U.S. public vehicle records

Pontiac TRANS AM steering problems

10 complaint narratives mention steering terms.

Key facts

141 owner complaints analyzed

1 distinct recall campaigns

39,101 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1969 to 2002 model years. Data updated: 2026-09-30 (September 30, 2026). 43 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Steering behavior evidence

10 of 141 complaints match this topic (7.1%). The keyword filter can include complaints that mention a transmission without reporting its failure. View matching rules.

Owner report 10311072 · 2010-02-16 (February 16, 2010)

1979 PONTIAC TRANS AM 10TH SILVER ADDITION-CRASH, STEERING FAILED AND STRUCK TREE, PERSON DRIVING RECEIVED C6 SPINAL CORD INJURY. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10311072 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10715643 · 2015-05-11 (May 11, 2015)

TILT STEERING COLUMN LOOSE HAS SHUT OFF THE CAR WHILE MAKING LEFT HAND TURN.

Owner-reported narrative. 75,417 miles reported. Look up ODI 10715643 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10022878 · 2003-06-11 (June 11, 2003)

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE LOST STEERING POWER AND HIT A CURB. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10022878 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10118158 · 2005-04-20 (April 20, 2005)

LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL (SEE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER : 95V046000). THIS HAS AFFECTED MY VEHICLE FOR THE PAST COUPLE YEARS AND THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP KEEPS TELLING ME THAT IT IS THE WAY THE ROADS ARE MADE HERE AND/OR THE LOW PROFILE TIRES. WHEN CALLING YOU GUYS AND THE DEALERSHIPS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, I AM TOLD THAT THE RECALL DOESN'T AFFECT MY PARTICULAR VIN NUMBER [XXX]. PLEASE ASSIST.*AK *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Owner-reported narrative. 127,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10118158 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10182471 · 2007-02-13 (February 13, 2007)

STEERING COLUMN, THE TWO PINS THAT HOLD THE STEERING WHEEL TOGETHER AT THE HINGED PART SO THE ADJUSTABLE WHEEL CAN UP AND DOWN, WORK THEIR WAY OUT AND CAUSE THE STEERING TO BECOME VERY DANGEROUS. *JB

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10182471 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

141 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.

30.5%Usable mileage43 / 141 records

82.3%Valid incident date116 / 141 records

100.0%Valid filing date141 / 141 records

81.6%Ordered incident and filing dates115 / 141 records

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.

