Pontiac Trans am problems

General information about Pontiac Trans am
Pontiac Trans am years list
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

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.

photo of Pontiac Trans am car production

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Common Pontiac Trans am problems

Common Problems with the Pontiac Trans Am

The Pontiac Trans Am is a classic muscle car with a rich history, but like any vehicle, it has its fair share of common problems. Here are some issues that Trans Am owners have reported:

Missing Parts: Trans Ams that have been used as donor cars for other vehicles may be missing essential parts, which can affect the car's performance and safety.

Seized Engine: If a Trans Am has been left outside for an extended period, the engine may become seized, which can be a significant issue if the car is not maintained properly.

In summary, while the Pontiac Trans Am is a classic muscle car with a rich history, it is not without its common problems. Owners may experience issues with the car's panels, pads, T-Tops, rear end, paint quality, taillights, underbody, engine, and missing parts. However, with proper maintenance and care, these issues can be minimized, and the Trans Am can be a reliable and enjoyable vehicle to drive.

What year is the most sought after Trans Am?

With only 1,555 ever made, the 1989 Pontiac Firebird Turbo Trans Am remains one of the most sought-after muscle cars on the market. This special edition 20th anniversary model was the official pace car for the 73rd running of the Indianapolis 500.

What is the rarest Trans Am?

1969 Trans Am

The '69 Trans Am is among the rarest of the rare 'Birds with fewer than 700 built—only eight were convertibles and all were Cameo White with Tyrol Blue stripes.

Is a 1995 Pontiac Trans Am a good car?

Great car, reliable, fast, and fun

I highly recommend a Trans Am to anyone looking for a fun, fast car for a great price. This car has been reliable and exceeded my expectations. Keep it out of the winter weather and the body will last.

What is the nickname for a Pontiac Trans Am?

Screaming Chicken

Screaming Chicken. Whatever the preferred nickname, any discussion about the Pontiac Firebird, not to mention the Trans Am, will inevitably come around to the giant flaming graphic consuming every inch of useable real estate on the hood in a display of pure 1970s bravado. Wallflowers need not apply.

Percentage distribution of complaints by Pontiac Trans am years

We have researched Pontiac problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Pontiac Trans am cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Pontiac Trans am model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Pontiac Trans am model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Pontiac Trans am years

We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:

Pontiac Trans am car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Pontiac Trans am , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

Service brakes problems
Engine and engine cooling problems
Structure problems
Power train problems
Hydraulic problems

The graph below shows statistics for all Pontiac Trans am vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Trans am model years

A total of 15 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Trans am model years

There were a total of 5 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Trans am model years

There were a total of 14 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by Trans am model years

There were a total of 4 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

The NHTSA has received 143 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Pontiac Trans am . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Pontiac Trans am vehicles.

Latest 25 complaints

Pontiac Trans am 2002

Date Of Incident: 2017-07-01
Date Complaint: 2017-08-05
VIN: 2G2FV22G322
Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Summary: CAR BEING PAINTED BY CHANLLORS COLLISION WARNER ROBINS GA. WHENEVER THE TOP (HALO) IS PAINTED, GLUE OR OIL CAUSE PAINT TO BUBBLE THROUGH. UNABLE TO PAINT TOP OF CAR. AFTER CHECKING THERE IS A RECALL.

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Pontiac Trans am 2000

Date Of Incident: 2015-03-17
Date Complaint: 2015-06-28
VIN: 2G2FV22G7Y2
Components: ENGINE
Summary: TROUBLE CODE FOR BAD CATLIC CONVERTERS THE HAS BEEN REPLACES 3 TIMES PRIOR AND NOW THERE CLOG FOR THE FOURTH TIME? ASKING GM TO REPLACE AS A WARRENTY ISSUE SINCE THE LAST TIME WAS 4 YEARS PRIOR AND I WAS TOLD THAT THE NEW ONE WOULD BE COVERED FOR 10YEARS 100000 MILES DUE TO GM WARRENTY POLICY. SECOND THAN IS THE CAR HAS DROPPED IN GAS MILEAGE FROM 26MPG TO ABOUT 14 BOTH HIGHWAY MILES. AND THE LAST THING IS THE IGNITION LOCK SOMETIMES WHEN I TRY TO START THE CAR THE SECURITY FEATHUR SUCH THE CAR DOWN DUE TO THE ANTI THEFT CONTROL. I AM THE ONLY PROUD OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE AND WANTED TO PASS THIS CAR ON TO MY SON AS A VINTAGE TRANS AM WITH ME BEING THE ONLY OWNER BUT WITH THE ISSUES THAT HAS BEEN GOING ON I MAY BE PASSING IT TO A DEALER AS A TRADE IN. LONG TIME PONTIAC TRANS AM OWNER AND GM LOYAL CUSTOMER. MA Y BE READDY TO MOVE ON IF NO HELP WITH THE WARRENTY I WAS PROMISSED ON THE LAST CONVERTER, AND THIS ONE WOULD BE THE FORTH ONE OF THE THREE THAT IS IN THE CAR.PLUS THE SMELL OF GAS IS GETTING VERY BAD AS IF THERE IS A LEAK? AND FOR THE KEY ISSUE THERE WAS MANY CARS WITH THE SAME ISSUE BUT NOT THIS GM PRODUCE. THE REASON BEING IS THAT ALOT OF PPL HAVE STORE THIS CAR DUE TO THE STOPAGE OF THE MANUFACTORING OF THE CAR? MAYBE.

