1998 Pontiac Firebird problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 91 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 9.1 times the median Firebird year — the 1998 model ranks #2 of 36 Firebird years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
Brakes leads the complaint categories with 33 reports (36% of the total).
91
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
14
Crash-involved
2
Fires reported
8
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1998 compare to other Firebird years?
What are the most common 1998 Pontiac Firebird problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 33 | 36% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 8 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 6 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 5 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Lighting | 5 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 5 | 5% | — flat |
| Steering | 5 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 4 | 4% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 3 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 3 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 3 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 3 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Other | 3 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Seats | 2 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Engine | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“VEHICLE WOULD FAIL TO STOP WHEN APPLYING ABS BRAKES SUDDENLY TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT AT 45MPH. HAD HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE AT 90 DEGREE ANGLE. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. DRIVER WAS INJURED, BUT NOT TREATED AT EMERGENCY ROOM, WENT TO PRIVATE DOCTOR.*AK”
“CONSUMER WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, AND HIT A DEER ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND THE DEER FLEW ONTO THE ROOF OF THE CAR . THE CAR CRASHED INTO A DITCH OF WATER, AND WENT UNDER WATER. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM LOCKED THE DOORS. THE T-TOP GLASS ROOF WOULD NOT OPEN. PASSENGER'S WINDOW WAS OPENED, TO GET CONSUMER…”
“CONSUMER WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, AND HIT A DEER ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND THE DEER FLEW ONTO THE ROOF OF THE CAR . THE CAR CRASHED INTO A DITCH OF WATER, AND WENT UNDER WATER. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM LOCKED THE DOORS. THE T-TOP GLASS ROOF WOULD NOT OPEN. PASSENGER'S WINDOW WAS OPENED, TO GET CONSUMER…”
“SPRINGS ARE ALSO WORN OUT, HAD WINDOW MOTORS REPLACED AND THEY STILL MAKE CRUNCHING NOISES. THIS CAR STAYS AT THE PONTIAC SERVICE DEPARTMENT INSTEAD OF MY GARAGE. *AK”
“LEFT SIDE HEAD LIGHT IS OVERHEATING BURNING OUT THE AMBER BULB WHICH IS USED FOR DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT. THE MOTOR FOR RAISING AND LOWERING THE HEADLIGHT LID PERFORMS ERRATIC. THE HEADLIGHT MOTOR DOES NOT RECOGNIZE THAT THE LID HAS SHUT AND CONTINUES TO RUN. THE OWNER ALSO INDICATED THAT THE ENGINE…”
1998 Pontiac Firebird — common questions
Is the 1998 Pontiac Firebird reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 91 complaints put the 1998 model at #2 of 36 Firebird years. It is one of the Firebird years to avoid.
What are the most common 1998 Firebird problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (33 complaints), airbags (8 complaints), body & structure (6 complaints).
Does the 1998 Pontiac Firebird have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1998 Pontiac Firebird.
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.