Electrical complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
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.
Dt: wiring loosened on front headlights, had to pull over at night, and plug in agai. Checked fuses to make sure they were the actual ones. Also, the bulbs that worked the blinkers failed, and the back lights went in/out due to a short.
Headlights have dimmed on occasion since purchase. In past 2 weeks passenger side lights have been dim, daytime driving lights don't work sometime, high beams on passenger headlight go out. Heater fan slows when applying brakes too. All happen occasionally not every time driven. Please help. I have contacted Pontiac and had the acr in to 2 dealers with no help. Warranty out in 2000 miles. They have stated they May charge for general electrical check!. ***dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12-12-02 cut over to artemis***761047
I have had several defects on my car and I have had it just over 4 years and about 62,000 miles. 1.) the metal at the end of the driver's sunvisor metal shaft sheared and would no long hold assembly together. Almost caused car wreck and I was blinded by the sunlight coming around the corner. Reached up to pull down the visor and it fell into my lap. Car's age ~ 3 yrs old. A couple of months later the passenger sunvisor did the same. Dealership would do nothing but charge &80 for one new visor. 2. During vehicle warranty I had to take my car in repeatedly for a headlight that would not operate. Still experiencing intermitten operations. 3. During vehivle warranty had to have the alternator replaced for the "loss of power" complant many have experienced. Seemed to fix the issue. 4. …
When starting the car cold, and idling the car... Headlight and turn signal operation is normal. After approximately 20 minutes of driving the car (not idling) the headlights will go dark without warning (the headlamp doors remain open), and the right turn signal fails to operate. Every 6 to 10 seconds, the entire electrical system proceeds to pulse after this occurs, unless the headlight switch is turned from low beam position to parking light position. The pulsing then stops, but the headlights are not lit and if turned off... The doors will not lift up again and the lights will not light. After letting the car sit for a period of time, the car seems to "reset" itself and the lights and signals will become operational for another 20 minutes of driving. This creates an extreme safety hazard. The cause is currently unknown. …
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 was driving my car making an exit off the freeway & as I looked over my shoulder too make sure it was safe to merge over I seen there was smoke coming out of the tailpipe I went to turn back around & smoke was also coming from the sides of the steering wheel , I went too put my eyes back on the road & the whole front end of the car was on fire .
Frequently asked questions
Which Pontiac Firebird years have electrical problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1995 (18), 1996 (8), 2001 (8), 2002 (7) and 1999 (6) model years. Electrical complaints make up 21% of all complaints for the 1995.
Is there a recall for Pontiac Firebird electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system 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 electrical problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 36,000 miles; 69% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the wiring › fuses and circuit breakers (10 mentions), followed by the wiring › front underhood (5).
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.