2002 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.
Social links
Common 2002 Pontiac Firebird problems
The 2002 Pontiac Firebird has been reported to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. These issues are related to various components, including engine and engine cooling, visibility, exterior lighting, fuel system, brakes, structure, wheels, power options, paint, electrical system, and intake manifold.
- Exterior Lighting: Headlights have been reported to have issues, with some owners experiencing problems with exterior lighting.
- Fuel System: The fuel injection system has been reported to have issues, with some owners experiencing problems with the fuel system.
- Service Brakes: The anti-lock/traction control/electronic limited slip system has been reported to have issues, with some owners experiencing problems with the brakes.
- Structure: The frame and members have been reported to have issues, with some vehicles failing 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.
- Wheel/Axle: The wheel/axle has been reported to have issues, with some owners experiencing problems with the wheels and axle.
- Power Options: Power options, such as window/door/seat/roof, have been reported to have issues, with some owners experiencing problems with power options.
- Paint: The paint has been reported to have issues, with some owners experiencing problems with the paint.
- Electrical System: The electrical system has been reported to have issues, with some owners experiencing problems with the electrical system, such as being unable to reactivate a vehicle’s OnStar that has been previously disabled by OnStar.
These common problems should be addressed promptly to ensure the safety and reliability of the vehicle. It is recommended that owners consult with authorized dealers to address these issues and ensure that their vehicles meet the required safety standards.
Is the 2002 Pontiac Firebird a good car?
An example of the last year the Firebird was produced, this car gets many "thumbs up" and turned heads on the road. It's 3.8 L V6 is quick on the pedal and this car feels way heavier than it looks. T-tops come off easily and store in the trunk area. Overall, a really fun ride that gets looks on the road and parked.
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 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 the 2002 Firebird a muscle car?
All V8 models come with a four-speed automatic transmission, but you want the six-speed manual transmission with a $325 Hurst shifter. It's a throwback to what muscular driving is all about.
Is the 2002 Pontiac Firebird a good car?
An example of the last year the Firebird was produced, this car gets many "thumbs up" and turned heads on the road. It's 3.8 L V6 is quick on the pedal and this car feels way heavier than it looks. T-tops come off easily and store in the trunk area. Overall, a really fun ride that gets looks on the road and parked.
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 2002 Firebird a muscle car?
All V8 models come with a four-speed automatic transmission, but you want the six-speed manual transmission with a $325 Hurst shifter. It's a throwback to what muscular driving is all about.
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.
2002 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:
- Electrical system problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Exterior lighting problems
- Visibility problems
- Service brakes problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2002 Pontiac Firebird vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2002 Pontiac Firebird
The NHTSA has received 30 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2002 Pontiac Firebird. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2002 Pontiac Firebird vehicles.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-10-30
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 2G2FS22K222
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ENGINE
- Summary: 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
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-10-03
- VIN: 2G2FV22G622
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-08-14
- VIN: 2G2FV22G922
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: 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
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-05-20
- VIN: 2G2FS22K422
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 PONTIAC FIREBIRD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL FOUR OF THE CHROME ALLOY RIMS ON THE VEHICLE EXHIBIT CRACKS. THE RIMS WERE PREVIOUSLY REPLACED PER THE WARRANTY; HOWEVER, SINCE THERE WAS A MEMO INDICATING THAT THEY COULD NOT BE REPAIRED BUT REPLACED. PONTIAC HAS BEEN VERY UNCOOPERATIVE AND REFUSED TO COMPLY. THE DEALER TOOK PICTURES OF THE RIMS AND DETERMINED THAT IT WAS A COSMETIC ISSUE AND NOT A SAFETY ISSUE. THE BRAND, MANUFACTURER AND ANY RELATED RIM INFORMATION WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 85000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,926. UPDATED 6/21/10 *CN UPDATED 06/24/10.*JB
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-01-01
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 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
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-05-04
