1983 Pontiac Firebird
Only 4 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 4 complaints 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 4 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
2 of 4 total reports mention: seat belts.
Show complaint excerpts
DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT DOES NOT RETRACT AFTER BEING EXTENDED AND THE PARKING BRAKE DOES NOT HOLD THE VEHICLE. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 85V169000, 91V055000 REGARDING THE SEAT BELT WEBBING AND PARKING BRAKE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20060126
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT DOES NOT RETRACT AFTER BEING EXTENDED AND THE PARKING BRAKE DOES NOT HOLD THE VEHICLE. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 85V169000, 91V055000 REGARDING THE SEAT BELT WEBBING AND PARKING BRAKE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20060126
2 of 4 total reports mention: parking brake.
Show complaint excerpts
DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT DOES NOT RETRACT AFTER BEING EXTENDED AND THE PARKING BRAKE DOES NOT HOLD THE VEHICLE. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 85V169000, 91V055000 REGARDING THE SEAT BELT WEBBING AND PARKING BRAKE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20060126
1 of 4 total reports mentions: seat belts.
SAFETY TIMELINE
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
DISLOCATION OF A SPRING COVER WILL NOT ALLOW THE SHOULDER BELT TO RETRACT AFTER BEING EXTENDED.
Remedy: INSTALL RETAINING SPRINGS ON SPRING COVER OF FRONT SHOULDER BELT RETRACTOR AND, WHEN REQUIRED, RETRACTORS WILL BE REPLACED.
Campaign 85V169000 — check if this car was fixed
REAR BRAKE FAILURE
FRAME CRACKING
REAR DISC BRAKES
REAR DISC BRAKES
PARKING BRAKE ADJUSTER FAILS TO OPERATE AND DO NOT WORK AFTER BRAKE PAD WEAR.
Remedy: REPLACE NONFUNCTIONING PARKING BRAKE ADJUSTERS.
Campaign 91V055000 — check if this car was fixed
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
1983 Pontiac Firebird — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for parking brake issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 85V169000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 91V055000 (parking brake) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E088000 (equipment) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1983 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 1983 Pontiac Firebird?
The most-reported component is seat belts:front:webbing, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1983 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.