Check a VIN

1998 Pontiac Firebird problems

The most common problem on the 1998 Pontiac Firebird is brakes. It has 2.6 times the complaints of a typical Firebird model year.

Typical year2.6x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
63
Recalls
0
Service bulletins
80
Worst area
Brakes
Fuel economy
18-21mpg

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.

  • Brakes
    28
  • Airbags
    7
  • Acceleration
    5
  • Lights
    5
  • Steering
    5
  • Visibility
    5
  • Body
    4
  • Fuel system
    4
  • Suspension
    3
  • Electrical
    2
  • Seats
    2
  • Transmission
    2
  • Wheels
    2
  • Engine
    1
  • Seat belts
    1
  • Tires
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 1998 Pontiac Firebird

No deployment 5

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.

See all 80 bulletins for the 1998 Pontiac Firebird

1998 Pontiac Firebird fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
3.8L 6‑cylRWD1726-2820-21
5.7L 8‑cylRWD1622-2418-19

What 1998 Pontiac Firebird owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Aug 13, 2022 · Fuel system · MD

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.

Filed Feb 16, 2013 · Fuel system · TX · fire

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.

Filed Oct 11, 2006 · Lights · 78,000 miles · FL

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 -

Filed Oct 22, 2005 · Acceleration, Engine · 55,000 miles · IN

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.

Filed Mar 23, 2004 · Airbags · 92,000 miles · IN · crash · 2 injuries

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.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · 61,000 miles · MA

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

Filed Dec 2, 2003 · Lights · PA

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.

Filed Dec 10, 2002 · Lights · GA

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

Filed Nov 5, 2002 · Wheels · OH

Consumer stated that the wheels rim base failed (tire size p235 55 r16).

Filed Oct 4, 2002 · Wheels · OH

The tire rim is cutting into tire. Dealer notified.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 1998 Pontiac Firebird before you buy

Compare the 1998 Pontiac Firebird

Other model years

1990199119921993199419951996199719981999200020012002

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.

Share your experience with the 1998 Pontiac Firebird

Tell other buyers what went wrong and what it cost. We review every report before it appears, and we never publish names, emails or VINs.

No names, contact details or links. Reports about a dealer or a person are not published.

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 1998 Pontiac Firebird?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history
Is this car on a recall?Check VIN