Most common 1999 Pontiac Firebird problems
Share of the 47 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Pontiac Firebird complaints by model year
Best Firebird years: 2002, 2000, 2001. Years to avoid: 1995, 1998. Compare all years →
1999 Pontiac Firebird recalls (1)
Power train › Clutch assembly
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with manual transmissions. The clutch master cylinder May have been built with an incorrect retaining ring.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the hydraulic clutch master cylinder with a new cylinder.
What 1999 Pontiac Firebird owners say
Brakes
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!!!!! Also I had previously replaced the alternator, my radio volume knob has never worked correctly, and my low traction light comes on every time I hit a puddle of water. This car is a lemon.
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.
Transmission & drivetrain
Tl* the contact owns 1999 Pontiac Firebird. The contact stated the vehicle clutch system disengaged whenever the clutch pedal was depressed. This caused the vehicle to have unintentional vehicle movement, increased stopping distances and difficulty in shifting. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnose that the clutch master cylinder failed. The dealer was notified who stated there was a recall NHTSA campaign id number: 99V239000 (power train: clutch assembly). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 37,000.
I recently purchased a 1999 Pontiac Firebird. While looking up recalls on www.safercar.gov, I came upon a recall for my car (NHTSA campaign id number : 99V239000). I called the local Pontiac dealer, and inquired about specifics. The service employee checked my VIN, then told me that my vehicle had no recalls showing for it. My vehicle is experiencing the exact same problem that is stated in the recall. With only 56,000 miles on it, the rest of the car is in pristine condition, cosmetically and mechanically otherwise. The recall states that a 'potential' 69 vehicles were affected. Does the word 'potential' mean an average or possibly more?
Windows, wipers & sunroof
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!!!!! Also I had previously replaced the alternator, my radio volume knob has never worked correctly, and my low traction light comes on every time I hit a puddle of water. This car is a lemon.
Windows freezing up, sporadic, inconsistent. Power window eventually failed completely at 35,000 miles. Both driver side and passenger side power window regulators need replacing. This car was bought brand new, driven off the show-room floor, stored in semi-heated storage throughout cold months. Nothing has been done yet to correct failures, because it is going to cost over $600.00, and I am waiting for GM to acknowledge this defect. I feel that it is too ironic that both regulators went at the same time. This shows poor quality for an expensive car.
1999 Pontiac Firebird engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 17 / 28 / 21 |
| 3.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 17 / 26 / 20 |
| 5.7L 8-cyl | 6-speed manual | RWD | 17 / 26 / 20 |
| 5.7L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 16 / 22 / 18 |
EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1999 Pontiac Firebird a good car?
Based on 47 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1999 Firebird rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the Firebird at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1999 Pontiac Firebird?
The brakes — 17 complaints, 36% of all complaints for this model year, most often about foundation components › disc › rotor. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (9) and windows, wipers & sunroof (6).
How many recalls does the 1999 Pontiac Firebird have?
There is 1 recall for the 1999 Pontiac Firebird, the most recent from August 27, 1999 (clutch assembly). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Pontiac Firebird?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2002, 2000 and 2001. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1995 and 1998. See the full Pontiac Firebird years comparison.
At what mileage do 1999 Pontiac Firebird problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 43,000 miles; 64% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.