Carlexica

1995 Pontiac Firebird: problems, recalls and reliability

3 recalls and 84 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is electrical system (17% of complaints); the 1993 and 1996 model years look more trouble-free.

Data updated weekly · latest recall Oct 2007

3
recalls
84
owner complaints
14
fire reports
147,700
typical failure mileage, mi

All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.

Problems tend to appear late (median 147,700 mi)One of the most complained-about Firebird years (#1 of 11, age-adjusted)14 fire reports

Common problems

Computed from 84 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.

Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)17% · 14 complaints
Service Brakes, Hydraulic (brakes)14% · 11 complaints
Engine And Engine Cooling (engine, radiator, overheating)11% · 9 complaints
Air Bags (airbags and crash sensors)11% · 9 complaints
Steering (steering wheel, rack, power assist)10% · 8 complaints
Fuel System, Gasoline (fuel pump, tank, lines)9% · 7 complaints
The left side of the t-top on the consumer 1995 pontiac firebird came off. *ts the t-top struck another vehicle that was driving down the road causing damage to that vehicle's windshield and roof. Updated 07/20/06. *jbOwner report · Structure · May 2006
1995 pontiac firebird wiring harness caught on fire while driving.*mr the fire caused minor damage to the vehicle. *nmOwner report · Electrical System · Apr 2005
Consumer called complaining about having problems with brake light appearing on the dashboard, and pedal going down to the floor. *akOwner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jun 2003
Show 7 more owner reports
Consumer states that when hit at 65mph in the front right of the vehicle the air bag did not deploy causing minor injuries to the consumer. Dealer notified. TsOwner report · Air Bags · Oct 2002
While driving 65 mph vehicle suddenly accelerated on its own, brake was applied, but speed increased in excess of 100 mph. Vehicle started to slow down on its own. Same day vehicle accelerated on its own again, spun out, and hit a tree. Brake was applied both times, cruise was on but not set. Damage to vehicle unknown, no injuries.*akOwner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Jun 2002
Cracked head at 65000 miles? I have seen now 20 diffent owners posted on web sites with the same problem at even lower miles....and gm does not respond to complaints. *akOwner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Mar 2002
Parked car in attached garage. Went into home. After several minutes heard noise in garage and opened door from home to garage to investigate. Entire front half of car was on fire. Ensuing fire consumed entire car, garage, and house. Fire marshal stated failure was with engine fuel line.*akOwner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Aug 2001
Took vehicle to midas for maintenance due to brakes squealing when applied. Had brakes checked. Mechanic noticed that rear brake drums were cracked. No explanation of how they became cracked. *akOwner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · May 2001
While driving driver's airbag deployed unexpectedly and without any impact, causing injuries to driver. Dealer replaced driver's airbag at manufacturer's expense, and said there was a short in the driver's airbag. Please provide further information.*akOwner report · Air Bags · Jun 2000
Ignition system failure caused vehicle to stall at any given moment, the failure would also cause all electronical components to be inoperative, dealer found a short in the ignition. *slcOwner report · Electrical System · Jun 2000

When filing, owners marked a crash in 10 of these complaints and injuries in 8 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.

Recalls - 3 campaigns

EQUIPMENT07E088000 · Oct 2007

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 HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS NOT BEARING A DATE CODE IN THIS RANGE ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL. THE GASKET OF THE OIL FILTER BECOMES MORE PLIABLE UNDER HIGH TEMPERATURES AND PRESSURES.

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.

STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)95V046000 · Mar 1995

THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT COULD HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY ASSEMBLED CAUSING THE SHAFT LOWER COUPLING TO LOOSEN AND ROTATE ON THE STEERING GEAR INPUT SHAFT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT FOR THE CORRECT LOWER COUPLING AND REPLACE IT AS REQUIRED.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING06E065000 · Jul 2006

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.

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.

How other years compare

Check your exact Firebird by VIN

Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the 1995 Pontiac Firebird reliable?

NHTSA has 84 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 1995 Pontiac Firebird. The most complained-about area is electrical system (17% of complaints).

At what mileage do 1995 Pontiac Firebird problems usually appear?

Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 147,700 miles or less.

Does the 1995 Pontiac Firebird have open recalls?

3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning equipment. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.