1988 Pontiac FIREBIRD problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
10 owner complaints analyzed
2 distinct recall campaigns
80,228 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 1988 model year. Data updated: . 2 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.
Most common problems
Seat Belts is the most frequently named component, appearing in 2 of 10 complaints (20.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Steering behavior | 2 | 20.0% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Seat Belts | 2 |
| Steering: Steering Wheel/Handle Bar | 2 |
| Electrical System:Ignition:Module | 1 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System | 1 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly:Filler Pipe And Cap | 1 |
| Seat Belts:Front:Buckle Assembly | 1 |
| Seat Belts:Front:Retractor | 1 |
| Structure:Body:Roof And Pillars | 1 |
Seat Belts: 2; Steering: Steering Wheel/Handle Bar: 2; Electrical System:Ignition:Module: 1; Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System: 1; Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly:Filler Pipe And Cap: 1; Seat Belts:Front:Buckle Assembly: 1; Seat Belts:Front:Retractor: 1; Structure:Body:Roof And Pillars: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 0 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 0 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 1 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 1 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 1; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 1; 150,000 and above: 0
50,000 to 74,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (1). 8 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 1995 | 1 |
| 1996 | 4 |
| 1998 | 1 |
| 1999 | 1 |
| 2000 | 1 |
| 2013 | 1 |
| 2020 | 1 |
1995: 1; 1996: 4; 1998: 1; 1999: 1; 2000: 1; 2013: 1; 2020: 1
Pattern summary
Seat Belts leads the component reports. Steering behavior appears in 2 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 534795 · 1998-04-25 (April 25, 1998)
STEERING COLUMN BECAME LOOSE DUE TO LOOSENING OF STEERING BOLTS, COULD RESULT IN STEERING COLUMN COMING OFF/LOSS OF CONTROL.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 534795 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 979269 · 1996-02-15 (February 15, 1996)
FAILURE OF THE STEERING COLUMN THE STEERING COLUMN IS LOOSE. TT
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 979269 at NHTSA ↗
Vehicle analysis explorer
Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.
Data completeness
10 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.
Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.
Problems by model year
Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.
| Component | 1988 | 1989 | 1990 | 1991 | 1992 | 1993 | 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 316.7%ODI 709044MY CAR IS EXPERIENCING THE IDENTICAL PROBLEM AS THE 3.5 MILLION SUV/VAN GM RECALL WITH ABS. | 711.9% | 1113.1%ODI 10024836CONSUMER CALLED COMPLAINING ABOUT HAVING PROBLEMS WITH BRAKE LIGHT APPEARING ON THE DASHBOARD, AND PEDAL GOING DOWN TO THE FLOOR. *AK | 922.0% | 918.4% | 812.7%ODI 704301ABS COMMINCED DURING NORMAL STOPPING CONDITIONS RESULTING IN THE CAR NOT EVEN SLOWING DOWN EVEN THOUGH I CONTINUED TO APPLY STEADY BREAKING PRESSURE. I PURCHASED MY CAR AT BECK AND MASTEN BUT ERNIE GUZMAN PONTIAC SERVICE DEPT IS EXAMING MY BRAKES, FOUND UNEVEN ROTOR ON ONE BREAK BUT DOES NOT BELEIVE THIS IS THE CAUSE OF ABS BREAK PROBLEM. MY GMC FILE # 99053279. THE SERVICE MGR. AT ERNIE GUZMAN PONTIAC (PHONE [phone removed]) WHO IS LOOKING INTO THE DILEMA IS CRAIG ABBONDOLA. A COMPUTER CHECK AND TEST DRIVES HAS FAILED TO SHED LIGHT ON THE PROB… | 510.6%ODI 711648I HAVE NOTICED WHEN BRAKING AT SPEEDS GREATER THAN 45 MPH THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES LIKE THE ROTORS ARE DAMAGED OR WARPED. THIS BEHAVIOR HAS BEEN GOING ON NOW FOR THE LAST FEW MONTHS. I DON'T THINK IT IS VERY SAFE. I HAVE NOTICED ON LS1.COM MANY OTHER FIREBIRD OWNERS HAVE BEEN HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO AND A RECALL SHOULD BE CONSIDERED. IT IS MOST LIKELY A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. | 416.7%ODI 735383HEADLIGHTS AND DASH LIGHTS FLICKER, COMPLETE ELECTRICAL FAILURE ON 2 OCCASIONS, HEADLIGHTS AND HEATER FAN WENT OFF, DONT KNOW IF TAIL LIGHTS GO OUT. IN FOR SERVICE ON 3 OCCASIONS. CANT CORRECT PROBLEM. BRAKES HAVE GROANED, SQUEALED AND HAVE A CLICKING NOISE FROM THE REAR. IN FOR SERVICE 3 TIMES. THEY SAY THEY CANT RECREATE PROBLEM BUT ANYONE IN THE CAR HAS HEARD THE PROBLEM EXCEPT THE DEALER. | 14.2%ODI 890249WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED IT CAUSES STEERING WHEEL TO SHUTTER. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP, AND INFORMED BY MECHANIC THAT ROTORS NEEDED TO BE TURNED.*AK THE ROTORS FAILED AT LESS THAN 7500 MILES, BUT THE DEALER DID NOT REPLACE THEM CLAIMING THEY CAN BE TURNED TWO OR THREE TIMES. *YH | 14.8% |
| Air Bags:Frontal | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 333.3%ODI 978810DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY IN A FRONTAL COLLISION (12:00) AT 45 MPH. TT | 311.1%ODI 8017194IN A FRONTAL COLLISION NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED ON IMPACT.*AK | 27.4%ODI 817955AIR BAG: DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30MPH APPROACHING WAS STRUCK. AIR BAG DEPLOYED, CAUSING NECK AND HAND INJURIES. *AK | 211.1%ODI 801585NO DEPLOYMENT OF DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S AIR BAGS DURING AN ACCIDENT, RESULTING IN INJURIES TO BOTH. *AK | 23.4%ODI 817232WHILE DRIVING THE DRIVER APLLIED THE BRAKES AND THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED . THE AIR BAG COVER BROKE THE PASSENGER'S ARM, AND THE WINDSHIELD WHICH CAUSED THE DRIVER TO HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE. *AK | 89.5%ODI 486465PASSENGER'S AIR BAG DID NOT INFLATE DURING COLLISION, RESULTING IN INJURY. (ATTORNEY FOR CLIENT) *SKD | 12.4%ODI 801489NO DEPLOYMENT OF DRIVER'S/PASSENGER'S AIR BAGS UPON IMPACT, RESULTING IN INJURIES. *AK | 36.1%ODI 8018290VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION AT 20 MPH AND NEITHER AIR BAG DEPLOYED. MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. *AK CONSUMER STATED THAT THE ANTI LOCK BRAKES FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE DURING THE ACCIDENT. *YH | 711.1%ODI 10057367 · 92,000 miWHILE 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 | 24.3%ODI 721701THERE IS NO REASON FOR AIR BAGS TO DEPLOY AFTER HITTING A CURB, AND THAT IS WHERE ALL THE DAMAGE CAME FROM ON MY CAR. *AK | 28.3%ODI 10019367WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH ANOTHER VEHICLE RAN A STOP SIGN. THE CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKE BUT THE VEHICLE SKID ABOUT 15 FEET BEFORE HITTING A WALL. THE FRONT END WAS COMPLETED DAMAGED. NEITHER AIR BAG DEPLOYED UPON IMPACT. THE DRIVER SUFFERED SOME INJURIES. THIS HAPPENED 13 APRIL 2003. *NLM *PH *JB | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Seat Belts:Front:Buckle Assembly | 110.0%ODI 964099SEAT BELT BUCKLE RECALL REPAIRS REFUSED DUE TO FAILURE OCCURING AFTER WARRANTY PERIOD (90V-105). *AK | 420.0%ODI 10062719GM WON'T FIX THE RECALLS FOR MY 1989 PONTIAC FIREBIRD. THEY SAY THAT THERE ARE NO RECALLS FOR MY VEHICLE, BUT THERE ARE. *JB | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 13.7%ODI 808874PASSENGER'S SIDE LAP/SHOULDER BELT RESTRAINT BUCKLE WILL NOT LATCH . *AK | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 14.2%ODI 10072817I HAVE HAD SEVERAL DEFECTS ON MY CAR AND I HAVE HAD IT JUST OVER 4 YEARS AND ABOUT 62,000 MILES. 1.) THE METAL AT THE END OF THE DRIVER'S SUNVISOR METAL SHAFT SHEARED AND WOULD NO LONG HOLD ASSEMBLY TOGETHER. ALMOST CAUSED CAR WRECK AND I WAS BLINDED BY THE SUNLIGHT COMING AROUND THE CORNER. REACHED UP TO PULL DOWN THE VISOR AND IT FELL INTO MY LAP. CAR'S AGE ~ 3 YRS OLD. A COUPLE OF MONTHS LATER THE PASSENGER SUNVISOR DID THE SAME. DEALERSHIP WOULD DO NOTHING BUT CHARGE &80 FOR ONE NEW VISOR. 