1997 Pontiac Firebird
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Pontiac › Firebird › 1997
These records cover every 1997 Pontiac Firebird. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 1997 Pontiac Firebird. Newest first.
Certain honeywell fram racing brand HP4 and HP8 oil filters that were manufactured from may 25, 2006, through september 14, 2007, and sold for use as replacement equipment for vehicles list above. the affected filters are marked with a date code a61451 through a72571 sequentially. the date code and part number appear on the filter housing. fram racing…
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition may cause inadequate sealing and loss of engine oil, possibly resulting in a fire.
Remedy
Honeywell will replace the affected oil filters free of charge. the recall began during november 2007. owners can contact fram customer service toll-free at 1-800-890-2075.
Certain aj motorsport combination lamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above listed passenger vehicles. combination lamps not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and may possibly result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Aj motorsport will notify owners and offer reimbursement for the lamps. the recall began on july 31, 2006. owners may contact aj motorsport at 626-618-2026.
These vehicles were manufactured with seat belt retractors out of design position which can cause the retractor to lock-up on slopes less severe than the fmvss requirement. this does not comply with fmvss no. 209, "seat belt assemblies."
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the event of a vehicle collision, unbelted occupants are more at risk of injury than those using seat belts.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the seat belts for proper front seat belt retractor position. retractors found to be improperly positioned will be reinstalled correctly.
Owner complaints
49 complaints5 involved a crash2 involved a fire4 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Wheels
Hi my Pontiac firebird got Impounded properly parked for 3 hrs on private property on the same property where I’m a Tenant at [XXX] Las Vegas it was towed illegally and was in pound yard where I was charged $474.64 by tow guys 3823 losse rd 89030 they did not put sticker they illegally towed no…
Hi my Pontiac firebird got Impounded properly parked for 3 hrs on private property on the same property where I’m a Tenant at [XXX] Las Vegas it was towed illegally and was in pound yard where I was charged $474.64 by tow guys 3823 losse rd 89030 they did not put sticker they illegally towed no sign on wall saying we cannot park at night there I’m parking space got impounded from the wheel in the rear and popped my right front tire pulling it and towed it like that damaging my front suspension I’d like to get my refund . My contact # is [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- Air bags
While I was driving on the middle lane on beltway 495 heading to work- I saw a huge tire high in the air & dropping in front of my car. I took my foot off the accelerator. It hit the front grille & went underneath my car causing it to fly over the tire. I landed safely on the middle lane. ( at the…
While I was driving on the middle lane on beltway 495 heading to work- I saw a huge tire high in the air & dropping in front of my car. I took my foot off the accelerator. It hit the front grille & went underneath my car causing it to fly over the tire. I landed safely on the middle lane. ( at the time I didn't realized that my airbag should have been released on impact.) at another date someone hit my driver's side door at about 10 mph & the airbag didn't work. *tr
- Electrical system · Engine · Unknown or other
I 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
- Exterior lighting
The turning signal light sockets on the 1997 firebird (and probably other model years) burn up after a time causing signal failure and marker light failure. The cause IS the excessive heat given off by the daytime running lights. Pontiac used the turning signal element of the light assembly as a…
