2001 Pontiac Firebird problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 36 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.6 times the median Firebird year — the 2001 model ranks #8 of 36 Firebird years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (8), brakes (7), and lighting (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
36
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
2
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2001 compare to other Firebird years?
What are the most common 2001 Pontiac Firebird problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 8 | 22% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 7 | 19% | ▲ up |
| Lighting | 5 | 14% | — flat |
| Engine | 4 | 11% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 3 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 2 | 6% | — flat |
| Body & Structure | 2 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Other | 2 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“ELECTRICAL POWER TRUNK AND CONVERTIBLE TOP. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. IT WAS DETERMINED THE FIRE STARTED IN THE TRUNK. THE HOUSING OVER THE CONVERTIBLE TOP HAD BURNED UP. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *JB ”
“WHEN COMING TO A STOP, APPLIED BRAKES AND VEHICLE PULLS FROM LEFT OR RIGHT. VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPAIRED, BUT PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. DEALER CONTACTED. *AKALIGNMENT AND BALANCING OF TIRES HAS BEEN PERFORMED MANY TIMES ON THIS VEHICLE. CALIPERS, ROTORS, BRAKE HOSES, RACK AND PINION AND STEERING RACK HAVE…”
“BATTERY AMP GAUGE FLUXUATES RANDOM, MAXING AMP (18) THEN DROPPING DRAMATICALLY DOW AS LOW AS (8). LIGHTS (HEADLIGHTS, BRAKE LIGHTS, DASH) BRIGHTEN AND DIMS AT RANDOM INCLUDING HIGH BEAMS. CAR DIES, STEERING BECOMES DIFFICULT AT RANDOM WHEN TURNING SHARPLY TO LEFT OR RIGHT. ”
“EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION - APPROXIMATELY 1QUART OF OIL IS CONSUMED EVERY 1000 MILES. ELECTRICAL - DURING ACCELERATION THE LEFT FRONT HEADLIGHT SHORTS OUT. THIS HAS ESCALATED TO NOT TURNING ON AFTER THE CAR IS WARM AND DRIVEN, STOPPED AND TURNED OFF, THEN TURNED ON AGAIN. CURRENTLY, NOT TURNING ON…”
“WHEN CAR IS SITTING STILL AND IN PARK OR NEUTRAL THERE IS A VIBRATION THRU OUT CAR @ 2200 RPM'S. WHEN VEHICLE IS IN DRIVE THE VIBRATION OCCURS AT 48-51 MPH. THIS VIBRATION IS WORSE WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. TWO DIFFERENT DEALERSHIPS SAY THIS IS A "NORMAL CHARACTERISTIC" OF THIS CAR. BOTH…”
2001 Pontiac Firebird — common questions
Is the 2001 Pontiac Firebird reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 36 complaints put the 2001 model at #8 of 36 Firebird years. It is one of the Firebird years to avoid.
What are the most common 2001 Firebird problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (8 complaints), brakes (7 complaints), lighting (5 complaints).
Does the 2001 Pontiac Firebird have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2001 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.