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2002 Pontiac Firebird problems

The most common problem on the 2002 Pontiac Firebird is electrical system. Its complaint count is close to a typical Firebird model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
74/100
Owner complaints
21
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
336
Worst area
Electrical
Fuel economy
19-21mpg

The worst 2002 Pontiac Firebird problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Electrical
    7
  • Engine
    6
  • Brakes
    5
  • Visibility
    4
  • Lights
    3

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Electrical
    7
  • Engine
    6
  • Brakes
    5
  • Visibility
    4
  • Lights
    3
  • Transmission
    3
  • Wheels
    3
  • Body
    2
  • Fuel system
    2
  • Acceleration
    1
  • Airbags
    1
  • Seats
    1
  • Steering
    1
  • Suspension
    1
  • Tires
    1

Recalls 1

Structure: frame and membersReported December 12, 2001 · 897 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 01V381000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 2002 Pontiac Firebird

Technical service bulletins for the 2002 Pontiac Firebird 336

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 336 bulletins for the 2002 Pontiac Firebird

2002 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‑cylRWD1728-2921
5.7L 8‑cylRWD16-1723-2519-20

What 2002 Pontiac Firebird owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 29, 2015 · Engine · 100,000 miles · CA · fire

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 informed the contact that the oil pan gasket and the valve cover gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000. Updated 1/12/16 *cn the consumer stated with the oil leaking, it was coming in contact with the exhaust manifold. Updated 02/04/16.

Filed Oct 9, 2012 · Electrical · 43,000 miles · TX

The security light comes on and stays on ,sometimes car will not start and sometimes dies while driving and loses power at any giving time. The key that has a the sensor does not read or give the correct resistance to the vats security system and the security system shuts the car off. I believe it has something to do with the key resistance and the ignition in which it goes into. Something electrical is not reading or making contact messing up all the security in the car.

Filed Sep 19, 2012 · Engine · 50,000 miles · PA

Engine oil leak problem since august. I have had car checked on two (2) occasions by my mechanic. He stated it could need a new oil pan or the rear main seal. The car only has 50,000 miles on it and has been very well maintained. I am the original owner and not too happy that I am facing costly engine repairs for this well cared for car.

Filed Mar 18, 2010 · Wheels · 42,926 miles · NJ

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 pontiac firebird. The contact stated that all four of the chrome alloy rims on the vehicle exhibit cracks. The rims were previously replaced per the warranty; however, since there was a memo indicating that they could not be repaired but replaced. Pontiac has been very uncooperative and refused to comply. The dealer took pictures of the rims and determined that it was a cosmetic issue and not a safety issue. The brand, manufacturer and any related rim information was not available. The current mileage is 85000. The failure mileage was 42,926. Updated 6/21/10 *cn updated 06/24/10.

Filed Jan 22, 2010 · Body · RI

Driver's side door. Outer skin completely detached from door. Lower hinge is defective. Owned vehicle since new, was a recall related to hinge, but never notified of any recall regarding my vehicle. Actually glued skin back to door to repair.

Filed Apr 17, 2009 · Wheels · 42,000 miles · NJ

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 pontiac firebird. The contact noticed that the chrome rims exhibited corrosion and rust on the inside surface. In addition, the spokes were severely cracked. There were no warnings prior to the failures. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for inspection and they found rust and corrosion on all four rims. The rims have not been replaced at this time. The failure mileage was 42,000 and current mileage was 75,000. Updated 05/27/09 *bf updated 06/02/09.

Filed Oct 26, 2007 · Wheels · 10,000 miles · NY

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.

Filed Nov 27, 2006 · Brakes · 13,000 miles · FL

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 rotors. The vehicle problems persisted, but no further repairs were made.

Filed Aug 25, 2005 · Airbags, Electrical · FL · crash · 1 injury

2002 pontiac firebird was involved in a collision while driving at 55 MPH and the air bags deployed.

Filed Aug 2, 2005 · Electrical · FL

Consumer complaint regarding gm corp placing electronic recording devices in vehicles without informing the customer.*mr

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2002 Pontiac Firebird before you buy

Compare the 2002 Pontiac Firebird

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Questions about the 2002 Pontiac Firebird

Is the 2002 Pontiac Firebird reliable?

Owners have filed 21 complaints about the 2002 Pontiac Firebird, close to a typical Firebird model year.

What is the 2002 Pontiac Firebird year score?

The 2002 Pontiac Firebird scores 74 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 2002 Pontiac Firebird?

Electrical system, with 7 complaints. Next is engine (6).

How many recalls does the 2002 Pontiac Firebird have?

1 recall, covering structure.

What gas mileage does the 2002 Pontiac Firebird get?

Official estimates for the 2002 Pontiac Firebird range from 19 to 21 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.8L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 17 city and 28-29 highway.

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