1994 Pontiac Trans am problems

General information about Pontiac-Trans am
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.

Social links

https://twitter.com/PromotePontiac

Common 1994 Pontiac Trans am problems

Based on complaints from owners of the 1994 Pontiac Trans Am, several common problems have been identified:

Optispark Distributor Cap Damage: Owners of 1993 to 1997 models with 5.7-liter LT1 engines have reported issues with the cap of the Optispark distributor getting damaged, leading to cylinder misfires. Replacing the OEM Optispark distributor with a higher-quality replacement like the MSD unit is recommended to address this problem.
Premature Failure of Power Window Lift Motors: Some vehicles experience premature failure of the power window lift motors, causing affected windows to malfunction. Replacing the damaged lift motor with a new, higher-quality replacement resolves this issue.
Tearing of Front Seats: Over time, the front seats of the Pontiac Trans Am tend to tear on the sides. To address this cosmetic issue, professional reupholstering of the torn seats is necessary.
Oil Leaks from Intake Manifold: Certain vehicles with 5.7-liter LT1 engines develop oil leaks from the backside of the intake manifold over time. Installing a new intake manifold gasket is the solution to fix this problem.
Drying Out of T-Top Rubber Seals: The rubber seals of the T-Tops tend to dry out over time, leading to rainwater leaks inside the vehicle. Replacing the old rubber seals with new ones resolves this issue.
Malfunctioning Oil Pressure Switch: The oil pressure switch, also known as the oil pressure sensor, in some vehicles malfunctions over time, causing erratic oil pressure readings. Replacing the defective oil pressure switch with a higher-quality replacement is recommended.
Coolant Leaks from Water Pump: Water pumps in some 1993 to 1997 models with 5.7-liter LT1 engines are prone to developing coolant leaks before reaching 100,000 miles. Replacing the leaking water pump with a new, high-quality replacement solves this issue.
Detachment of Headliner Fabric: The headliner fabric in some vehicles tends to detach over time, affecting the interior appearance. To address this cosmetic problem, the old fabric needs to be removed entirely and replaced with new headliner material using the correct adhesive.
Stripping of Headlight Bucket Motors' Plastic Gears: The plastic gears of the headlight bucket motors are prone to stripping over time, causing issues with headlight operation. Replacing the OEM plastic gears with aftermarket brass replacements is recommended to resolve this problem.
Peeling Clear Coat of Exterior Paint: The clear coat of the exterior paint tends to peel off over time, necessitating a repaint of the vehicle to maintain its appearance.

These common problems highlight various issues that owners of the 1994 Pontiac Trans Am may encounter and the recommended solutions to address them effectively.

What is the best year of Trans Am?

7 1993 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am: 7.5/10. ...
6 1997 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am: 7.5/10. ...
5 1999 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am: 7.5/10. ...
4 1988 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am: 8/10. ...
3 1989 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am: 8.5/10. ...
2 2000 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am: 8.5/10. ...
1 1979 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am: 8.5/10.

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 Firebird Trans Am reliable?

It ranks 2nd in reliability out of 17 eligible Pontiac models. Our reliability rank is based on our PainRank™ system. A higher number means you can expect more significant problems. The average Pontiac score is 11.72 while the Firebird comes in at 2.71.

What years did the Trans Am have a 455 engine?

Pontiac offered the 455 through the 1976 model year, but tightening restrictions on vehicle emissions guaranteed its demise. Thus, the 1976 Trans Am was the last of the "Big Cube Birds," with only 7,100 units produced with the 455 engine.

What is the best year of Trans Am?

7 1993 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am: 7.5/10. ...
6 1997 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am: 7.5/10. ...
5 1999 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am: 7.5/10. ...
4 1988 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am: 8/10. ...
3 1989 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am: 8.5/10. ...
2 2000 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am: 8.5/10. ...
1 1979 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am: 8.5/10.

How much HP does a 94 Trans Am have?

The 1994 Firebird ranges in power from the Convertible 2D with 160 horsepower to the Trans Am GT Convertible 2D with 275 horsepower.

Is a Trans Am a muscle car?

One of the most anticipated muscle car come-backs ever imagined, now on a modern platform… the rebirth of a muscle car legend. Reimagining the most popular American Muscle Cars of the past, Trans Am Worldwide is now taking orders on the most recent in their modern-day muscle car line up, the 70/SS.

Was the Trans Am a fast car?

Since GM's manual transmission couldn't quite handle the power, a four-speed 200-4R automatic transmission was used. According to several media reports, the factory turbocharged 1989 Pontiac Trans Am could accelerate from zero-to-60 mph in 4.6 seconds.

1994 Pontiac Trans am car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Pontiac Trans am problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Fuel system problems
Visibility problems
Service brakes problems
Vehicle speed control problems
Gasoline problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1994 Pontiac Trans am vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1994 Pontiac Trans am complaints

The NHTSA has received 9 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1994 Pontiac Trans am.

