IN JAN. OF 98, AND DIDN'T HAVE ANY PROBLEMS WITH IT UNTIL 700 MILES. THAT IS WHEN THE GAS PEDAL STUCK FOR THE FIRST TIME. IT WENT TO THE FLOOR AND I DIDN'T HAVE ANY CONTROL OVER IT. LUCKILY I WAS ON A RURAL ROAD AND SHUT THE CAR OFF AND IT STOPPED. IT HAPPENED 2 TIMES AFTER THAT, ONE TIME TAKING ME 100 MPH. THE FINAL TIME I WAS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AND HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO PUT IT IN NEUTRAL, WHICH BLEW MY MOTOR AND COST ME 4000 TO REPLACE. I WOULD APPRECIATE SOME HELP BECAUSE THIS IS A LIFE THREATING PROBLEM. *JB
WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 60 MPH ENGINE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED UP TO 80 MPH. WHEN STEPPED ON BRAKE PEDAL TO REDUCE SPEED BRAKES DID NOT WORK.*AK
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
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WATER WAS SEEPING INTO THE RIGHT REAR TAILLIGHT FROM RAIN CORRODING THE REFLECTIVE MATERIALS IN THE TAIL LIGHT, WHICH DIMINISHED THE ILLUMINATION. THE SERVICE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT ALERTED. UPDATED 12/1/2006 - *NM
REAR TAIL LIGHT HAS A DESIGN FLAW. IT ALLOWS MOISTURE INSIDE THE TAIL LIGHT AND HAS CAUSED PROBLEMS WITH NUMEROUS REPLACEMENT BULBS AND A BUILD-UP OF MOISTURE. I FEEL IF THIS CONTINUES, IT WILL EVENTUALLY DAMAGE THE ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE INSIDE OF THE TAIL LIGHT COVER APPEARS VERY DARK, ALMOST AS IF THE TAIL LIGHT BULB IS BURNED OUT, THEREFORE CAUSING LAW ENFORCEMENT TO FOLLOW AND WATCH MY EVERY MOVE ON SOME INSTANCES.*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
POWER STEERING PUMP FAILED. YH
ROTORS ARE CONSTANTLY WARPING,STEERING WHEEL VIBRATES DURING STOPS. I HAVE HAD THE ROTORS TURNED 3 TIMES AND IT IS DOING IT AGAIN. MY GROUND EFFECTS ARE ALSO CONSTANTLY COMING LOOSE HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM WORKED ON ALOT AND THEY ARE LOOSE AGAIN.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
Fuel lines on this car are non-metallic. Apparently, some sharp-toothed critter bit the line causing a fuel leak as confirmed by the independent service center indicated on the uploaded invoice. There was no warning. I noticed a puddle under the differential. Replacement lines are no longer available from manufacturer. Problem must be known because repair kits (see invoice) are available. "Best" solution is replacement of existing nylon lines with metallic lines (as should have been done when the car was first manufactured). As this would be an extremely costly and impractical repair, may I suggest an alternative: cover the fuel lines with a braided stainless steel sheath. This would be effective as well as both practical and relatively inexpensive. Leaving the lines exposed risks further damage and increased possibility of fire. My car is available for inspection upon request.
SLOW LEAK OF GASOLINE COMING FROM REAR OF CAR DIDN'T NOTICE IT BUT I COULD SMELL GAS WHEN THE CAR WAS TURNED ON THE REAR WAS SMOKING BUT NOT FROM THE EXHAUST THEN FIRE. *TR
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
ROTORS ARE CONSTANTLY WARPING,STEERING WHEEL VIBRATES DURING STOPS. I HAVE HAD THE ROTORS TURNED 3 TIMES AND IT IS DOING IT AGAIN. MY GROUND EFFECTS ARE ALSO CONSTANTLY COMING LOOSE HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM WORKED ON ALOT AND THEY ARE LOOSE AGAIN.
