2G2FV22G2221250102002 PONTIAC Firebird
2002 PONTIAC Firebird was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There is 1 open recall on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase. Owner complaints include 2 reported deaths and 1 injury — an extremely serious pattern that warrants further investigation.
Executive Summary
2002 PONTIAC Firebird
2002 PONTIAC Firebird was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There is 1 open recall on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase. Owner complaints include 2 reported deaths and 1 injury — an extremely serious pattern that warrants further investigation.
- 1 open recall — verify these have been repaired before purchase
- 2 deaths reported in owner complaints — a serious red flag
- Common owner-reported issues: electrical problems, rust/corrosion
30 owner complaints filed — top areas: Electrical (37%), Engine/Powertrain (30%), Suspension/Wheels (13%). Common issues: electrical problems, rust/corrosion. 2 deaths and 1 injury reported.
Title Brand Check
Mined from auction damage fields and listing titles — not a DMV title history pull
No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.
Vehicle Specifications
Decoded from NHTSA vPIC database
- Make
- PONTIAC
- Model
- Firebird
- Year
- 2002
- Trim / Series
- Formula
- Body Style
- Hatchback/Liftback/Notchback
- Vehicle Type
- PASSENGER CAR
- Engine
- 8-cyl 5.7L
- Doors
- 2
- Manufacturer
- GENERAL MOTORS LLC
- Assembly
- STE. THERESE, QUEBEC, CANADA
- GVWR
- Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)
Assembly Plant Quality
Plant: STE. THERESE, QUEBEC
No specific quality data available for this plant. No documented recall or complaint concentrations on record.
Safety Intelligence
Composite analysis from NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data
- ▸Structural/frame recall
- ▸1 complaint(s) involved a fire
- ⚠2 death(s) reported in complaints
Lemon law eligibility depends on state law, number of repair attempts, and days out of service. Consult an attorney for actual eligibility.
The same components appear in both official NHTSA recalls and owner-filed complaints — a double-confirmed failure signal.
Deferred Failure Risk
Vehicle-specific risks from this model-year's complaint record, known defects, and service milestones
Owners of the 2002 PONTIAC Firebird report electrical issues more than most other systems. Complaints concentrated in one area often signal a systemic weakness worth a targeted pre-purchase inspection.
Owners of the 2002 PONTIAC Firebird report engine/powertrain issues more than most other systems. Complaints concentrated in one area often signal a systemic weakness worth a targeted pre-purchase inspection.
Owners of the 2002 PONTIAC Firebird report suspension/wheels issues more than most other systems. Complaints concentrated in one area often signal a systemic weakness worth a targeted pre-purchase inspection.
Worn chain tensioners cause timing chain skip or snap — common on GM 5.3L/6.2L, Ford EcoBoost, VW/Audi EA888, BMW N47/N63. Listen for cold-start rattles.
Water pump failure causes rapid overheating. If the engine overheats even once, head gasket damage is likely — turning a $400 part into a $3,000+ repair.
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
Worn spark plugs cause misfires that can foul and crack catalytic converters. A $150 tune-up can prevent a $1,200 catalytic converter replacement.
Dirty or failing injectors cause rough idle, reduced fuel economy, and increased emissions. Cleaning costs $100–$200; replacement $800–$1,600.
NHTSA Safety Recalls
1 RECALLNHTSA VIN-specific recall lookup returned no data for this VIN. The 1 recall below are model-wide and may or may not apply to this exact vehicle depending on production date. Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Average repair completion across 1 recall is ~64%. Always ask the seller for dealer service records confirming each repair.
Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.
Recall completion rate data not available for PONTIAC. Industry average is ~85%. Verify any open recalls with a dealer before purchase.
Avg time to remedy open recall: ~20 months · Source: NHTSA Recall Completion Rate Reports
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
SummaryVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION," AND NO. 214, "SIDE IMPACT PROTECTION." THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE WELDS NEAR THE LOWER DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR HINGE THAT DO NOT MEET SPECIFICATIONS.Read full details...
~36% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
Recall Intelligence
Detailed analysis of recall history and severity
⚠ One or more recalls have been open for over 5 years — may never have been repaired on this vehicle.
