1990 Pontiac Firebird
Only 9 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 9 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 9 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
3 of 9 total reports mention: air bags.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY IN A FRONTAL COLLISION (12:00) AT 45 MPH. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19960207
2 of 9 total reports mention: electrical system.
FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
VEHICLE FIRE WHEN TURNING ON IGNITION, ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950418
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE, WHEN STARTING VEHICLE. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950331
1 of 9 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
1 of 9 total reports mentions: steering.
1 of 9 total reports mentions: seat belts.
Show complaint excerpts
INSIDE PLASTIC PARTS BROKE ON DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT. REPLACEMENT DOES NOT STAY BUCKLED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20141202
SAFETY TIMELINE
FUEL RETURN HOSES MAY BREAK AT EITHER CRIMPED COUPLING.
Remedy: INSTALL A PROPERLY CRIMPED FUEL RETURN HOSE.
Campaign 90V114000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 90V105000 — check if this car was fixed
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 MANUFACTURE
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).
Campaign 06E043000 — 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
1990 Pontiac Firebird — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 90V114000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 90V105000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E043000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E088000 (equipment) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1990 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 1990 Pontiac Firebird?
The most-reported component is air bags:frontal, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1990 Pontiac Firebird have?
4 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.