Model year record

1994 Pontiac Firebird recalls & problems

The 1994 Pontiac Firebird has 3 safety recalls and 59 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is fuel system, gasoline (16 complaints).

Recalls3safety recalls

Complaints59filed by owners

Crashes · fires10 · 10reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths14 · 1reported in complaints

Safety recalls

EquipmentOct 24, 2007

Equipment

Recall 07E088000121,680 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Risk: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE INADEQUATE SEALING AND LOSS OF ENGINE OIL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
Fix: 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.

Exterior lightingJul 17, 2006

Exterior lighting

Recall 06E0650003,593 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: 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.
Risk: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: 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.

Fuel system, gasolineDec 1, 1993

Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Recall 93V1990006,807 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Risk: A FUEL LINE WHICH HAS BEEN DAMAGED BY THE HEAT OF THE"AIR" CHECK VALVE MAY LEAK FUEL INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WHERE IT COULDRESULT IN A FIRE IF EXPOSED TO A SOURCE OF IGNITION.
Fix: REROUTE ANY MISROUTED FUEL LINES TO THE PROPER POSITION, AND REPLACE ANY FUEL LINE BUNDLE WHERE THE OUTER SHELL HAS BEEN MELTED THROUGH.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

1994 Pontiac Firebird 2-DR.

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Fuel system, gasolineDelivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings; Delivery	16	0	8	0	—
Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Foundation components › Master cylinder	9	3	0	3	—
Engine and engine coolingEngine; Engine › Gasoline	7	0	2	0	—
StructureBody › Roof and pillars; Body › Door	6	2	0	2	—
SteeringSteering wheel/handle bar; Hydraulic power assist system	5	2	0	2	—
Electrical systemIgnition; Wiring › Front underhood	5	0	1	0	—
Air bagsFrontal	4	2	0	3	—
Power trainClutch assembly; Manual transmission	4	1	0	3	—
VisibilityWindshield wiper/washer; Windshield	3	0	0	0	—
Tires	3	0	0	1	—
Exterior lightingBrake lights › Switch; Headlights	2	0	0	0	—
Unknown or other	2	0	0	0	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Air bags
IM NOT SURE WHOM TO TALK TO? I BOUGHT A CAR FROM THIS GUY, THE PICTURE HE SENT ME WASNT THE VECHILE I BOUGHT. I PAID HIM HALF DOWN 750.00 AND FOUND OUT EVERYTHING THAT WAS WRONG WITH THE CAR. IT LOOKS LIKE THE VIN # HAS BEEN CUT OUT OF THE DASH, THE NUMBERS ON THE DOOR HAS BEEN PILLED OF AND PUT BACK ON BUT THERE OVER LAPPING, THE AIR BAGS WIRES HAVE BEEN CUT, THE STEERING WHEEL WIRES ARE HANGING OUT THE DASH IS ALL CRACKED, AND EVERYTHING HAS BEEN TAKEN OFF THE CAR. IT LOOKS NICE ON THE OUTSIDE. I TOLD HIM I WANTED MY MONEY BACK THE NEXT DAY AND TOLD HIM WHY? WHERE DO I GO TO HAVE THIS CAR LOOKED AT BECAUSE I DONT THINK IT IS WHAT IT SAYS? AND I DONT WANT TO GET IN TROUBLE FOR DRIVING A…
Jul 7, 2015 · 175,064 miles
Electrical system
I HAVE A 94 PONTIAC FIREBIRD 3.4 THAT IS GIVING ME A VATS PROBLEM. THE SECURITY LIGHT DOES NOT BLINK BUT THE CAR WILL NOT START FOR ANYTHING. *TR
Aug 31, 2010 · 183,994 miles
Structure › Body › Hood
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 PONTIAC FIREBIRD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PLASTIC CLIP ON THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE FAILED. THE CLIP ASSISTS IN PREVENTING THE FUEL LINES FROM MAKING A CONNECTION. THERE ARE EXPOSED FUEL LINES LOCATED ON THE TOP OF THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN # 93V199000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS), BUT HER VIN IS NOT INCLUDED. THE CONTACT IS AWARE OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED AND THE POSSIBILITY OF A FIRE. THE DEALER HAS NOT DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE. THE ENGINE SIZE AND FUEL SYSTEM WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 159,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 157,000.
May 8, 2007 · 157,000 miles
Fuel system, gasoline › DeliveryFire
THE CAR ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE IS THE MAJOR THING, BUT ALSO YOU COULD ALWAYS HEAR NOISES FROM THE WHEELS GOT THEM INSPECTED TWICE AND THE PEOPLE SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG. *JB
Jul 1, 2002 · 80,000 miles
Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and cap
GAS CAP FAILURE IN NORMAL USE ON 1994 PONTIAC FIREBIRD FORMULA (V8 ENGINE ). (1) THREADED PORTION OF GAS CAP, PART THAT THREADS INTO THE FILLER TUBE, BECAME SWOLLEN THRU NORMAL USE (EXPOSURE TO NORMAL GASOLINE VAPORS), TO THE POINT WHERE THE CAP WOUOLD NO LONGER THREAD PROPERLY AND SEAL. (2) SINCE THE CAP COULD NOT BE PROPERLY THREADED INTO THE FILLER TUBE, THE GAS TANK LOST PROPER PRESURIZATION/VACUUM AND THIS AFFECTED GASOLINE VAPOR RECOVERY FROM THE TANK AND ULTIMATELY, WHILE THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING, FROM THE VAPOR CANISTER. GASOLINE VAPORS WERE PRESENT IN MY GARAGE. SINCE THE SEAL WAS NOT CONTACTING THE FILLER TUBE, THERE MIGHT HAVE BEEN SOME POSSIBILITY OF GASOLINE SPILLAGE IN THE EVENT…
Nov 1, 2004 · 100,000 miles
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
NHTSA#93-V-199-000: 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. CONSUMER HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. *AK HOWEVER THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT RECALLED DUE TO VIN. *AK
Jun 18, 2003
Structure › Body › Roof and pillars
T-TOP FLEW OFF ON I-95. THANKFULLY DID NOT HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE WHICH WOULD HAVE BEEN DISASTROUS AT THAT SPEED. HAD DRIVEN OVER 40 MILES AT HIGHWAY SPEED SINCE LAST TIME TOP WAS OFF, SO SOMEHOW IT UNLATCHED ITSELF. *AK
Jun 25, 2002
Air bags
WHILE DRIVING AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATES ON DASH. LIGHT CONTINUOUSLY STAYS ON. VEHICLE WILL BE TAKING TO DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
Jan 28, 2002