Recall Remedy Effectiveness — Complaints Continue After Fix
RECALL DIDN'T FIX ITOwner complaints filed AFTER recall remedies were issued for the same components
100% of complaints about "STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS" were filed AFTER recall campaign 01V381000 (2001-12-12) — the recall remedy may not have fully resolved the issue.
Continuing complaints after a recall may indicate an inadequate fix, a new failure mode, or that many vehicles never had the recall performed. Verify recall completion status directly with NHTSA.
2 deaths reported across 30 complaints — a rate of 1 in 15 complaints involving a fatality.
Complaint Intelligence
30 complaints analyzed across 8 system categories
Electrical System leads owner complaints (30%), most reported when the vehicle was 2 yrs old or newer. Also common: Engine And Engine Cooling (23%), Exterior Lighting (20%).
Based on 28 complaints with a reported incident date. Too few owners cited mileage (4) to report a reliable failure-mileage range.
47% of complaints filed in Oct & Jan — may indicate temperature-sensitive or weather-related failures.
Owner Complaints
HIGH VOLUME30 safety complaints filed with NHTSA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 PONTIAC FIREBIRD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THERE WAS A BURNING ODOR EMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT OIL WAS LEAKING FROM THE VALVE COVER GASKET. AS A RESULT, THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE OIL PAN GASKET AND THE VALVE COVER GASKET NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. UPDATED 1/12/16 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED WITH THE OIL LEAKING, IT WAS COMING IN CONTACT WITH THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. UPDATED 02/04/16.*JB
THE SECURITY LIGHT COMES ON AND STAYS ON ,SOMETIMES CAR WILL NOT START AND SOMETIMES DIES WHILE DRIVING AND LOSES POWER AT ANY GIVING TIME. THE KEY THAT HAS A THE SENSOR DOES NOT READ OR GIVE THE CORRECT RESISTANCE TO THE VATS SECURITY SYSTEM AND THE SECURITY SYSTEM SHUTS THE CAR OFF. I BELIEVE IT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE KEY RESISTANCE AND THE IGNITION IN WHICH IT GOES INTO. SOMETHING ELECTRICAL IS NOT READING OR MAKING CONTACT MESSING UP ALL THE SECURITY IN THE CAR. *TR
ENGINE OIL LEAK PROBLEM SINCE AUGUST. I HAVE HAD CAR CHECKED ON TWO (2) OCCASIONS BY MY MECHANIC. HE STATED IT COULD NEED A NEW OIL PAN OR THE REAR MAIN SEAL. THE CAR ONLY HAS 50,000 MILES ON IT AND HAS BEEN VERY WELL MAINTAINED. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND NOT TOO HAPPY THAT I AM FACING COSTLY ENGINE REPAIRS FOR THIS WELL CARED FOR CAR. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 PONTIAC FIREBIRD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL FOUR OF THE CHROME ALLOY RIMS ON THE VEHICLE EXHIBIT CRACKS. THE RIMS WERE PREVIOUSLY REPLACED PER THE WARRANTY; HOWEVER, SINCE THERE WAS A MEMO INDICATING THAT THEY COULD NOT BE REPAIRED BUT REPLACED. PONTIAC HAS BEEN VERY UNCOOPERATIVE AND REFUSED TO COMPLY. THE DEALER TOOK PICTURES OF THE RIMS AND DETERMINED THAT IT WAS A COSMETIC ISSUE AND NOT A SAFETY ISSUE. THE BRAND, MANUFACTURER AND ANY RELATED RIM INFORMATION WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 85000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,926. UPDATED 6/21/10 *CN UPDATED 06/24/10.*JB
DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. OUTER SKIN COMPLETELY DETACHED FROM DOOR. LOWER HINGE IS DEFECTIVE. OWNED VEHICLE SINCE NEW, WAS A RECALL RELATED TO HINGE, BUT NEVER NOTIFIED OF ANY RECALL REGARDING MY VEHICLE. ACTUALLY GLUED SKIN BACK TO DOOR TO REPAIR. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 PONTIAC FIREBIRD. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE CHROME RIMS EXHIBITED CORROSION AND RUST ON THE INSIDE SURFACE. IN ADDITION, THE SPOKES WERE SEVERELY CRACKED. THERE WERE NO WARNINGS PRIOR TO THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THEY FOUND RUST AND CORROSION ON ALL FOUR RIMS. THE RIMS HAVE NOT BEEN REPLACED AT THIS TIME. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 75,000. UPDATED 05/27/09 *BF UPDATED 06/02/09.*JB
CHROME PLATING PEELING FROM WHEELS,CORROSION CAUSING TIRES TO LOOSE AIR AND GO FLAT. LOSS OF AIR PRESSURE CAUSES HANDLING PROBLEMS--CONSTANT PROBLEM-SITUATION HAS BEEN REPEATED SEVERAL TIMES. CLEANING CORROSION FORM WHEEL (WHICH PONTIAC DEALER HAS DONE) CORRECTS PROBLEM FOR SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. *TR
I HAVE NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THE COOLING SYSTEM WITH THIS 2002 GRAND AM. FIRST THERMOSTAT WENT. HAD THERMOSTAT REPLACED -- CAR CONTINUED TO RUN HOT , LOSING POWER AND SHUT OFF.... HAVE REPLACED WATER PUMP, HOSES, AND INTAKE VALVE AND PROBLEM STILL EXISTED WITH CAR LOSING PRESSURE AND RUNNING HOT. ALSO HAD HEAD GASKETS REPLACED BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM.... THIS CAR HAS STOPPED ON ME 4 TIMES ON THE HIGHWAY.... IN CHECKING OUT OTHER COMPLAINTS THERE SEEMS TO BE PROBLEM WITH THE COOLING SYSTEM.... WHAT CAN I DO TO HAVE THIS CAR REPAIRED -- CAN A RECALL BE ISSUED.... PROFESSIONALS ARE AT A LOSS AS TO WHAT THE PROBLEM IS???? *TR
I WAS DRIVING ON A BUSY HIGHWAY WHEN MY FAN SPEEDS STOPPED IN A DOWN POUR CAUSING MY WINDSHIELD TO FOG UP RAPIDLY & I COULDN'T SEE WHERE I WAS DRIVING ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 PONTIAC GRAND AM SE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER TURN SIGNAL WAS WORKING INTERMITTENTLY AND DISPLAYED NOTHING ON THE DASHBOARD. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A TURN AT 5 MPH, THE TURN SIGNAL FAILED TO ACTIVATE. THIS FAILURE HAS OCCURRED AT LEAST FOUR TIMES AND THE TURN SIGNALS WERE REPLACED LAST FALL. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 113,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,000.
2002 PONTIAC GRAND AM GT WOULD NOT START DUE TO FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH (WHICH WAS ALREADY REPLACED A FEW YEARS AGO BY MY GM PONTIAC DEALER BECAUSE OF THE SAME PROBLEM). NEW IGNITION SWITCH MUST BE BOUGHT TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE ONE.
WHILE DRIVING THE ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING. THE TIMING CHAIN AND GEAR(S) BROKE AS WELL AS VALVE TRAIN DAMAGE. THE CAR ONLY HAS 41,000 MILES BUT IS OUT OF WARRANTY. GM TAKES NO RESPONSIBILITY.
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE BRAKES MADE A CONSISTENT VIBRATION WHEN APPLIED AND EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE OCCURRED WITH NO PRIOR WARNINGS, UNDER NORMAL BRAKING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER, WHO CLEANED THE BRAKE PADS AND ROTATED THE ROTORS. THE VEHICLE PROBLEMS PERSISTED, BUT NO FURTHER REPAIRS WERE MADE.