The turning signal light sockets on the 1997 firebird (and probably other model years) burn up after a time causing signal failure and marker light failure. The cause IS the excessive heat given off by the daytime running lights. Pontiac used the turning signal element of the light assembly as a full on,all the time, visibility light for daytime driving. I love the idea for safety reasons but I feel the signal socket needs to be better able to handle the heat of these lights being on all the time. Visibility IS great but having these sockets fail at busy intersections and not being able to signal seems to be a bigger safety issue and an accident waiting to happen. The sockets burn black and haven't caught on fire on my car and I'm not sure of the fire potential of this, but being that the bumper fenders and virtually most of the car IS plastic, if they ever did catch fire I'D hate to see how fast the vehicle would burn!. I have had to resort to using a small jumper wire to ground the drl signal out so that I effectively disabled the lights so that I didn't have to continually have to repair the sockets or risk having a fire. The next question asks for a date of incident and I'm not sure how to answer so I'll put today's date in there. The sockets seem to burn out once every few years, even the replacements are prone to failure after a couple years. My sockets have been replaced twice in 134,000 miles and this third set of sockets are scorched after being replace six months ago so I disabled the drl before they got worse. *Tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Drum › Shoes/linings
At 118,000 miles I had my front brakes changed for the third time. I asked the person changing the brakes to check the rear brakes since they have never been changed. I had asked previous people to look at them when inspecting brakes and I was always told they were fine. this time the person…
At 118,000 miles I had my front brakes changed for the third time. I asked the person changing the brakes to check the rear brakes since they have never been changed. I had asked previous people to look at them when inspecting brakes and I was always told they were fine. this time the person really looked at them and informed me that the brakes had never touched the drums (ever). my rear brakes were showroom new and so were the rear drums. I had had an sccident a few years ago and had those brakes been working I guarantee I would have gotten stopped in time to have prevented the accident and my injuries. the dat of inciden will be the date of this discovery.*ak
- Structure › Body › Door · Structure › Frame and members
Consumer states that driver's side door has cracks developing, and dealer indicates that panels are separating. *ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic
The vehicle pulled to the left when the brakes were applied. the dealer has been contacted. *nlm
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
ABS failed while applying brakes in an emergency / sudden stop, which led to a vehicle crash. Manufacturer was notified.*ak *jlg
- Air bags › Frontal · Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Vehicle 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
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Vehicle intermittently stalled while driving. When occurred vehiclle would not restart for an hour or more. Vehicle been to dealers shop on four occasions, and problem still reoccurring. Feel free to provide any further information on this matter.*ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
No summary listed for above vehicle. *Ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Radiator assembly
Engine IS overheating because of radiator coolant (dex/cool) breaking down. dealer has been notified. *ak
- Vehicle speed control › Cruise control
Rough idle after engine IS hot. car would not re-start for 24 hours. *Ak
- Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system › Fuel rail
Fuel leakage ; leakage occurred in fuel line that IS attached to fuel injector. Consumer noticed problem when coming outside to vehicle, and smelling the gasoline. Contacted dealership, and problem IS not fixed yet.*ak
- Electrical system › Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers
Front right turn signal went out. took it to dealer and was told the whole wiring went bad on that light and needed to be replaced. *ak
- Electrical system › Ignition › Module · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control
Car had trouble accelerating. Ses light came on. took car to dealer and was told that spark plug wires had gone bad and also needed new 0-2 sensor. *ak
- Power train › Axle assembly
There has been whining in rear-end and a roaring in front end. I have had car in shop 9 different times for rear end problems,the driveshaft has had to be replaced,power window failures,headlight failure
- Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
Cannot move foot from gas pedal to brake pedal without hitting steering column concern about emergency braking.*ak
- Fuel system, other
The gas gauge reads 3/4 full when the tank IS actually 1/2 full. the gauge reads 1/2 full when actually 1/4 full. gauge reads 1/4 full when empty. pontiac IS aware of the problem but will not correct it, of remedy it for customers. pontiac should remove gas gauge from dash board since the system IS this faulty.
- Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system
Lack of power, hesitation, backfiring through fuel injection system. cannot maintain 40 mph on interstate highways, going uphill.
