1998 Pontiac Firebird
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Pontiac › Firebird › 1998
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Owner complaints
63 complaints8 involved a crash2 involved a fire5 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Fuel/propulsion system
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…
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.
- Fuel/propulsion system
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
- Exterior lighting › Tail lights
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
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline · Vehicle speed control
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…
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
- Unknown or other
Last year I had the same problem. The right headlight motor broke. I couldnt afford to fix it. I got it fixed in july 03. now in september 03 the left IS gone. im very upset with this. dont you think gm could make something last longer then 4 or 5 years? I cant afford this. I just put over…
Last year I had the same problem. The right headlight motor broke. I couldnt afford to fix it. I got it fixed in july 03. now in september 03 the left IS gone. im very upset with this. dont you think gm could make something last longer then 4 or 5 years? I cant afford this. I just put over $3,OOO into this car between tire rods brakes,headlights, new passenger mirror, universal joints,everything IS going all at once give me a break. im 24 and I have owned an 87 & 95 firebird besides this one. I love the car but something needs to be done with how long stuff lasts in it. melony mcneaney
- Air bags › Frontal · Unknown or other
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
- Exterior lighting › Tail lights
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…
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
- Exterior lighting › Headlights › Concealment devices
Left side head light IS overheating burning out the amber bulb which IS used for daytime running light. the motor for raising and lowering the headlight lid performs erratic. the headlight motor does not recognize that the lid has shut and continues to run. the owner also indicated that the engine would shut down sometimes when this happens. please describe details. Ts
- Wheels › Rim
Consumer stated that the wheels rim base failed (tire size P235 55 R16). *Yh
- Wheels › Rim
The tire rim IS cutting into tire. Dealer notified. *mr
- Equipment › Electrical › Radio/tape deck/cd etc. · Power train · Power train › Automatic transmission
Harsh 1-2 upshift, engine check light has happened several times and cannot trace problem. cd player quit working soon after warranty expired
- Electrical system › 12v/24v/48v battery
Battery IS linking into wiring harness, and IS hard to start motor.*ak
- Air bags › Frontal · Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
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
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
- Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil springs · Visibility › Power window devices and controls
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
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Vehicle speed control
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
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Rotor
Consumer was traveling 50mph steering started to jerk violently while braking. This second time at 26,000 miles that front rotors needed replacing. dealer stated it was natural wear and tear.*ak
- Seats
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…
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
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc
Uneven wear in the brake rotors. gm has redesigned the rotor because of this problem and the car has been in for servicing twice regarding this problem. because car IS now out of warranty, gm refuses to fix it even though they acknowledge it was incorrectly repaired previously and IS a known…
Uneven wear in the brake rotors. gm has redesigned the rotor because of this problem and the car has been in for servicing twice regarding this problem. because car IS now out of warranty, gm refuses to fix it even though they acknowledge it was incorrectly repaired previously and IS a known problem. the uneven wear causes a shimmy in the car at freeway speeds. according to gm service bulletins, it generally happens after about 7000 miles from last brake servicing (as IS the case with my car. *Ak
- Air bags › Frontal
While driving about 50 mph and trying to avoid a deer on road, drove over a wet spot, lost control and crashed into a tree. upon impact, air bags did not deploy. *ak
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
Windshield wiper circuit board failure. wipers intermittently stop working. common GMC problem.*ak
- Air bags › Frontal
While driving at 40-45 mph hit a soft spot on shoulder,vehicle spun out of control, hit mail box/ phone box/tree, and rolled over, comming to a stop in middle of road, upside down. Airbags did not deploy. Vehicle was totalled. *ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc
All 4 brake discs were warped. dealer ground down..still slight warp!
- Unknown or other · Vehicle speed control
Throttle pedal gets caught by floor mat when slammed to floor for fast acceleration. Floor mat does not have anything to prevent it from moving in front of pedal, at this point, vehicle stays accelerating.*ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Rotor
Have had to have front rotors turned twice within 23,300 miles.steering wheel shakes when brakes are applied. *ak
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.
- 10138217This informational bulletin provides a step by step procedure on how to properly use the GM chemicals to eliminate unwanted odors in vehicles and which products to use for each application.
- 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.
- 10137475This informational bulletin provides a step by step procedure on how to properly use the GM chemicals to eliminate unwanted odors in vehicles and which products to use for each application.
- 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.
- 10113258This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Supplemental Inflatable Restraint lamp, Service Vehicle Soon lamp on and/or radio locked, possibly after module replacement. Technician will need to check for an incorrect or non-existent VIN number in modules that require them. Technician should ensure that all modules that are replaced are programmed per currently published Service Information. Technician should also check the Sensing and Diagnostic Module part number if it was replaced.
- 10082506This technical bulletin provides a procedure to reprogram the media disc player with the latest calibrations to correct a condition of the rear entertainment system not operating as intended in colder ambient temperature areas due to calibration concerns.
- 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.
- 10011219Clutch pressure plate wear indicator adjustment.
- 10010619Driveshaft ping ting clang snap or click noise.
- 10010364Check engine light with a p0300 due to 2-4 cylinders misfiring on the same bank of the engine.
- 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.
- 10008758Hard clutch pedal and/or hydraulic system failure after servicing the pressure plate.
- 10007576Roll-out for the gen III small block engines with iridium spark plugs. Also includes 2003/2004 M/L vans.
- 100072374L60e, 4l65e forward and low reverse waved steel clutch plate appearance change.
- 100055664L60-e automatic transmission oil pump first and second design identification.
- 10004733Information on new spark plugs and gapping. Various models including pontiac GTO 2004.
- 10000924Revised diagnostic trouble code p0230.
- 10000768Revised audio system diagnostics.
- 10000064Needle bearings found in oil pan.
- 6089988Some vehicles built prior to vin breakpoint y2102472 may exhibit a squealing type noise that IS coming from the front brakes during a light to moderate brake apply.
- 6089982Subject regarding rear brake groan / chirp noise during brake apply on vehicles built prior to vin y2111896.
Every Pontiac Firebird model year
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