1996 Pontiac Firebird Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 29%of 41 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the brakes of the 1996 Pontiac Firebird, 29% of the 41 complaints for this model year. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“In wet and dry weather the ABS brakes lock up. Consumer states the second time incident happened another vehicle pulled out in front him and consumer slammed on brakes, the front tires locked up, the tires locked up and when consumer slammed on brakes the froont of vehicle turned sideways and the truck in another lane hit consumer;s vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #805897, filed 1996-12“The brakes are repeatedly failing. When stopping they will begin to slow the vehicle and then let go, allowing the vehicle to proceed forward. It is especially hazardous while turning. The no traction light illuminates when occurring. Eventually this could lead to an accident.”
NHTSA complaint #708996, filed 1999-07“Consumer contacted the dealer on two occasions in reference to oil leaks, the consumer was driving at 60 MPH and oil was leaking from the transmission dip stick onto the motor, causing the vehicle to catch fire in the engine compartment. Abs light illuminated, dealer replaced ABS.”
NHTSA complaint #806062, filed 1996-12“This is an ongoing brake problem. The vehicle was involved in an accident where the driver was unable to stop in time, despite good conditions and relatively low speed. Summary description: car does not feel like sufficient braking is being provided; more noticeable when rotors are wet. Symptoms: 1) driver cannot apply sufficient force to lock rotors (or engage anti-lock system); 2) rear brake pads worn completely out at 35000 miles, while front pads barely worn at all. …”
NHTSA complaint #703728, filed 1999-02“Abs warning light on dash comes on intermittently. Restarting car (1 to 3 times) may correct problem. Brakes also slip on dry pavement causing low traction light to come on and may cause ABS warning light to come on.”
NHTSA complaint #715379, filed 1999-11Related service bulletins
- 10208027Jan 14, 2022This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 5 | 24% |
| 2001 | 6 | 25% |
| 2000 | 4 | 17% |
| 1999 | 17 | 36% |
| 1998 | 28 | 44% |
| 1997 | 14 | 29% |
| 1996 | 12 | 29% |
| 1995 | 15 | 18% |
| 1994 | 9 | 15% |
| 1993 | 4 | 22% |
| 1992 | 2 | 7% |
| 1991 | 2 | 7% |
| 1989 | 3 | 15% |
| 1986 | 2 | 11% |
| 1985 | 4 | 25% |
| 1984 | 4 | 36% |
Other parts of the 1996 Pontiac Firebird
8 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsEngine cooling
6 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsSeats
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Pontiac Firebird
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology