1997 Pontiac Firebird Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 12%of 49 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1997 Pontiac Firebird, 12% of the 49 complaints for this model year.
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.
“I have had three serious oil leaks with this vehicle which started when it only had 8,000 miles. In addition, the parking brake failed and the power windows broke. The rear bumper rusts after it rains because of the brake dust. You have to use rubbing compound once a week. Overall, the amount of problems have been exhorbinant and not what you would expect from a $28,000 vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #713939, filed 1999-10“Vehicle intermittently stalled while driving. When occurred vehiclle would not restart for an hour or more. Vehicle been to dealers shop on four occasions, and problem still reoccurring. Feel free to provide any further information on this matter.”
NHTSA complaint #896549, filed 2001-09“Car has been in shop 4 times for massive oil leaks. Car does not shift well, will not engage into second and reverse. The component above brake interferes with braking. Your foot hits the component above the brake and makes you panic and feel like you cannot find the brake.”
NHTSA complaint #700154, filed 1998-10Related 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 1997 Pontiac Firebird
14 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsElectrical system
5 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsSeats
5 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 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