Engine
3.4L 6-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 71 of 84 complaints with a usable failure date.
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Electrical system
20 complaint records7 fire reports
"1995 PONTIAC FIREBIRD WIRING HARNESS CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE DRIVING.*MR THE FIRE CAUSED MINOR DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. *NM..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Engine & cooling
14 complaint records2 fire reports
"CRACKED HEAD AT 65000 MILES? I HAVE SEEN NOW 20 DIFFENT OWNERS POSTED ON WEB SITES WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AT EVEN LOWER MILES....AND GM DOES NOT RESPOND TO COMPLAINTS. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Brakes
14 complaint records2 crash reports
"CONSUMER CALLED COMPLAINING ABOUT HAVING PROBLEMS WITH BRAKE LIGHT APPEARING ON THE DASHBOARD, AND PEDAL GOING DOWN TO THE FLOOR. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse brakes parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA97024 opened Nov 1997 | closed Sep 1998 | Vehicle Speed Control | FUEL TUBE RETAINING CLIP FAILURE MOST OF THE REPORTS REVIEWED IN THIS INVESTIGATION ARE FIRE INCIDENTS IN WHICH FUEL LEAKAGE HAS BEEN ALLEGED AS THE CAUSE OR THE AREA OF ORIGIN IS CONSISTENT WITH THE ALLEGED DEFECT.THERE IS NO EVIDENCE THAT THE SUBJECT CLIP WAS A FACTOR IN ANY OF THESE FIRE... |
| PE97036 opened Jul 1997 | closed Nov 1997 | Vehicle Speed Control | FUEL TUB RETAINING CLIP FAILURE OWNERS HAVE REPORTED FAILURES OF THE FUEL TUBE RETENTION CLIP THAT ATTACHES TO THE PLASTIC THROTTLE LINKAGE COVER.ACCORDING TO GM, THE SUBJECT RETENTION CLIP (P/N 12048089) WAS IMPLEMENTED IN PRODUCTION ON OCTOBER 12, 1993, TO ADDRESS A CONCERN WITH INCORRECT... |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 95V046000 | Steering | THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT COULD HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY ASSEMBLED CAUSING THE SHAFT LOWER COUPLING TO LOOSEN AND ROTATE ON THE STEERING GEAR INPUT SHAFT. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1995045 1995-03-09 | Steering | 14 | THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN IMPROPERLY ASSEMBLED STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT. THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT LOWER COUPLING TO LOOSEN AND ROTATE ON THE STEERING GEAR INPUT SHAFT. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| PIP4723F Jan 2022 | Service Brakes | This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving... | |
| PIP4723D Jan 2020 | Electrical System | This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving... | |
| 19NA273 Dec 2019 | Electrical System | This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock. | |
| PIC4696E Nov 2019 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. | |
| 17NA073 Sep 2019 | Equipment | This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy. |
Show 43 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| PIC4696D Sep 2019 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. | |
| 17NA073 Feb 2019 | Equipment | This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy. | |
| PIC4696C May 2018 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. | |
| PIP4723C Sep 2017 | Fuel System | This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving... | |
| 17-NA-073 Mar 2017 | Equipment | This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy transportation policy. | |
| PIP4723B Feb 2017 | Electrical System | This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving... | |
| PIC4696B Dec 2015 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. | |
| PIC4696A Oct 2015 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. | |
| 130089009 Sep 2013 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules | |
| 050604058 Sep 2005 | Vehicle Speed Control | INTERMITTENT CHUGGLE OR FISHBITE ON LIGHT ACCELERATION OR A HIGHWAY SPEEDS WITH NO DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS). *TT | |
| 020730024A Aug 2005 | Power Train | DIAGNOSIS OF CRACKED OR BROKEN TRANSMISSION CASE. *TT 2006 AND PRIOR CARS AND LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS. *TT | |
| 010844005A Oct 2004 | Equipment | INFORMATION ON ERROR CODES ON RADIO DISPLAY THEIR CAUSE AND CORRECTIVE ACTION. *EH | |
| 040601021 Jun 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | NEW REAR MAIN SEAL AND SPECIAL TOOL FOR INSTALLATION. *TT | |
| 01697 Jan 2004 | Equipment | NO SERIAL DATA COMMUNICATIONS USING THE TECH 1 WITH A 1986 OR NEWER CAMARO, FIREBIRD OR CORVETTE WITH A 5.0 OR 5.7 LITRE ENGINE. SIT BULLETIN 1450640. *TT | |
