2001 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 2001 Pontiac Trans am problems

Based on the complaints from owners of the 2001 Pontiac Trans Am, here is a list of common problems with this car:

Cracked Dashboards: Owners have reported issues with the dashboard randomly cracking in multiple places. This problem is quite common and can affect the aesthetics and functionality of the interior.
Power Window Mechanism Failures: The power window mechanisms in the 2001 Pontiac Trans Am are known to fail over time. This can lead to issues with opening and closing windows smoothly, impacting the overall convenience of the vehicle.
Taillight Water Infiltration: Taillights in the Pontiac Trans Am are prone to taking on water, which can cause them to turn dark and affect their visibility. This issue can compromise safety, especially during nighttime driving.
Sun Damage to Interior Plastics and Upholstery: The hard interior plastics and upholstery in the car are susceptible to damage from sun exposure. Over time, this can lead to fading, cracking, and deterioration of the interior components.
Odometer Malfunction: There have been reports of odometers conking out in the 2001 Pontiac Trans Am. This issue can affect the accuracy of mileage tracking, potentially leading to challenges in monitoring the vehicle's usage.
Engine and Transmission Reliability: Despite the common problems mentioned, the powertrains of the Pontiac Trans Am are generally durable and long-lasting if properly maintained. The engines and transmissions are known to be robust and can endure well over 100,000 miles with proper care.
Optispark Ignition Issues: The LT1's Optispark ignition system can experience problems with moisture, particularly related to leaks from the water pump and other seals close to the system. Checking for leaks and ensuring proper maintenance of these components is crucial to prevent ignition issues.
EGR, Fuel Pump, and Sending Unit Problems: Components like the EGR system, fuel pump, and sending units are known to have issues in the 2001 Pontiac Trans Am. Regular inspection and maintenance of these parts are essential to prevent performance issues and ensure the vehicle runs smoothly.

These common problems highlight some of the challenges that owners of the 2001 Pontiac Trans Am may encounter. Regular maintenance, timely repairs, and careful monitoring of these issues can help mitigate potential problems and ensure the longevity of the vehicle.

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 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.

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 does a 2001 Trans Am cost?

Used 2001 Pontiac Firebird Pricing

	Original MSRP	KBB Fair Purchase Price (nat'l average)
Formula Coupe 2D	$24,480	TBD
Convertible 2D	$26,735	$4,180
Trans Am Coupe 2D	$27,590	TBD
Trans Am Convertible 2D	$31,660	TBD

Why was Trans Am discontinued?

Despite its rich legacy, the Pontiac Trans Am Firebird faced numerous challenges in the late 1990s. Stricter emissions regulations, changing market preferences, and the financial struggles of Pontiac's parent company, General Motors, led to the discontinuation of the Firebird.

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.

2001 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
Service brakes problems
Hydraulic problems
Engine and engine cooling problems
Latches/locks/linkages problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2001 Pontiac Trans am vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2001 Pontiac Trans am complaints

The NHTSA has received 10 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2001 Pontiac Trans am.

2006-09-19

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2006-08-15
VIN: 2G2FV32G512
Components: STRUCTURE
Summary: MY DOOR IS FALLING OFF FROM THE FRAME OF THE CAR. NO ACCIDENTS TO THE CAR. THE WINDOW HAS HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS. THE GM BODY SHOP SAID THEY JUST HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM LAST WEEK WITH ANOTHER FIREBIRD. GM HAS OFFERED TO PAY 15% OF THE $982.00. I HAVE FOUND OUT THAT THE DOORS ARE GLUED ON ALL FIREBIRDS. I FEEL THIS IS A MAJOR DEFECT FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN FIXED. *NM

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2005-08-28

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2005-08-28
Crash: 1
VIN: 2G2FV22G712
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: BRAKING SYSTEM FAILED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO STOP AT 40-45 MPH. WHILE BRAKING, THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND WARNING LIGHTS WERE NOTICED. THIS FAILURE LED TO A 2 VEHICLE ACCIDENT WHERE 1 PERSON WAS POSSIBLY INJURED. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS NEEDED TO SLOW THE CAR, THOUGH THE SPIN OUT AS A RESULT OF THE ACCIDENT ULTIMATELY STOPPED THE VEHICLE. AFTER THE INCIDENT, THE ABS WAS INOPERABLE TCS OFF??, AND THE BRAKE WARNINGS WERE LIT AND REMAINED LIT. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE AT THIS POINT IS UNKNOWN AND A DETERMINATION SHOULD BE MADE LATER IN THE WEEK. *JB