- Electrical system › Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers
Premature burn out of rear tail lights. consumer took the vehicle to t dealership, and mechanic told him that it will will cost $100.00 per light.*ak
- Electrical system › Ignition › Module
The ses light came on in the vehicle and upon taking it to town & country the first time, they advised that one of the spark plug wires had gone bad and replaced same. I had to return again on 10/07/99 because the ses light came on again and the vehicle was sputtering. I had to have the vehicle…
The ses light came on in the vehicle and upon taking it to town & country the first time, they advised that one of the spark plug wires had gone bad and replaced same. I had to return again on 10/07/99 because the ses light came on again and the vehicle was sputtering. I had to have the vehicle towed this time. I called the manufacturer and advised that I refused to return to town & country and the vehicle was then taken to penn pontiac. I was advised once again that it was a spark plug wire and they replaced same and sent me on my way. on 11/24/99 I had to return to penn pontiac for the same problem for the third time. once again, they advised that it was a spark plug wire and replaced another one again. on 12/10/99, I returned to penn pontiac for the fourth time because the ses light came on again and the vehicle was sputtering and the entire back end was rattling. I was advised this time that this was due to a broken baffle in the muffler and they replaced the muffler. upon picking up my vehicle after said repairs, the vehicles was rattling worse than it ever had before. there IS no way physically possible that they could have test driven the vehicle after said repairs and not noticed the horrible noise, because it was rattling as soon as I started the car. I immediately went in and spoke with the manager. he came out and listened to the vehicle and had a mechanic take it back into the shop. after waiting approx. 30 minutes, the manager then advised me that it was the catilytic converter and that I would have to call the following week to make an appointment to go back again and have the catilytic converter replaced. he assured me that it would only take an hour. I called the following week and had to wait an additional week before they could fit me in. on 01/05/00, I returned to the dealership for the 5TH time to have the catilytic converter replaced. And now it IS 01/21/00 and the alternator has now failed. the vehicle was acting the same way.
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc
Upon 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…
Upon 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. they advised me to call after the thanksgiving holiday and make an appointment to have the brakes checked out in addition to the rattling noises that I had been complaining about for severals prior visits. I then had to take the vehicle back in the following week and was advised that a module had to be replaced in the anti-lock braking system and that a baffle was broken on the muffler and they had to replace the muffler and was assured that the muffler was the cause of the rattling. this did correct the brake problem; however, it did not correct the rattling noise. as a matter of fact, when I picked up the vehicle after service, the vehicle was rattling worse then when dropped off, despite the dealership's assurances that the muffler was the cause of the problem and that they had corrected this problem for the 4TH time. I will submit a different report as will be outlined in the next report. *ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Upon taking vehicle in for routine maintenance brake job, due to town & country pontiac advising that brakes needed to be maintained, I was advised (not by the dealership, by another mechanic's shop) that the right front rotar was worn and had to be replaced as required by md. Law. upon learning…
Upon taking vehicle in for routine maintenance brake job, due to town & country pontiac advising that brakes needed to be maintained, I was advised (not by the dealership, by another mechanic's shop) that the right front rotar was worn and had to be replaced as required by md. Law. upon learning this, I then took vehicle to penn pontiac, as town & country looked at my brakes and did not inform me of the unsafe conditions, and penn pontiac confirmed that only the right side rotar had been chewed up. they further advised me that the brake pads were not worn unevenly and that there was no way possible that this occurred from normal wear. they further advised that the right front rotar had to have been machined at some point because the braking system was working properly and the brake pads were normal. when the vehicle was taken in to have the maintenance performed, the brakes had never been repaired or maintained, as the sensor had just began making noise which indicated that it was just then time for the normal maintenance. therefore, there had to have been a defect in the braking system or town & county pontiac had to have machined that rotar prior to the purchase of said vehicle. this vehicle was purchased with 3000 miles, as it was a demo. town & country never disclosed any information of prior repairs required prior to my purchase of same. I don't believe it IS fair to expect a buyer to assume that repairs would have been performed on a new vehicle with only 3000 miles. *Ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline · Parking brake › Conventional · Visibility › Power window devices and controls
I have had three serious oil leaks with this vehicle which started when it only had 8,000 miles. in addition, the parking brake failed and the power windows broke. the rear bumper rusts after it rains because of the brake dust. you have to use rubbing compound once a week. overall, the amount of problems have been exhorbinant and not what you would expect from a $28,000 vehicle.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Fuel tube retaining clip failure
Most of the reports reviewed in this investigation are fire incidents in which fuel leakage has been alleged as the cause or the area of origin IS consistent with the alleged defect.there IS no evidence that the subject clip was a factor in any of these fire incidents and nhtsa testing indicates thatbroken or…
Most of the reports reviewed in this investigation are fire incidents in which fuel leakage has been alleged as the cause or the area of origin IS consistent with the alleged defect.there IS no evidence that the subject clip was a factor in any of these fire incidents and nhtsa testing indicates thatbroken or dislodged retention clip does not result in significant movement of the fuel line bundle toward the left secondary air injection check valve.failure of the clip places the fuel line bundle assembly in the same configuration as the 1993 model year lti vehicles.a safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that no safety-related defect exists.the agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.