WITHOUT ANY PRIOR ISSUES ONE DAY THE GM ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM FAILED ON OUR CAR, RESULTING IN OUR INABILITY TO START THE CAR. MOTHER AND 9 MONTH OLD CHILD WERE STRANDED BECAUSE OF THIS SITUATION. TO FIX THE ISSUE, THE DEALERSHIP ORIGINALLY QUOTED US AROUND $250.00. AFTER THEY HAD OUR CAR, THE TUNE CHANGED AND NOW THEY HAVE CHARGED US $860.00. *AK
I'M THE OWNER OF A 2002 GRAND AM SE. I HEARD ABOUT THE GOVT INVESTIGATING SIGNAL MALFUNCTIONS AND I WANTED TO FILE A COMPLAINT. MY CAR CONTINUES TO MAKE THIS ANNOYING TURN SIGNAL CLICKING SOUND ON IT'S OWN. I CANT DO ANYTHING TO STOP IT. SOMETIMES IT DOES IT AND SOMETIMES IT DOES NOT. PLEASE HELP. IF YOU NEED ANY MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT ME AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. I BELIEVE THIS IS A DEFECT BECAUSE I BOUGHT THIS CAR WITH ONLY 37,000 MILES ON IT. *NM
2002 PONTIAC FIREBIRD WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH AND THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. *MR
CONSUMER COMPLAINT REGARDING GM CORP PLACING ELECTRONIC RECORDING DEVICES IN VEHICLES WITHOUT INFORMING THE CUSTOMER.*MR *NM
HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY DID NOT ACTIVATE WHEN LIGHT SWITCH WAS TURNED ON. LAMPS LITE BUT THE ASSEMBLY DID NOT RISE INTO POSITION.
2002 PONTIAC GRAND AM;TURN SIGNAL CONSTANTLY CLICKING (BEHIND DASH, BY HAZARD BUTTON) AFTER TURN SIGNAL IS IN THE OFF POSITION. VERY ANNOYING. SOUNDS LIKE SAME PROBLEM AS RECALLS TO 2000 AND 2001 GRAND AM'S. HAD DIAGNOSTIC CHECK AND WAS TOLD IT WAS THE HAZARD/WARNING SWITCH (WHICH THEY COULD CHANGE OUT FOR APPROX $260.00).
I HAVE COMPLAINT ON THE FAILURE OF MY AIR CONDITIONER. THE AIR CONDITIONER WENT OUT JUST SHORTLY AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRED DUE TO THE MILEAGE ON THE VEHICLE. I HAVE A 2002 PONTIAC MONTANA AND I BELIEVE THE AIR CONDITIONER SHOULD NOT GO OUT IN 2 YEARS AND OF COURSE IT GOES OUT SHORTLY AFTER THE WARRANTY RUNS OUT ON IT. I ALSO HAVE A 1990 CHEVY SILVARADO WITH 141 SOME THOUSAND MILES ON IT AND THE AIR CONDITIONER JUST WENT OUT ON IT. THAT GOES TO TELL YOU THAT GM ISN'T MAKING THEIR PRODUCTS LIKE THEY USED TO THEY MAKE THEM SO THEY BREAK AND THEY CAN GET ALMOST A 1000 TO REPAIR IT EVERY TIME SOMETHING GOES OUT ON THEM. I WOULD PROBABLY HAVE TO SAY THAT I WILL NEVER BUY A GM PRODUCT AGAIN EVEN THOUGH A LOT OF MY FAMILY WORKS THERE OR RETIRED FROM THERE DUE TO THE FACT THAT GM DOESN'T STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCTS. *AK
I HAVE HAD MULTIPLE ELECTRICAL ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE WITH THE KEYLESS ENTRY AND THEFT DETERENT KEY CHIP SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONING AND THE RADIO FACE DISPLAY NOT WORKING AT ALL UNLESS I TURN THE RADIO OFF AND ON UNTIL IT WORK SOMETIME 5 OR 6 TIMES. THE VEHICLE WHEN IT WAS BRAND NEW HAD A NOISE COMING FROM THE 6SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION IN THIRD AND FOURTH GEAR NOW THE VEHICLE HAS 17000 MILES AND IT IS MUCH WORSE WITH SOME DIFFICULTY SHIFTING ON ACCASION. THE DIFFERENTIAL HAS A WHINING NOISE AT 50-60 MPH AT CRUISING RPM AND THE DEALERSHIP TELLS ME THIS IS NORMAL. I AM SEVERELY IRRITATED WITH GM FOR THE DISREGARD TO CUSTOMER SERVICE AND EVEN IF YOU ARE