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Pontiac Trans am 1989

Date Of Incident: 2015-05-01
Date Complaint: 2015-05-11
VIN: 1G2FW21FXKL
Components: STEERING
Summary: TILT STEERING COLUMN LOOSE HAS SHUT OFF THE CAR WHILE MAKING LEFT HAND TURN.

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Pontiac Trans am 1999

Date Of Incident: 2014-07-08
Date Complaint: 2015-03-05
VIN: 2G2FV22G8X2
Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION
Summary: BOTH OF MY SUN VISORS HAVE FALLEN OUT WITHOUT THE ABILITY TO PUT BACK IN PLACE. THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL TIMES I HAVE NEEDED THESE VISORS TO DRIVE SAFELY WHEN THE SUN IS COMING UP OR GOING DOWN. I FEEL THIS COULD LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT IN THE FUTURE. *TR

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Pontiac Trans am 2002

Date Of Incident: 2004-03-27
Date Complaint: 2014-12-09
Number Of Injuries: 2
Crash: 1
Components: AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,ENGINE
Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 PONTIAC TRANS AM. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 95 MPH IN FOURTH GEAR, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A GUARDRAIL AND DROVE DOWN AN EMBANKMENT. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELTS FAILED TO RETRACT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE TWO INJURIES REPORTED THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

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Pontiac Trans am 2002

Date Of Incident: 2014-07-21
Date Complaint: 2014-07-25
VIN: 2G2FV22G622
Components: STRUCTURE
Summary: THERE IS BUBBLES COMING THROUGH THE PAINT ON THE ROOF PANEL. IT IS KNOWN BY GM THAT ITS THE GLUE BLEEDING THROUGH THE FIBERGLASS PANEL AND PAINT. *TR

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Pontiac Trans am 1995

Date Of Incident: 2014-06-05
Date Complaint: 2014-06-24
VIN: 2G2FV22P5S2
Components: ENGINE
Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 PONTIAC TRANS AM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNIN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS ISNPECTED BY THE CONTACT. THE CONTACT STATED THE REAR PARK BRAKE LEVER RETURN SPRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 296,493.

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Pontiac Trans am 1987

Date Of Incident: 2012-07-22
Date Complaint: 2012-07-31
VIN: 1G2FW21F1HN
Components: POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Summary: THE BRAKE PEDAL SUDDENLY FELL TO THE FLOOR WHILE I WAS TRYING TO BRAKE THE CAR FOR A RED LIGHT AT 40 MPH WITH OTHER TRAFFIC DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF ME. THE BRAKE LINE TRAVELING ALONG THE BOTTOM OF THE CAR HAD RUSTED THROUGH DUE TO CORROSION CAUSING THE BRAKES TO FAIL. IN ADDITION, ALL OF THE FUEL LINES WHICH CARRY FUEL AT HIGH PRESSURE AT APPROX. 48PSI ARE ALSO BADLY CORRODED AND LIKELY TO FAIL WITH CATASTROPHIC RESULTS (E.G., FIRE, EXPLOSION, ETC.). THESE BRAKE AND FUEL LINE SAFETY DEFECTS STEM FROM THE FACT THAT GENERAL MOTORS USED INFERIOR BRAKE AND FUEL LINE PARTS (E.G., ORDINARY RUST PRONE STEEL) INSTEAD OF SLIGHTLY COSTLIER STAINLESS STEEL PIPING FOR BRAKE AND FUEL LINES. IN ADDITION, THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINES ARE ALSO BADLY CORRODING DUE TO GM USING ORDINARY STEEL INSTEAD OF STAINLESS STEEL FOR THESE LINES. NOW, I HAVE TO HAVE ALL OF THESE BRAKE AND FUEL LINES REPLACE DUE TO GM USING INFERIOR RUST-PRONE STEEL PARTS INSTEAD OF SLIGHTLY MORE COSTLY CORROSION RESISTANT STAINLESS STEEL BRAKE AND FUEL PIPE LINES. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE SINCE CORROSION OF BRAKE, FUEL, AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PIPE LINES COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL RESULTING IN LOSS OF LIFE AND PROPERTY DAMAGE. *TR

