Brake complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
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. …
The front rotors/brakes have been replaced 5 times since I got the car. The first time was when the car had 196 miles on it, and have been replaced about every 8,000 to 12,000. They have been replaced about 2,000 miles ago and the front end is vibrating again now. The car has 45,000 miles on it bought and extended warranty for 60,000 miles. The left front tire has locked up two times while driving, causing the car to spin across four lanes, the first time and doing a 180 while on an on ramp right after leaving long Pontiac of chattanooga. Ever time I take the car to them they just tell me that they can not duplicate the problem and tell me it is OK.
At 6,000 miles, my car began to shudder at the steering wheel and the brake pedal would pulse. I was told that it was warped rotors. I've had them resurfaced three times now! What is the deal with the engineering of these rotors? On two separate occasions I had a hard time stopping to avoid a collision. It is not safe and definately not normal for rotors to warp so fast. Why won't GM do something about this!!!
Front brakes locked down and ABS did not kick in. This happen twice, the first time on nov.22, 2001 and the cost to repair the vehicle that time was around $2600.00. I have taken the car to GMC after the second accident and they say the brakes are fine.my insurance company ask me to report the problem with NHTSA.
All lighting dim dramatically, climate control fan slowed down and voltage gauge dropped into the red area. The voltage gauge has been noticed to drop at various times when appling the brakes. Problelm reported to dealer, altenator was replaced. Dealer service department stated that a drop in the voltage was normal as long as it stayed above 13.8v. Yet the occurrences have be stated to show the volts dropping below 13v. The headlights dimming while the vehicle is in motion is extremely hazardous.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Which Pontiac Firebird years have brake problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1998 (28), 1999 (17), 1995 (15), 1997 (14) and 1996 (12) model years. Brake complaints make up 44% of all complaints for the 1998.
Is there a recall for Pontiac Firebird brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for any Pontiac Firebird model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Pontiac Firebird brake problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 37,000 miles; 78% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (48 mentions), followed by the foundation components › disc › rotor (18).
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.