WITHIN YOUR ORIGINAL WARRANTY YOU CAN FORGET ABOUT GETTING A LOANER VEHICLE DURING ANY REPAIRS. THAT IS ONE OF THE MAJOR THINGS KEEPING ME FROM GIVING THEM MY CAR. THREE DIFFERENT DEALERSHIPS IN THE HOUSTON AREA HAVE ALL TOLD ME THAT WEAR PARTS ARE NOT COVERED IN WARRANTY WHICH IS "BUMPER TO BUMPER" FULL WARRANTY. I JUST DON'T THINK A TRANSMISSION SHOULD BE DOING THIS AT 17000 MILES. NOT TO MENTION I HAVE ALREADY HAD TO REPLACE MOST OF THE BRAKING SYSTEM OUT OF MY OWN POCKET WHEN THE VEHICLE HAD LESS THAN 10000 MILES ON IT FROM A STICKING BRAKE CALIPER. I AM VERY DISPLEASED SINCE I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE NEW.*AK
I PURCHASED THE 2002 PONTIAC COLLECTORS EDITION FIREBIRD AS MY FIRST NEW CAR. I REGRET TO SAY THAT I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED IN THE PERFORMANCE AND CONSTRUCTION OF THIS VEHICLE. MY FIRST COMPLAINT IS A SEVERE VIBRATION THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE WHEN DRIVING OVER 55 MPH OR AFTER IT WARMS UP. THIS VIBRATION IS FELT THROUGH THE SHIFTER AS WELL AS BEING APPARENT WHEN YOU STAND BEHIND THE VEHICLE NEAR THE EXHAUST WHILE IT IS RUNNING. I HAVE BEEN INFORMED FROM TWO SEPERATE DEALERSHIPS THAT THEY ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM BUT GM WILL NOT APPROVE THE REPAIR DUE TO THE MILEAGE AND THE LACK OF A COMPUTER CODE, EVEN THOUGH THE GM MECHANICS HAVE AGREED THERE IS A PROBLEM. THE CAR HAS NOW GONE OVER THE MILEAGE REQUIRMENT AND IT IS WORSE. I ALSO WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WITH THIS CAR DUE TO A DRUNK DRIVER DAMAGING THE DRIVER'S DOOR. WHEN THIS WAS BEING REPLACED IT SEEMS THAT GM NEVER PAINTED THE BOTTOMS OF EITHER DOOR. I WAS AGAIN INFORMED BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT GM'S RESPONSE WAS "NO ONE SEES THE BOTTOMS OF THE DOORS AND THEY WONT RUST, THEREFORE IT DIDNT NEED PAINT." THE ORIGINAL YELLOW PAINT JOB WAS VERY THIN OVER THE BLACK PRIMER USED. THE PAINT CODES ON THE CAR DOESNT MATCH FOR REPAIRS DUE TO THIS THIN PAINT COAT, WHEN APPLIED IT IS TWO DIFFERENT SHADES. THE CAMARO IS ALSO NOT PAINTED ON THE BOTTOM OF THE DOORS, HOWEVER, THE CORVETTE SEEMS TO BE PAINTED. I AM VERY DISCOURAGED WITH GM FOR THE ISSUES LISTED ABOVE, I HAVE PUT FORTH A LOT OF MONEY FOR MY FIRST TIME CAR AND IT SEEMS THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAS TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF THE NORMAL CONSUMER PURCHASING THESE VEHICLES. GM ALSO SEEMS UNWILLING TO MAKE THE CORRECTION NEEDED. HOW DOES A COMPANY GET AWAY WITH CHARGING THIS MUCH MONEY FOR MERCHANDISE AND THEN NOT EVEN GIVING A FULL PAINT JOB, LET ALONE IT NOT WORKING PROPERLY.*AK
I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH MY FIREBIRD WHICH I BOUGHT LESS THAN A YEAR AGO BRAND NEW FROM THE DEALER. I DON NOT HAVE THE EXACT DATES AND MILEAGE OF THE PROBLEMS AT HAND. IN SHORT THE FOLLOWING HAVE BEEN REPORTED TO THE PURCHASING DEALER AND/OR REPAIRED: ROTERS(BRAKES) 2X, ANTENA 3 OR 4X, OPEN CIRCUIT(REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY-TRUNK/WINDOWS/DOORS AND ALARM)1 OR2X, CD/STEREO STILL ISN'T REPAIRED AND UNSURE OF PROBLEM, SUSPENSION OFF, LEFT BLINKER MALFUNCTIONING, MISC. FUSES CONTINUOUSLY BLOWN, POWER STEERING COLUMN LEAK .....I THINK THATS IT! THAT'S ENOUGH THOUGH.
