2002 Pontiac Firebird
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Pontiac › Firebird › 2002
These records cover every 2002 Pontiac Firebird. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 2002 Pontiac Firebird. Newest first.
Vehicle description: certain passenger vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of fmvss no. 208, "occupant crash protection," and no. 214, "side impact protection." these vehicles may have welds near the lower driver's side door hinge that do not meet specifications.
Risk and remedy
Risk
In a crash, an occupant could receive severe injuries.
Remedy
Dealers will install structural rivets. owner notification began december 26, 2001. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020 or pontiac at 1-800-762-2737.
Owner complaints
21 complaints1 involved a crash1 involved a fire1 injuries2 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine · Engine and engine cooling
TL* the contact owns a 2002 pontiac firebird. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 mph, there was a burning odor emitted from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that oil was leaking from the valve cover gasket. As a result, the technician…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 pontiac firebird. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 mph, there was a burning odor emitted from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that oil was leaking from the valve cover gasket. As a result, the technician informed the contact that the oil pan gasket and the valve cover gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000. updated 1/12/16 *cn the consumer stated with the oil leaking, it was coming in contact with the exhaust manifold. Updated 02/04/16.*jb
- Electrical system
The security light comes on and stays on ,sometimes car will not start and sometimes dies while driving and loses power at any giving time. The key that has a the sensor does not read or give the correct resistance to the vats security system and the security system shuts the car off. I believe it…
The security light comes on and stays on ,sometimes car will not start and sometimes dies while driving and loses power at any giving time. The key that has a the sensor does not read or give the correct resistance to the vats security system and the security system shuts the car off. I believe it has something to do with the key resistance and the ignition in which it goes into. Something electrical IS not reading or making contact messing up all the security in the car. *tr
- Engine
Engine oil leak problem since august. I have had car checked on two (2) occasions by my mechanic. he stated it could need a new oil pan or the rear main seal. the car only has 50,000 miles on it and has been very well maintained. I am the original owner and not too happy that I am facing costly engine repairs for this well cared for car. *tr
- Wheels › Rim
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 pontiac firebird. The contact stated that all four of the chrome alloy rims on the vehicle exhibit cracks. The rims were previously replaced per the warranty; however, since there was a memo indicating that they could not be repaired but replaced. Pontiac has been very…
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 pontiac firebird. The contact stated that all four of the chrome alloy rims on the vehicle exhibit cracks. The rims were previously replaced per the warranty; however, since there was a memo indicating that they could not be repaired but replaced. Pontiac has been very uncooperative and refused to comply. The dealer took pictures of the rims and determined that it was a cosmetic issue and not a safety issue. The brand, manufacturer and any related rim information was not available. The current mileage IS 85000. The failure mileage was 42,926. updated 6/21/10 *cn updated 06/24/10.*jb
- Structure › Frame and members
Driver's side door. Outer skin completely detached from door. Lower hinge IS defective. Owned vehicle since new, was a recall related to hinge, but never notified of any recall regarding my vehicle. Actually glued skin back to door to repair. *Tr
- Wheels · Wheels › Rim
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 pontiac firebird. the contact noticed that the chrome rims exhibited corrosion and rust on the inside surface. in addition, the spokes were severely cracked. there were no warnings prior to the failures. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for inspection and…
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 pontiac firebird. the contact noticed that the chrome rims exhibited corrosion and rust on the inside surface. in addition, the spokes were severely cracked. there were no warnings prior to the failures. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for inspection and they found rust and corrosion on all four rims. the rims have not been replaced at this time. the failure mileage was 42,000 and current mileage was 75,000. updated 05/27/09 *bf updated 06/02/09.*jb
- Wheels › Rim
Chrome plating peeling from wheels,corrosion causing tires to loose air and go flat. Loss of air pressure causes handling problems--constant problem-situation has been repeated several times. Cleaning corrosion form wheel (which pontiac dealer has done) corrects problem for short period of time. *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 40 mph on normal road conditions, the brakes made a consistent vibration when applied and extended stopping distance occurred with no prior warnings, under normal braking. the vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who cleaned the brake pads and rotated the rotors. the vehicle problems persisted, but no further repairs were made.
- Air bags · Electrical system
2002 pontiac firebird was involved in a collision while driving at 55 mph and the air bags deployed. *mr
- Electrical system
Consumer complaint regarding gm corp placing electronic recording devices in vehicles without informing the customer.*mr *nm
- Exterior lighting › Headlights › Concealment devices
Headlight assembly did not activate when light switch was turned on. lamps lite but the assembly did not rise into position.