From model yearThrough model year

Component complaint heatmap
Component	1988	1989	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.	111.1% ODI 510963 ABS BRAKES FAILED, RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT, ALSO TRANSMISSION FAILURE. *AK Look up ODI 510963 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	19.1% ODI 718665 NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE. *AK Look up ODI 718665 at NHTSA ↗	16.3% ODI 722436 THE BRAKES SHUDDER. AT LOW SPEEDS IT FEELS AS THOUGH A ROUGH SPOT IN THE BRAKES CAUSES THE CAR TO STOP HARD THEN SOFT REPEATEDLY. AT HIGH SPEEDS THE STEERING WHEEL AND CAR SHAKE. ROTORS SEEM TO BE WARPED. PARTS WERE REPLACED AND SAME PROBLEM CAME UP ON NEW PARTS. *AK Look up ODI 722436 at NHTSA ↗	218.2% ODI 767961 THE CAR PULL TO THE RIGHT WHEN SEVERE BRAKING. MR Look up ODI 767961 at NHTSA ↗	220.0% ODI 10134438 · 44,000 mi BRAKING SYSTEM FAILED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO STOP AT 40-45 MPH. WHILE BRAKING, THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND WARNING LIGHTS WERE NOTICED. THIS FAILURE LED TO A 2 VEHICLE ACCIDENT WHERE 1 PERSON WAS POSSIBLY INJURED. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS NEEDED TO SLOW THE CAR, THOUGH THE SPIN OUT AS A RESULT OF THE ACCIDENT ULTIMATELY STOPPED THE VEHICLE. AFTER THE INCIDENT, THE ABS WAS INOPERABLE TCS OFF??, AND THE BRAKE WARNINGS WERE LIT AND REMAINED LIT. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE AT THIS POINT IS UNKNOWN AND A DETERMINATION SHOULD BE MADE LATER IN THE WEEK… Look up ODI 10134438 at NHTSA ↗	13.1% ODI 10185489 · 30,000 mi TL- THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING THE 2002 PONTIAC TRANS AM WITH 30000 FAILURE MILEAGE AND 59100 FAILURE MILEAGE AT 50 MPH, SHE B LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHO DETERMINED THAT SHE NEEDED TO HAVE THE RACK AND PINION STEERING TIGHTENED UP. THE RACK AND PINION HAD BEEN TIGHTENED UP ON MAY/2005 AND MARCH 2007. ALSO, THE VEHICLE JERKED AFTER PRESSING ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,088.AK Look up ODI 10185489 at NHTSA ↗
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	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.	111.1% ODI 842625 VEHICLE LEAKS OIL FROM IN BETWEEN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AND THE ENGINE BLOCK. DEALER SAID INTAKE MANIFOLD NEEDED TO BE TAKEN OFF, AND A NEW HEAD GASKET NEEDED TO BE INSTALLED. *AK Look up ODI 842625 at NHTSA ↗	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.	16.3% ODI 10166805 · 16,480 mi TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER TO HAVE OIL CHANGE. WAS TOLD THAT THEY FOUND NEEDLE BEARINGS IN OIL PAN. CAR CANNOT BE DRIVEN BECAUSE NEEDLES MAY ENTER THE ENGINE AND CAUSE ENGINE TO SEIZE UP OR COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE. THEY HAD TO REPLACE 16 ROCKER ARMS, DRAIN MAGNET,R AND R OIL PAN TO CLEAN,CHANGE OIL AND FILTER. I BELIEVE THESE ROCKER ARMS FAILURE IS DUE TO A DEFECT IN THE VEHICLE AS MY CAR ONLY HAS 16480 MILES AND IS STORED FROM OCT. THROUGH MAY. CAR IS ONE OWNER,ME AND HAS BEEN TAKEN FOR OIL CHANGES BEFORE DRIVING IN SUMMER AND AGAIN BEFORE STORI… Look up ODI 10166805 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	110.0% ODI 8021508 · 7,800 mi WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE IT CAUGHT ON FIRE, THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THE FIRE ORIGINATED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE NEAR THE BREAKER BOXES AND FUEL INJECTORS, THE VEHICLE WAS DEYSTROYED.*JB Look up ODI 8021508 at NHTSA ↗	412.5% ODI 10021492 · 8,000 mi I HAVE A KNOCK IN MY ENGINE APPEARING TO BE COMING FROM THE NUMBER 1 PISTON AND CYLINDER AREA. ONE DEALER CALLS IT PISTON SLAP, WHICH I HAVE READ UP ON AND IT SAYS THAT IT GOES AWAY AFTER IT WARMS UP, MY KNOCK CAN BE HEARD AT ALL TIMES OF ENGINE OPERATION. GM SAYS THERE ARE TEFLON COATED PISTONS AVAILABLE ONLY FOR THE CORVETTE LS1 ENGINE AND NOT MY TRANS AM LS1 ENGINE. I HAVE DEALT WITH ONE DEALER IN OAK HARBOR WA THAT IS BOTH A CHEVY AND PONTIAC SERVICE CENTER. I REFUSE TO USE THIS DEALER EVER AGAIN BECAUSE THEY TRY TO PAWN IT OFF AS PISTO… Look up ODI 10021492 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train:Automatic Transmission	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.	