2002 Pontiac Firebird recalls and problems

The 2002 Pontiac Firebird has 1 safety recall and 21 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Pontiac dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
21
Crashes / fires
1 / 1
Injuries / deaths
1 / 2

Recalls may cover only some 2002 Pontiac Firebird vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2002 Pontiac Firebird recalls

Recall 01V-381: Structure

Reported Dec 12, 2001 · 897 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: Vehicle description: certain passenger vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of FMVSS no. 208, "occupant crash protection," and no. 214, "side impact protection." these vehicles may have welds near the lower driver's side door hinge that do not meet specifications.

Risk: In a crash, an occupant could receive severe injuries.

Fix: Dealers will install structural rivets. Owner notification began december 26, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020 or pontiac at 1-800-762-2737.

2002 Pontiac Firebird problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System7
Service Brakes, Hydraulic5
Engine and Engine Cooling5
Visibility4
Power Train4
Wheels4
Exterior Lighting3
Unknown or Other3
Structure2
Fuel System, Gasoline2
Engine2
Seats1

Most reported parts

  • Wheels › Rim — 3
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 2
  • Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls — 2
  • Power Train › Manual Transmission — 2
  • Visibility › Windshield — 1
  • Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 1
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 1
  • Structure › Body › Door — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 17,976 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2002 Pontiac Firebird complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Engine and Engine Cooling · at 100,000 miles · reported Oct 29, 2015
The contact owns a 2002 pontiac firebird. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, there was a burning odor emitted from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that oil was leaking from the valve cover gasket. As a result, the technician informed the contact that the oil pan gasket and the valve cover gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000. Updated 1/12/16 the consumer stated with the oil leaking, it was coming in contact with the exhaust…
Electrical System · at 43,000 miles · reported Oct 9, 2012
The security light comes on and stays on ,sometimes car will not start and sometimes dies while driving and loses power at any giving time. The key that has a the sensor does not read or give the correct resistance to the vats security system and the security system shuts the car off. I believe it has something to do with the key resistance and the ignition in which it goes into. Something electrical is not reading or making contact messing up all the security in the car.
Engine · at 50,000 miles · reported Sep 19, 2012
Engine oil leak problem since august. I have had car checked on two (2) occasions by my mechanic. He stated it could need a new oil pan or the rear main seal. The car only has 50,000 miles on it and has been very well maintained. I AM the original owner and not too happy that I AM facing costly engine repairs for this well cared for car.
Wheels · at 42,926 miles · reported Mar 18, 2010
The contact owns a 2002 pontiac firebird. The contact stated that all four of the chrome alloy rims on the vehicle exhibit cracks. The rims were previously replaced per the warranty; however, since there was a memo indicating that they could not be repaired but replaced. Pontiac has been very uncooperative and refused to comply. The dealer took pictures of the rims and determined that it was a cosmetic issue and not a safety issue. The brand, manufacturer and any related rim information was not available. The current mileage is 85000. The failure mileage was 42,926. Updated 6/21/10 updated…
Structure · reported Jan 22, 2010
Driver's side door. Outer skin completely detached from door. Lower hinge is defective. Owned vehicle since new, was a recall related to hinge, but never notified of any recall regarding my vehicle. Actually glued skin back to door to repair.

Other Pontiac Firebird years

Compare all Pontiac Firebird years · All Pontiac models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Pontiac Firebird have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2002 Pontiac Firebird: 01V-381 (structure). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Pontiac Firebird?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (7 reports), followed by service brakes, hydraulic (5). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 17,976 miles.

Are Pontiac recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Pontiac dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.