Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 76 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 7.6 times the median Firebird year — the 1999 model ranks #3 of 36 Firebird years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
Brakes leads the complaint categories with 21 reports (28% of the total).
76
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
6
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
3
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 21 | 28% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 10 | 13% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 9 | 12% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 7 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 7 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Lighting | 5 | 7% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 3 | 4% | — flat |
| Steering | 3 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Other | 3 | 4% | — flat |
| Airbags | 2 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 2 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 1% | — flat |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS. THE CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN INCORRECT RETAINING RING.
Consequence
THIS MAY NOT ALLOW THE CLUTCH SYSTEM TO DISENGAGE THE CLUTCH WHEN THE CLUTCH PEDAL IS DEPRESSED, RESULTING IN UNINTENTIONAL VEHICLE MOVEMENT, INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES, ENGINE STALLS, AND DIFFICULTY IN SHIFTING.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HYDRAULIC CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER WITH A NEW CYLINDER.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“WHENEVER ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS APPLIED, THE PEDAL WOULD STICK TO FLOOR & WOULD NOT LET UP. VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY TAKE OFF. WOULD APPLY BRAKES, BUT VEHICLE FAIL TO STOP. VEHICLE HIT A CURB & WENT AIRBORNE & LANDED 200 FEET FACING THE OTHER DIRECTION. DRIVE VEHICLE TO SHOP TO HAVE MECHANIC CHECK THE…”
“VEHICLE HAS BEEN SERVICED 4 TIMES WITHIN PAST YEAR FOR ALTERNATOR, ELECTRICAL POWER DROP OFF UPON RELEASE OF ACCELERATOR AND OR BRAKING. PROBLEM CAUSES INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LIGHTS TO DIM 50% AND ALTERNATOR GAUGE NEEDLE FALLS WAY INTO CAUTION ZONE. I'VE BEEN INFORMED AT LAST REPAIR SERVICE,…”
“THE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK AND ENGINE WAS OFF WHEN THE VEHICLE ROLLED FORWARD DOWN THE DRIVEWAY. VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A FENCE.*JB”
“CLUTCH DOES NOT DISENGAGE WHEN IT IS DEPRESSED. THIS MAKES VEHICLE DIFFICULT IN SHIFTING. ALSO, ENGINE STALLS DUE TO THIS PROBLEM. CONSUMER REFERRED TO RECALL# 99V239000. CONTACT DEALER ,AND DEALER STATED THERE WAS NO RECALL ON VEHICLE.*AK”
“DOCUMENT NUMBER 766918 IN THE GM DATABASE ON THIS ISSUE. "DISTORTION IN OUTER SURFACE OF VEHICLE GLASS" THE WINDSHIELD HAS AN "ORANGE PEEL " EFFECT THAT IMPAIRS SAFE VISON THROUGH IT. PONTIAC CLAIMS THAT THIS IS DUE TO OWNER NEGLIGENCE AND THAT DETERGENTS WITH HYDROCHLORIC ACID HAVE BEEN USED TO…”
NHTSA data argues against it: 76 complaints put the 1999 model at #3 of 36 Firebird years. It is one of the Firebird years to avoid.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (21 complaints), electrical system (10 complaints), transmission (9 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1999 Pontiac Firebird. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
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.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.