111.1% ODI 510963 ABS BRAKES FAILED, RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT, ALSO TRANSMISSION FAILURE. *AK Look up ODI 510963 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	125.0% ODI 737963 SHIFTER CAN BE MOVED FROM PARK TO REVERSE OR DRIVE WITHOUT PUSHING THUMB BUTTON OR STEPPING ON BRAKE PEDAL. ATTEMPTED REPAIR BY DEALER MADE PROBLEM WORSE NOT BETTER.*AK Look up ODI 737963 at NHTSA ↗	18.3% ODI 731593 I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 35 MPH , I WENT TO PASS A CAR TRANSMISSION DROPPED DOWN TO A LOWER GEAR ,AS THAT HAPPENED MY BODY WEIGHT PUSHED BACK IN THE SEAT , THE HEAD REST THEN SUDDENLY RELEASED WHICH ALLOWED MY HEAD TO FLING BACK.THERE WAS CONSIDERABLE PAIN IN MY NECK THEREAFTER.*AK Look up ODI 731593 at NHTSA ↗	19.1% ODI 729682 I DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS CAR. THEY REFUSED TO GIVE ME A NEW CAR IN THE BEGINNING WHEN THEY HAD TO WELD THE PILLAR POST TO THE FRAME. MY CAR HAS OVERHEATED MANY TIMES UNTIL THEY FOUND THE BROKE RADIATOR. THE TRANSMISSION HAS GONE OUT AND WAS JUST FIXED AND THE CAR NOW HAS A FIREWALL RATTLE. THE BRAKES ROTORS WERE WARPED. THEY WOULD NOT STAND BEHIND THEM. IT WOULD BE MY COST TO REAPIR THEM. THEY ARE STILL WARPED. THIS CAR HAD TO HAVE A NEW WINDSHIELD PUT IN ALSO. 4 RADIO, TWO REAR SPEAKERS, BELT TENSION PULLEY,OIL LEVEL SENSOR, U JOINTS,ALT… Look up ODI 729682 at NHTSA ↗	16.3% ODI 10253085 · 136,981 mi WHILE DRIVING AT NORMAL HIGHWAY SPEEDS AFTER VEHICLE IS WARMED TO NORMAL OPERATING TEMPERATURE, THE VEHICLE LOSES POWER UNEXPECTEDLY. MOTOR REVS DURING EVENT, ALMOST AS IF CAR IS BEEN SUDDENLY SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL. NO ENGINE LIGHTS COME ON, VEHICLE SIMPLY LOSES FORWARD MOMENTUM. TRANSMISSION GUY SAYS EVERYTHING IS FINE, FOUND NOTHING WRONG. *TR Look up ODI 10253085 at NHTSA ↗	19.1% ODI 10053836 · 1,700 mi WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO THIRD OR FOURTH GEAR. VEHICLE HAD BEEN IN DEALER' REPAIR S SHOP THREE TIMES FOR THIS SAME PROBLEM. ALSO, WHEN THE GEAR DID SHIFT INTO THIRD GEAR THERE WAS SEVERE VIBRATION THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE. *AK Look up ODI 10053836 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Vehicle Speed Control	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	2100.0% ODI 516758 THE VEHICLE HAS UNEXPLAINED SUDDEN ACCELERATION. Look up ODI 516758 at NHTSA ↗	133.3% ODI 10067570 BLINKERS STOPPED WORKING AFTER A WHILE. RIGHT WOULD TURN ON, BUT WOULDNT TURN OFF AND LEFT DIDNT BLINK. ANTI-LOCK BREAKS STOPPED WORKING. WIPPERS WOULD ONLY SOMETIMES WORK. PASSENGER SIDE DOOR DIDNT OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE AND SLIDING DOOR WAS DIFFICULT AND ONCE FLEW OPEN WHILE ON HIGHWAY. HEATER/AC DIDNT WORK. HORN DIDNT WORK. *AK Look up ODI 10067570 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	222.2% ODI 714455 THE ABS SYSTEM WILL NOT WORK UNLESS I TURN THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON WHILE DRIVING. JUST ORDERED THE PARTS TO FIX IT, THEY SAID I NEEDED THE MOTOR AND MODULATOR. PARTS ALONE COST ME $1,170. Look up ODI 714455 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	19.1% ODI 8019039 WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND WITH NO WARNING VEHICLE WILL JERK, AND THEN ENGINE LIGHT WILL COME ON AND WILL STAY ON THE REMAINDER OF TIME THAT VEHICLE IS BEING OPERATED. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK Look up ODI 8019039 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	13.1% ODI 10026049 · 16,095 mi FOUR TIMES THIS MORNING, MY THROTTLE WENT WIDE OPEN MID-SHIFT. WHEN I PRESSED THE CLUTCH, THE CAR REDLINED, AND WOULD NOT COME DOWN. I HAD TO TURN OFF THE CAR AND COAST TO A SAFE LOCATION EACH TIME. TWICE, ON RESTART, THE CAR REDLINED. THERE WAS NOTHING INTERFERING WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, CRUISE CONTROL WAS OFF, AND UPON OPENING THE HOOD AFTER THE FOURTH TIME, THE THROTTLE BODY WAS CLOSED.*AK Look up ODI 10026049 at NHTSA ↗