TICKING NOISE FROM ROOF PANEL NEAR SIDES WHEN OUTSIDE OF CAR GETS HOT. DEALER STATED THAT THE BODY WELDS WERE TOO CLOSE AND INJECTED ADDITIONAL INSULATION ON FOUR SEPARATE VISITS, BUT PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. *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
HARSH 1-2 UPSHIFT, ENGINE CHECK LIGHT HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES AND CANNOT TRACE PROBLEM. CD PLAYER QUIT WORKING SOON AFTER WARRANTY EXPIRED
BATTERY IS LINKING INTO WIRING HARNESS, AND IS HARD TO START MOTOR.*AK
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
SPRINGS ARE ALSO WORN OUT, HAD WINDOW MOTORS REPLACED AND THEY STILL MAKE CRUNCHING NOISES. THIS CAR STAYS AT THE PONTIAC SERVICE DEPARTMENT INSTEAD OF MY GARAGE. *AK
FRONT RIGHT LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY BROKE BECAUSE THE RIGHT SIDE WAS LOWER THAN LEFT SIDE. MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
CONSUMER STATED THAT THE WHEELS RIM BASE FAILED (TIRE SIZE P235 55 R16). *YH
THE TIRE RIM IS CUTTING INTO TIRE. DEALER NOTIFIED. *MR
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
HARSH 1-2 UPSHIFT, ENGINE CHECK LIGHT HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES AND CANNOT TRACE PROBLEM. CD PLAYER QUIT WORKING SOON AFTER WARRANTY EXPIRED
REAR AXLE MAKES LOUD NOISES. DEALER HAS SEEN AND TRIED TO REPAIR, BUT THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. *AK
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
I WAS DRIVING AND SAW A DEER; PUT ON BRAKES MAKING THEM SOUND, DEER HIT FRONT END OF CAR TEARING OFF LEFT HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY AND MANGLING INSIDE OF LIGHT; ALSO PUSHED THE LEFT FRONT QUARTER PANEL TOWARD THE DRIVER'S DOOR WITH MINOR DENT IN THAT SECTION. TOOK CAR TO DEALER NEXT MORNING AND RECEIVED ESTIMATE. DURING THE NEXT FEW DAYS NOTICED THAT THE SEAT FELT LIKE IT WAS LOOSE WHEN TURNING SHARP CURVES AND WOULD MAKE A THUMP SOUND. CAR IN FOR REPAIRS. DEALER HAS STATED THAT THE ACCIDENT COULD NOT HAVE CAUSED THE SEAT TO BECOME LOOSE IN ITS TRACKS. BOLTS ARE TIGHT.*AK
CONSUMER GOT INTO CAR AND SMELLED SMOKE. AFTER LOOKING AROUND, FOUND THAT SMOKE WAS COMING FROM UNDER SEAT WHERE THERE WAS A FIRE. RAN BACK INTO STORE TO GET SOME WATER TO PUT IT OUT. AFTER ABOUT 15 MINUTES THE FIRE WAS OUT. THE SEAT MOTOR CAUGHT FIRE. *AK
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
DESIGN OF SEATBELT CAUSES IT TO BE VERY UNCOMFORTABLE FOR DRIVER WHO IS 5'4" TALL.
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
HARSH 1-2 UPSHIFT, ENGINE CHECK LIGHT HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES AND CANNOT TRACE PROBLEM. CD PLAYER QUIT WORKING SOON AFTER WARRANTY EXPIRED
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
BOUGHT THE CAR IN JAN. OF 98, AND DIDN'T HAVE ANY PROBLEMS WITH IT UNTIL 700 MILES. THAT IS WHEN THE GAS PEDAL STUCK FOR THE FIRST TIME. IT WENT TO THE FLOOR AND I DIDN'T HAVE ANY CONTROL OVER IT. LUCKILY I WAS ON A RURAL ROAD AND SHUT THE CAR OFF AND IT STOPPED. IT HAPPENED 2 TIMES AFTER THAT, ONE TIME TAKING ME 100 MPH. THE FINAL TIME I WAS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AND HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO PUT IT IN NEUTRAL, WHICH BLEW MY MOTOR AND COST ME 4000 TO REPLACE. I WOULD APPRECIATE SOME HELP BECAUSE THIS IS A LIFE THREATING PROBLEM. *JB
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
THE AIR COMPRESSOR HAS GONE OUT FOUR TIMES TWO OF WHICH THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE FILLED WITH SMOKE.
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
THE TIRE EXPLOSIVELY FAILED DUE TO SIDEWALL RUPTURE AT APPROX. 60 MPH ON A PORTION OF I-820 IN N. RICHLAND HILLS, TX. IT A MIRACLE THAT A MAJOR ACCIDENT DID NOT HAPPEN AS A RESULT OF THE TIRE FAILURE AND SUBSEQUENT LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.( DOT NUMBER: 48W9 6BDR TIRE SIZE: P245/50ZR1 )
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 .