CONSUMER WOULD PUT KEY INSIDE IGNITION AND HEADLIGHTS WOULD COME ON. HOWEVER, VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. CONSUMER STATED THAT IGNITION WIRES WERE WORN/WEAK. THE DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN CONTACTED.*AK THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED ABOUT 4-5 TIMES. A FEW TIMES THE IGNITION WAS TURNED ON WITH A LITTLE MANIPULATION OF THE KEY. BUT THE LAST 2 TIMES THE TEMPERATURE WAS IN THE 90'S AND THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE STARTED AT ALL. THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THIS FAILURE IS A SAFETY CONCERN. *TS *NLM
PROBLEMS WITH ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, CLUTCH, PISTONS, DASH FAN AND REAR RIGHT MOLDING. *MR THE VEHICLE DEVELOPED A CRACK IN THE CYLINDER HEAD. SATURN REPAIRED THE PART BUT WOULD NOT REIMBURSE THE CONSUMER FOR REPAIR COST DUE TO THE VEHICLE EXCEEDING THE WARRANTY. AT THE TIME OF THE REPAIR THE VEHICLE HAD 96K PLUS MILES. THE VEHICLE ALSO EXPERIENCED THE FOLLOWING: ENGINE KNOCKING/LOSS OF POWER (8 PISTONS WERE REPLACED), AFTER ENGINE PROBLEM/REPAIR, ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION OCCURRED (ONE QUART EVERY 1300 HUNDRED MILES, BANG NOISE IN THE CLUTCH (BEARING WAS REPLACED), WATER AND HAZE WAS IN THE HIGH/LOW BEAM INSIDE THE BULBS, LEFT HEADLIGHT SHORTED OUT/WIRE BURNT (ACTUATOR WAS REPLACED), THE BRAKE PEDAL RUBBER GUARD HAD DETACHED, THE GAS TETHER DETACHED, THERE WAS AN ENGINE KNOCK UPON ACCELERATION, THE IGNITION MODULE AND CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR EXPERIENCED PERFORMANCE PROBLEMS, THE TRANSMISSION SHIMMIES WHEN SHIFTING UNDER THE VEHICLE WHEN THE CLUTCH DEPRESSED, THE HEADLIGHTS, REAR LIGHT, DASH LIGHTS, RADIO LIGHTS, AND THE INTERIOR LIGHTS WOULD CONTINUOUSLY FLICKER. *SCC IN COLD WEATHER THE SHIFTER FAILED TO ENGAGE IN 2ND AND 4TH GEARS. *JB
THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS STUCK, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO 3 DIFFERENT DEALERS, WHO WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *JB THERE WAS A NOISE IN THE DRIVETRAIN, THE FRONT BACK OF THE UPPER SEAT WAS DISCOLORED(REPLACED), FOAM FROM THE DRIVER'S SEAT HAD COME APART, THE GAS PEDAL WOULD STICK WITH OF WITHOUT THE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED FROM STOP, AFTER A HEAVY RAIN STORM, THE HORN WOULD SOUND DIFFERENT, WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN AT THE SPEED OF 50 MPH, THERE WOULD BE A RUMBLE NOISE IN THE FRONT WHEEL, THE DRIVESHAFT WAS OUT OF BALANCE(WARRANTY REPLACED), AND THE DRIVER'S WINDOW WAS INOPERATIVE(REPLACED THE POWER WINDOW REGULATOR). SCC
WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCES A TOTAL LOSS OF POWER. WHEN THE ACCELERATOR IS PRESSED THE RPM'S ON THE VEHICLE HIT THE ROOF BUT THE ENGINE OR TRANSMISSION DO NOT RESPOND LEAVING THE VEHICLE CRUISING AT ABOUT 15 MPH ON A VERY BUSY INTERSTATE HIGHWAY I-95. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN BROUGHT IN TO THE DEALERSHIP ON TWO SEPERATE OCASIONS FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. THE SERVICE TEAM SAYS THEY CAN NOT OR ARE NOT ABLE TO RECREATE THE LOSS OF POWER IN THE VEHICLE THEREFORE ARE NOT ABLE TO FIX IT. THIS INCIDENT HAS OCCURED THREE TIMES IN ABOUT A SIX MONTH PERIOD. THE VEHICLE IS NEW AND NO INDICATOR LIGHTS ARE ACTIVATED WHEN THIS HAPPENS.*JB