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline	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.	125.0% ODI 859637 CONSUMER HAS NOTICED AN OIL LEAK. ALSO, COOLENT LEAKING, AND CAUSING VERY BAD FUMES/ODOR IN TO ENTER INTO THE PASSENGER'S COMPARTMENT. THE OCCUPANT BECAME SICK. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER, DEALER HAS YET TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK Look up ODI 859637 at NHTSA ↗	18.3% ODI 898856 ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE WHILE DRIVING, TOTALLED VEHICLE. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED. AK CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD, HE PULLED OVER OPENED THE HOOD AND THE ENGINE WAS ON FIRE.SLC Look up ODI 898856 at NHTSA ↗	19.1% ODI 712931 TICKING NOISE FROM ENGINE, DIFFERNTIAL LEAKING GEAR OIL, SES LIGHT COMES ON FOR NO REASON, ROTORS WARPED, DRIVESHAFT POPS WHEN SLOWING DOWN OR CHANGING GEARS. Look up ODI 712931 at NHTSA ↗	16.3% ODI 8022211 WHILE AT A STOP, CONSUMER STATES' VEHICLES ENGINE REV'S VERY HIGH. FEELS LIKE VEHICLE IS GOING TO TAKE OFF. CONSUMER HAS TO PRESS ON BRAKES WITH BOTH FEET TO KEEP VEHICLE FROM MOVING. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. TS Look up ODI 8022211 at NHTSA ↗	19.1% ODI 729685 SEVERE ENGINE DETONATION CAN LEAD TO ENGINE FAILURE Look up ODI 729685 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	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.	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.	19.1% ODI 8019039 WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND WITH NO WARNING VEHICLE WILL JERK, AND THEN ENGINE LIGHT WILL COME ON AND WILL STAY ON THE REMAINDER OF TIME THAT VEHICLE IS BEING OPERATED. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK Look up ODI 8019039 at NHTSA ↗	16.3% ODI 715942 NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE. *AK Look up ODI 715942 at NHTSA ↗	19.1% ODI 767961 THE CAR PULL TO THE RIGHT WHEN SEVERE BRAKING. MR Look up ODI 767961 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	26.3% ODI 10121574 REQUEST FOR FEDERAL OR STATE INVESTIGATION OF EDR / SDM ACCURACY.MR CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION THAT RESULTED IN AN AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND TWO FATALITIES (2002 PONTIAC TRANS AM MODIFIED TO FIREHAWK BY SUPERLEGAL PERFORMANCE). BF THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THE INFORMATION FROM THE EDR/SDM USING THE VETRONIX SOFTWARE WAS INCORRECT/INACCURATE. THE CONSUMER REQUEST A FULL INVESTIGATION DETERMINE THE ACCURACY OF THE EDR/SDM IF MODIFICATIONS ARE MADE TO THE VEHICLE AFTER THE FACTORY BUILT SPECIFICATION ARE MADE. *NM Look up ODI 10121574 at NHTSA ↗
Exterior Lighting:Headlights	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.	216.7% ODI 735754 THE SEALED-BEAM HEADLIGHTS SUPPLIED BY THE PONTIAC FIREBIRD TRANS AM MODEL DOES NOT LIGHT THE ROADWAY SUFFICIENTLY. THIS HAS ENDANGERED MYSELF AND OTHERS IN MY CAR SEVERAL TIMES AND REQUIRES EYE STRAIN AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. NO RECALL OR TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN HAS BEEN ISSUED TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM, NOR HAS GMC RETURNED LETTERS OR E-MAIL SENT IN CONCERNS TO THIS PROBLEM. USING THE HIGH-BEAMS ON THE HIGHWAY (WHEN CLEAR ENOUGH TO DO SO), BARELY SUPPLIES LIGHTING EXPECTED BY THE LOW-BEAMS. LOW-BEAMS ARE VIRTUALLY USELESS TO THE DRIVER AND SER… Look up ODI 735754 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	19.1% ODI 10088705 HEADLIGHTS INTERMITTENTLY SHUT OFF, BUT COME RIGHT BACK ON.