1982 Pontiac Firebird
Only 3 complaints 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 3 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 3
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 4
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1982
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1982: 3 complaints
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 | 65 |
| 1995 | 84 |
| 1996 | 41 |
| 1997 | 49 |
| 1998 | 63 |
| 1999 | 47 |
| 2000 | 24 |
| 2001 | 24 |
| 2002 | 21 |
Known problem areas
Only 3 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Engine and engine cooling
2 of 3 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.
Show complaint excerpts
Engine fire.
NHTSA ODI report, 1998-08-26
Engine failed due to faulty pistons.
NHTSA ODI report, 1998-02-20
Also filed under Power train
Seat belts
1 of 3 total reports mentions: seat belts, most commonly citing anchorage.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl*the contact owns a 1982 Pontiac fire bird. While driving 30 MPH, the contact stated that there was a head on crash with another vehicle and her seat belts were inoperable. As of January 3, 2008, the dealer had not inspected the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2008-01-03
Power train
1 of 3 total reports mentions: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission.
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 4 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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1982-07-22Fuel system, gasoline82V076000 Fuel tank ventilator valve in the fuel system may produce a loud and persistent "Whistle" During venting of the tank. If the fuel filler cap is removed while this condition exists and the tank is…
Remedy: Dealer will inspect and, if necessary, replace the fuel tank ventilator and pressure control valves without charge to owner.
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1982-09-22Seat belts82V089000 The involved vehicles do not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 210, "Seat belt assembly anchorages". The non-compliance exists because the rear seat belt anchorages may pull…
Remedy: Upon inspection, dealer will install a rear seat belt anchorage reinforcement kit to ensure proper anchoring of seat belts without charge to owner.
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I
1986-06-17Engineering analysisClosed 1988-07-22 Rear brake failure
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1988-06-28Preliminary evaluationClosed 1988-09-22 Frame cracking
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1988-07-22Engineering analysisClosed 1991-08-30 Rear disc brakes
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I
1990-02-21CClosed 1991-07-31 Rear disc brakes
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1991-07-01Parking brake91V055000 Parking brake adjuster fails to operate and do not work after brake pad wear.
Remedy: Replace nonfunctioning parking brake adjusters.
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2007-11-08Equipment07E088000 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.…
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.
Buy-smart checklist
1982 Pontiac Firebird — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Seat belts: 1 report on file for this year.
- Power train: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 82V076000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 82V089000 · Seat belts
- Recall 91V055000 · Parking brake
- Recall 07E088000 · Equipment
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1982 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 1982 Pontiac Firebird?
- The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 67% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1982 Pontiac Firebird have?
- 4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.