1980 Pontiac Firebird
Only 1 complaint on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 1 complaint on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 1 |
| 1981 | 0 |
| 1982 | 3 |
| 1983 | 4 |
| 1984 | 11 |
| 1985 | 16 |
| 1986 | 19 |
| 1987 | 10 |
| 1988 | 10 |
| 1989 | 20 |
| 1990 | 9 |
| 1991 | 27 |
| 1992 | 27 |
| 1993 | 18 |
| 1994 | 59 |
| 1995 | 84 |
| 1996 | 41 |
| 1997 | 49 |
| 1998 | 63 |
| 1999 | 47 |
| 2000 | 24 |
| 2001 | 24 |
| 2002 | 21 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 1 complaint on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 1 total report mentions: suspension.
Show complaint excerpts
RECENTLY RECEIVED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 80V108000, WHICH I ASSUME WAS ISSUED IN OCTOBER 1980, I WOULD JUST LIKE TO VERIFY THAT IF MY CAR WAS INCLUDED IN RECALL THAT IT WAS ADDRESSED, IT HAS APPROXIMATELY 38K ORIGINAL MILES, AND I DO NOT WISH TO...
NHTSA ODI report, 20150903
1 of 1 total report mentions: steering.
Show complaint excerpts
RECENTLY RECEIVED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 80V108000, WHICH I ASSUME WAS ISSUED IN OCTOBER 1980, I WOULD JUST LIKE TO VERIFY THAT IF MY CAR WAS INCLUDED IN RECALL THAT IT WAS ADDRESSED, IT HAS APPROXIMATELY 38K ORIGINAL MILES, AND I DO NOT WISH TO...
NHTSA ODI report, 20150903
SAFETY TIMELINE
VEHICLES MAY FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS". PLACARD ON REAR EDGE OF LEFT DOOR MAY SHOW AN INCORRECT VEHICLE CAPACITY WEIGHT INSTEAD OF THE
Remedy: DEALER WILL INSTALL THE CORRECT LABEL FREE OF CHARGE TO OWNER.
Campaign 80V049000 — check if this car was fixed
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT TO STEERING KNUCKLE ATTACHING NUT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TORQUED TO SPECIFICATIONS. THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE NUT TO BACK OFF, RESULTING IN JOINT
Remedy: THE DEALER WILL PERFORM A TORQUE CHECK OF THE ATTACHING NUT, AND, IF NECESSARY, TIGHTEN IT. IN SOME CASES AN INADEQUATE TORQUE LEVEL MAY HAVE CAUSED BALL STUD OR STEERING KNUCKLE DAMAGE; IF SO, THE AF
Campaign 80V108000 — check if this car was fixed
FUEL LEAKAGE AT FILLER NECK
CERTAIN HONEYWELL FRAM RACING BRAND HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 25, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 14, 2007, AND SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR VEHICLES LIST ABOVE. TH
Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED OIL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING NOVEMBER 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-890-2075.
Campaign 07E088000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1980 Pontiac Firebird — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 80V049000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 80V108000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E088000 (equipment) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1980 Pontiac Firebird reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1980 Pontiac Firebird?
The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 100% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1980 Pontiac Firebird have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.