1998 Pontiac Firebird Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 8%of 63 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 78,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 1998 Pontiac Firebird, 8% of the 63 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 78,000 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.
“Rear tail light has a design flaw. It allows moisture inside the tail light and has caused problems with numerous replacement bulbs and a build-up of moisture. I feel if this continues, it will eventually damage the entire electrical system. The inside of the tail light cover appears very dark, almost as if the tail light bulb is burned out, therefore causing law enforcement to follow and watch my every move on some instances.”
NHTSA complaint #10049076, filed 2003-12“The contact stated water was seeping into the right rear taillight from rain corroding the reflective materials in the tail light, which diminished the illumination. The service dealer was notified. The manufacturer was not alerted. Updated 12/1/2006 -”
NHTSA complaint #10170510, filed 2006-10, 78,000 miles“Left side head light is overheating burning out the amber bulb which is used for daytime running light. The motor for raising and lowering the headlight lid performs erratic. The headlight motor does not recognize that the lid has shut and continues to run. The owner also indicated that the engine would shut down sometimes when this happens. Please describe details. Ts”
NHTSA complaint #8024085, filed 2002-12“Headlight beams will not retract to the open position. Headlights always have to be turned on at least twice. Four times they have failed to come up at all.”
NHTSA complaint #835574, filed 1999-04Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 3 | 14% |
| 2001 | 3 | 13% |
| 2000 | 4 | 17% |
| 1999 | 5 | 11% |
| 1998 | 5 | 8% |
| 1997 | 2 | 4% |
| 1996 | 1 | 2% |
| 1995 | 4 | 5% |
| 1994 | 2 | 3% |
| 1993 | 2 | 11% |
| 1987 | 1 | 10% |
Other parts of the 1998 Pontiac Firebird
28 complaintsAir bags
7 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