| 052802 May 2002 | Structure | SERVICE MANUAL ADVISES INCORRECT USAGE OF CONVERTIBLE TOP FLUID. *TT | |
| 99083 Nov 2000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | GENERAL MOTORS HAS DECIDED TO CONDUCT A VOLUNTARY EMISSION CAMPAIGN FOR THE AIR INJECTION REACTOR (AIR) PUMP EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM WHICH MAY FAIL TO OPERATE AND CAUSE THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP TO ILLUMINATE. *TT | |
| 00140 Oct 2000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | A CONDITION MAY EXIST WHERE THE AIR INJECTION REACTOR (AIR) PUMP EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM MAY FAIL TO OPERATE AND CAUSE THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) TO ILLUMINATE. *TT | |
| 99083 Oct 2000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE AIR INJECTION REACTOR (A.I.R.) PUMP EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM MAY FAIL TO OPERATE AND CAUSE THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) TO ILLUMINATE. *TT | |
| 99057 Oct 1999 | Electrical System | SPECIAL POLICY ADJUSTMENT FOR SPARK PLUG WIRE REPLACEMENT ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.8L ENGINE. *TT | |
| 876527 Dec 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES EXPERIENCE ENGINE MISS/ POOR DRIVEABILITY SYMPTOMS. *YC | |
| 876002A Jul 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME V6 ENGINES MAY, ON A VERY INFREQUENT BASIS, HAVE AN OIL ODOR CONDITION THAT IS GENERALLY ENCOUNTERED AFTER THE ENGINE'S OIL HAS BEEN CHANGED.TYPICALLY THE ODOR LASTS APPROXIMATELY 1000 MILES AFTER THE CHANGE OF OIL AND THEN DOES NOT REAPPEAR UNTIL THE NEXT CHANGE OF OIL. *TT | |
| 831512 Jul 1998 | Structure | ON SOME CONVERTIBLE MODELS, THE CONVERTIBLE TOP MECHANISM BINDS OR STOPS WHEN HALFWAY OPEN OR CLOSED. *TT | |
| 971101631041 Nov 1997 | Structure | COMMENTS ON INOPERATIVE POWER DOOR LOCKS (FRONT AND/OR REAR DOORS). | |
| 9709016116A Sep 1997 | Engine And Engine Cooling | COMMENTS OF AN ENGINE OIL LEAK THAT APPEARS TO ORIGINATE TOWARD THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE; REAR OF ENGINE. *YC | |
| 9709013202B Sep 1997 | Steering | EXPERIENCING INTERMITTENT STEERING COLUMN SNAP OR CLICK NOISE WHEN TURNING. *YC | |
| 970801735026 Aug 1997 | Service Brakes | COMMENT THAT THE ABS LIGHT IS ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC'S) 46 AND 86 SET AS CURRENT OR HISTORY. *YC | |
| 738133 Jun 1997 | Visibility | INOPERATIVE POWER DOOR LOCKS/POWER WINDOWS (INSTALL NEW SWITCHES). *TW | |
| 577126B Apr 1997 | Power Train | TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAK FROM PUMP BODY (REPLACE BUSHING). *TW | |
| 735014 Apr 1997 | Parking Brake | RATTLE/BUZZ NOISE FROM PARK BRAKE HANDLE RELEASE BUTTON (ADD TENSION TO RELEASE BUTTON). *TW | |
| 9674L60E04A Apr 1997 | Power Train | TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAK FROM PUMP BODY (REPLACE BUSHING). *TW | |
| 549001A Mar 1997 | Equipment | CLN INDICATOR APPEARS ON RADIO DISPLAY AND DOES NOT TURN OFF (RESET CLN INDICATOR WITH THE EJECT BUTTON ON TAPE). *TW | |
| 577126A Feb 1997 | Power Train | TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAK FROM PUMP BODY (REPLACE BUSHING). *TW | |
| 577126R Feb 1997 | Power Train | TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAK FROM PUMP BODY/REPLACE BUSHING. *TW | |
| 631216 Dec 1996 | Equipment | INSUFFICIENT A/C PERFORMANCE AND/OR NOISY COMPRESSOR CLUTCH DUE TO PREMATURE WEAR OF THE COMPRESSOR SHAFT SEALS. *TW | |
| 579001 Aug 1995 | Vehicle Speed Control | VEHICLE SPEED SURGE OR SLOW RESPONSE WITH CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED. *SD | |
| CAMP95C42P Aug 1995 | Wheels | PRODUCT CAMPAIGN INCORRECT SECURITY LUG NUT KEY. *SD | |
| 538205 Jun 1995 | Exterior Lighting | UNKNOWN | |
| 531204 May 1995 | Visibility | UNKNOWN | |
| 576403 May 1995 | Electrical System | STARTER MOTOR CONTINUES TO RUN OR CRANK AFTER THE ENGINE IS RUNNING OR TURNED OFF (SOLENOID GROUND WIRE). *TW | |
| CAMP95C39(P) May 1995 | Engine And Engine Cooling | GENERAL MOTORS HAS DECIDED THAT CERTAIN 1995 PONTIAC FIREBIRD MODEL VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN ASSEMBLED WITH AN INCORRECT CAUTION LABEL AFFIXED TO THE RADIATOR COVER PANEL. THE INCORRECT LABEL CONTAINS INACCURATE ENGINE COOLANT INFORMATION. *SD | |
| 538302 Feb 1995 | Interior Lighting | CONSOLE LAMP STAYS ON WITHE LID CLOSED, CAUSING DEAD BATTERY. *TW | |
| 431057 Dec 1994 | Visibility | DOOR GLASS RATTLE IN FULL DOWN POSITION. *TW | |
| 3561 | Suspension | REAR SUSPENSION CLUNK NOISE. *TT |
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 1 recall campaign on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Pontiac Firebird →