2002 Pontiac Firebird: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 21 owner complaints on record; most reports concern electrical system.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Dec 2001
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 21 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Oct 2014
“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”Owner report · Electrical System · Oct 2012
“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”Owner report · Engine · Aug 2012
Show 7 more owner reports
“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”Owner report · Wheels · Oct 2007
“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.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Oct 2006
“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”Owner report · Wheels · May 2006
“Headlight assembly did not activate when light switch was turned on. Lamps lite but the assembly did not rise into position.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Jun 2005
“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”Owner report · Structure · Jan 2004
“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.”Owner report · Equipment · Sep 2003
“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”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2003
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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.
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.
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 2002 Pontiac Firebird reliable?
NHTSA has 21 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2002 Pontiac Firebird. The most complained-about area is electrical system.
Does the 2002 Pontiac Firebird have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning structure:frame and members. 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.