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2005-06-04

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2005-06-01
VIN: 1GMDX03E21D
Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
Summary: PONTIAC, MONTANA 2001, IT SEEMS LIKE THE SLIDING DOOR BEHIND THE DRIVER'S DOOR, IS NOT WELL SEALED WHEN IT CLOSES, YOU CAN FEEL AIR OMING THRU THE HOLE, I'VE NEVER BEEN IN A ACCIDENT PLUS I AM VER CAREFUL WHEN IT COMES TO DEALING WITH THAT DOOR, THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A TIME WHEN SOMEONE OPENED THE DOOR ABRUPTLY

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2004-04-01

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2004-03-25
VIN: 2G2FV22G012
Components: VISIBILITY
Summary: RIVETS TEARING THROUGH DOOR PANEL THAT HOLDS THE WINDOW REGULATOR.*AK

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2004-01-13

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2004-01-13
VIN: 2G2FV22G512
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: MY CAR IS USING APPROXIMATELY 1 TO 1.25 QUARTS OF OIL EVERY 3000 MILES WITH ONLY 30,000 MILES ON THE CAR. THE DEALER CLAIMS THIS IS WITHIN "ACCEPTABLE" TOLERANCES. I DISAGREE.

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2002-10-25

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2002-08-15
VIN: PLEASE FILL
Components: STRUCTURE
Summary: CONSUMER STATES DURING THE MONTH OF AUGUST WAS RAINING A LOT IN TX. TRUNK GOT WATER INSIDE LIKE A SWIMMING POOL. CAUSING DAMAGE TO BACK SEAT AND FLOOR. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER DIDN'T HELP. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. TS

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2002-10-23

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2002-05-12
Fire: 1
VIN: 2G2FV22G612
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE IT CAUGHT ON FIRE, THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THE FIRE ORIGINATED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE NEAR THE BREAKER BOXES AND FUEL INJECTORS, THE VEHICLE WAS DEYSTROYED.*JB

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2002-09-04

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2001-07-01
VIN: 2G2FV22G512
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary: WARRANTY DENIED BY DEALERSHIP/MFG BASED ON SPECULATION THAT I "RACED" VEHICLE AND THAT BOLT ON ALTERATIONS CAUSED MORE HORSEPOWER THAN ENGINE CAN HANDLE.*AK

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2002-07-10

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2001-10-10
VIN: 2G2FV22G912
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: WHILE DRIVING ABS BRAKE SYSTEM GOES OUT , CAUSING VEHICLE TO HAVE NO BRAKES. DEALER CONTACTED. CANNOT LOCATE CAUSE. *AK

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2002-07-10

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2001-10-02
VIN: 2G2FV22G912
Components: POWER TRAIN
Summary: WHILE DRIVING TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM BECAME INOPERATIVE, CAUSING VEHICLE TO SPIN OUT OF CONTROL ON ROUGH OR WET ROADS.

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 2001 Pontiac Trans am problems:

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 ...

2001 Pontiac Firebird Problems and Complaints - 20 Issues

https://repairpal.com/2001-pontiac-firebird/problems

Problem with your 2001 Pontiac Firebird? Our list of 20 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2001 Pontiac Firebird.

Q&A: 2001 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am - Selector Issues

https://www.justanswer.com/pontiac/8omck-pontiac-firebird-trans-am-2001-trans-am-selector.html

Sep 26, 2014 ... Was this answer helpful? up Yes. down No. Finish.

2001 Firebird issues | Firebird Nation

https://www.firebirdnation.com/threads/2001-firebird-issues.565826/

Dec 20, 2019 ... Yup, I'd say vacuum leak as well....as a first guess. If there is a vacuum leak then the MAP sensor will read high (kPa), and the ECU will think ...