*AK Look up ODI 10088705 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	26.3% ODI 10088702 HEADLIGHTS INTERMITTENTLY SHUT OFF BUT, COME RIGHT BACK ON. DEALERSHIP SAID THAT THE RUNNING LIGHTS SHUT OFF TOO, BUT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO.*AK Look up ODI 10088702 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train:Driveline:Differential Unit	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.	218.2% ODI 712931 TICKING NOISE FROM ENGINE, DIFFERNTIAL LEAKING GEAR OIL, SES LIGHT COMES ON FOR NO REASON, ROTORS WARPED, DRIVESHAFT POPS WHEN SLOWING DOWN OR CHANGING GEARS. Look up ODI 712931 at NHTSA ↗	318.8% ODI 10088172 · 79,000 mi REAR DIFFERENTIAL WHINING UNBEARABLY LOUD. TOOK TO LOCAL GM DEALER TO DIAGNOSE, THEY SAY IT NEEDS REPLACED. WARRANTY I BOUGHT IS INSPECTING TO SEE IF THEY ARE GOING TO PAY FOR IT. THIS AFFECT'S THE COMFORT, RELIABLITY, AND SAFETY OF THIS CAR. I WILL UPDATE WHEN MORE INFO IS RECIEVED FROM THE GM DEALER. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION ONLINE, THIS IS HAS HAPPENED TO A LOT OF OTHER LS1 POWERED F-BODY OWNERS WITH THIS GM REAR DIFFERENTIAL. Look up ODI 10088172 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	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 failure mileage distribution
Component	Mileage range (25th–75th percentile)	Median	Usable records	Examples
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip	Too few reports for a range	37,000 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10134438 · 44,000 mi BRAKING SYSTEM FAILED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO STOP AT 40-45 MPH. WHILE BRAKING, THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND WARNING LIGHTS WERE NOTICED. THIS FAILURE LED TO A 2 VEHICLE ACCIDENT WHERE 1 PERSON WAS POSSIBLY INJURED. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS NEEDED TO SLOW THE CAR, THOUGH THE SPIN OUT AS A RESULT OF THE ACCIDENT ULTIMATELY STOPPED THE VEHICLE. AFTER THE INCIDENT, THE ABS WAS INOPERABLE TCS OFF??, AND THE BRAKE WARNINGS WERE LIT AND REMAINED LIT. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE AT THIS POINT IS UNKNOWN AND A DETERMINATION SHOULD BE MADE LATER IN THE WEEK… Look up ODI 10134438 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10185489 · 30,000 mi TL- THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING THE 2002 PONTIAC TRANS AM WITH 30000 FAILURE MILEAGE AND 59100 FAILURE MILEAGE AT 50 MPH, SHE B LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHO DETERMINED THAT SHE NEEDED TO HAVE THE RACK AND PINION STEERING TIGHTENED UP. THE RACK AND PINION HAD BEEN TIGHTENED UP ON MAY/2005 AND MARCH 2007. ALSO, THE VEHICLE JERKED AFTER PRESSING ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,088.AK Look up ODI 10185489 at NHTSA ↗
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	7,800–16,480 mi	8,000 mi	5	ODI 10166805 · 16,480 mi TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER TO HAVE OIL CHANGE. WAS TOLD THAT THEY FOUND NEEDLE BEARINGS IN OIL PAN. CAR CANNOT BE DRIVEN BECAUSE NEEDLES MAY ENTER THE ENGINE AND CAUSE ENGINE TO SEIZE UP OR COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE. THEY HAD TO REPLACE 16 ROCKER ARMS, DRAIN MAGNET,R AND R OIL PAN TO CLEAN,CHANGE OIL AND FILTER. I BELIEVE THESE ROCKER ARMS FAILURE IS DUE TO A DEFECT IN THE VEHICLE AS MY CAR ONLY HAS 16480 MILES AND IS STORED FROM OCT. THROUGH MAY. CAR IS ONE OWNER,ME AND HAS BEEN TAKEN FOR OIL CHANGES BEFORE DRIVING IN SUMMER AND AGAIN BEFORE STORI… Look up ODI 10166805 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 8021508 · 7,800 mi WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE IT CAUGHT ON FIRE, THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THE FIRE ORIGINATED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE NEAR THE BREAKER BOXES AND FUEL INJECTORS, THE VEHICLE WAS DEYSTROYED.