US vehicle recalls and complaint patterns, explained

Pontiac Firebird recalls and complaints by year

Comprehensive recall and complaint data for the Pontiac Firebird, sourced from official National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) records.

Last updated: (NHTSA data snapshot)

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At a Glance

Total Recalls 57
Total Complaints 801
Years Covered 1967–2002

Stats focus on model years from 1960 onwards. Earlier years appear in the detailed table below where data exists.

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Important: This assistant provides context from aggregated NHTSA data. Always check your specific VIN on NHTSA.gov for vehicle-specific recall information.

Key Takeaways

A quick scan of where recalls and complaints concentrate for the Pontiac Firebird, based on aggregated NHTSA counts and campaign metadata.

Recall Themes

Instead of listing long campaign narratives, this groups recall campaigns into a few recurring areas. Each theme links back to official notices as evidence.

Fuel and emissions

7 campaigns · Years: 1973, 1976, 1982, 1988–1992, 1994

These campaigns relate to fuel delivery or emissions components where leaks or failures can raise safety risk.

Official notices (evidence):
  • 93V199000 · Fuel system, gasoline: Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
  • 94V077000 · Fuel system, gasoline: Filler pipe and cap
  • 90V114000 · Fuel system, gasoline: Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
+ 4 more notices in this theme

Seats and restraints

7 campaigns · Years: 1981–1991, 1997

These campaigns relate to seats, belts, airbags restraint integration, or child restraint anchoring components.

Official notices (evidence):
+ 4 more notices in this theme

Brakes

6 campaigns · Years: 1969, 1973–1974, 1979, 1982–1986

These campaigns relate to braking system components that can affect stopping performance or warning behavior.

Official notices (evidence):
+ 3 more notices in this theme

Steering and suspension

6 campaigns · Years: 1968, 1974–1976, 1979–1980, 1995

These campaigns relate to steering or suspension components that can affect vehicle control or stability.

Official notices (evidence):
+ 3 more notices in this theme

Other

4 campaigns · Years: 1968, 1970–1971, 1984–1985

These campaigns do not fit a single dominant theme, or the component taxonomy is broad.

Official notices (evidence):
+ 1 more notice in this theme

Equipment and labeling

3 campaigns · Years: 1972, 1977, 1980

These campaigns relate to equipment compliance, labeling, or tires.

Official notices (evidence):

Electrical

2 campaigns · Years: 1967, 1974

These campaigns relate to wiring or electrical components that can cause warning lights, loss of function, or fire risk in some cases.

Official notices (evidence):

Powertrain

2 campaigns · Years: 1992, 1999

These campaigns relate to drivetrain or transmission components that can affect shifting, power delivery, or control.

Official notices (evidence):

Most Reported Issues

Across all model years, the most frequently reported areas for the Pontiac Firebird in NHTSA complaint data are Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, Air bags:frontal, Seat belts:front:buckle assembly.

Jump to Model Year

Year-by-Year Overview

Each row shows how often this model appears in NHTSA recalls and consumer complaints for a given model year. These are counts of campaigns and complaints, not risk predictions.

