1989 Pontiac Firebird problems
The Pontiac Firebird is an American automobile built and produced by Pontiac from the 1967 to 2002 model years. Designed as a pony car to compete with the Ford Mustang, it was introduced on February 23, 1967, five months after GM's Chevrolet division's platform-sharing Camaro. This also coincided with the release of the 1967 Mercury Cougar, Ford's upscale, platform-sharing version of the Mustang. The name "Firebird" was also previously used by GM for the General Motors Firebird series of concept cars in the 1950s.
First generation (1967–1969)
The first generation Firebird had characteristic Coke bottle styling shared with its cousin, the Chevrolet Camaro. Announcing a Pontiac styling trend, the Firebird's bumpers were integrated into the design of the front end, giving it a more streamlined look than the Camaro. The Firebird's rear "slit" taillights were inspired by the 1966–1967 Pontiac GTO and Pontiac Grand Prix. Both a two-door hardtop and a convertible were offered through the 1969 model year. Originally, the car was a "consolation prize" for Pontiac, which had desired to produce a two-seat sports car based on its original Banshee concept car. However, GM feared this would cut into Chevrolet Corvette sales, and gave Pontiac a piece of the "pony car" market by sharing the F-body platform with Chevrolet. The listed retail price before options for the coupe was $2,666 ($24,361 in 2023 dollars) and the convertible was $2,903 ($28,519 in 2023 dollars).
The 1967 base model Firebird came equipped with the Pontiac 230 cu in (3.8 L) SOHC inline-six. Based on the architecture of the standard Chevrolet 230 cu in (3.8 L) inline-six, it was fitted with a one-barrel Rochester carburetor and rated at 165 hp (123 kW). The "Sprint" model six came with a four-barrel carburetor, developing 215 hp (160 kW). Most buyers opted for one of three V8s: the 326 cu in (5.3 L) with a two-barrel carburetor producing 250 hp (186 kW); the four-barrel "HO" (high output) 326, producing 285 hp (213 kW); or the 325 hp (242 kW) 400 cu in (6.6 L) from the GTO. All 1967–1968 400 CI engines had throttle restrictors that blocked the carburetors' secondaries from fully opening. A "Ram Air" option was also available, providing functional hood scoops, higher flow heads with stronger valve springs, and a hotter camshaft. Power for the Ram Air package was the same as the conventional 400 HO, but peaked at 5,200 rpm.
The 230 cu in (3.8 L) engines were subsequently enlarged for 1968 to 250 cubic inches (4.1 liters), the base version developing an increased 175 hp (130 kW) using a one-barrel carburetor, and the high-output Sprint version the same 215 hp with a four-barrel carburetor. Also for the 1968 model, the 326 cu in (5.3 L) engine was replaced by the Pontiac 350 cu in (5.7 L) V8, which actually displaced 354 cu in (5.8 L), and produced 265 hp (198 kW) with a two-barrel carburetor. An HO version of the 350 cu in (5.7 L) with a revised cam was also offered to start in that year, which developed 320 hp (239 kW). The power output of the other engines was increased marginally.
There was an additional Ram Air IV option for the 400 cu in (6.6 L) V8 engines during 1969, complementing the Ram Air 400(now often colloquially but incorrectly called the "Ram Air III," a name never used by Pontiac). The Ram Air IV was rated at 345 hp (350 PS; 257 kW) at 5000 rpm and 430 lb⋅ft (583 N⋅m) of torque at 3400 rpm; and 335 hp (340 PS; 250 kW) respectively. The 350 cu in (5.7 L) HO engine was revised again with a different cam and cylinder heads resulting in 325 hp (242 kW). During 1969 a special 303 cu in (5.0 L) engine was designed for Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) road racing applications that were not available in production cars.
Modifications for 1968 included the addition of federally-mandated side marker lights: for the front of the car, the turn signals were made larger and extended to wrap around the front edges of the car, and on the rear, the Pontiac (V-shaped) Arrowhead logo was added to each side. The front door vent-windows was replaced with a single pane of glass and Astro Ventilation, a fresh-air-inlet system. The 1969 model received a major facelift with a new front-end design but unlike the GTO, it did not have the Endura bumper. The instrument panel and steering wheel were revised. The ignition switch was moved from the dashboard to the steering column with the introduction of GM's new locking ignition switch/steering wheel.
