1996 Pontiac Firebird: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 41 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (29% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Oct 2007
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 41 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a cosco safety seat light and comfy safety seat (na), model number: ic-108bvn (na). The seat was manufactured on november 6, 2013. The safety seat was being utilized in a 1996 pontiac firebird. The contact stated that the bottom left latch became difficult to release when removing the child seat. The contact stated that a screwdriver was needed to depress the latch in order to release the child seat. The failure recurred constantly. The child was in the safety seat at the time of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The VIN and purchase date were unknown.”Owner report · Child Seat · Apr 2015
“1996 pontiac firebird seat back collapsed into the back seat. Consumer states that he violently turned the wheel to the left on the highway to avoid and accident when his seat collapsed into the rear seat causing him to lose control. *kb the consumer was rear ended, because when the seat broke, he could not see the road and instinctively applied the brakes. The consumer stated the seat will not lock in any position. The consumer stated it wasn't the first time the seat failed. *jb”Owner report · Seats · Feb 2007
“This is the second time I've had to replace the mirror on the drivers side of this car. The mirror breaks off of the controls which makes it flop around. You can't use it to drive with, nor can you get it to stay still. You can't replace just the mirror either. You have to buy the whole piece (casing and mirror) then you have to have it painted. Grrrrrrrrrr!”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jun 2002
Show 7 more owner reports
“When cold or damp outside engine idle will race and stick at 2500 to 3000 rpm. Vehicle has manual transmission - 5 speed. Sometimes (ocassionally) turning off the vehicle and restarting solves the problem, most times no. Could be dangerous in the winter causing excess torque to rear wheels. *ak”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Dec 2000
“Fuse blew out and engine shut down while driving. Consumer said that mechanic indicated it was the fuse. If on the freeway it could cause a fire or accident. When consumer puts key in fuse it will immediately blow out. *ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Feb 2000
“The cable on the lt. Driver side keeps breaking. This will be the third time replaced. I have seen it break both times, no one was touching the mirror when it happened. It just "pops" and the mirror flips up.”Owner report · Visibility · Oct 1999
“Ongoing problem with fuel odor/vapor getting into vehicle vehicle been in dealer shop on four occasions, and still unable to locate cause. Feel free to provide any further details on this matter. *ak”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Aug 1999
“The brakes are repeatedly failing. When stopping they will begin to slow the vehicle and then let go, allowing the vehicle to proceed forward. It is especially hazardous while turning. The no traction light illuminates when occurring. Eventually this could lead to an accident.*ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jul 1999
“When applying the brakes the brake lights are not illuminating. The electronic specialist says there is a shortage in one of the two wires that runs from dash to rear of vehicle. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · May 1999
“While driving on rough road applied brakes. Pedal pulsated but brakes failed to catch. Vehicle sped up instead. Took to dealer & mechanic said ABS light not on & in failure mode. Could not really find or repair brake problem. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Dec 1997
When filing, owners marked a crash in 5 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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.
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.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1996 Pontiac Firebird reliable?
NHTSA has 41 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1996 Pontiac Firebird. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (29% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1996 Pontiac Firebird problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 57,000 miles or less.
Does the 1996 Pontiac Firebird have open recalls?
2 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.