- Electrical system · Power train › Driveline › Differential unit · Power train › Manual transmission · Service brakes, hydraulic
I have had multiple electrical issues with the vehicle with the keyless entry and theft deterent key chip system malfunctioning and the radio face display not working at all unless I turn the radio off and on until it work sometime 5 or 6 times. the vehicle when it was brand new had a noise coming…
I have had multiple electrical issues with the vehicle with the keyless entry and theft deterent key chip system malfunctioning and the radio face display not working at all unless I turn the radio off and on until it work sometime 5 or 6 times. the vehicle when it was brand new had a noise coming from the 6speed manual transmission in third and fourth gear now the vehicle has 17000 miles and it IS much worse with some difficulty shifting on accasion. the differential has a whining noise at 50-60 mph at cruising rpm and the dealership tells me this IS normal. I am severely irritated with gm for the disregard to customer service and even if you are within your original warranty you can forget about getting a loaner vehicle during any repairs. that IS one of the major things keeping me from giving them my car. three different dealerships in the houston area have all told me that wear parts are not covered in warranty which IS "bumper to bumper" full warranty. I just don't think a transmission should be doing this at 17000 miles. not to mention I have already had to replace most of the braking system out of my own pocket when the vehicle had less than 10000 miles on it from a sticking brake caliper. I am very displeased since I bought this vehicle new.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system · Equipment › Electrical · Service brakes, hydraulic · Steering · Suspension · Unknown or other · Visibility › Power window devices and controls
I have had numerous problems with my firebird which I bought less than a year ago brand new from the dealer. I don not have the exact dates and mileage of the problems at hand. In short the following have been reported to the purchasing dealer and/or repaired: roters(brakes) 2X, antena 3 or 4X…
I have had numerous problems with my firebird which I bought less than a year ago brand new from the dealer. I don not have the exact dates and mileage of the problems at hand. In short the following have been reported to the purchasing dealer and/or repaired: roters(brakes) 2X, antena 3 or 4X, open circuit(remote keyless entry-trunk/windows/doors and alarm)1 OR2X, cd/stereo still isn't repaired and unsure of problem, suspension off, left blinker malfunctioning, misc. Fuses continuously blown, power steering column leak .....i think thats it! That's enough though.
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
I purchased the 2002 pontiac collectors edition firebird as my first new car. I regret to say that I am very disappointed in the performance and construction of this vehicle. my first complaint IS a severe vibration throughout the vehicle when driving over 55 mph or after it warms up. this…
I purchased the 2002 pontiac collectors edition firebird as my first new car. I regret to say that I am very disappointed in the performance and construction of this vehicle. my first complaint IS a severe vibration throughout the vehicle when driving over 55 mph or after it warms up. this vibration IS felt through the shifter as well as being apparent when you stand behind the vehicle near the exhaust while it IS running. I have been informed from two seperate dealerships that they acknowledge the problem but gm will not approve the repair due to the mileage and the lack of a computer code, even though the gm mechanics have agreed there IS a problem. The car has now gone over the mileage requirment and it IS worse. I also was involved in an accident with this car due to a drunk driver damaging the driver's door. when this was being replaced it seems that gm never painted the bottoms of either door. I was again informed by the dealership that gm's response was "no one sees the bottoms of the doors and they wont rust, therefore it didnt need paint." the original yellow paint job was very thin over the black primer used. the paint codes on the car doesnt match for repairs due to this thin paint coat, when applied it IS two different shades. the camaro IS also not painted on the bottom of the doors, however, the corvette seems to be painted. I am very discouraged with gm for the issues listed above, I have put forth a lot of money for my first time car and it seems that the manufacturer has taken advantage of the normal consumer purchasing these vehicles. gm also seems unwilling to make the correction needed. how does a company get away with charging this much money for merchandise and then not even giving a full paint job, let alone it not working properly.*ak
- Electrical system · Engine and engine cooling · Exterior lighting · Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly · Power train › Manual transmission · Service brakes, hydraulic › Pedals and linkages · Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Fan/motor
Problems 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…
Problems 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 (bearing was replaced), water and haze was in the high/low beam inside the bulbs, left headlight shorted out/wire burnt (actuator was replaced), the brake pedal rubber guard had detached, the gas tether detached, there was an engine knock upon acceleration, the ignition module and camshaft position sensor experienced performance problems, the transmission shimmies when shifting under the vehicle when the clutch depressed, the headlights, rear light, dash lights, radio lights, and the interior lights would continuously flicker. *scc in cold weather the shifter failed to engage in 2ND and 4TH gears. *Jb
- Electrical system › Wiring
Consumer would put key inside ignition and headlights would come on. however, vehicle would not start. Consumer stated that ignition wires were worn/weak. The dealership has been contacted.*ak this problem occurred about 4-5 times. a few times the ignition was turned on with a little…
Consumer would put key inside ignition and headlights would come on. however, vehicle would not start. Consumer stated that ignition wires were worn/weak. The dealership has been contacted.*ak this problem occurred about 4-5 times. a few times the ignition was turned on with a little manipulation of the key. but the last 2 times the temperature was in the 90'S and the vehicle could not be started at all. the consumer believes this failure IS a safety concern. *ts *nlm
- Electrical system › Horn · Power train › Automatic transmission › Cooling unit and lines · Seats · Tires · Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal · Visibility › Power window devices and controls
