VehicleVerdict

1979 Pontiac Firebird problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 1979 Pontiac Firebird — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

2

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1979 compare to other Firebird years?

Firebird NHTSA complaints by model year, 1979 highlighted112 complaints1967: 0 complaints1968: 0 complaints1969: 0 complaints1970: 0 complaints1971: 0 complaints1972: 0 complaints1973: 0 complaints1974: 0 complaints1975: 0 complaints1976: 1 complaints1977: 1 complaints1978: 3 complaints1979: 2 complaints1980: 2 complaints1981: 0 complaints1982: 5 complaints1983: 6 complaints1984: 20 complaints1985: 22 complaints1986: 27 complaints1987: 11 complaints1988: 10 complaints1989: 23 complaints1990: 10 complaints1991: 29 complaints1992: 33 complaints1993: 18 complaints1994: 72 complaints1995: 112 complaints1996: 50 complaints1997: 59 complaints1998: 91 complaints1999: 76 complaints2000: 35 complaints2001: 36 complaints2002: 48 complaints
Firebird NHTSA complaints by model year, 1979 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Firebird years to avoid →

What are the most common 1979 Pontiac Firebird problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System150%
Visibility & Wipers150%

Does the 1979 Pontiac Firebird have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

07E088000OtherOctober 24, 2007 · 121,680 units

Defect

CERTAIN HONEYWELL FRAM RACING BRAND HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 25, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 14, 2007, AND SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR VEHICLES LIST ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FILTERS ARE MARKED WITH A DATE CODE A61451 THROUGH A72571 SEQUENTIALLY. THE DATE CODE AND PART NUMBER APPEAR ON THE FILTER HOUSING. FRAM RACING HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS NOT BEARING A DATE CODE IN THIS RANGE ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL. THE GASKET OF THE OIL FILTER BECOMES MORE PLIABLE UNDER HIGH TEMPERATURES AND PRESSURES.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE INADEQUATE SEALING AND LOSS OF ENGINE OIL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.

Remedy

HONEYWELL WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED OIL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING NOVEMBER 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-890-2075.

80V108000SteeringAugust 19, 1980 · 85,325 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT TO STEERING KNUCKLE ATTACHING NUT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TORQUED TO SPECIFICATIONS. THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE NUT TO BACK OFF, RESULTING IN JOINT SEPARATION.

Remedy

THE DEALER WILL PERFORM A TORQUE CHECK OF THE ATTACHING NUT, AND, IF NECESSARY, TIGHTEN IT. IN SOME CASES AN INADEQUATE TORQUE LEVEL MAY HAVE CAUSED BALL STUD OR STEERING KNUCKLE DAMAGE; IF SO, THE AFFECTED COMPONENTS WILL BE REPLACED AT NO CHARGE TO OWNER.

79V142000LightingJune 6, 1979 · 15,328 units

Defect

ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES THE BRAKE STOPLIGHT AND CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH WHICH IS OPERATED BY THE BRAKE PEDAL MAY HAVE BEEN ASSEMBLED WITH AN INCORRECT LUBRICANT ON THE ACTUATING PLUNGER. THIS CAN CAUSE THE REAR BRAKE STOPLIGHTS TO BECOME INOPERATIVE AND THE CRUISE CONTROL, IF ACTIVATED, TO STAY ELECTRICALLY ENGAGED.

Remedy

DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE BRAKE STOPLIGHT AND CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH AT NO COST TO OWNER.

1979 Pontiac Firebird — common questions

Is the 1979 Pontiac Firebird reliable?

The record is thin — 2 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1979 Pontiac Firebird have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1979 Pontiac Firebird. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1979 Pontiac Firebird under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Pontiac Firebird years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Firebird years to avoid are 1995, 1998, 1999, 1994, 1997, 1996, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1992. The cleanest record among Firebird years belongs to 1981.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.