*JB Look up ODI 8021508 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10021492 · 8,000 mi I HAVE A KNOCK IN MY ENGINE APPEARING TO BE COMING FROM THE NUMBER 1 PISTON AND CYLINDER AREA. ONE DEALER CALLS IT PISTON SLAP, WHICH I HAVE READ UP ON AND IT SAYS THAT IT GOES AWAY AFTER IT WARMS UP, MY KNOCK CAN BE HEARD AT ALL TIMES OF ENGINE OPERATION. GM SAYS THERE ARE TEFLON COATED PISTONS AVAILABLE ONLY FOR THE CORVETTE LS1 ENGINE AND NOT MY TRANS AM LS1 ENGINE. I HAVE DEALT WITH ONE DEALER IN OAK HARBOR WA THAT IS BOTH A CHEVY AND PONTIAC SERVICE CENTER. I REFUSE TO USE THIS DEALER EVER AGAIN BECAUSE THEY TRY TO PAWN IT OFF AS PISTO… Look up ODI 10021492 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train:Automatic Transmission	Too few reports for a range	69,341 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10253085 · 136,981 mi WHILE DRIVING AT NORMAL HIGHWAY SPEEDS AFTER VEHICLE IS WARMED TO NORMAL OPERATING TEMPERATURE, THE VEHICLE LOSES POWER UNEXPECTEDLY. MOTOR REVS DURING EVENT, ALMOST AS IF CAR IS BEEN SUDDENLY SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL. NO ENGINE LIGHTS COME ON, VEHICLE SIMPLY LOSES FORWARD MOMENTUM. TRANSMISSION GUY SAYS EVERYTHING IS FINE, FOUND NOTHING WRONG. TR Look up ODI 10253085 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10053836 · 1,700 mi WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO THIRD OR FOURTH GEAR. VEHICLE HAD BEEN IN DEALER' REPAIR S SHOP THREE TIMES FOR THIS SAME PROBLEM. ALSO, WHEN THE GEAR DID SHIFT INTO THIRD GEAR THERE WAS SEVERE VIBRATION THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE. AK Look up ODI 10053836 at NHTSA ↗
Vehicle Speed Control	Too few reports for a range	16,095 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10026049 · 16,095 mi FOUR TIMES THIS MORNING, MY THROTTLE WENT WIDE OPEN MID-SHIFT. WHEN I PRESSED THE CLUTCH, THE CAR REDLINED, AND WOULD NOT COME DOWN. I HAD TO TURN OFF THE CAR AND COAST TO A SAFE LOCATION EACH TIME. TWICE, ON RESTART, THE CAR REDLINED. THERE WAS NOTHING INTERFERING WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, CRUISE CONTROL WAS OFF, AND UPON OPENING THE HOOD AFTER THE FOURTH TIME, THE THROTTLE BODY WAS CLOSED.*AK Look up ODI 10026049 at NHTSA ↗
Unknown Or Other	Too few reports for a range	80,000 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 11013002 · 80,000 mi CAR BEING PAINTED BY CHANLLORS COLLISION WARNER ROBINS GA. WHENEVER THE TOP (HALO) IS PAINTED, GLUE OR OIL CAUSE PAINT TO BUBBLE THROUGH. UNABLE TO PAINT TOP OF CAR. AFTER CHECKING THERE IS A RECALL. Look up ODI 11013002 at NHTSA ↗
Exterior Lighting:Headlights	Too few reports for a range	5,000 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10152327 · 5,000 mi CAR STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS AFTER BEING PURCHASED TWO MONTHS BRAND NEW. MULTIPLE ELECTRIC PROBLEMS, FUSES CONSTANTLY BURNING OUT AND ARE REPLACED, ALL POWER OPTIONS FAILED, CRACKLING NOISE FROM UNDER THE DASH, GROANING/GRINDING NOISE FROM UNDER ENGINE COMPARTMENT, WHEEL BALANCE ISSUES, LEFT BLINKER CONSTANTLY MALFUNCTIONS, RIGHT HEADLAMP ALWAYS BURNING OUT, BATTERY ACID LEAKED ALL OVER AFTER ONLY HAVE THE CAR A FEW MONTHS, WAS GETTING 30+ MILES TO A GALLON, NOW GETS <8 MILES TO A GALLON, INTERIOR DOOR PANEL SPLIT, POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE, ISSUED… Look up ODI 10152327 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train:Driveline:Differential Unit	Too few reports for a range	79,000 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10088172 · 79,000 mi REAR DIFFERENTIAL WHINING UNBEARABLY LOUD. TOOK TO LOCAL GM DEALER TO DIAGNOSE, THEY SAY IT NEEDS REPLACED. WARRANTY I BOUGHT IS INSPECTING TO SEE IF THEY ARE GOING TO PAY FOR IT. THIS AFFECT'S THE COMFORT, RELIABLITY, AND SAFETY OF THIS CAR. I WILL UPDATE WHEN MORE INFO IS RECIEVED FROM THE GM DEALER. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION ONLINE, THIS IS HAS HAPPENED TO A LOT OF OTHER LS1 POWERED F-BODY OWNERS WITH THIS GM REAR DIFFERENTIAL. Look up ODI 10088172 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

