2002 Pontiac Firebird Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 24%of 21 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 17,976miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2002 Pontiac Firebird, 24% of the 21 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 17,976 miles. 1 a fire, 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.
“I purchased the 2002 Pontiac collectors edition Firebird as my first new car. I regret to say that I am very disappointed in the performance and construction of this vehicle. My first complaint is a severe vibration throughout the vehicle when driving over 55 MPH or after it warms up. This vibration is felt through the shifter as well as being apparent when you stand behind the vehicle near the exhaust while it is running. …”
NHTSA complaint #10062038, filed 2004-03, 3,500 miles“While operating the vehicle at approximately 65 MPH the vehicle experiences a total loss of power. When the accelerator is pressed the RPM's on the vehicle hit the roof but the engine or transmission do not respond leaving the vehicle cruising at about 15 MPH on a very busy interstate highway I-95. The vehicle has been brought in to the dealership on two seperate ocasions for the same problem. The service team says they can not or are not able to recreate the loss of power in the vehicle therefore are not able to fix it. This incident has occured three times in about a six month period. …”
NHTSA complaint #10008060, filed 2003-02, 17,976 miles“I have had numerous problems with my Firebird which I bought less than a year ago brand new from the dealer. I don not have the exact dates and mileage of the problems at hand. In short the following have been reported to the purchasing dealer and/or repaired: roters(brakes) 2x, antena 3 or 4x, open circuit(remote keyless entry-trunk/windows/doors and alarm)1 or2x, cd/stereo still isn't repaired and unsure of problem, suspension off, left blinker malfunctioning, misc. Fuses continuously blown, power steering column leak .....I think thats it! That's enough though.”
NHTSA complaint #10070846, filed 2004-01“The contact owns a 2002 Pontiac Firebird. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, there was a burning odor emitted from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that oil was leaking from the valve cover gasket. As a result, the technician informed the contact that the oil pan gasket and the valve cover gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000. …”
NHTSA complaint #10786992, filed 2015-10, 100,000 miles“Problems with electrical system, clutch, pistons, dash fan and rear right molding. The vehicle developed a crack in the cylinder head. Saturn repaired the part but would not reimburse the consumer for repair cost due to the vehicle exceeding the warranty. At the time of the repair the vehicle had 96k plus miles. …”
NHTSA complaint #10044101, filed 2003-10Related service bulletins
- 10251887Mar 14, 2024This bulletin advises the technician of possible location of an internal coolant leak from a specific cylinder head and location.
- 10251890Mar 13, 2024This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank…
- 10250775Feb 22, 2024This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10242262Aug 24, 2023This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and…
- 10236164Apr 24, 2023This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308…
- 10235802Apr 24, 2023This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10234141Mar 23, 2023This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10234110Mar 17, 2023This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
- 10227056Nov 9, 2022This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
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 2002 Pontiac Firebird
7 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsWheels
3 complaintsEngine
2 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 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