1999 Pontiac Firebird Problems
- Complaints
- 47filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 41,500miles, 14 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 20 mpgcombined, 3.8L 6-cyl RWD · 17 city / 26 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1999 Pontiac Firebird (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 47 consumer complaints for the 1999 Pontiac Firebird. The part named most often is brakes, with 17 complaints (36% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain (9) and electrical system (6). 14 of the complaints include a mileage, and 64% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 41,500 miles. Of all complaints, 5 involved a crash, 3 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 31 technical service bulletins for this model year. Brakes complaints overlap with 1 technical service bulletin filed under the same part. Transmission and drivetrain complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign and 4 technical service bulletins filed under the same part.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Brakes17 36%
- Electrical system6 13%
- Engine cooling6 13%
- Exterior lighting5 11%
- Fuel system3 6.4%
- Steering3 6.4%
- Air bags2 4.3%
- Other or unknown2 4.3%
Also reported: Vehicle speed control (2), Wheels (2), Electronic stability control (1), Equipment (1), Seat belts (1), Body and structure (1).
Example complaints
Brakes: “I had to replace the catalytic converter twice in the first year of purchase. I had to replace battery and alternator at 37500 miles (warranty expired at 37000). The motor in driver side door went bad for no reason. Had to replace rear seal and pins 4 times or more. I believed for a long time that it was just me but after reading through the other complaints, I realize it's the car! I have also had several of the same brake problems mentioned by others on this site. Purchased new, drove it off the Pontiac lot.”
NHTSA complaint #10010587, filed 2003-03, 27,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “The vehicle experienced the same defect as stated in recall 99 v 239 000, regarding the clutch assembly, however the vehicle identification number was not included in the recall. Scc”
NHTSA complaint #10015420, filed 2003-04, 34,000 milesElectrical system: “The vehicle just shuts down with no notice at all, the engine just dies. I've had this problem off and on for over a year and my car is in the shop for weeks or more and I'm told they can't find anything wrong with it so I go and get it and it dies on me. Once this happened within minutes. The last time it happened a little over a week after I picked the vehicle up, I was told they couldn't find anything wrong with it and I drove it for a week , before it died on me after they had it for 2 weeks and could not find a problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10141599, filed 2005-11, 56,550 milesEngine cooling: “My service engine soon light keeps coming on (steady and flashing). All in less than 2 months I have had to replace the battery, path lock sensor and ignition cylinder, remote alarms and keys, spark plug wires, clean fuel injectors, replace serpentine belt and upgraded my gas octane in a v6. And now the stupid service engine soon light is on again and the engine is hesitating and the bearings on pulleys are making a noise (after replacing the serpentine belt). I have receipts for all of it so far. I am going tonight to read the code for what is wrong now!!!!! …”
NHTSA complaint #10093781, filed 2004-10, 64,172 milesMileage when problems were reported
64% of the 14 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 34,000 and 56,615 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1999 Pontiac Firebird. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Firebird · coupe | not rated | 4 / 5 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1999 Pontiac Firebird version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Firebird/Trans Am RWD | 3.8L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 17 | 28 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Firebird/Trans Am RWD | 3.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 17 | 26 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Firebird/Trans Am RWD | 5.7L 8-cyl | 6-speed manual | 17 | 26 | 20 | $4,100 |
| Firebird/Trans Am RWD | 5.7L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 22 | 18 | $4,550 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 99V239000Aug 27, 1999Power train › Clutch assemblyCovers: Pontiac Firebird 1999, Chevrolet Camaro 1999
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with manual transmissions. The clutch master cylinder may have been built with an incorrect retaining ring.
Recall details for the 1999 Pontiac Firebird → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 31 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10232287Feb 21, 2023Equipment. This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10208027Jan 14, 2022Fuel system, Brakes. This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester…
- 10171318Jan 31, 2020Electrical system. This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester…
- 10170494Dec 2, 2019Equipment, Electrical system. This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.
- 10168979Nov 22, 2019Equipment. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code…
- 10166638Sep 18, 2019Equipment. This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10165876Sep 5, 2019Equipment. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code…
- 10154641Feb 15, 2019Equipment. This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10141381May 31, 2018Equipment. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code…
- 10157018Sep 20, 2017Fuel system, Equipment, Tires, Electrical system. This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester…
Other model years of the Pontiac Firebird
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 21 | 17,976 | 1 | — | 21 | — | Stable |
| 2001 | 24 | 21,290 | 0 | — | 21 | — | Stable |
| 2000 | 24 | 37,500 | 0 | — | 20 | — | Stable |
| 1999 | 47 | 41,500 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 63 | 69,500 | 0 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 49 | 89,000 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1996 | 41 | 57,000 | 0 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 84 | 147,700 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 59 | 157,000 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 18 | 13,300 | 0 | — | 20 | — | Stable |
| 1992 | 27 | 50,000 | 2 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 27 | 68,300 | 3 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 9 | — | 2 | — | 18 | — | Not enough data |
| 1989 | 20 | — | 2 | — | 18 | — | Rising |
| 1988 | 10 | 80,228 | 2 | — | 18 | — | Not enough data |
| 1987 | 10 | 63,000 | 1 | — | 18 | — | Not enough data |
| 1986 | 19 | 2,000 | 2 | — | 18 | — | Stable |
| 1985 | 16 | 100,000 | 4 | — | 19 | — | Stable |
| 1984 | 11 | 100,000 | 6 | — | 19 | — | Not enough data |
All Pontiac Firebird model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1999 Pontiac Firebird have?
NHTSA recorded 47 consumer complaints for the 1999 Pontiac Firebird as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1999 Pontiac Firebird is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 17 complaints (36% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 9.
Has the 1999 Pontiac Firebird been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1999 Pontiac Firebird get?
The EPA rates the 1999 Pontiac Firebird (Firebird/Trans Am, 3.8L 6-cyl) at 20 mpg combined, 17 city and 26 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,350 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1999 Pontiac Firebird reported?
Among the 14 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 41,500 miles and the middle half falls between 34,000 and 56,615 miles; 64% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.