- VIN: 2G2FS22K422
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: 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
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-10-23
- VIN: 2G2FV22GX22
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: 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
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-10-20
- VIN: 11111111111
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: I HAVE NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THE COOLING SYSTEM WITH THIS 2002 GRAND AM. FIRST THERMOSTAT WENT. HAD THERMOSTAT REPLACED -- CAR CONTINUED TO RUN HOT , LOSING POWER AND SHUT OFF.... HAVE REPLACED WATER PUMP, HOSES, AND INTAKE VALVE AND PROBLEM STILL EXISTED WITH CAR LOSING PRESSURE AND RUNNING HOT. ALSO HAD HEAD GASKETS REPLACED BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM.... THIS CAR HAS STOPPED ON ME 4 TIMES ON THE HIGHWAY.... IN CHECKING OUT OTHER COMPLAINTS THERE SEEMS TO BE PROBLEM WITH THE COOLING SYSTEM.... WHAT CAN I DO TO HAVE THIS CAR REPAIRED -- CAN A RECALL BE ISSUED.... PROFESSIONALS ARE AT A LOSS AS TO WHAT THE PROBLEM IS???? *TR
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-10-12
- VIN: 1G2WK52J82F
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING ON A BUSY HIGHWAY WHEN MY FAN SPEEDS STOPPED IN A DOWN POUR CAUSING MY WINDSHIELD TO FOG UP RAPIDLY & I COULDN'T SEE WHERE I WAS DRIVING ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. *TR
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-08-15
- VIN: 1G2NF52E72M
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 PONTIAC GRAND AM SE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER TURN SIGNAL WAS WORKING INTERMITTENTLY AND DISPLAYED NOTHING ON THE DASHBOARD. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A TURN AT 5 MPH, THE TURN SIGNAL FAILED TO ACTIVATE. THIS FAILURE HAS OCCURRED AT LEAST FOUR TIMES AND THE TURN SIGNALS WERE REPLACED LAST FALL. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 113,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-06-06
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 2002 PONTIAC GRAND AM GT WOULD NOT START DUE TO FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH (WHICH WAS ALREADY REPLACED A FEW YEARS AGO BY MY GM PONTIAC DEALER BECAUSE OF THE SAME PROBLEM). NEW IGNITION SWITCH MUST BE BOUGHT TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE ONE.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-01-28
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING THE ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING. THE TIMING CHAIN AND GEAR(S) BROKE AS WELL AS VALVE TRAIN DAMAGE. THE CAR ONLY HAS 41,000 MILES BUT IS OUT OF WARRANTY. GM TAKES NO RESPONSIBILITY.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-10-01
- VIN: 2G2FS22K922
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-01-24
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WITHOUT ANY PRIOR ISSUES ONE DAY THE GM ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM FAILED ON OUR CAR, RESULTING IN OUR INABILITY TO START THE CAR. MOTHER AND 9 MONTH OLD CHILD WERE STRANDED BECAUSE OF THIS SITUATION. TO FIX THE ISSUE, THE DEALERSHIP ORIGINALLY QUOTED US AROUND $250.00. AFTER THEY HAD OUR CAR, THE TUNE CHANGED AND NOW THEY HAVE CHARGED US $860.00. *AK
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-01-24
- VIN: 1G2NF52F02C
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: I'M THE OWNER OF A 2002 GRAND AM SE. I HEARD ABOUT THE GOVT INVESTIGATING SIGNAL MALFUNCTIONS AND I WANTED TO FILE A COMPLAINT. MY CAR CONTINUES TO MAKE THIS ANNOYING TURN SIGNAL CLICKING SOUND ON IT'S OWN. I CANT DO ANYTHING TO STOP IT. SOMETIMES IT DOES IT AND SOMETIMES IT DOES NOT. PLEASE HELP. IF YOU NEED ANY MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT ME AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. I BELIEVE THIS IS A DEFECT BECAUSE I BOUGHT THIS CAR WITH ONLY 37,000 MILES ON IT. *NM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-08-17
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Number Of Deaths: 2
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 2G2FV22G222
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
- Summary: 2002 PONTIAC FIREBIRD WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH AND THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. *MR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1901-01-01
- VIN: 2G2FV22G222
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: CONSUMER COMPLAINT REGARDING GM CORP PLACING ELECTRONIC RECORDING DEVICES IN VEHICLES WITHOUT INFORMING THE CUSTOMER.*MR *NM
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-06-05
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY DID NOT ACTIVATE WHEN LIGHT SWITCH WAS TURNED ON. LAMPS LITE BUT THE ASSEMBLY DID NOT RISE INTO POSITION.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-06-07
- VIN: 1G2NF52E82M
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: 2002 PONTIAC GRAND AM;TURN SIGNAL CONSTANTLY CLICKING (BEHIND DASH, BY HAZARD BUTTON) AFTER TURN SIGNAL IS IN THE OFF POSITION. VERY ANNOYING. SOUNDS LIKE SAME PROBLEM AS RECALLS TO 2000 AND 2001 GRAND AM'S. HAD DIAGNOSTIC CHECK AND WAS TOLD IT WAS THE HAZARD/WARNING SWITCH (WHICH THEY COULD CHANGE OUT FOR APPROX $260.00).