Model Year Recalls Complaints Details
2002 1 48 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system, Service brakes, hydraulic, Wheels:rim.
2001 0 36 Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system, Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:rotor, Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline.
2000 0 34 Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, Tires, Seats.
1999 1 76 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:rotor, Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, Visibility:power window devices and controls.
1998 0 91 Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc, Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, Air bags:frontal.
1997 1 59 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline, Air bags:frontal.
1996 0 50 Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline, Power train:automatic transmission.
1995 1 112 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, Air bags:frontal, Power train:automatic transmission.
1994 1 72 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings, Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, Fuel system, gasoline:delivery.
1993 0 18 Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, Air bags:frontal, Electrical system:wiring.
1992 2 33 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:filler pipe and cap, Structure:frame and members, Air bags:frontal.
1991 3 29 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:filler pipe and cap, Air bags:frontal, Structure:frame and members.
1990 2 10 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Air bags:frontal, Electrical system:wiring:front underhood, Steering: steering wheel/handle bar.
1989 2 23 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Seat belts:front:buckle assembly, Equipment:mechanical:accessory scissor/screw/bottle jack/lift, Seat belts.
1988 2 10 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Steering: steering wheel/handle bar, Seat belts, Electrical system:ignition:module.
1987 1 11 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Seat belts:front:buckle assembly, Wheels:lugs/nuts/bolts/studs, Exterior lighting:headlights.
1986 2 27 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Seat belts:front:buckle assembly, Seat belts:front:anchorage, Fuel system, other.
1985 4 22 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Seat belts:front:buckle assembly, Seat belts:front:anchorage, Electrical system:wiring: rear compartment/trunk.
1984 6 20 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Parking brake:conventional, Structure:frame and members, Seat belts:front:buckle assembly.
1983 2 6 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Parking brake:conventional, Seat belts:front:webbing, Seat belts:front.
1982 3 5 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline, Engine and engine cooling:engine, Power train:automatic transmission.
1981 1 0 Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary.
1980 2 2 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Steering, Suspension.
1979 2 2 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:filler pipe and cap, Visibility:power window devices and controls.
1978 1 3 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system:starter assembly:solenoid, Tires:sidewall.
1977 1 1 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine and engine cooling:engine.
1976 2 1 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Exterior lighting:turn signal.
1975 1 0 Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary.
1974 3 0 Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary.
1973 2 0 Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary.
1972 1 0 Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary.
1971 1 0 Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary.
1970 1 0 Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary.
1969 2 0 Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary.
1968 2 0 Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary.
1967 1 0 Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary.

What to Do Next

Check Your VIN on NHTSA.gov

Recall Evidence by Year

A compact evidence view of recall campaigns that include this model. The default text is an original summary line, with official notice text available on demand.

Most common areas involved: Seat belts , Fuel system and Steering

Show recall evidence by year

2002

  • Structure: Frame and members: Safety recall involving the structure area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (01V381000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: 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.

1999

  • Power train: Clutch assembly: Safety recall involving the power train area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (99V239000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with manual transmissions. The clutch master cylinder may have been built with an incorrect retaining ring.

1997

  • Seat belts: Retractor: Safety recall involving the seat belts area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (96V219000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: 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."

1995

  • Steering: Gear box (other than rack and pinion): Safety recall involving the steering area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (95V046000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: The steering intermediate shaft could have been improperly assembled causing the shaft lower coupling to loosen and rotate on the steering gear input shaft.

1994

  • Fuel system, gasoline: Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings: Safety recall involving the fuel system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (93V199000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: The fuel lines on these vehicles may have been misrouted and may contact the "air" check valve. The high temperatures from the "air" check valve could allow it to melt through and damage a fuel line.

1992

  • Power train: Automatic transmission: Safety recall involving the power train area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (92V154000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: The automatic transmission shift control cable can separate.
  • Fuel system, gasoline: Filler pipe and cap: Safety recall involving the fuel system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (94V077000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: The fuel filler neck solder joint can develop cracks or pin hole leaks, which does not comply with fmvss no. 301, "Fuel system integrity." The cracks and holes can allow fuel vapor and fuel leakage.

1991

  • Visibility: Windshield: Safety recall involving the visibility area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (91V031000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: Poor bond adhesion between the windshield glass and the mounting, which could allow the windshield to separate from the vehicle during a collision. This fails to conform with fmvss 212.
  • Seat belts: Anchorage: Safety recall involving the seat belts area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (91V067000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: The metal latchplates may not engage the buckle assemblies, causing a "no latch" condition. Movement of the seat occupant in this condition could cause latchplate release from the buckle.
  • Fuel system, gasoline: Filler pipe and cap: Safety recall involving the fuel system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (94V077000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: The fuel filler neck solder joint can develop cracks or pin hole leaks, which does not comply with fmvss no. 301, "Fuel system integrity." The cracks and holes can allow fuel vapor and fuel leakage.

