Front turn signals go out every few weeks. The problem is the design of the socket, which is not sealed well causing the socket to short out. I have replaced the socket and light-bulbs multiple times. I am concerned because I feel turn signals are vitally important, and accidents could and do occur without them. Also, since the sockets are shorting out, I am worried that a bigger electrical problem could manifest because of that. I know that many other owners of these cars have the same problems, but I am confused why a recall for such a bad and dangerous design has not been put into place.
The worst 2001 Pontiac Firebird problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Electrical8
- Brakes6
- Engine4
- Lights3
- Acceleration2
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Electrical8
- Brakes6
- Engine4
- Lights3
- Acceleration2
- Body2
- Seat belts1
- Suspension1
- Tires1
- Transmission1
Recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Technical service bulletins for the 2001 Pontiac Firebird 311
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- Unknown or other
- Electrical system
- Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles
- This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as...
- This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS)...
- This bulletin advises the technician of possible location of an internal coolant leak from a specific...
- This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake...
- This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil...
- This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License...
2001 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 | 28 | 21 |
| 5.7L 8‑cyl | RWD | 16-17 | 23-25 | 19-20 |
What 2001 Pontiac Firebird owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Firestone tire defective: treads completely peeled off.
Dt*: the contact stated upon entering the vehicle, a burning odor was detected. The contact opened the trunk and noticed a beach towel had two burn marks on it. The towel was moved and the vehicle has not been inspected by a mechanic.
Dt: wiring loosened on front headlights, had to pull over at night, and plug in agai. Checked fuses to make sure they were the actual ones. Also, the bulbs that worked the blinkers failed, and the back lights went in/out due to a short.
Five months after the vehicle was purchased the consumer noticed that the passenger's side door panel was loose. *nm this was a recurrent issue. This problem caused the window to come off track which contributed to trapping the consumers wife in the vehicle. The consumer was informed that the door had been stressed at the factory during it's construction. The door was un-repairable. *sc
Paint on roof behind t-tops bubbling and leaking fluid on rest of paint. Took to dealer and said nothing can be done because after warranty. This is an expensive car that is meant to look good. This is an eye sore.
Excessive valve clatter and consumption of fuel.
At 6,000 miles, my car began to shudder at the steering wheel and the brake pedal would pulse. I was told that it was warped rotors. I've had them resurfaced three times now! What is the deal with the engineering of these rotors? On two separate occasions I had a hard time stopping to avoid a collision. It is not safe and definately not normal for rotors to warp so fast. Why won't gm do something about this!!!
Rotors on the vehicle have been replaced and resurfaced several times during the warranty period. I have reported two cases to pontiac and thye will not take responsibility for the failures even though this is clearly a consistant failure on the firebird model across several years. Warp rotors continue to be a problem.
Turn signals operate sporadically, whether standing or moving. This has been happening for approximately 3 months and the dealer found nothing wrong.
Compare the 2001 Pontiac Firebird
Other model years
Questions about the 2001 Pontiac Firebird
Is the 2001 Pontiac Firebird reliable?
Owners have filed 24 complaints about the 2001 Pontiac Firebird, close to a typical Firebird model year.
What is the 2001 Pontiac Firebird year score?
The 2001 Pontiac Firebird scores 75 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Pontiac Firebird: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2001 Pontiac Firebird?
Electrical system, with 8 complaints, typically around 22,580 miles. Next is brakes (6).
How many recalls does the 2001 Pontiac Firebird have?
No recalls on record.
What gas mileage does the 2001 Pontiac Firebird get?
Official estimates for the 2001 Pontiac Firebird range from 19 to 21 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.8L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 17 city and 28 highway.
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