1996 Pontiac Firebird Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 20%of 41 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 57,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the electrical system of the 1996 Pontiac Firebird, 20% of the 41 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 57,000 miles. 2 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.
“The spark plug wires go bad which causes the vehicle to misfire. This has happened at least ten times. The manufacturer has a safety campaign for this problem for up to 70,000 miles or seven years. The consumer stated the dealer fixed one time at no cost. The other times the consumer had to pay the expenses.”
NHTSA complaint #10027249, filed 2003-07“Fuse blew out and engine shut down while driving. Consumer said that mechanic indicated it was the fuse. If on the freeway it could cause a fire or accident. When consumer puts key in fuse it will immediately blow out.”
NHTSA complaint #856594, filed 2000-02“While driving an electrical short in wiring in the dash is causing the vehicle engine to shut down, resulting in vehicle stalling. Please provide details.”
NHTSA complaint #812555, filed 1997-05Related service bulletins
- 10171318Jan 31, 2020This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10170494Dec 2, 2019This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.
- 10157018Sep 20, 2017This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10113443Feb 22, 2017This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 7 | 33% |
| 2001 | 8 | 33% |
| 2000 | 3 | 13% |
| 1999 | 6 | 13% |
| 1998 | 2 | 3% |
| 1997 | 5 | 10% |
| 1996 | 8 | 20% |
| 1995 | 18 | 21% |
| 1994 | 5 | 8% |
| 1993 | 3 | 17% |
| 1992 | 3 | 11% |
| 1991 | 3 | 11% |
| 1990 | 2 | 22% |
| 1989 | 1 | 5% |
| 1988 | 1 | 10% |
| 1986 | 1 | 5% |
| 1985 | 1 | 6% |
Other parts of the 1996 Pontiac Firebird
12 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 30, 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