ComponentPeriod

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

Monthly complaint and recall timeline
Month	Campaigns announced	Examples
2024-10	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-09	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-10	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-09 (partial)	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.

Observation windowFirst model yearSecond model year

2001: 5 complaints · 2002: 19 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2001	3	5	5
2002	9	13	19

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
2001	10	0	0
2002	29	2	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 co-occurrence matrix
Component	Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip	Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	Power Train:Automatic Transmission	Vehicle Speed Control	Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline	Unknown Or Other	Exterior Lighting:Headlights	Power Train:Driveline:Differential Unit
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip	—	0	1 ODI 510963 ABS BRAKES FAILED, RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT, ALSO TRANSMISSION FAILURE. *AK Look up ODI 510963 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	1 ODI 767961 THE CAR PULL TO THE RIGHT WHEN SEVERE BRAKING. MR Look up ODI 767961 at NHTSA ↗	0	0
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	0	—	0	0	0	0	0	0
Power Train:Automatic Transmission	1 ODI 510963 ABS BRAKES FAILED, RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT, ALSO TRANSMISSION FAILURE. *AK Look up ODI 510963 at NHTSA ↗	0	—	0	0	0	0	0
Vehicle Speed Control	0	0	0	—	0	1 ODI 8019039 WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND WITH NO WARNING VEHICLE WILL JERK, AND THEN ENGINE LIGHT WILL COME ON AND WILL STAY ON THE REMAINDER OF TIME THAT VEHICLE IS BEING OPERATED. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK Look up ODI 8019039 at NHTSA ↗	0	0
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline	0	0	0	0	—	0	0	1 ODI 712931 TICKING NOISE FROM ENGINE, DIFFERNTIAL LEAKING GEAR OIL, SES LIGHT COMES ON FOR NO REASON, ROTORS WARPED, DRIVESHAFT POPS WHEN SLOWING DOWN OR CHANGING GEARS. Look up ODI 712931 at NHTSA ↗
Unknown Or Other	1 ODI 767961 THE CAR PULL TO THE RIGHT WHEN SEVERE BRAKING. MR Look up ODI 767961 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	1 ODI 8019039 WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND WITH NO WARNING VEHICLE WILL JERK, AND THEN ENGINE LIGHT WILL COME ON AND WILL STAY ON THE REMAINDER OF TIME THAT VEHICLE IS BEING OPERATED. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK Look up ODI 8019039 at NHTSA ↗	0	—	0	0
Exterior Lighting:Headlights	0	0	0	0	0	0	—	0
Power Train:Driveline:Differential Unit	0	0	0	0	1 ODI 712931 TICKING NOISE FROM ENGINE, DIFFERNTIAL LEAKING GEAR OIL, SES LIGHT COMES ON FOR NO REASON, ROTORS WARPED, DRIVESHAFT POPS WHEN SLOWING DOWN OR CHANGING GEARS. Look up ODI 712931 at NHTSA ↗	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.

Search patterns

6 patterns with matching reports.

Brake response concerns

6 mentions · 4.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 75,079 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10468435 · 120,158 mi

THE BRAKE PEDAL SUDDENLY FELL TO THE FLOOR WHILE I WAS TRYING TO BRAKE THE CAR FOR A RED LIGHT AT 40 MPH WITH OTHER TRAFFIC DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF ME. THE BRAKE LINE TRAVELING ALONG THE BOTTOM OF THE CAR HAD RUSTED THROUGH DUE TO CORROSION CAUSING THE BRAKES TO FAIL. IN ADDITION, ALL OF THE FUEL LINES WHICH CARRY FUEL AT HIGH PRESSURE AT APPROX. 48PSI ARE ALSO BADLY CORRODED AND LIKELY TO FAIL WITH CATASTROPHIC RESULTS (E.G., FIRE, EXPLOSION, ETC.). THESE BRAKE AND FUEL LINE SAFETY DEFECTS STEM FROM THE FACT THAT GENERAL MOTORS USED INFERIOR …

Look up ODI 10468435 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 510963

ABS BRAKES FAILED, RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT, ALSO TRANSMISSION FAILURE. *AK

Look up ODI 510963 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 737963

SHIFTER CAN BE MOVED FROM PARK TO REVERSE OR DRIVE WITHOUT PUSHING THUMB BUTTON OR STEPPING ON BRAKE PEDAL. ATTEMPTED REPAIR BY DEALER MADE PROBLEM WORSE NOT BETTER.*AK

Look up ODI 737963 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Fuel smell or leak mentions

4 mentions · 2.8% of complaints

Median mileage: 96,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 850735

WHILE DRIVING SMELLED GAS FUMES. TOOK VEHICLE TO MECHANIC. NOTICED TOP OF TANK WAS SOFT & WAS BECOMING RUSTY DUE TO WATER ACCUMULATION. FUEL TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK

Look up ODI 850735 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 860153

WHILE DRIVING DOWN ROAD SMELLED GAS FUMES IN THE CAR. WENT TO A SERVICE STATION TO FILL UP, DROVE FOR AWHILE, VEHICLE JUST CUT OFF, AND GASOLINE EVAPORATED. CONTACTED DEALER WHO SAID THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR PROBLEM. *AK