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-11-03
- VIN: 1GMDX03E12D
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: I HAVE COMPLAINT ON THE FAILURE OF MY AIR CONDITIONER. THE AIR CONDITIONER WENT OUT JUST SHORTLY AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRED DUE TO THE MILEAGE ON THE VEHICLE. I HAVE A 2002 PONTIAC MONTANA AND I BELIEVE THE AIR CONDITIONER SHOULD NOT GO OUT IN 2 YEARS AND OF COURSE IT GOES OUT SHORTLY AFTER THE WARRANTY RUNS OUT ON IT. I ALSO HAVE A 1990 CHEVY SILVARADO WITH 141 SOME THOUSAND MILES ON IT AND THE AIR CONDITIONER JUST WENT OUT ON IT. THAT GOES TO TELL YOU THAT GM ISN'T MAKING THEIR PRODUCTS LIKE THEY USED TO THEY MAKE THEM SO THEY BREAK AND THEY CAN GET ALMOST A 1000 TO REPAIR IT EVERY TIME SOMETHING GOES OUT ON THEM. I WOULD PROBABLY HAVE TO SAY THAT I WILL NEVER BUY A GM PRODUCT AGAIN EVEN THOUGH A LOT OF MY FAMILY WORKS THERE OR RETIRED FROM THERE DUE TO THE FACT THAT GM DOESN'T STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCTS. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-03-15
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: I HAVE HAD MULTIPLE ELECTRICAL ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE WITH THE KEYLESS ENTRY AND THEFT DETERENT KEY CHIP SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONING AND THE RADIO FACE DISPLAY NOT WORKING AT ALL UNLESS I TURN THE RADIO OFF AND ON UNTIL IT WORK SOMETIME 5 OR 6 TIMES. THE VEHICLE WHEN IT WAS BRAND NEW HAD A NOISE COMING FROM THE 6SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION IN THIRD AND FOURTH GEAR NOW THE VEHICLE HAS 17000 MILES AND IT IS MUCH WORSE WITH SOME DIFFICULTY SHIFTING ON ACCASION. THE DIFFERENTIAL HAS A WHINING NOISE AT 50-60 MPH AT CRUISING RPM AND THE DEALERSHIP TELLS ME THIS IS NORMAL. I AM SEVERELY IRRITATED WITH GM FOR THE DISREGARD TO CUSTOMER SERVICE AND EVEN IF YOU ARE WITHIN YOUR ORIGINAL WARRANTY YOU CAN FORGET ABOUT GETTING A LOANER VEHICLE DURING ANY REPAIRS. THAT IS ONE OF THE MAJOR THINGS KEEPING ME FROM GIVING THEM MY CAR. THREE DIFFERENT DEALERSHIPS IN THE HOUSTON AREA HAVE ALL TOLD ME THAT WEAR PARTS ARE NOT COVERED IN WARRANTY WHICH IS "BUMPER TO BUMPER" FULL WARRANTY. I JUST DON'T THINK A TRANSMISSION SHOULD BE DOING THIS AT 17000 MILES. NOT TO MENTION I HAVE ALREADY HAD TO REPLACE MOST OF THE BRAKING SYSTEM OUT OF MY OWN POCKET WHEN THE VEHICLE HAD LESS THAN 10000 MILES ON IT FROM A STICKING BRAKE CALIPER. I AM VERY DISPLEASED SINCE I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE NEW.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-03-01
- VIN: 2G2FV22G122
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: I PURCHASED THE 2002 PONTIAC COLLECTORS EDITION FIREBIRD AS MY FIRST NEW CAR. I REGRET TO SAY THAT I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED IN THE PERFORMANCE AND CONSTRUCTION OF THIS VEHICLE. MY FIRST COMPLAINT IS A SEVERE VIBRATION THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE WHEN DRIVING OVER 55 MPH OR AFTER IT WARMS UP. THIS VIBRATION IS FELT THROUGH THE SHIFTER AS WELL AS BEING APPARENT WHEN YOU STAND BEHIND THE VEHICLE NEAR THE EXHAUST WHILE IT IS RUNNING. I HAVE BEEN INFORMED FROM TWO SEPERATE DEALERSHIPS THAT THEY ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM BUT GM