Fuel lines on this car are non-metallic. Apparently, some sharp-toothed critter bit the line causing a fuel leak as confirmed by the independent service center indicated on the uploaded invoice. There was no warning. I noticed a puddle under the differential. Replacement lines are no longer available from manufacturer. Problem must be known because repair kits (see invoice) are available. "Best" solution is replacement of existing nylon lines with metallic lines (as should have been done when the car was first manufactured). As this would be an extremely costly and impractical repair, may I suggest an alternative: cover the fuel lines with a braided stainless steel sheath. This would be effective as well as both practical and relatively inexpensive. Leaving the lines exposed risks further damage and increased possibility of fire. My car is available for inspection upon request.
The worst 1998 Pontiac Firebird problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Brakes28
- Airbags7
- Acceleration5
- Lights5
- Steering5
- Visibility5
- Body4
- Fuel system4
- Suspension3
- Electrical2
- Seats2
- Transmission2
- Wheels2
- Engine1
- Seat belts1
- Tires1
Specific symptoms reported on the 1998 Pontiac Firebird
Recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Technical service bulletins for the 1998 Pontiac Firebird 80
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Fuel system, gasoline
- This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco...
- Equipment: electrical: anti-theft devices
- This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy...
- Equipment
- This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy...
- This technical bulletin provides a procedure to reprogram the media disc player with the latest...
- Equipment: electrical: anti-theft devices
- Vehicle Recalls
- This informational bulletin provides the technician with information on what E85 fuel may due to a non E85...
1998 Pontiac Firebird fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8L 6‑cyl | RWD | 17 | 26-28 | 20-21 |
| 5.7L 8‑cyl | RWD | 16 | 22-24 | 18-19 |
What 1998 Pontiac Firebird owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Slow leak of gasoline coming from rear of car didn't notice it but I could smell gas when the car was turned on the rear was smoking but not from the exhaust then fire.
Dt*: the contact stated water was seeping into the right rear taillight from rain corroding the reflective materials in the tail light, which diminished the illumination. The service dealer was notified. The manufacturer was not alerted. Updated 12/1/2006 -
Bought the car in jan. Of 98, and didn't have any problems with it until 700 miles. That is when the gas pedal stuck for the first time. It went to the floor and I didn't have any control over it. Luckily I was on a rural road and shut the car off and it stopped. It happened 2 times after that, one time taking me 100 MPH. The final time I was in heavy traffic and had no choice but to put it in neutral, which blew my motor and cost me 4000 to replace. I would appreciate some help because this is a life threating problem.
While driving 30 MPH the vehicle was involved in a head on collision. The dual air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was totaled due to severe damage. *nm driver hit shoulder on the steering wheel that caused a ligament tear, and passenger suffered a cut on the head.
Last year I had the same problem. The right headlight motor broke. I couldnt afford to fix it. I got it fixed in july 03. Now in september 03 the left is gone. Im very upset with this. Dont you think gm could make something last longer then 4 or 5 years? I cant afford this. I just put over $3,ooo into this car between tire rods brakes,headlights, new passenger mirror, universal joints,everything is going all at once give me a break. Im 24 and I have owned an 87 & 95 firebird besides this one. I love the car but something needs to be done with how long stuff lasts in it. Melony mcneaney
Rear tail light has a design flaw. It allows moisture inside the tail light and has caused problems with numerous replacement bulbs and a build-up of moisture. I feel if this continues, it will eventually damage the entire electrical system. The inside of the tail light cover appears very dark, almost as if the tail light bulb is burned out, therefore causing law enforcement to follow and watch my every move on some instances.
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 would shut down sometimes when this happens. Please describe details. Ts
Consumer stated that the wheels rim base failed (tire size p235 55 r16).
The tire rim is cutting into tire. Dealer notified.
Compare the 1998 Pontiac Firebird
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Questions about the 1998 Pontiac Firebird
Is the 1998 Pontiac Firebird reliable?
Owners have filed 63 complaints about the 1998 Pontiac Firebird, 2.6 times a typical Firebird model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1998 Pontiac Firebird?
Brakes, with 28 complaints. Next is airbags (7).
How many recalls does the 1998 Pontiac Firebird have?
No recalls on record.
What year does the Pontiac Firebird have bad brakes?
The Pontiac Firebird model years with the most brakes complaints are 1998 (28 complaints), 1999 (17 complaints) and 1995 (15 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 1998 Pontiac Firebird get?
Official estimates for the 1998 Pontiac Firebird range from 18 to 21 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.8L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 17 city and 26-28 highway.
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