Look up ODI 860153 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 898783

CONSUMER STARTED SMELLING GAS FORM THE OUTSIDE OF CAR. CONSUMER MENTIONED TO DEALER WHEN IT WAS TAKEN IN FOR WARRANTY WORK, DEALER DID NOT CHECK IT AT THAT TIME. CONSUMER INSPECTED VEHICLE AND FOUND RETURN VAPOR LINE HAD POPPED COMPLETELY OFF. CONSUMER SNAPPED IT BACK TOGETHER AND SO FAR IS NOT HAVING ANY PROBLEM. ONCE IT WAS TAKEN BACK TO SHOW DEALER WHERE PROBLEM WAS, SERVICE TECHNICIAN STATED IT MUST BE OKAY NOW. *AK *SLC

Look up ODI 898783 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(fuel leak\w*|gas leak\w*|gas(?:oline)? smell|smell\w* (?:of )?(?:fuel|gas))\b

Stalling or loss of power

4 mentions · 2.8% of complaints

Median mileage: 150,747 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 784393

LEFT FRONT WHEEL BEARING FAILED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL. YH

Look up ODI 784393 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 853339

WATER PUMP IS LEAKING WATER DOWN ONTO THE DISTRIBUTOR, CAUSING THE VEHICLE STALL OUT AND DIE. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK

Look up ODI 853339 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10605640 · 296,493 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 PONTIAC TRANS AM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNIN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS ISNPECTED BY THE CONTACT. THE CONTACT STATED THE REAR PARK BRAKE LEVER RETURN SPRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 296,493.

Look up ODI 10605640 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Hard or delayed shifting

3 mentions · 2.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 19,931 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 8019039

WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND WITH NO WARNING VEHICLE WILL JERK, AND THEN ENGINE LIGHT WILL COME ON AND WILL STAY ON THE REMAINDER OF TIME THAT VEHICLE IS BEING OPERATED. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK

Look up ODI 8019039 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10153036 · 9,861 mi

2002 TRANS AM JERKS WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED. MECHANIC DETERMINED THE ROTORS WERE WARPED. *TS THE DEALER STATED THE CALIPERS ARE HARD HITTING WHICH WARPS THE ROTORS. IT IS A KNOW PROBLEM AND A DEFECT. THE WINDOW MOTOR WAS REPLACED AND THE INSIDE LIGHT ABOVE THE HANDLE WAS INOPERATIVE. *JB

Look up ODI 10153036 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10185489 · 30,000 mi

TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING THE 2002 PONTIAC TRANS AM WITH 30000 FAILURE MILEAGE AND 59100 FAILURE MILEAGE AT 50 MPH, SHE B LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHO DETERMINED THAT SHE NEEDED TO HAVE THE RACK AND PINION STEERING TIGHTENED UP. THE RACK AND PINION HAD BEEN TIGHTENED UP ON MAY/2005 AND MARCH 2007. ALSO, THE VEHICLE JERKED AFTER PRESSING ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,088.*AK

Look up ODI 10185489 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Steering assistance concerns

1 mentions · 0.7% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 785841

POWER STEERING HOSE CLAMPS ARE SHIPPED WITH A PIN IN PLACE, THE PIN IS SUPPOSED TO BE REMOVED BY THE INSTALLER UPON INSTALLATION, THE PIN WAS NOT REMOVED CAUSING THE HOSE TO FALL OFF AND LOSS OF ALL POWER STEERING FLUID AND THE ABILITY TO STEER. *JG

Look up ODI 785841 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

1 mentions · 0.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 44,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10134438 · 44,000 mi

BRAKING SYSTEM FAILED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO STOP AT 40-45 MPH. WHILE BRAKING, THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND WARNING LIGHTS WERE NOTICED. THIS FAILURE LED TO A 2 VEHICLE ACCIDENT WHERE 1 PERSON WAS POSSIBLY INJURED. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS NEEDED TO SLOW THE CAR, THOUGH THE SPIN OUT AS A RESULT OF THE ACCIDENT ULTIMATELY STOPPED THE VEHICLE. AFTER THE INCIDENT, THE ABS WAS INOPERABLE TCS OFF??, AND THE BRAKE WARNINGS WERE LIT AND REMAINED LIT. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE AT THIS POINT IS UNKNOWN AND A DETERMINATION SHOULD BE MADE LATER IN THE WEEK…

Look up ODI 10134438 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b