The accelerator pedal was stuck, the vehicle was taken to 3 different dealers, who were unable to duplicate the problem. *jb there was a noise in the drivetrain, the front back of the upper seat was discolored(replaced), foam from the driver's seat had come apart, the gas pedal would stick with…
The accelerator pedal was stuck, the vehicle was taken to 3 different dealers, who were unable to duplicate the problem. *jb there was a noise in the drivetrain, the front back of the upper seat was discolored(replaced), foam from the driver's seat had come apart, the gas pedal would stick with of without the cruise control engaged from stop, after a heavy rain storm, the horn would sound different, when the vehicle was driven at the speed of 50 mph, there would be a rumble noise in the front wheel, the driveshaft was out of balance(warranty replaced), and the driver's window was inoperative(replaced the power window regulator). scc
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Unknown or other
While 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…
While 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 occured three times in about a six month period. The vehicle IS new and no indicator lights are activated when this happens.*jb
- Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system · Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Structure › Body › Door · Unknown or other
This vehicle should not be on the road. dt
- Exterior lighting › Headlights
Right headlight burned out after 7 monthes with vey little night driving so use of headlights was minimal. wouldn't have complained had I not read of many accounts of the same thing happening to others with the same car on the website ls1.com in the ws6/firehawk forum.*ak
- Visibility › Windshield
Design of windshield distorts images of outside environment and causes occupants to experience headaches and nausea. consumer contacted dealership, and was informed that design could not be changed. please provide any additional information / documentation.*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.
- 11009156This 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.
- 11006621Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.
- 11004557This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 11002312This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
- 10252735This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
- 10252163XM Audio Traffic And Travel Link Availability And Operation.
- 10251890This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 10251887This bulletin advises the technician of possible location of an internal coolant leak from a specific cylinder head and location.
- 10250775This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
- 10249980This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vibration complaints that are one of the most challenging complaints to accurately diagnose and repair. Technician will need to use Pico Oscilloscope Diagnostic Kit to effectively diagnosis vehicles. Technician should drive the vehicle will using the Pico Oscilloscope to record data. After the data is recorded it should be reviewed to determine the root cause of the concern. If a repair attempt made the concern better but not eliminated or had no affect at all, and are requesting assistance from General Motors Technical Assistance Center record another Pico file and save it to the computer. After the new Pico Oscilloscope data has been saved email the data to General Motors Technical Assistance Center in the subject line include ?Vibration? ?Business Associate Code? and the last 8 of the Vehicle Identification Number.
- 10249579This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10249011This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 10247780This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 10247681Information On Requests To Add OnStar Bluetooth Option.
- 10246952Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10246951Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10245951Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls And Turn By Turn Inoperative In The United States.
- 10245950Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls In The United States
- 10244274This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.
- 10244201This service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only).
- 10242298This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D
- 10242262This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and prevent unnecessary engine replacement.
- 10240793This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment by engineering. Technician will need to call General Motors Technical Assistance Center for further assistance.
- 10236164This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D
- 10235802This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10235799This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.
- 10234141This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10234110This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
- 10232811This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D
- 10232287This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10232136This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10230697This Preliminary information communicates to the technician the need to inspect the induction system for potential icing issues in very cold ambient temperatures. To allow the ice to melt so that it can be drained from the related components. That any of the listed DTC's may set with or without poor engine performance.
- 10227056This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
- 10224820This service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only).
- 10224309This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician that General Motors and General Motors of Canada Company do not support cross border sales. The General Motors of Canada Customer Care Centre is the sole authorized provider of a certification confirmation letter which helps our customers identify if their vehicles meets the required USA regulatory standards necessary for importation into the USA.
- 10224273This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician to not remove the torque converter bolts and start the engine as this may cause damage to the torque converter of the crankshaft on vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission.
- 10222796This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
- 10216361This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
Every Pontiac Firebird model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.