MYRModel Year Report

1998 Pontiac Firebird

◆ Worse than typical
1998 Pontiac Firebird
RENDERED 2026-09-17T03:37:53.606Z

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Pontiac Firebird Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1998 highlighted. 1980: 1 complaints 1980 1981: 0 complaints 1982: 3 complaints 1983: 4 complaints 1983 1984: 11 complaints 1985: 16 complaints 1986: 19 complaints 1986 1987: 10 complaints 1988: 10 complaints 1989: 20 complaints 1989 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 2002
1998: 63 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

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

SERVICE BRAKES 49%

49% of complaints: service brakes — 31 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASH INJURY
AIR BAGS 13%

13% of complaints: air bags — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal and side/window.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION. THE DUAL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED DUE TO SEVERE DAMAGE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20040202

Also filed under UNKNOWN OR OTHER

CONSUMER WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, AND HIT A DEER ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND THE DEER FLEW ONTO THE ROOF OF THE CAR . THE CAR CRASHED INTO A DITCH OF WATER, AND WENT UNDER WATER. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM LOCKED THE DOORS.

NHTSA ODI report, 19990305

Also filed under STRUCTURE

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 8%

8% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 5 distinct reports on file.

STRUCTURE 8%

8% of complaints: structure — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing roof and pillars and frame and members.

CRASH
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 8%

8% of complaints: exterior lighting — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tail lights and headlights.

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

▮ 1998 — complaint volume: 63

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1998 Pontiac Firebird — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for service brakes issues (31 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (8 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (5 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1996 ● 1999 ● 1997

WORST YEARS

◆ 1995 ◆ 1994 ● 1997

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1998 Pontiac Firebird reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1998 Pontiac Firebird is rated "worse than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1998 Pontiac Firebird?

The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 49% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1998 Pontiac Firebird have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.