WILL NOT APPROVE THE REPAIR DUE TO THE MILEAGE AND THE LACK OF A COMPUTER CODE, EVEN THOUGH THE GM MECHANICS HAVE AGREED THERE IS A PROBLEM. THE CAR HAS NOW GONE OVER THE MILEAGE REQUIRMENT AND IT IS WORSE. I ALSO WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WITH THIS CAR DUE TO A DRUNK DRIVER DAMAGING THE DRIVER'S DOOR. WHEN THIS WAS BEING REPLACED IT SEEMS THAT GM NEVER PAINTED THE BOTTOMS OF EITHER DOOR. I WAS AGAIN INFORMED BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT GM'S RESPONSE WAS "NO ONE SEES THE BOTTOMS OF THE DOORS AND THEY WONT RUST, THEREFORE IT DIDNT NEED PAINT." THE ORIGINAL YELLOW PAINT JOB WAS VERY THIN OVER THE BLACK PRIMER USED. THE PAINT CODES ON THE CAR DOESNT MATCH FOR REPAIRS DUE TO THIS THIN PAINT COAT, WHEN APPLIED IT IS TWO DIFFERENT SHADES. THE CAMARO IS ALSO NOT PAINTED ON THE BOTTOM OF THE DOORS, HOWEVER, THE CORVETTE SEEMS TO BE PAINTED. I AM VERY DISCOURAGED WITH GM FOR THE ISSUES LISTED ABOVE, I HAVE PUT FORTH A LOT OF MONEY FOR MY FIRST TIME CAR AND IT SEEMS THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAS TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF THE NORMAL CONSUMER PURCHASING THESE VEHICLES. GM ALSO SEEMS UNWILLING TO MAKE THE CORRECTION NEEDED. HOW DOES A COMPANY GET AWAY WITH CHARGING THIS MUCH MONEY FOR MERCHANDISE AND THEN NOT EVEN GIVING A FULL PAINT JOB, LET ALONE IT NOT WORKING PROPERLY.*AK
STEERING,SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY,EQUIPMENT,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-09-15
- VIN: 2G2FS22K622
- Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY,EQUIPMENT,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-06-05
- VIN: 2G2FS22K922
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 2G2FV22G222
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY
- Summary: PROBLEMS WITH ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, CLUTCH, PISTONS, DASH FAN AND REAR RIGHT MOLDING. *MR THE VEHICLE DEVELOPED A CRACK IN THE CYLINDER HEAD. SATURN REPAIRED THE PART BUT WOULD NOT REIMBURSE THE CONSUMER FOR REPAIR COST DUE TO THE VEHICLE EXCEEDING THE WARRANTY. AT THE TIME OF THE REPAIR THE VEHICLE HAD 96K PLUS MILES. THE VEHICLE ALSO EXPERIENCED THE FOLLOWING: ENGINE KNOCKING/LOSS OF POWER (8 PISTONS WERE REPLACED), AFTER ENGINE PROBLEM/REPAIR, ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION OCCURRED (ONE QUART EVERY 1300 HUNDRED MILES, BANG NOISE IN THE CLUTCH (BEARING WAS REPLACED), WATER AND HAZE WAS IN THE HIGH/LOW BEAM INSIDE THE BULBS, LEFT HEADLIGHT SHORTED OUT/WIRE BURNT (ACTUATOR WAS REPLACED), THE BRAKE PEDAL RUBBER GUARD HAD DETACHED, THE GAS TETHER DETACHED, THERE WAS AN ENGINE KNOCK UPON ACCELERATION, THE IGNITION MODULE AND CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR EXPERIENCED PERFORMANCE PROBLEMS, THE TRANSMISSION SHIMMIES WHEN SHIFTING UNDER THE VEHICLE WHEN THE CLUTCH DEPRESSED, THE HEADLIGHTS, REAR LIGHT, DASH LIGHTS, RADIO LIGHTS, AND THE INTERIOR LIGHTS WOULD CONTINUOUSLY FLICKER. *SCC IN COLD WEATHER THE SHIFTER FAILED TO ENGAGE IN 2ND AND 4TH GEARS. *JB
2002 Pontiac Firebird recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2002 Pontiac Firebird.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: IN A CRASH, AN OCCUPANT COULD RECEIVE SEVERE INJURIES.