In March 1969, a US$1,083 ($8,998 in 2023 ) optional handling package called the "Trans Am performance and appearance package", UPC "WS4", named after the Trans Am Series, was introduced. A total of 689 hardtops and eight convertibles were made.
Due to engineering problems that delayed the introduction of the new 1970 Firebird beyond the usual fall debut, Pontiac continued production of 1969 model Firebirds into the early months of the 1970 model year (the other 1970 Pontiac models had been introduced on September 18, 1969). By late spring of 1969, Pontiac had deleted all model-year references on Firebird literature and promotional materials, anticipating the extended production run of the then-current 1969 models.
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Common 1989 Pontiac Firebird problems
Based on complaints from owners of the 1989 Pontiac Firebird, several common problems have been reported:
- Gas Gauge Stopped Working: Owners have experienced issues with the gas gauge not functioning correctly. This problem can be frustrating as it affects the driver's ability to monitor fuel levels accurately.
- Rough Running Engine: Another common complaint is a rough running engine. This issue can manifest in various ways, such as engine misfires, rough idling, or overall poor performance. A rough engine can lead to decreased fuel efficiency and drivability issues.
- Timing Chain Slop: Owners have reported problems with the timing chain having slop in it. A timing chain with excessive slack can cause engine timing issues, leading to poor performance, engine noise, and potential engine damage if not addressed promptly.
- Heater Core Failure: The heater core going out is another issue that has been highlighted. A faulty heater core can result in a lack of heat inside the vehicle, which can be uncomfortable, especially during colder months.
- Transmission Problems: Some owners have faced transmission issues with their 1989 Pontiac Firebird. Transmission problems can range from slipping gears to complete transmission failure, impacting the car's drivability and safety.
These common problems with the 1989 Pontiac Firebird can vary in severity and may require professional diagnosis and repair to ensure the vehicle's optimal performance and longevity. Regular maintenance and addressing issues promptly can help mitigate these problems and keep the car running smoothly.
Is a Firebird a reliable car?
The Firebird Trans Am was also popular among gearheads who valued reliability and longevity, which is why you can still find many in good condition today.
What engine is in a 1989 Firebird formula?
The base 1989 Formula engine was a 5.0-liter Chevy small-block V8 rated at 170 horsepower, and that appears to be what's in this car.
Is the 1988 Pontiac Firebird a good car?
Fun car to drive
Stiff ride but fun to drive. Great car for the warmer months especially if you have one with t-tops. The car is quick and can handle sharp curves with no problem. It's like driving your old go cart you had as a child even though I never had one.
What is special about the Pontiac Firebird?
The Pontiac Firebird is a classic American 'pony' car – an exotic-looking sporty car with lots of power. It was a direct rival to the Ford Mustang and went for the same long-hood, short-deck look, and had a performance-orientated image calculated to appeal to a youthful market.
Is a Pontiac Firebird a good car?
Firebird owners have made 49 complaints over 13 model years. It ranks 2nd in reliability out of 17 eligible Pontiac models. Our reliability rank is based on our PainRank™ system.
Is the 1988 Pontiac Firebird a good car?
Fun car to drive
Stiff ride but fun to drive. Great car for the warmer months especially if you have one with t-tops. The car is quick and can handle sharp curves with no problem. It's like driving your old go cart you had as a child even though I never had one.
What is special about the Pontiac Firebird?
The Pontiac Firebird is a classic American 'pony' car – an exotic-looking sporty car with lots of power. It was a direct rival to the Ford Mustang and went for the same long-hood, short-deck look, and had a performance-orientated image calculated to appeal to a youthful market.
How fast is the 1989 Pontiac Firebird?
162 mph
So by a slight technicality, the TTA could be called the flat-out quickest (0–60 4.6 sec.) and fastest (162 mph) American production car in 1989.