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

FUEL TUBE RETAINING CLIP FAILUREClosed
MOST OF THE REPORTS REVIEWED IN THIS INVESTIGATION ARE FIRE INCIDENTS IN WHICH FUEL LEAKAGE HAS BEEN ALLEGED AS THE CAUSE OR THE AREA OF ORIGIN IS CONSISTENT WITH THE ALLEGED DEFECT.THERE IS NO EVIDENCE THAT THE SUBJECT CLIP WAS A FACTOR IN ANY OF THESE FIRE INCIDENTS AND NHTSA TESTING INDICATES THATBROKEN OR DISLODGED RETENTION CLIP DOES NOT RESULT IN SIGNIFICANT MOVEMENT OF THE FUEL LINE BUNDLE TOWARD THE LEFT SECONDARY AIR INJECTION CHECK VALVE.FAILURE OF THE CLIP PLACES THE FUEL LINE BUNDLE ASSEMBLY IN THE SAME CONFIGURATION AS THE 1993 MODEL YEAR LTI VEHICLES.A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE…
EA97024 · opened Nov 13, 1997 · closed Sep 29, 1998
FUEL TUB RETAINING CLIP FAILUREClosed
OWNERS HAVE REPORTED FAILURES OF THE FUEL TUBE RETENTION CLIP THAT ATTACHES TO THE PLASTIC THROTTLE LINKAGE COVER.ACCORDING TO GM, THE SUBJECT RETENTION CLIP (P/N 12048089) WAS IMPLEMENTED IN PRODUCTION ON OCTOBER 12, 1993, TO ADDRESS A CONCERN WITH INCORRECT ASSEMBLY PLANT FUEL LINE ROUTING.MIS-ROUTED FUEL TUBES MAY FAIL FROM CONTACT WITH A HOT AIR CHECK VALVE, CREATING A FIRE HAZARD IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.GM MAINTAINS THAT NO PROBLEMS SHOULD OCCUR IF THE CLIP IS PROPERLY INSTALLED AND ISN'T MISHANDLED DURING SUBSEQUENT SERVICE OPERATIONS.SOME OWNERS HAVE ALLEGED TO ODI THAT THE SUBJECT CLIP BECOMES BRITTLE OVER TIME AND MAY ALSO PULL FREE OF THE THROTTLE LINKAGE COVER ATTACHMENT HOLE.
PE97036 · opened Jul 24, 1997 · closed Nov 13, 1997