1999 Pontiac Firebird: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 47 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (28% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Aug 1999
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 47 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns 1999 pontiac firebird. The contact stated the vehicle clutch system disengaged whenever the clutch pedal was depressed. This caused the vehicle to have unintentional vehicle movement, increased stopping distances and difficulty in shifting. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnose that the clutch master cylinder failed. The dealer was notified who stated there was a recall NHTSA campaign id number: 99v239000 (power train: clutch assembly). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 37,000.”Owner report · Power Train · Sep 2012
“Tl* the contact owns a 1999 pontiac fire bird. The contact stated that the clutch master cylinder was defective and would not allow the clutch system to disengage when being depressed. There was a recall NHTSA campaign id number: 99v239000 (power train: clutch assembly) but the contact was informed by the manufacturer that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 11,200. Updated 10/27/11*bf updated 11/16/11*jb”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 2011
“I recently purchased a 1999 pontiac firebird. While looking up recalls on www.safercar.gov, I came upon a recall for my car (NHTSA campaign id number : 99v239000). I called the local pontiac dealer, and inquired about specifics. The service employee checked my VIN, then told me that my vehicle had no recalls showing for it. My vehicle is experiencing the exact same problem that is stated in the recall. With only 56,000 miles on it, the rest of the car is in pristine condition, cosmetically and mechanically otherwise. The recall states that a 'potential' 69 vehicles were affected. Does the word 'potential' mean an average or possibly more? *tr”Owner report · Power Train · May 2008
Show 7 more owner reports
“Windows freezing up, sporadic, inconsistent. Power window eventually failed completely at 35,000 miles. Both driver side and passenger side power window regulators need replacing. This car was bought brand new, driven off the show-room floor, stored in semi-heated storage throughout cold months. Nothing has been done yet to correct failures, because it is going to cost over $600.00, and I am waiting for gm to acknowledge this defect. I feel that it is too ironic that both regulators went at the same time. This shows poor quality for an expensive car. *jb”Owner report · Visibility · Jun 2004
“When making a u turn steering locked up and I was not able to turn the steering wheel. I had to stop and place gear shift in park and then move back to drive before the wheel would turn. The engine did not die. This is the first time this has ever happened in the 1 1/2 that I have owned this car. Alyse ecker. *ak”Owner report · Steering · Nov 2003
“Consumer states that four original rims are corroded from inside out which makes unsafe to drive this vehicle. Dealer stated he never heard something like this. *ak”Owner report · Wheels · Jul 2003
“The vehicle was in park and engine was off when the vehicle rolled forward down the driveway. Vehicle crashed into a fence.*jb”Owner report · Power Train · Feb 2003
“The vehicle experienced the same defect as stated in recall 99 v 239 000, regarding the clutch assembly, however the vehicle identification number was not included in the recall. *jb scc”Owner report · Power Train · Oct 2002
“Cars engine would suddenly go to full throttle on its own. Rpms would race for a moment then return to normal. Dealer said it was carbon build up. We had hunter chevrolet in hendersonville, nc perform the 30,000 mile service maintenance 10/30/01 which included cleaning out the throttle body. On 11/3/01 while my husband was making a left-hand turn, the throttle again went to full throttle causing him to lose control of car and crashing. Did $7,500.00 worth of damage. Got the car back in january 2002 and on 2/13/02 the car again went to full throttle on its own causing me to lose control of the car and wrecking it again.*ak”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Feb 2002
“Whenever turn signal is in use it fails to flash, it would remain solid. Vehicle was rearended due to right signal not blinking. Consumer had taken vehicle to dealer and mechanic replaced two bulbs. Problem has not been resolved. *ak *slc”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Aug 2001
When filing, owners marked a crash in 5 of these complaints and injuries in 3 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS. THE CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN INCORRECT RETAINING RING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HYDRAULIC CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER WITH A NEW CYLINDER.
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 1999 Pontiac Firebird reliable?
NHTSA has 47 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1999 Pontiac Firebird. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (28% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1999 Pontiac Firebird problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 41,500 miles or less.
Does the 1999 Pontiac Firebird have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning power train:clutch assembly. 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.