1989 Pontiac Firebird car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Pontiac Firebird problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Seat belts problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Fuel system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1989 Pontiac Firebird vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1989 Pontiac Firebird complaints
The NHTSA has received 21 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1989 Pontiac Firebird.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-12
- VIN: 1G2FS2184KL
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: The seatbelts do not click into the buckle properly and the springs have broken.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1901-01-01
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: CONSUMER IS REQUESTING INFORMATION IN REGARDS TO RECALL CONCERNS FOR 1989 FIREBIRD . *MR THE SEAT BELT DOES NOT RETRACT PROPERLY LEAVING AN ENORMOUS AMOUNT OF SLACK. *NM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-02-02
- Fire: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY CAUGHT FIRE. THE CAUSE OF WHY THIS HAPPENED WAS UNDETERMINED.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-03-18
- VIN: 1G2FS21E5KL
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: GM WON'T FIX THE RECALLS FOR MY 1989 PONTIAC FIREBIRD. THEY SAY THAT THERE ARE NO RECALLS FOR MY VEHICLE, BUT THERE ARE. *JB
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-08-01
- VIN: 1G2FS21S8KL
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: WHILE MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN, STEERING COLUMN BROKE INSIDE HOUSING AND CAUSED STEERING WHEEL TWO LOCK UP, RESULTING IN VEHICLE GOING INTO A COMPLETE CIRCLE ON A BUSY STREET. CONSUMER FELT THERE COULD HAVE BEEN AN ACCIDENT. *AK THE STEERING COLUMN/HOUSING WAS REPLACED, THE 4 BOLTS THAT HOLD THE COLUMN TO THE HOUSING GET FATIGUED AND BREAK AFTER YEARS OF PEOPLE PUSHING AGAINST THE COLUMN TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE. *SLC
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: 2 OUT OF 3 ORIGINAL FIRESTONE TRIATHLON II TIRES ARE CRACKING AROUND THE TIRE ALONG THE RADIAL. NLM
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-12-25
- VIN: 1G2FS21S4KL
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: FRONT SEAT BELTS BUCKLE BUT DO NOT PROVIDE ANY RESTRAINT, EVEN WHEN STOPPING AT A HIGH SPEED.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-02-15
- VIN: 1G5FW2173KL
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 90V105000 MY CAR WAS INSPECTED AT THE FIRST DEALER SERVICE AND FOUND THAT THE BUCKLES WERE OK. THE NATURE OF THIS DEFECT IS THAT THE CAR AND INTERIOR NEED TO BE EXPOSED TO DIRECT SUN LIGHT AND ELEVATED INTERIOR TEMPERATURES, THIS CAR HAS LITTLE SUN EXPOSURE (ABOUT 12 DAYS A YEAR) UNTILL 2 YEARS AGO, NOW IT IS STORED OUT SIDE AND NOW THIS DEFECT HAS OCCURRED. A LOCAL DEALERSHIP SAID IT IS NO LONGER COVERED BY THIS RECALL. WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS ON GETTING THIS REPAIRED?? THANKS
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-10-23
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G2FS21S4KL
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHEN SON APPLIED THE BRAKES TO STOP IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION THE PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. DRIVER HAD TO USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKES TO STOP THE VEHICLE. DRIVER WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH BECAUSE OF THIS. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A BODY SHOP, WHERE THE BRAKE BOOSTER ROD CLIP WAS FOUND BROKEN. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G2FS21S7KL
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKES, AIR CONDITIONING, POWER DOOR LOCKS, HORN RELA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-11-01
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G2FS21S4KL
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHILE DRIVER WAS BACKING OUT OF DRIVEWAY, THE ENGINE SURGED LIKE THE DRIVER WAS STEPPING ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. WHEN THE DRIVER'S FOOT WAS ACTUALLY ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND VEHICLE ZOOMED RIGHT OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY INTO A NEIGHBOR'S YARD, BACK END FIRST HITTING A TREE. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A BODY SHOP TO BE CHECK FOR TROUBLE. A SIMILAR INCIDENT HAPPENED LIKE THIS IN JULY OF 1993 AND FOR WHATEVER REASON, THE SYSTEM WILL JUST KICK BACK IN. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-03-01
