VehicleVerdict

2002 Pontiac Firebird problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 48 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 4.8 times the median Firebird year — the 2002 model ranks #7 of 36 Firebird years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 4 deaths and 2 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (8), engine (7), and brakes (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

48

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

2

Injuries

4

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other Firebird years?

Firebird NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 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, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Firebird years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Pontiac Firebird problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System817%
Engine715%
Brakes510%
Tires & Wheels510%
Transmission48%
Visibility & Wipers48%
Lighting36%
Other36%
Body & Structure24%
Fuel System24%
Seats12%
Airbags12%
Speed Control12%
Steering12%
Suspension12%

Does the 2002 Pontiac Firebird have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

01V381000Body & StructureDecember 12, 2001 · 897 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

IN A CRASH, AN OCCUPANT COULD RECEIVE SEVERE INJURIES.

Remedy

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“CONSUMER WOULD PUT KEY INSIDE IGNITION AND HEADLIGHTS WOULD COME ON. HOWEVER, VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. CONSUMER STATED THAT IGNITION WIRES WERE WORN/WEAK. THE DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN CONTACTED.*AK THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED ABOUT 4-5 TIMES. A FEW TIMES THE IGNITION WAS TURNED ON WITH A LITTLE MANIPULATION…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 5, 2003

“TL* 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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 30, 2014 · fire

“CHROME PLATING PEELING FROM WHEELS,CORROSION CAUSING TIRES TO LOOSE AIR AND GO FLAT. LOSS OF AIR PRESSURE CAUSES HANDLING PROBLEMS--CONSTANT PROBLEM-SITUATION HAS BEEN REPEATED SEVERAL TIMES. CLEANING CORROSION FORM WHEEL (WHICH PONTIAC DEALER HAS DONE) CORRECTS PROBLEM FOR SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · October 23, 2007

“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE BRAKES MADE A CONSISTENT VIBRATION WHEN APPLIED AND EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE OCCURRED WITH NO PRIOR WARNINGS, UNDER NORMAL BRAKING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER, WHO CLEANED THE BRAKE PADS AND ROTATED THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 1, 2006

“THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS STUCK, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO 3 DIFFERENT DEALERS, WHO WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *JB THERE WAS A NOISE IN THE DRIVETRAIN, THE FRONT BACK OF THE UPPER SEAT WAS DISCOLORED(REPLACED), FOAM FROM THE DRIVER'S SEAT HAD COME APART, THE GAS PEDAL WOULD STICK WITH OF…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · March 1, 2003

2002 Pontiac Firebird — common questions

Is the 2002 Pontiac Firebird reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 48 complaints put the 2002 model at #7 of 36 Firebird years. It is one of the Firebird years to avoid.

What are the most common 2002 Firebird problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (8 complaints), engine (7 complaints), brakes (5 complaints).

Does the 2002 Pontiac Firebird have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2002 Pontiac Firebird. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.