1990

  • Seat belts: Buckle assembly: Safety recall involving the seat belts area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (90V105000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: Plastic components of seat belt buckle assemblies do not contain an ultra violet stabilizer, and exposure to direct sunlight and elevated interior temperatures could weaken the plastic components.
  • Fuel system, gasoline: Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings: Safety recall involving the fuel system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (90V114000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: Fuel return hoses may break at either crimped coupling.

1989

  • Seat belts: Buckle assembly: Safety recall involving the seat belts area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (90V105000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: Plastic components of seat belt buckle assemblies do not contain an ultra violet stabilizer, and exposure to direct sunlight and elevated interior temperatures could weaken the plastic components.
  • Fuel system, gasoline: Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings: Safety recall involving the fuel system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (90V115000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: Fuel feed hoses may pull out of the crimped coupling at the engine end of the hose assembly.

1988

  • Seat belts: Buckle assembly: Safety recall involving the seat belts area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (90V105000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: Plastic components of seat belt buckle assemblies do not contain an ultra violet stabilizer, and exposure to direct sunlight and elevated interior temperatures could weaken the plastic components.
  • Fuel system, gasoline: Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings: Safety recall involving the fuel system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (90V115000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: Fuel feed hoses may pull out of the crimped coupling at the engine end of the hose assembly.

1987

  • Seat belts: Buckle assembly: Safety recall involving the seat belts area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (90V105000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: Plastic components of seat belt buckle assemblies do not contain an ultra violet stabilizer, and exposure to direct sunlight and elevated interior temperatures could weaken the plastic components.

1986

  • Seat belts: Buckle assembly: Safety recall involving the seat belts area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (90V105000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: Plastic components of seat belt buckle assemblies do not contain an ultra violet stabilizer, and exposure to direct sunlight and elevated interior temperatures could weaken the plastic components.
  • Parking brake: Conventional: Safety recall involving the parking brake area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (91V055000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: Parking brake adjuster fails to operate and do not work after brake pad wear.

1985

  • Wheels: Hub: Safety recall involving the wheels area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (85V018000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: The hub area of the wheels may not be structurally sound and thus subject to fracture. Consequence of defect: the wheels could separate from the car causing a loss of control. This could result in an accident without prior warning.
  • Seat belts: Webbing: Safety recall involving the seat belts area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (85V169000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: Dislocation of a spring cover will not allow the shoulder belt to retract after being extended. Consequence of defect: although inertial feature that locks the lap belt and shoulder belt in the event of an accident are not affected, if slack is more than recommended in owners manual, injuries to
  • Seat belts: Buckle assembly: Safety recall involving the seat belts area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (90V105000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: Plastic components of seat belt buckle assemblies do not contain an ultra violet stabilizer, and exposure to direct sunlight and elevated interior temperatures could weaken the plastic components.
  • Parking brake: Conventional: Safety recall involving the parking brake area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (91V055000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: Parking brake adjuster fails to operate and do not work after brake pad wear.

1984

  • Seats: Recliner: Safety recall involving the seats area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (84V011000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: Some vehicles have bucket seat back locks that do not conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard 207, anchorage of seats. In event of a crash, the seat back lock may not function.
  • Service brakes, hydraulic: Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings: Safety recall involving the service brakes area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (84V093000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: Rear brake hoses were not properly manufactured and do not conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard 106, "brake hoses". Hoses could come loose from the end fittings when subjected to a pulling force.
  • Wheels: Hub: Safety recall involving the wheels area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (85V018000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: The hub area of the wheels may not be structurally sound and thus subject to fracture. Consequence of defect: the wheels could separate from the car causing a loss of control. This could result in an accident without prior warning.
  • Seat belts: Webbing: Safety recall involving the seat belts area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (85V169000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: Dislocation of a spring cover will not allow the shoulder belt to retract after being extended. Consequence of defect: although inertial feature that locks the lap belt and shoulder belt in the event of an accident are not affected, if slack is more than recommended in owners manual, injuries to
  • Seat belts: Buckle assembly: Safety recall involving the seat belts area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (90V105000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: Plastic components of seat belt buckle assemblies do not contain an ultra violet stabilizer, and exposure to direct sunlight and elevated interior temperatures could weaken the plastic components.
  • Parking brake: Conventional: Safety recall involving the parking brake area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (91V055000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: Parking brake adjuster fails to operate and do not work after brake pad wear.