2. DURING VEHICLE WARRANTY I HAD TO TAKE… | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Electrical System | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 27.4% | 13.7%ODI 10223708 · 50,000 miTL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 PONTIAC FIREBIRD. WITH THE GEAR IN DRIVE AND THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE WHEELS BEGAN SMOKING DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS STILL DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT SHIFTED THE VEHICLE INTO PARK AND SHUT OFF THE IGNITION. THE FOLLOWING DAY, HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A SHOP AND WAS INFORMED BY THE MECHANIC THAT THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE FAILED. THEY REPLACED THE ECM AND THERE HAD NOT BEEN ANY FURTHER OCCURRENCES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 54,000. … | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 23.4%ODI 10353218 · 183,994 miI 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 | 11.2% | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 12.0%ODI 10533166 · 119,280 miI WAS DRIVING MY CAR MAKING AN EXIT OFF THE FREEWAY & AS I LOOKED OVER MY SHOULDER TOO MAKE SURE IT WAS SAFE TO MERGE OVER I SEEN THERE WAS SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE TAILPIPE I WENT TO TURN BACK AROUND & SMOKE WAS ALSO COMING FROM THE SIDES OF THE STEERING WHEEL , I WENT TOO PUT MY EYES BACK ON THE ROAD & THE WHOLE FRONT END OF THE CAR WAS ON FIRE . *TR | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 48.5%ODI 10010587 · 27,000 miI HAD TO REPLACE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER TWICE IN THE FIRST YEAR OF PURCHASE. I HAD TO REPLACE BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR AT 37500 MILES (WARRANTY EXPIRED AT 37000). THE MOTOR IN DRIVER SIDE DOOR WENT BAD FOR NO REASON. HAD TO REPLACE REAR SEAL AND PINS 4 TIMES OR MORE. I BELIEVED FOR A LONG TIME THAT IT WAS JUST ME BUT AFTER READING THROUGH THE OTHER COMPLAINTS, I REALIZE IT'S THE CAR! I HAVE ALSO HAD SEVERAL OF THE SAME BRAKE PROBLEMS MENTIONED BY OTHERS ON THIS SITE. PURCHASED NEW, DROVE IT OFF THE PONTIAC LOT. *NLM | 14.2%ODI 10008841 · 100 miHEADLIGHTS HAVE DIMMED ON OCCASION SINCE PURCHASE. IN PAST 2 WEEKS PASSENGER SIDE LIGHTS HAVE BEEN DIM, DAYTIME DRIVING LIGHTS DON'T WORK SOMETIME, HIGH BEAMS ON PASSENGER HEADLIGHT GO OUT. HEATER FAN SLOWS WHEN APPLYING BRAKES TOO. ALL HAPPEN OCCASIONALLY NOT EVERY TIME DRIVEN. PLEASE HELP. I HAVE CONTACTED PONTIAC AND HAD THE ACR IN TO 2 DEALERS WITH NO HELP. WARRANTY OUT IN 2000 MILES. THEY HAVE STATED THEY MAY CHARGE FOR GENERAL ELECTRICAL CHECK!. *TS ***DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12-12-02 CUT OVER TO ARTEMIS***761047 | 520.8%ODI 10000144 · 6,000 miHEADLAMPS WILL FLICKER INTERMITTANTLY WHEN DRIVING. DEALERSHIP IS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE PROBLEM. | 523.8%ODI 10044101PROBLEMS WITH ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, CLUTCH, PISTONS, DASH FAN AND REAR RIGHT MOLDING. *MR THE VEHICLE DEVELOPED A CRACK IN THE CYLINDER HEAD. SATURN REPAIRED THE PART BUT WOULD NOT REIMBURSE THE CONSUMER FOR REPAIR COST DUE TO THE VEHICLE EXCEEDING THE WARRANTY. AT THE TIME OF THE REPAIR THE VEHICLE HAD 96K PLUS MILES. THE VEHICLE ALSO EXPERIENCED THE FOLLOWING: ENGINE KNOCKING/LOSS OF POWER (8 PISTONS WERE REPLACED), AFTER ENGINE PROBLEM/REPAIR, ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION OCCURRED (ONE QUART EVERY 1300 HUNDRED MILES, BANG NOISE IN THE CLUTCH … |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 15.0% | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 13.7%ODI 828458WHILE DRIVING OFF THE FREEWAY DRIVER HEARD LOUD NOISE--THE IDLER PULLER AND BELT FELL OFF THE CAR. DEALER CONTACTED. *AK *ML | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 23.4% | 22.4% | 37.3%ODI 541031OIL LEAK CAUSING OIL FUMES TO ENTER THE INTERIOR PASSENGER AREA THROUGH THE AIR VENTS. | 48.2%ODI 700154CAR HAS BEEN IN SHOP 4 TIMES FOR MASSIVE OIL LEAKS. CAR DOES NOT SHIFT WELL, WILL NOT ENGAGE INTO SECOND AND REVERSE. THE COMPONENT ABOVE BRAKE INTERFERES WITH BRAKING. YOUR FOOT HITS THE COMPONENT ABOVE THE BRAKE AND MAKES YOU PANIC AND FEEL LIKE YOU CANNOT FIND THE BRAKE. | 11.6%ODI 10140506 · 55,000 miBOUGHT 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 | 24.3% | 14.2%ODI 869294VEHICLE EXPERIENCING A PROBLEM WITH STALLING FROM 45 -75 MP. ALWAYS WHILE DRIVING. VEHICLE BEEN IN / OUT OF DEALER SHOP ON THREE OCCASIONS AND PROBLEM STILL REOCCURRING. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK | 312.5%ODI 747453EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION - APPROXIMATELY 1QUART OF OIL IS CONSUMED EVERY 1000 MILES. ELECTRICAL - DURING ACCELERATION THE LEFT FRONT HEADLIGHT SHORTS OUT. THIS HAS ESCALATED TO NOT TURNING ON AFTER THE CAR IS WARM AND DRIVEN, STOPPED AND TURNED OFF, THEN TURNED ON AGAIN. CURRENTLY, NOT TURNING ON AT ALL. IF I TAP ON THE LIGHT, IT FLICKERS. *AK | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Unknown Or Other | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 13.7% | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 23.4%ODI 534240RUBBERIZED STYLE FUEL LINE FAILED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL. ALSO ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON. | 44.8%ODI 703128DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE #29, AIR PUMP FUSE AND WIRING ARE NOT ADEQUATE TO PREVENT FUSE FROM BLOWING. FUSE BLOWS AFTER ENGINE GOES INTO CLOSED LOOP OPERATION. AIR PUMP DOES NOT WORK AFTER THIS, CAUSING CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO APPEAR. | 37.3%ODI 10070677 · 73,000 miTHIS IS THE SECOND TIME I'VE HAD TO REPLACE THE MIRROR ON THE DRIVERS SIDE OF THIS CAR. THE MIRROR BREAKS OFF OF THE CONTROLS WHICH MAKES IT FLOP AROUND. YOU CAN'T USE IT TO DRIVE WITH, NOR CAN YOU GET IT TO STAY STILL. YOU CAN'T REPLACE JUST THE MIRROR EITHER. YOU HAVE TO BUY THE WHOLE PIECE (CASING AND MIRROR) THEN YOU HAVE TO HAVE IT PAINTED. GRRRRRRRRRR! | 12.0%ODI 10533166 · 119,280 miI WAS DRIVING MY CAR MAKING AN EXIT OFF THE FREEWAY & AS I LOOKED OVER MY SHOULDER TOO MAKE SURE IT WAS SAFE TO MERGE OVER I SEEN THERE WAS SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE TAILPIPE I WENT TO TURN BACK AROUND & SMOKE WAS ALSO COMING FROM THE SIDES OF THE STEERING WHEEL , I WENT TOO PUT MY EYES BACK ON THE ROAD & THE WHOLE FRONT END OF THE CAR WAS ON FIRE . *TR | 34.8%ODI 10057367 · 92,000 miWHILE 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 | 24.3%ODI 10093781 · 64,172 miMY SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON (STEADY AND FLASHING). ALL IN LESS THAN 2 MONTHS I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE BATTERY, PATH LOCK SENSOR AND IGNITION CYLINDER, REMOTE ALARMS AND KEYS, SPARK PLUG WIRES, CLEAN FUEL INJECTORS, REPLACE SERPENTINE BELT AND UPGRADED MY GAS OCTANE IN A V6. AND NOW THE STUPID SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT IS ON AGAIN AND THE ENGINE IS HESITATING AND THE BEARINGS ON PULLEYS ARE MAKING A NOISE (AFTER REPLACING THE SERPENTINE BELT). I HAVE RECEIPTS FOR ALL OF IT SO FAR. I AM GOING TONIGHT TO READ THE CODE FOR W… | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 314.3%ODI 10008060 · 17,976 miWHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCES A TOTAL LOSS OF POWER. WHEN THE ACCELERATOR IS PRESSED THE RPM'S ON THE VEHICLE HIT THE ROOF BUT THE ENGINE OR TRANSMISSION DO NOT RESPOND LEAVING THE VEHICLE CRUISING AT ABOUT 15 MPH ON A VERY BUSY INTERSTATE HIGHWAY I-95. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN BROUGHT IN TO THE DEALERSHIP ON TWO SEPERATE OCASIONS FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. THE SERVICE TEAM SAYS THEY CAN NOT OR ARE NOT ABLE TO RECREATE THE LOSS OF POWER IN THE VEHICLE THEREFORE ARE NOT ABLE TO FIX IT. THIS INCIDENT HAS O… |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 13.7%ODI 521925REAR DISC BRAKES ARE UNABLE TO STOP VEHICLE; WILL NOT HOLD WHEELS STILL WITH VEHICLE AT IDLE. | 27.4%ODI 715955THESE FAILURES ARE INTER-RELATED. I HAVE EXPERIENCED MULTIPLE EPISODES OF THIS PROBLEM. NO DEFECT LISTED IN THE SUMMARY. *AK | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 11.7%ODI 718170DISC 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. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 12.4%ODI 828775WHEN APPLYING THE ABS BRAKES THE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOOR, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. ALSO, FRONT BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS ARE PREMATURELY WEARING, CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK | 12.0%ODI 717702UPON PICKING UP MY VEHICLE FROM PENN PONTIAC AFTER HAVING TO HAVE THE RIGHT FRONT ROTOR PREMATURELY REPLACED AND HAVING THE BRAKE PADS REPLACED, I TRAVELED APPROXIMATELY 1/2 MILE FROM THE DEALERSHIP ON WET ROADS DUE TO RAIN WHEN HAVING TO STOP FOR A RED TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICE. AT THE TIME OF HITTING THE BRAKES, I WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 20 MILES PER HOUR. WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE BRAKES LOCKED UP AND THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM DID NOT GO INTO EFFECT FOR AT LEAST 5 SECONDS. I HAD TO RETURN TO THE DEALERSHIP TO ADVISE THEM OF THIS. … | 812.7%ODI 701519THE FRONT BRAKE ROTORS ON MY '98 PONTIAC FIREBIRD STARTED WARPING AT 10,000 MILES, THEY GOT TO A POINT WHERE I CAME CLOSE TO LOSING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE ON RAIN SLICKED ROADS. THE EXTREME PULSATING OF THE BRAKES MAKES THE CAR VERY HARD TO CONTROL ON WET ROADS. THE WARPING OF THE ROTORS GETS WORSE AS THE BRAKES GET HOT. WHEN STARTING OUT IN THE MORNING THE WARPING ISN'T VERY NOTICABLE, BUT GETS MUCH WORSE AS THEY HEAT UP. WHICH MAKES IT DIFFCULT FOR THE SERVICE DEPT. THEY CHECK THE BRAKES COLD. AFTER MUCH COMPLAINING THE DEALER REPLACED T… | 48.5%ODI 722545FRONT BRAKE SYSTEM SQUEALING EVERY TIME I APPLY THE BRAKES. IT GETS WORSE AS THE WEATHER GETS HOTTER. I TOOK TO THE DEALER, THE FIRST TIME THEY APPLIED SOME CHEMICAL TO STOP IT FROM SQUEALING, BUT THE PROBLEM RETURNED 2 WEEKS LATER. WHEN I TOOK IT BACK I WAS INFORMED THAT THEY FORD COMPANY KNOWS ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND CANNOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. I CALLED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE AND WAS INFORMED THAT IT IS NORMAL FOR THE BRAKES TO SQUEAL. *AK | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Rotor | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 711.1% | 817.0%ODI 10010587 · 27,000 miI HAD TO REPLACE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER TWICE IN THE FIRST YEAR OF PURCHASE. I HAD TO REPLACE BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR AT 37500 MILES (WARRANTY EXPIRED AT 37000). THE MOTOR IN DRIVER SIDE DOOR WENT BAD FOR NO REASON. HAD TO REPLACE REAR SEAL AND PINS 4 TIMES OR MORE. I BELIEVED FOR A LONG TIME THAT IT WAS JUST ME BUT AFTER READING THROUGH THE OTHER COMPLAINTS, I REALIZE IT'S THE CAR! I HAVE ALSO HAD SEVERAL OF THE SAME BRAKE PROBLEMS MENTIONED BY OTHERS ON THIS SITE. PURCHASED NEW, DROVE IT OFF THE PONTIAC LOT. *NLM | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 312.5%ODI 10062529 · 8,000 miROTORS ON THE VEHICLE HAVE BEEN REPLACED AND RESURFACED SEVERAL TIMES DURING THE WARRANTY PERIOD. I HAVE REPORTED TWO CASES TO PONTIAC AND THYE WILL NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE FAILURES EVEN THOUGH THIS IS CLEARLY A CONSISTANT FAILURE ON THE FIREBIRD MODEL ACROSS SEVERAL YEARS. WARP ROTORS CONTINUE TO BE A PROBLEM. *AK | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.
Failure mileage by component
Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.