- Fuel tub retaining clip failure
Owners have reported failures of the fuel tube retention clip that attaches to the plastic throttle linkage cover.according to gm, the subject retention clip (p/n 12048089) was implemented in production on october 12, 1993, to address a concern with incorrect assembly plant fuel line routing.mis-routed fuel tubes may…
Owners have reported failures of the fuel tube retention clip that attaches to the plastic throttle linkage cover.according to gm, the subject retention clip (p/n 12048089) was implemented in production on october 12, 1993, to address a concern with incorrect assembly plant fuel line routing.mis-routed fuel tubes may fail from contact with a hot air check valve, creating a fire hazard in the engine compartment.gm maintains that no problems should occur if the clip IS properly installed and isn't mishandled during subsequent service operations.some owners have alleged to odi that the subject clip becomes brittle over time and may also pull free of the throttle linkage cover attachment hole.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10208027This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10171318This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10170494This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.
- 10168979This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code. The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable. E version update is to add administrative details.
- 10166638This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10165876This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code. The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable.
- 10157018This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10154641This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10141381This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10138060This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10137901This informational bulletin provides the technician with information on what E85 fuel may due to a non E85 vehicle.
- 10114947This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10114924This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10113443This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10017568Intermittent chuggle or fishbite on light acceleration or a highway speeds with no diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs).
- 10017070Rear suspension clunk noise.
- 10012745Information on error codes on radio display their cause and corrective action.
- 10012148New rear main seal and special tool for installation.
- 10010619Driveshaft ping ting clang snap or click noise.
- 10010180Slight pull left or right, tire wander. Updated 6/4/10.
- 10009370The engine does not stall when performing a p1870 diagnostic test with the tech 2 scan tool or when commanding the torque converter clutch enable solenoid on applications that do not have the p1870 diagnostic test listed. 4L60e or 4l65e transmissions.
- 100087666SP manual transmission stuck in fourth gear will not shift out of fourth.
- 10007576Roll-out for the gen III small block engines with iridium spark plugs. Also includes 2003/2004 M/L vans.
- 100055664L60-e automatic transmission oil pump first and second design identification.
- 6092567Voluntary emission campaign involving the air injection reactor (air) pump emission control system which may fail to operate and cause the malfunction indicator lamp (mil) to illuminate.
- 6091560On some vehicles the air injection reactor (a.i.r.) pump emission control system may fail to operate and cause the malfunction indicator lamp (mil) to illuminate.
- 6089940Special policy adjustment regarding spark plug wire replacement.
- 6088977Special policy adjustment for spark plug wire replacement on vehicles equipped with 3.8L engine.
- 636700Service manual advises incorrect usage of convertible top fluid.
- 634999Diagnosis of cracked or broken transmission case. 2006 and prior cars and light duty trucks.
- 634815Some customers may comment on a harsh 1-2 upshift and the check engine light or service engine soon indicator IS illuminated and diagnostic trouble code p1870 set.
- 632306Some owners may comment on a buzz or rattle sound from the door panel or rear quarter panel trim speaker locations.
- 627839Information regarding harsh 1-2 upshift, service engine soon, malfunction indicator lamp, or cel illuminated, diagnostic trouble code p1870 set. (1996-2000 chevrolet and GMC light duty truck models)
- 622930Some owners with vehicles built before january 15,1999 may comment on a harsh 1-2 upshift and may also have a check engine light.
- 619742This technical service bulletin states that technicians may experience difficulty in removing the connectors from the park / neutral position switch, usually when trying to remove the switch during transmission service.
- 619008On certain vehicles, the air injection reactor (a.i.r.) pump emission control system may fail to operate and cause the malfunction indicator lamp (mil) to illuminate.
- 618141A no reverse, no second gear, or no fourth gear condition. Updated
- 618109Vehicles may experience exhaust gas recirculation valve failures.
Every Pontiac Firebird model year
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