1996 Pontiac Firebird Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 15%of 41 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 73,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1996 Pontiac Firebird, 15% of the 41 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 73,000 miles.
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.
“This is the second time I've had to replace the mirror on the drivers side of this car. The mirror breaks off of the controls which makes it flop around. You can't use it to drive with, nor can you get it to stay still. You can't replace just the mirror either. You have to buy the whole piece (casing and mirror) then you have to have it painted. Grrrrrrrrrr!”
NHTSA complaint #10070677, filed 2004-01, 73,000 miles“Driving vehicle about 25-30 MPH, engine would shut down for no reason; would have to wait at least 1/2 hourr to 1 hour before starting again; took to dealership who could not find or fix the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #811783, filed 1997-04“Vehicle leaking oil. Changed oil filler cap stem, engine gasket twice, main crank seal, drive shaft, and manifold but but none of the replacement corrected the oil leak.”
NHTSA complaint #541031, filed 1998-08“Driving vehicle about 30 MPH; engine shut down for no reason; had to wait 1/2 hour to 1 hour before trying to start vehicle again; took to dealer twice; could not find/fix problem.”
NHTSA complaint #811782, filed 1997-04Related service bulletins
- 10246631Sep 1, 2013Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10012148Jun 1, 2004New rear main seal and special tool for installation.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 5 | 24% |
| 2001 | 4 | 17% |
| 2000 | 2 | 8% |
| 1999 | 6 | 13% |
| 1998 | 1 | 2% |
| 1997 | 6 | 12% |
| 1996 | 6 | 15% |
| 1995 | 11 | 13% |
| 1994 | 7 | 12% |
| 1992 | 1 | 4% |
| 1991 | 1 | 4% |
| 1990 | 1 | 11% |
| 1989 | 2 | 10% |
| 1988 | 1 | 10% |
| 1987 | 1 | 10% |
Other parts of the 1996 Pontiac Firebird
12 complaintsElectrical system
8 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 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 28, 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