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Pontiac Trans am 1979

Date Of Incident: 1979-11-11
Date Complaint: 2010-02-16
Number Of Injuries: 2
Crash: 1
Components: STEERING,EQUIPMENT
Summary: 1979 PONTIAC TRANS AM 10TH SILVER ADDITION-CRASH, STEERING FAILED AND STRUCK TREE, PERSON DRIVING RECEIVED C6 SPINAL CORD INJURY. *TR

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Pontiac Trans am 2002

Date Of Incident: 2010-01-01
Date Complaint: 2010-02-09
VIN: 2G2FV22G122
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 PONTIAC TRANS AM. WHEN SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, SHE NOTICED THAT HER VEHICLE HAD A GASOLINE LEAK. THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSIS LOCATED THE FAILURE AS THE GASOLINE TANK LINER WHICH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 50,000.

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Pontiac Trans am 1986

Date Of Incident: 1986-12-17
Date Complaint: 2009-02-05
VIN: 1G2FW87F1GL
Components: SEAT BELTS
Summary: MAKE: PONTIAC MODEL: FIREBIRD MODEL YEAR: 1986 MANUFACTURER: GENERAL MOTORS CORP. MFR'S REPORT DATE: MAY 04, 1990 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 90V105000 EA90001 NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: EA90001 COMPONENT: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY POTENTIAL NUMBER OF UNITS AFFECTED: 1500000 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. NOTES: SYSTEM: SEAT BELT BUCKLE.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS. *TR

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Pontiac Trans am 1999

Date Of Incident: 2008-06-14
Date Complaint: 2008-12-29
VIN: 2G2FV22G0X2
Components: POWER TRAIN
Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT NORMAL HIGHWAY SPEEDS AFTER VEHICLE IS WARMED TO NORMAL OPERATING TEMPERATURE, THE VEHICLE LOSES POWER UNEXPECTEDLY. MOTOR REVS DURING EVENT, ALMOST AS IF CAR IS BEEN SUDDENLY SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL. NO ENGINE LIGHTS COME ON, VEHICLE SIMPLY LOSES FORWARD MOMENTUM. TRANSMISSION GUY SAYS EVERYTHING IS FINE, FOUND NOTHING WRONG. *TR

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Pontiac Trans am 1986

Date Of Incident: 2008-09-29
Date Complaint: 2008-09-29
VIN: 1G2FW87H5GL
Components: TIRES
Summary: KELLY SPRINGFIELD TIRES 245/5016R HUGGER GT-D. INNER TREADWALL HAS SEPARATED APPROX 1/2 ABOVE RIM, COMPLETELY AROUND TIRE. TIRE IS STILL INFLATED, BUT HAD A FAILURE OF FRONT RIGHT TIRE IN 1/2007. DID NOT SEE TIRE PRIOR TO REPLACEMENT OF TIRE BY FAMILY MEMBER. LEFT REAR TIRE HAS SAME SEPARATION BUT NOT YET AS SEVERE AS FRONT LEFT. CAR IS UTILIZED MOSTLY ON WEEKENDS AND HAS AMPLE TREAD REMAINING ON TIRE SURFACE. PICTURES AVAILABLE. HAVE NOT YET REPLACE TIRE AS I WILL TRANSIT TO STORE PURCHASE LOCATION 9/30/08 FOR ASSESSMENT. *TR

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Pontiac Trans am 2002

Date Of Incident: 2008-09-01
Date Complaint: 2008-09-10
VIN: 2G2FV22G922
Components: STRUCTURE
Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 PONTIAC TRANS AM. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR PANEL SEPARATED FROM THE FRAME. HE IS CONCERNED THAT THE DOOR WILL FALL OFF WHILE DRIVING. THE MANUFACTURER SENT HIM TO THE GMC COLLISION CENTER AND THEY STATED THAT THE REPAIR WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 49,000.

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Pontiac Trans am 2002

Date Of Incident: 2008-07-11
Date Complaint: 2008-07-17
Crash: 1
VIN: 2G2FV22G422
Components: TIRES
Summary: TIRE SEPARATION -- OF 4 TIRES WITH THE SAME DOT 3 EITHER SHOW SIGNS OF SEPARATION OR SEPARATED AND CAUSED AN ACCIDENT.*TR

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Recalls Pontiac Trans am

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the Pontiac Trans am.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.

Model: Pontiac Trans am 1994
Report Received Date: 1975-07-21
Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DIFFERENTIAL PROPORTIONAL VALVE