1999 Pontiac Trans am 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 1999 Pontiac Trans am problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the 1999 Pontiac Trans Am, several common problems have been identified:
These common problems highlight various issues that owners of the 1999 Pontiac Trans Am may encounter, ranging from cosmetic concerns to mechanical issues that can affect the vehicle's performance and longevity.
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 year was the fastest Trans Am?
1987 Pontiac Trans Am GTA World Record 267.618 mph
Clocking a 277 mph, mile and a 268 mph two-way record, Banks' 1987 Twin-Turbo, 1800 hp, gasoline-burning big block Pontiac GTA, set a passenger car standard that would stand for ten years.
How fast was the 99 Trans Am?
The Trans Am matched the Camaro with a 5.3-second 0-to-60-mph time, but then the Trans Am pulled away, hitting 100 mph 0.2 second quicker, 130 mph 1.8 seconds quicker, and finally a governed 163 mph, whereas the Camaro ran out of steam at 160.
How much HP does a 99 Trans Am have?
305 horsepower
How fast is the 1999 Pontiac Firebird? The 1999 Firebird ranges in power from the Convertible 2D with 200 horsepower to the Trans Am Convertible 2D with 305 horsepower.
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 fast is a 99 Trans Am?
The Trans Am matched the Camaro with a 5.3-second 0-to-60-mph time, but then the Trans Am pulled away, hitting 100 mph 0.2 second quicker, 130 mph 1.8 seconds quicker, and finally a governed 163 mph, whereas the Camaro ran out of steam at 160.
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.
1999 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:
- Structure problems
- Power train problems
- Suspension problems
- Steering problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1999 Pontiac Trans am vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1999 Pontiac Trans am complaints
The NHTSA has received 16 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1999 Pontiac Trans am.
STEERING,SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-07-08
- 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
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-06-14
- 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
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-06-29
- VIN: 2G2FV22G1X2
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER TO HAVE OIL CHANGE. WAS TOLD THAT THEY FOUND NEEDLE BEARINGS IN OIL PAN. CAR CANNOT BE DRIVEN BECAUSE NEEDLES MAY ENTER THE ENGINE AND CAUSE ENGINE TO SEIZE UP OR COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE. THEY HAD TO REPLACE 16 ROCKER ARMS, DRAIN MAGNET,R AND R OIL PAN TO CLEAN,CHANGE OIL AND FILTER. I BELIEVE THESE ROCKER ARMS FAILURE IS DUE TO A DEFECT IN THE VEHICLE AS MY CAR ONLY HAS 16480 MILES AND IS STORED FROM OCT. THROUGH MAY. CAR IS ONE OWNER,ME AND HAS BEEN TAKEN FOR OIL CHANGES BEFORE DRIVING IN SUMMER AND AGAIN BEFORE STORING FOR WINTER. THIS IS THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY NUMBERED EDITION CAR AND MEANS A LOT TO ME SO I TAKE EXTREME CARE OF THE CAR. *NM
POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-12-15
- VIN: 2G2FV22G6X2
- Components: POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE
- Summary: I BOUGHT MY 1999 PONTIAC TRANS AM BRAND NEW, 8/23/99. IT NOW HAS 31,310 MILES AND BOTH MY DOOR PANELS HAVE CRACKS, ABOUT 1/4 WAY BACK. ALSO, I HAD A GROWLING NOISE IN MY REAR BEARINGS AND I HAD TO HAVE A NEW PINION BEARINGS, CARRIER BEARINGS, RING AND PINION GEAR SET INSTALLED. I WAS TOLD BY THE TECHNICIAN WHERE I TOOK IT TO BE FIXED IT LOOKED LIKE IT HAD BEEN DRIVEN HARD. MY CAR HAS BEEN DRIVEN APPROX. 10 MILES A DAY EVERYDAY SINCE I GOT IT AND HAS BEEN ONLY ONCE, TO LOUISVILLE, ABOUT 100 MILES AWAY. IT HAS BEEN IN THE GARAGE EVERY NIGHT SINCE I'VE HAD IT. *JB
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-01-01
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THERE ARE CRACKS DEVELOPING IN THE DOOR PANELS OF MY 1999 TRANS AM. THE CRACKS ARE IN THE SAME LOCATION ON EACH DOOR PANEL. (TOP OF PANEL AT EDGE, BACK 1/3 OF PANEL.) THIS PROBLEM IS EXTREMELY COMMON AMONG TRANS AM OWNERS WITH 1998-2002 MODELS. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-08-18
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: REAR DIFFERENTIAL WHINING UNBEARABLY LOUD. TOOK TO LOCAL GM DEALER TO DIAGNOSE, THEY SAY IT NEEDS REPLACED. WARRANTY I BOUGHT IS INSPECTING TO SEE IF THEY ARE GOING TO PAY FOR IT. THIS AFFECT'S THE COMFORT, RELIABLITY, AND SAFETY OF THIS CAR. I WILL UPDATE WHEN MORE INFO IS RECIEVED FROM THE GM DEALER. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION ONLINE, THIS IS HAS HAPPENED TO A LOT OF OTHER LS1 POWERED F-BODY OWNERS WITH THIS GM REAR DIFFERENTIAL.
SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-08-01
- Components: SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
- Summary: HEADLIGHTS FLIP UP AND DOWN AND MAKES GRINDING NOISE WHEN CAR IS TURNED OFF. SAME OCCURS WHEN FACTORY INSTALLED ALARM IS ACTIVATED. DEALER REPORTS ACTUATOR BAD. SAME PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED 4 TIMES SINCE 2000. ALONG WITH THAT, THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW MOTOR HAS BURNED OUT TWICE ALONG WITH THE ACTUATOR. REAR END OF VEHICLE RATTLES NEAR SPEAKERS. DRIVER SIDE INTERIOR DOOR PANEL LOOSE. *JB
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-04-25
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 2G2FV22G9X2
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: THE TIE ROD SNAPPED AND CAUSED CAUSING THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL TO TURN TO THE EXTREME LEFT OR RIGHT WHICH RESULTED IN A CRASH. *NLM
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-03-28
- VIN: 2G2FV22G8X2
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE DOOR PANELS CRACKED. *JB THE DOOR PANELS CRACKED. *MR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-10-04
- VIN: 2G2FV22G5X2
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE AT A STOP, CONSUMER STATES' VEHICLES ENGINE REV'S VERY HIGH. FEELS LIKE VEHICLE IS GOING TO TAKE OFF. CONSUMER HAS TO PRESS ON BRAKES WITH BOTH FEET TO KEEP VEHICLE FROM MOVING. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. TS
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-10-04
- VIN: 2G2FV22G5X2
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHEN VEHICLE IS AT A STOP CONSUMER HAS TO PHYSICALLY PUT BOTH FEET ON BRAKE PEDAL TO HOLD VEHICLE. CONSUMER HAS TO RESTART VEHICLE TO GET ENGINE TO STOP RACING. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. TS
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-11-21
- Number Of Injuries: 3
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 2G2FV22GXX2
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: WHILE SITTING IN TRAFFIC ANOTHER VEHICLE HIT CONSUMER AT45 MPH ,AND DRIVERS AND PASSENGER SEATBACKS RECLINED. CONSUMER FELT THAT SEATS SHOULD NOT RECLINE.*AK CONSUMER, DAUGHTER AND PASSENGER SUFFERED INJURIES.*JB
SUSPENSION,SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-12-07
- VIN: 2G2FV22G9X2
- Components: SUSPENSION,SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURE
- Summary: WHEN MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN CONSUMER NOTICED A RATTLE IN REAR END OF VEHICLE. ALSO, WHEN DRIVING WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING VEHICLE STARTED SWAYING WHICH CAUSED POOR VEHICLE CONTROL. CONSUMER NOTED THAT SEAT BELTS DO NOT RELEASE/ENGINE CHECK LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON DASH, AND VEHICLE LEAKED WATER INTO ENGINE COMPARTMENT WHENEVER IT RAINED. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-05-08
- VIN: 2G2FV22G6X2
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: THE BRAKES SHUDDER. AT LOW SPEEDS IT FEELS AS THOUGH A ROUGH SPOT IN THE BRAKES CAUSES THE CAR TO STOP HARD THEN SOFT REPEATEDLY. AT HIGH SPEEDS THE STEERING WHEEL AND CAR SHAKE. ROTORS SEEM TO BE WARPED. PARTS WERE REPLACED AND SAME PROBLEM CAME UP ON NEW PARTS. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-06-18
- VIN: 2G2FV22G2X2
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-06-18
- VIN: 2G2FV22G2X2
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE. *AK
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1999 Pontiac Trans am problems:
1999 Pontiac Firebird Problems and Complaints - 20 Issues
Problem with your 1999 Pontiac Firebird? Our list of 20 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 1999 Pontiac Firebird.
buying WS6 friday any common problems to look for? - LS1TECH ...
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 ...
Any common issues with the 1998-2002 Firebird Trans Am? : r/Pontiac
Oct 17, 2020 ... Cracked dash, window/headlight motors, t top leaks, rear diff eating itself, turn signal flasher, rust, wiper switch, hatch glass trim ...
1999 Pontiac Firebird stereo problems | Firebird Nation
Oct 4, 2010 ... This is a common problem in the 1996+ Firebirds. You most likely have a bad Body Control Module (BCM). The Retained Accessory Power (RAP) ...
1999 Pontiac Trans Am Q&A: Troubleshooting Common Issues ...
Nov 22, 2017 ... Problem was diagnosed as a defective fuel pump.To save on cost an inline Walbro 60psi was installed between the gas tank and fuel filter. When I ...
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