1983

  • Seat belts: Webbing: Safety recall involving the seat belts area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (85V169000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: Dislocation of a spring cover will not allow the shoulder belt to retract after being extended. Consequence of defect: although inertial feature that locks the lap belt and shoulder belt in the event of an accident are not affected, if slack is more than recommended in owners manual, injuries to
  • Parking brake: Conventional: Safety recall involving the parking brake area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (91V055000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: Parking brake adjuster fails to operate and do not work after brake pad wear.

1982

  • Fuel system, gasoline: Tank assembly: Safety recall involving the fuel system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (82V076000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: Fuel tank ventilator valve in the fuel system may produce a loud and persistent "whistle" during venting of the tank. If the fuel filler cap is removed while this condition exists and the tank is more than 3/4 full, gasoline may be forced out of the filler neck onto bystanders.
  • Seat belts: Anchorage: Safety recall involving the seat belts area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (82V089000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: The involved vehicles do not conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 210, "Seat belt assembly anchorages". The non-compliance exists because the rear seat belt anchorages may pull through the underbody of the vehicle if enough force is applied.
  • Parking brake: Conventional: Safety recall involving the parking brake area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (91V055000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: Parking brake adjuster fails to operate and do not work after brake pad wear.

1981

  • Seat belts: Retractor: Safety recall involving the seat belts area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (81V060000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: On certain vehicles, the seat belt retractors in the rear seating positions contain first lock positions which will not lock when used by smaller passengers. This fails to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 208, "Occupant crash protection".

1980

  • Equipment: Labels: Safety recall involving the equipment area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (80V049000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: Vehicles may fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "Tire selection and rims". Placard on rear edge of left door may show an incorrect vehicle capacity weight instead of the correct figure of 800 lbs.
  • Steering: Arm: Safety recall involving the steering area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (80V108000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: On certain vehicles, the lower control arm ball joint to steering knuckle attaching nut may not have been torqued to specifications. This condition could cause the nut to back off, resulting in joint separation.

1979

  • Exterior lighting: Switch: Safety recall involving the exterior lighting area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (79V142000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: On the involved vehicles the brake stoplight and cruise control switch which is operated by the brake pedal may have been assembled with an incorrect lubricant on the actuating plunger. This can cause the rear brake stoplights to become inoperative and the cruise control, if activated, to stay el
  • Steering: Arm: Safety recall involving the steering area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (80V108000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: On certain vehicles, the lower control arm ball joint to steering knuckle attaching nut may not have been torqued to specifications. This condition could cause the nut to back off, resulting in joint separation.

1978

  • Engine and engine cooling: Fan: Safety recall involving the engine and engine cooling area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (78V139000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: The hub portion of the fan blade assembly could crack due to high stress levels generated during engine operating conditions. Eventually, the blade could break apart at the hub and blade pieces could be propelled into the engine. If the hood is open while the engine is running, the fragments woul

1977

  • Equipment: Labels: Safety recall involving the equipment area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (79V056000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: Labels fail to comply with federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "Tire selection and rims". Incorrect information was provided on tire labels.

1976

1975

1974

1973

1972

1971

1970

1969

  • Service brakes, hydraulic: Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings: Safety recall involving the service brakes area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
  • Service brakes, hydraulic: Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings: Safety recall involving the service brakes area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.

1968

1967

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Recall Explained provides independent analysis of official NHTSA data. This site does not replace the official NHTSA VIN lookup and should not be treated as legal or safety advice for your specific vehicle.

For any safety concerns: Always check your VIN on the official NHTSA site and contact an authorized dealer.

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