1998 Pontiac Trans am problems

General information about Pontiac-Trans am
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints 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 1998 Pontiac Trans am problems

The 1998 Pontiac Trans Am, like any other vehicle, has its share of common problems that owners have reported. Here are some of the issues to consider before purchasing a 1998 Trans Am:

Power window mechanisms: The power window mechanisms are also known to fail over time. This can lead to windows not rolling up or down, affecting both convenience and security.

Taillights: The taillights on the 1998 Trans Am can take on water and turn dark. This can be a safety issue, as it may affect the visibility of the vehicle to other drivers.

Interior plastics and upholstery: The sun is particularly harsh on the interior plastics and upholstery of the 1998 Trans Am, leading to cracking and aging of the materials.

Odometer: There have been reports of odometers conking out on the 1998 Trans Am. This can make it difficult to determine the actual mileage of the vehicle, potentially affecting its value.

Ignition: The LT1’s Optispark ignition can have problems with moisture, leading to ignition issues. It is important to check the water pump for leaks and other seals close to the ignition system.

EGRs: EGRs are known to eat themselves, leading to potential engine problems.

Fuel pump and sending units: These components can also fail, leading to fuel delivery issues.

Clones or replicas: It is important to be aware of clones or replicas of the 1998 Trans Am, as aftermarket parts can be used to make a standard Formula or Trans Am look like a WS6. Checking the option codes on the Service Parts Identification (SPID) sticker on the driver’s door jamb can help confirm the authenticity of the vehicle.

Rust: As with any vehicle, checking for rust in the usual places, such as behind the rear tires at the bottom of the quarter panels, is important.

Front fenders: The front fenders on the 1998 Trans Am are made of plastic, so they won't rot, but checking their alignment is important.

Power steering pump and fluid cooler: The power steering pump and fluid cooler built into the radiator hose can leak, leading to power steering issues.

T-top leaks: The rubber seals of the T-tops can dry out over time, causing rainwater to leak inside the vehicle.

Oil pressure switch/sensor: The oil pressure switch or sensor can malfunction, causing the oil pressure gauge to fluctuate or display incorrect readings .
Headliner fabric: The headliner fabric can detach over time, giving the interior of the vehicle a bad appearance .
Plastic gears of headlight bucket motors: The plastic gears of the headlight bucket motors can strip over time, causing the affected headlight bucket not to lift when the headlights are turned on .
Clear coat of exterior paint: The clear coat of exterior paint can peel off over time, requiring repainting of the vehicle .

While these issues may seem daunting, many of them can be addressed with proper maintenance and repair. It is important to thoroughly inspect any 1998 Trans Am before purchasing and to be aware of these common problems.

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 top speed of a 98 Trans Am?

160 mph

The 5.7-liter LS1 included improved horsepower with a rated 0 to 60 in 5.1 seconds and a 160 mph rated top speed. A great American muscle car design of the '90s, the 1998 Trans AM was the first year of the last body style before Pontiac ended Firebird Trans AM production.

What year was the fastest Pontiac Trans Am?

1987 Pontiac Trans Am GTA World Record 267.618 mph

A Banks Power twin-turbo, 1800-hp Pontiac GTA set a new “World's Fastest Passenger Car” speed record at Bonneville Salt Flats at 277 mph as certified by the Southern California Timing Association. This record stood for the next ten years.

How much HP does a 98 Trans Am have?

1998 Pontiac Trans Am convertible Wheelbase: 101.1 inches Length: 193.8 inches Engine: 5.7 liter, 305-h.p. V-8 Transmission: 4-speed automatic EPA mileage: 18 m.p.g. city/24 m.p.g. highway Base price: $29,715 Price as tested: $31,140.

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.

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 is the top speed of a 98 Trans Am?

160 mph

What transmission is in a 1988 Trans Am?

1988 Trans Am GTA equipped with a 305 TPI V8, rare 5-speed manual transmission, and 9 bolt limited slip rear differential.

1998 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:

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

The graph below shows statistics for all 1998 Pontiac Trans am vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1998 Pontiac Trans am complaints

The NHTSA has received 11 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1998 Pontiac Trans am.

2007-02-13

STEERING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2002-07-01
Components: STEERING
Summary: STEERING COLUMN, THE TWO PINS THAT HOLD THE STEERING WHEEL TOGETHER AT THE HINGED PART SO THE ADJUSTABLE WHEEL CAN UP AND DOWN, WORK THEIR WAY OUT AND CAUSE THE STEERING TO BECOME VERY DANGEROUS. *JB

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2002-09-19

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2002-07-16
VIN: 2G2FV22GXW2
Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND WITH NO WARNING VEHICLE WILL JERK, AND THEN ENGINE LIGHT WILL COME ON AND WILL STAY ON THE REMAINDER OF TIME THAT VEHICLE IS BEING OPERATED. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK

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2002-06-07

STEERING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1999-09-15
Crash: 1
VIN: ADD
Components: STEERING
Summary: WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE, VEHICLE WENT INTO A SPIN, STEERING WHEEL DID NOT RESPOND. VEHICLE HIT A BARRIER. NO INJURIES, VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.*AK

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2001-11-06

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2001-10-01
VIN: 2G2FV22GXW2
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: CONSUMER STARTED SMELLING GAS FORM THE OUTSIDE OF CAR. CONSUMER MENTIONED TO DEALER WHEN IT WAS TAKEN IN FOR WARRANTY WORK, DEALER DID NOT CHECK IT AT THAT TIME. CONSUMER INSPECTED VEHICLE AND FOUND RETURN VAPOR LINE HAD POPPED COMPLETELY OFF. CONSUMER SNAPPED IT BACK TOGETHER AND SO FAR IS NOT HAVING ANY PROBLEM. ONCE IT WAS TAKEN BACK TO SHOW DEALER WHERE PROBLEM WAS, SERVICE TECHNICIAN STATED IT MUST BE OKAY NOW. *AK *SLC

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2001-10-26

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
VIN: 2G2FV22G8W2
Components: STRUCTURE
Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE. *AK

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2000-08-31

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1999-10-14
VIN: 2G2FV22G1W2
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
Summary: I DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS CAR. THEY REFUSED TO GIVE ME A NEW CAR IN THE BEGINNING WHEN THEY HAD TO WELD THE PILLAR POST TO THE FRAME. MY CAR HAS OVERHEATED MANY TIMES UNTIL THEY FOUND THE BROKE RADIATOR. THE TRANSMISSION HAS GONE OUT AND WAS JUST FIXED AND THE CAR NOW HAS A FIREWALL RATTLE. THE BRAKES ROTORS WERE WARPED. THEY WOULD NOT STAND BEHIND THEM. IT WOULD BE MY COST TO REAPIR THEM. THEY ARE STILL WARPED. THIS CAR HAD TO HAVE A NEW WINDSHIELD PUT IN ALSO. 4 RADIO, TWO REAR SPEAKERS, BELT TENSION PULLEY,OIL LEVEL SENSOR, U JOINTS,ALTERNATOR, RADIATOR CAP,LUMBAR SUPPORT REPAIRED 5 TIMES. THIS CAR HAS OTHER PROBLEMS ALSO. IT IS IN THE SHOP MORE THAN I HAVE IT. I AM DISABLED AND BOUGHT THE CAR TO HAVE A NICE LOOKING DEPENDABLE CAR. I BOUGHT A JUNK THAT HAD A STICKER PRICE OF 28-29,000. THANK YOU FOR YOU HELP. CHRIS GALLAGHER 770 719-9754

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2000-06-21

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1998-11-12
VIN: 2G2FV22G4W2
Components: POWER TRAIN
Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

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2000-02-12

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
VIN: 2G2FV22GXW2
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY
Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE. *AK

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1999-12-06

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1999-11-19
VIN: 2G2FV22G0X2
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT 15MPH VEHICLE SUDDENLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATED . THE DEALER WAS NOT ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, HOWEVER THEY REPLACED THE COMPUTER. *AK

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1999-10-06

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1999-05-11
VIN: 2G2FV22G4W2
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
Summary: TICKING NOISE FROM ENGINE, DIFFERNTIAL LEAKING GEAR OIL, SES LIGHT COMES ON FOR NO REASON, ROTORS WARPED, DRIVESHAFT POPS WHEN SLOWING DOWN OR CHANGING GEARS.

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1999-02-01

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1998-11-01
VIN: 2G2FV22G8W2
Components: POWER TRAIN
Summary: REAR TRANSMISSION SEAL FAILED. YH

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1998 Pontiac Trans am problems:

What sort of problems can I expect from a 98' Trans Am - LS1TECH ...

https://ls1tech.com/forums/pontiac-firebird-1967-2002/618102-what-sort-problems-can-i-expect-98-trans-am.html

Dec 4, 2006 ... Pontiac Firebird 1967-2002 - What sort of problems can I expect from a 98' Trans Am - I am buying (hopefully) a low mileage 1998 Trans Am ...

Any common issues with the 1998-2002 Firebird Trans Am? : r/Pontiac

https://www.reddit.com/r/Pontiac/comments/jd0itw/any_common_issues_with_the_19982002_firebird/

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 ...

https://ls1tech.com/forums/new-ls1-owners-newbie-tech/1577479-buying-ws6-friday-any-common-problems-look.html

Aug 22, 2012 ... so im buying a 1999 ws6 with 100k miles on it friday I have been in love with 98-02 WS6 trans ams since i first saw this exact car back in ...

1998 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am V8 auto with 131k on the dash, bad ...

https://www.reddit.com/r/whatcarshouldIbuy/comments/10ouep6/1998_pontiac_firebird_trans_am_v8_auto_with_131k/

Jan 30, 2023 ... The ls1 is a very reliable engine as long as it was maintained. Better reliability than the v6. The 4l60e is a good transmission again as ...