| Component | Mileage range (25th–75th percentile) | Median | Usable records | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Belts | Too few reports for a range | 80,228 mi | 2 (sparse) | ODI 10493362 · 108,000 miGM REFUSES TO PERFORM OPEN RECALL ON SEAT BELT BUCKLES. *TR ODI 11355027 · 52,455 miI PURCHASED MY 1988 PONTIAC FIREBIRD IN 2016. THERE IS AN OUTSTANDING RECALL ON MY VEHICLE THAT WAS ISSUED JUNE 1, 1990. MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER N900043. I'VE CONTACTED GENERAL MOTORS ABOUT THIS OUTSTANDING RECALL AND I WAS TOLD THERE ARE NO LONGER ANY AVAILABLE PARTS TO CORRECT THE RECALL ON MY VEHICLE. THIS VEHICLE IS MY DAILY DRIVER. MY SEAT BELT STRAPS HAVE DIFFICULTY RETRACTING. |
Complaint and recall timeline
Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.
Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.
Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
| Month | Complaints | Campaigns announced | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-10 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2024-11 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2024-12 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-01 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-02 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-03 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-04 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-05 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-06 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-07 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-08 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-09 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-10 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-11 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-12 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-01 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-02 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-03 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-04 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-05 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-06 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-07 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-08 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-09 (partial) | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
Emerging complaint spikes
Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.
This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.
No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.
Equal-age model-year comparison
Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.
2001: 19 complaints · 2002: 13 complaints
| Model year | Through age 0 | Through age 1 | Through age 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 6 | 16 | 19 |
| 2002 | 4 | 11 | 13 |
Date coverage across each selected cohort
| Year | Incident dates used | Filing date fallbacks | Excluded dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 21 | 3 | 0 |
| 2002 | 19 | 1 | 1 |
Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.
Components reported together
Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.
| Component | Seat Belts | Steering: Steering Wheel/Handle Bar | Electrical System:Ignition:Module | Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System | Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly:Filler Pipe And Cap | Seat Belts:Front:Buckle Assembly | Seat Belts:Front:Retractor | Structure:Body:Roof And Pillars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Belts | — | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering: Steering Wheel/Handle Bar | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical System:Ignition:Module | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly:Filler Pipe And Cap | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat Belts:Front:Buckle Assembly | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 |
| Seat Belts:Front:Retractor | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 |
| Structure:Body:Roof And Pillars | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.
Recurring narrative patterns
Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.
0 patterns with matching reports.
No narratives match the published patterns.