- 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.
Negative 2002 Pontiac Firebird car reviews
Positive 2002 Pontiac Firebird car reviews
-
I have a '99 Firebird and I am extremely pleased with it. I love the body style and detail of the car, as well as the interior design. It runs smoothly and turns heads everywhere I go! After driving this car, I couldn't picture myself in any other type of car. I plan on upgrading to a 2002 soon.
-
Nice car! It sounds like you really enjoy driving it. I have a peppy 6cyl convertible myself, so I can relate to your love for a responsive ride. It's surprising to hear that this car didn't sell better, but I'm glad you were able to get your hands on one.
-
This is, without a doubt, the best performance car in the 30-50k range. It's incredibly reliable, as long as you keep up with regular maintenance like oil changes and tire pressure. The only downside is that some press outlets (such as Edmunds.com and Motortrend) seem to focus more on hype than substance. But if you're looking for a true sports car that can outperform any Japanese import or Ford product, then look no further. Leave the posers behind with their Mustangs and Celicas and step up to the real deal.
-
My ram air has been really good to me. It runs great, looks great, and is a real head turner. It looks better than most cars on the road today...even those pony boys check her out. It's reliable, dependable, and fun, fun, fun!
-
This car always puts a smile on my face every time I step into my garage. I love how all the body lines flow together from front to back. The performance is far better than the Mustang. I especially love how the car handles itself when going through corners and when you go straight and mash down on it, picking up speed in no time.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2002 Pontiac Firebird problems:
2002 Pontiac Firebird Problems and Complaints - 18 Issues
Problem with your 2002 Pontiac Firebird? Our list of 18 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2002 Pontiac Firebird.
2002 WS6 Trans am issues to look for ? - LS1TECH - Camaro and ...
May 6, 2014 ... 2002 WS6 Trans am issues to look for ? · 1. Sail panel bubbling issue..... · 2. Door panel cracking.... · 3. Headlight gears.... · 4. Slow power ...
Any common issues with the 1998-2002 Firebird Trans Am? : r/Pontiac
Oct 17, 2020 ... Any common issues with the 1998-2002 Firebird Trans Am? ... Cracked dash, window/headlight motors, t top leaks, rear diff eating itself, turn ...
buying WS6 friday any common problems to look for? - LS1TECH ...
Aug 22, 2012 ... TECH Senior Member. Check out the stickies: https://ls1tech.com/forums/pontiac-f...-1967-2002-73/ Two big ones are window motors going out ...
2002 Pontiac firebird issues : r/MechanicAdvice
Nov 10, 2022 ... Get that check engine light scanned and see what codes it is throwing. But if you're having head gasket issues and overheating, be very careful ...
Other years of Pontiac Firebird
Are you having problems with your 2002 Pontiac Firebird?
Hoyt Ortiz 2024-01-09
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share my experience with my car that I bought back in 2002. It was a sporty and affordable car that I absolutely loved! For the first 6 years, it was running smoothly with only 60k miles on it. However, after that, I did encounter some issues. I had to replace both window motors, which cost $350 each, and then the fuel pump, which was a bit pricier at $1000. Finally, I discovered that using mid-level oil filters instead of AC Delco oil filters caused some damage to the bearings and crankshaft. Overall, it was a bit of a bumpy ride, but I learned a lot from the experience. Thanks for listening!