2000-11-19

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
VIN: 2G2FV22POR2
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

Add Complaint

2000-08-26

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1994-10-15
VIN: 2G2FV22P4R2
Components: VISIBILITY
Summary: VEHICLE EXPERIENCING WINDSHIELD WIPER WORKING INTRMITTENTLEY OR NOT AT ALL; CONDITION CAN REDUCE DRIVER'S VISIBILITY AND INCREASING THE RISK OF VEHICLE CRASH. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS:

Add Complaint

1999-11-08

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR,VISIBILITY,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1999-09-15
VIN: 2G2FV22P6R2
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR,VISIBILITY,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Summary: THE ABS SYSTEM WILL NOT WORK UNLESS I TURN THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON WHILE DRIVING. JUST ORDERED THE PARTS TO FIX IT, THEY SAID I NEEDED THE MOTOR AND MODULATOR. PARTS ALONE COST ME $1,170.

Add Complaint

1999-07-20

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Summary: VEHICLE LEAKS OIL FROM IN BETWEEN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AND THE ENGINE BLOCK. DEALER SAID INTAKE MANIFOLD NEEDED TO BE TAKEN OFF, AND A NEW HEAD GASKET NEEDED TO BE INSTALLED. *AK

Add Complaint

1998-10-16

EQUIPMENT PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1998-08-01
VIN: 2G2FV22P3R2
Components: EQUIPMENT
Summary: THE DELCO CD PLAYER IS TOO HOT, IT CAUSES TO BURN THE CD AND MAY CAUSE A SHORT CIRCUIT AND CAUSE A FIRE. DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, BUT WON'T ASSIST THE CONSUMER. *AK

Add Complaint

1998-08-24

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1998-07-18
Crash: 1
Fire: 1
VIN: 2G2FV22G6W2
Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Summary: THIS VEHICLE IS A 1998 MODEL. CONSUMER HAD TURNED FROM A STOP SIGN, VEHICLE ACCELERATED ABOUT 45MPH. REMOVED FOOT FROM PEDAL IT WENT TO THE FLOOR . CONSUMER CUT OFF THE SWITCH AND RESTARTED ENGINE. SOMETIMES VEHICLE WILL BE DECELERATING, SOMETIMES IT WILL STILL BE ACCELERATING. ON JULY 18, 1998, WHEN VEHICLE CRASHED THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE, EVEN AFTER CONSUMER SWITCHED IT OFF ON TWO OCCASIONS. DECELERATION HAD BEGUN, CONSUMER LOST CONTROL, RAN OFF ROAD, HITTING TREES. SPLIT THE FRONT END. THE MOTOR FIRST FLEW OUT APPROXIMATELY 250YARDS. THEN THE BACK HIT SOME TREES, AND BACK END TORE APART. THE TRUNK AND EVERYTHING WAS GONE. THE VEHICLE SPLIT INTO APPROXIMATELY 4 PARTS. *AK

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1997-11-21

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1997-11-08
VIN: 2G2FV22P8R2
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
Summary: FUMES ENTERING VEHICLE CAUSING CONSUMER TO BECOME DIZZY, LIGHT HEADED, NAUSEOUS AND DISORIENTED.

Add Complaint

1997-02-20

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
VIN: 2G2FV22P1R2
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Summary: GAS FUMES IN PASSENGER COMPARTMENT.

Add Complaint

1996-11-07

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1996-10-29
Crash: 1
VIN: 2G2FV22P4R2
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN
Summary: ABS BRAKES FAILED, RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT, ALSO TRANSMISSION FAILURE. *AK

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1994 Pontiac Trans am recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1994 Pontiac Trans am.

1975-07-21

Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DIFFERENTIAL PROPORTIONAL VALVE

Additional sources

More sources of information about 1994 Pontiac Trans am problems:

94 Pontiac problems. very annoying problems | Firebird Nation

https://www.firebirdnation.com/threads/94-pontiac-problems-very-annoying-problems.472450/

Oct 16, 2013 ... The low coolant sensor problem is a very common problem. As GaryDoug has discovered, the coolant penetrates the printed circuit board in the ...

Q&A: 1994 Pontiac Trans Am Manual 6-Speed Transmission ...

https://www.justanswer.com/pontiac/3cq6l-1994-pontiac-trans-manual-6-speed-transmission-all.html

Apr 8, 2010 ... This is a common problem on the six speed manual trans. The the shift forks have plastic ears on them, over time the plastic comes off and the ...

1994 Firebird LT1 Engine Issues - Update | Firebird Nation

https://www.firebirdnation.com/threads/1994-firebird-lt1-engine-issues-update.570877/

Apr 26, 2023 ... The only one available with decent reliability is sold by Petris Enterprises. Their cap is red. They are temporarily closed until May 1. DTC ...