Most common 2002 Pontiac Firebird problems
Share of the 21 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 →
2002 Pontiac Firebird recalls (1)
Structure › Frame and members
Vehicle description: certain passenger vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of FMVSS no. 208, "occupant crash protection," and no. 214, "side impact protection." these vehicles May have welds near the lower driver's side door hinge that do not meet specifications.
Remedy: Dealers will install structural rivets. Owner notification began December 26, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a…
What 2002 Pontiac Firebird owners say
Electrical system
The accelerator pedal was stuck, the vehicle was taken to 3 different dealers, who were unable to duplicate the problem. There was a noise in the drivetrain, the front back of the upper seat was discolored(replaced), foam from the driver's seat had come apart, the gas pedal would stick with of without the cruise control engaged from stop, after a heavy rain storm, the horn would sound different, when the vehicle was driven at the speed of 50 MPH, there would be a rumble noise in the front wheel, the driveshaft was out of balance(warranty replaced), and the driver's window was inoperative(replaced the power window regulator). Scc
Consumer would put key inside ignition and headlights would come on. However, vehicle would not start. Consumer stated that ignition wires were worn/weak. The dealership has been contacted. This problem occurred about 4-5 times. A few times the ignition was turned on with a little manipulation of the key. But the last 2 times the temperature was in the 90's and the vehicle could not be started at all. The consumer believes this failure is a safety concern.
Engine & cooling
Tl* 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. Updated 1/12/16 the consumer stated with the oil leaking, it was coming in contact with the exhaust manifold. Updated 02/04/16.
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. The vehicle is new and no indicator lights are activated when this happens.
Brakes
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 40 MPH on normal road conditions, the brakes made a consistent vibration when applied and extended stopping distance occurred with no prior warnings, under normal braking. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who cleaned the brake pads and rotated the rotors. The vehicle problems persisted, but no further repairs were made.
I have had multiple electrical issues with the vehicle with the keyless entry and theft deterent key chip system malfunctioning and the radio face display not working at all unless I turn the radio off and on until it work sometime 5 or 6 times. The vehicle when it was brand new had a noise coming from the 6speed manual transmission in third and fourth gear now the vehicle has 17000 miles and it is much worse with some difficulty shifting on accasion. The differential has a whining noise at 50-60 MPH at cruising RPM and the dealership tells me this is normal. I am severely irritated with GM for the disregard to customer service and even if you are within your original warranty you can forget about getting a loaner vehicle during any repairs. That is one of the major things keeping me from giving them my car. …
2002 Pontiac Firebird engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 17 / 28 / 21 |
| 3.8L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 17 / 29 / 21 |
| 5.7L 8-cyl | 6-speed manual | RWD | 17 / 25 / 20 |
| 5.7L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 16 / 23 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2002 Pontiac Firebird a good car?
Based on 21 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2002 Firebird rates better than average: 57% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Firebird at the same age. It is one of the best Firebird years by this measure. 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 2002 Pontiac Firebird?
The electrical system — 7 complaints, 33% of all complaints for this model year, most often about horn. Next are the engine & cooling (6) and brakes (5).
How many recalls does the 2002 Pontiac Firebird have?
There is 1 recall for the 2002 Pontiac Firebird, the most recent from December 12, 2001 (frame and members). 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 2002 Pontiac Firebird problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 18,000 miles; 82% 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.