MYRModel Year Report

1988 Pontiac Firebird

○ Not enough data
1988 Pontiac Firebird
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:09:00.799Z

Only 10 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 10 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints
10

Too few to rank

Recalls
4

Campaigns on file for 1988

Investigations
4

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1980: 1 complaint 1980 1981: 0 complaints 1982: 3 complaints 1983: 4 complaints 1983 1984: 11 complaints 1985: 16 complaints 1986: 19 complaints 1987: 10 complaints 1988: 10 complaints 1988 10 1989: 20 complaints 1990: 9 complaints 1991: 27 complaints 1992: 27 complaints 1992 1993: 18 complaints 1994: 65 complaints 1995: 84 complaints 1995 1996: 41 complaints 1997: 49 complaints 1998: 63 complaints 1998 1999: 47 complaints 2000: 24 complaints 2001: 24 complaints 2001 2002: 21 complaints
1980: 1 complaint 1980 1981: 0 complaints 1982: 3 complaints 1982 1983: 4 complaints 1984: 11 complaints 1984 1985: 16 complaints 1986: 19 complaints 1986 1987: 10 complaints 1988: 10 complaints 1988 10 1989: 20 complaints 1990: 9 complaints 1990 1991: 27 complaints 1992: 27 complaints 1992 1993: 18 complaints 1994: 65 complaints 1994 1995: 84 complaints 1996: 41 complaints 1996 1997: 49 complaints 1998: 63 complaints 1998 1999: 47 complaints 2000: 24 complaints 2000 2001: 24 complaints 2002: 21 complaints 2002
1980: 1 complaint 1980 1981: 0 complaints 1981 1982: 3 complaints 1982 1983: 4 complaints 1983 1984: 11 complaints 1984 1985: 16 complaints 1985 1986: 19 complaints 1986 1987: 10 complaints 1987 1988: 10 complaints 1988 10 1989: 20 complaints 1989 1990: 9 complaints 1990 1991: 27 complaints 1991 1992: 27 complaints 1992 1993: 18 complaints 1993 1994: 65 complaints 1994 1995: 84 complaints 1995 1996: 41 complaints 1996 1997: 49 complaints 1997 1998: 63 complaints 1998 1999: 47 complaints 1999 2000: 24 complaints 2000 2001: 24 complaints 2001 2002: 21 complaints 2002

1988: 10 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19801
19810
19823
19834
198411
198516
198619
198710
198810
198920
19909
199127
199227
199318
199465
199584
199641
199749
199863
199947
200024
200124
200221

Known problem areas

Only 10 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Seat belts

4 of 10 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing retractor and buckle assembly.

Show complaint excerpts

I purchased my 1988 Pontiac Firebird in 2016. There is an outstanding recall on my vehicle that was issued June 1, 1990. Manufacturer recall number N900043.

NHTSA ODI report, 2020-09-14

GM refuses to perform open recall on seat belt buckles.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-01-17

The drivers side seatbelt no longer retracts and it will not restrain the occupant in case of an accident. Please describe.

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-03-15

Steering

2 of 10 total reports mention: steering, most commonly citing steering wheel/handle bar.

Show complaint excerpts

Failure of the steering column the steering column is loose. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-02-15

Structure

1 of 10 total reports mentions: structure, most commonly citing roof and pillars.

Fuel system, gasoline

1 of 10 total reports mentions: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing filler pipe and cap.

Engine and engine cooling

1 of 10 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing cooling system.

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 4 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. I
    1988-07-22Engineering analysisClosed 1991-08-30 Rear disc brakes
  2. I
    1990-02-28Engineering analysisClosed 1991-04-24 Rear axle shaft failure
  3. R
    1990-07-20Fuel system, gasoline90V115000 Fuel feed hoses may pull out of the crimped coupling at the engine end of the hose assembly.

    Remedy: Install a redesigned fuel feed hose.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. R
    1991-03-07Seat belts90V105000 Plastic components of seat belt buckle assemblies do not contain an ultra violet stabilizer, and exposure to direct sunlight and elevated interior temperatures could weaken the plastic components.

    Remedy: Replace or repair seat belt buckle.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  5. I
    1991-10-01Preliminary evaluationClosed 1992-01-30 Throttle sticking
  6. I
    1992-01-30Engineering analysisClosed 1993-01-29 Throttle sticking
  7. R
    2006-10-18Fuel system, gasoline06E043000 Certain replacement fuel filters, fram brand name p/n G3727, with date codes X52911 through X60801 sequentially or X600141 and a mexico country or origin marking on the fuel filter housing…

    Remedy: Honeywell will notify owners and replace the fuel filters free of charge. The recall began on October 18, 2006. Owners may contact fram customer service at 1-800-890-2075 (Option 1).

    Check if this car was fixed →

  8. R
    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1988 Pontiac Firebird — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Seat belts: 4 reports on file for this year.
  • Steering: 2 reports on file for this year.
  • Structure: 1 report on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 90V115000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 90V105000 · Seat belts
  • Recall 06E043000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 07E088000 · Equipment
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years1 year

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1988 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 1988 Pontiac Firebird?
The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1988 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.