- VIN: 1G2FS21X4KL
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE FAILED.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G2FS21S2KL
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING STOPPED SHORT TO AVOID COLLISION, WAS REAR ENDED AT APPROX. 25MPH; UPON IMPACT, SHOULDER/LAP BELT FAILED TO RETRACT ENOUGH. ALSO, FEMALE PORTION (PLASTIC COVER) BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CRACKED IN HALF, DRIVER SUSTAINED HEAD INJURY AS RESULT.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G2FS2152KL
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING, SUDDENLY LOST STEERING CAPABILITY WHEN STEERING WHEEL LOCKED, COULDN'T TURN RIGHT OR LEFT, UPON BRAKING VEHICLE SPINNED OUT, THEN ROLLED OVER.*AK
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-12-24
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: THE JACK BENT AFTER RAISING VEHICLE OFF GROUND TO REMOVE FLAT, CAUSING VEHICLE TO FALL OFF OF JACK. *DSH
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-12-24
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: THE JACK BENT AFTER RAISING VEHICLE OFF GROUND TO REMOVE FLAT, CAUSING VEHICLE TO FALL OFF OF JACK. *DSH
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-08-31
- VIN: 1G2FS2185KL
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: HOOD LATCH FAILURE, LATCH HAS BROKEN TWICE. TT
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-03-04
- VIN: 1G2FW2188KL
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: PARK BRAKE CABLE RUBS AGAINST HYDRAULIC BRAKE LINE, REPLACED FLEXIBLE RUBBER HYDRAULIC BRAKE LINE. TT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1991-03-22
- VIN: 1G2FW2189KL
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE STALLS INTERMITTENTLY DUE TO ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE FAILURE AND STILL IT HAS NOT REMEDIED THE PROBLEM. TT
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1989-08-01
- VIN: 1G2JU31M3K7
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: ASK FOR MR HOPKINSON. FUEL LEAKING FROM FUEL TANK WHEN FULL. TT
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-12-20
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVERS SIDE COMBINATION LAP/SHOULDER BELT. BUCKLE WILL NOT REMAIN/WON'T LATCH. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
1989 Pontiac Firebird recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 1989 Pontiac Firebird.
- Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE INADEQUATE SEALING AND LOSS OF ENGINE OIL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
- 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.
- Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
- Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: FUEL FEED HOSES MAY PULL OUT OF THE CRIMPED COUPLING AT THE ENGINE END OF THE HOSE ASSEMBLY.
- Consequence: IF THIS COUPLING SEPARATED, ALLOWING GASOLINE TO LEAK,AND AN IGNITION SOURCE IS PRESENT, AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE COULD OCCUR.
- Remedy: INSTALL A REDESIGNED FUEL FEED HOSE.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
- Summary: PLASTIC COMPONENTS OF SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES DO NOT CONTAIN AN ULTRA VIOLET STABILIZER, AND EXPOSURE TO DIRECT SUNLIGHT AND ELEVATED INTERIOR TEMPERATURES COULD WEAKEN THE PLASTIC COMPONENTS.
- Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN BREAKAGE OF PLASTIC COMPONENTS WHICHCOULD PREVENT BUCKLE FROM LATCHING AND PROTECTING OCCUPANT IN A SUDDEN STOP ORACCIDENT.
- Remedy: REPLACE OR REPAIR SEAT BELT BUCKLE.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1989 Pontiac Firebird problems:
What problems can i encounter with a 89 Firebird - Third Generation ...
May 27, 2001 ... I live in the Netherlands and thirdgen cars are somewhat of a luxory. However i've been offerd a 1989 Pontiac Firebird V6 2.8L with 15.000 miles ...
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common 3rd gen problems - Third Generation F-Body Message ...
Mar 29, 2004 ... And what TA said, its not just Trans Ams.. all Firebird models can have that problem. ... Tags 3rd, amcamaro, body, camaro, camaros, common, ...
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Feb 17, 2011 ... Common problem for the Pontiac Firebirds even the 4th gen Firebirds ... 1989 Trans Am (no T-Tops, unfortunetly) for $900. ... Pontiac Firebird (1970 ...
Firebird Discussions - Car Forums and Automotive Chat
1989 firebird has no power at all ... Common Problems? 69 Fire-Bird · 1981 turbo trans am ... this a good deal? need parts fast · headlight adjustment problem ...
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