1998 Pontiac Firebird Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 11%of 63 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 92,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the air bags of the 1998 Pontiac Firebird, 11% of the 63 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 92,000 miles. 7 of these say a crash was involved, 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.
“While driving 30 MPH the vehicle was involved in a head on collision. The dual air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was totaled due to severe damage. Driver hit shoulder on the steering wheel that caused a ligament tear, and passenger suffered a cut on the head.”
NHTSA complaint #10057367, filed 2004-03, 92,000 miles“Consumer was driving on the highway, and hit a deer on the driver's side and the deer flew onto the roof of the car . The car crashed into a ditch of water, and went under water. Electrical system locked the doors. The t-top glass roof would not open. Passenger's window was opened, to get consumer out. Also, driver's airbag did not deploy at all.”
NHTSA complaint #835511, filed 1999-03“Vehicle was involved in an accident with another vehicle which fishtailed consumer's car, causing vehicle to spin out of control without hitting anything. Both air bags deployed, causing damages to front windshield which tore open, allowing chemicals to escape, making it difficult for consumer to breath and control vehicle. Dealer/manufacturer notified.”
NHTSA complaint #838470, filed 1999-05“Vehicle would fail to stop when applying ABS brakes suddenly to avoid an accident at 45mph. Had hit another vehicle at 90 degree angle. Upon impact, air bags failed to deploy. Driver was injured, but not treated at emergency room, went to private doctor.”
NHTSA complaint #896887, filed 2001-09“While driving at 40-45 MPH hit a soft spot on shoulder,vehicle spun out of control, hit mail box/ phone box/tree, and rolled over, comming to a stop in middle of road, upside down. Airbags did not deploy. Vehicle was totalled.”
NHTSA complaint #874712, filed 2000-11Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 1 | 5% |
| 2000 | 2 | 8% |
| 1999 | 2 | 4% |
| 1998 | 7 | 11% |
| 1997 | 4 | 8% |
| 1996 | 1 | 2% |
| 1995 | 9 | 11% |
| 1994 | 4 | 7% |
| 1993 | 3 | 17% |
| 1992 | 4 | 15% |
| 1991 | 3 | 11% |
| 1990 | 3 | 33% |
Other parts of the 1998 Pontiac Firebird
28 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaintsSteering
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsSeats
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 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