THIS VEHICLE SHOULD NOT BE ON THE ROAD. DT
RIGHT HEADLIGHT BURNED OUT AFTER 7 MONTHES WITH VEY LITTLE NIGHT DRIVING SO USE OF HEADLIGHTS WAS MINIMAL. WOULDN'T HAVE COMPLAINED HAD I NOT READ OF MANY ACCOUNTS OF THE SAME THING HAPPENING TO OTHERS WITH THE SAME CAR ON THE WEBSITE LS1.COM IN THE WS6/FIREHAWK FORUM.*AK
DESIGN OF WINDSHIELD DISTORTS IMAGES OF OUTSIDE ENVIRONMENT AND CAUSES OCCUPANTS TO EXPERIENCE HEADACHES AND NAUSEA. CONSUMER CONTACTED DEALERSHIP, AND WAS INFORMED THAT DESIGN COULD NOT BE CHANGED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / DOCUMENTATION.*AK
Complaint & Reliability Timeline
Annual complaints (blue) vs. composite reliability score (amber) — recall years marked in red
The blue line shows 30 total NHTSA complaints filed over 10 years, with the worst year being 2007 (6 complaints).
The amber reliability line averaged 99/100 across the vehicle's life — relatively stable, with the lowest point of 90/100 in 2005.
Notably, despite 30 complaints on file, no recall has been issued — either the defect pattern has not met NHTSA's threshold for a formal campaign, or a recall may be forthcoming.
Red dots on the amber line flag 2005, a year when complaints included crash events — these are the highest-severity incidents in the dataset.
Legal & Regulatory Actions
Known class action lawsuits, settlements, and manufacturer extended warranty programs
5-Year Ownership Cost Estimate
Based on EPA fuel data, standard depreciation, and US average insurance/maintenance costs
Estimates use EPA fuel economy data, AAA 2024 national averages for insurance and maintenance, and a standard depreciation curve. Actual costs vary by location, driving habits, and vehicle condition.
5-Year Total Cost of Ownership
Estimated based on EPA fuel data, risk-adjusted maintenance, and depreciation
Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $44,114 (~$735/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.
Negotiation Ammunition
Use these data-backed findings to negotiate the price down
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Tailored for the 2002 PONTIAC Firebird — specific failure modes your mechanic must check, not a generic list
Recall Probability Forecast
Estimated likelihood of a new recall in the next 18 months based on NHTSA signals
5% baseline recall probability — no strong indicators of an imminent recall.
Maintenance Schedule
OEM-specified service intervals for this vehicle
Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.
Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.
Insurance Cost Estimate
Estimated annual premiums based on vehicle profile, theft data, and NHTSA safety ratings
Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.
State-Specific Legal Protections
What consumer laws apply to this vehicle purchase in your state
Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.
Complete Data Table
All decoded fields in a single flattened view
Vehicle Identity
| VIN | 2G2FV22G222125010 |
| Model Year | 2002 |
| Make | PONTIAC |
| Model | Firebird |
| Series | Formula |
| Vehicle Type | PASSENGER CAR |
Body & Configuration
| Body Style | Hatchback/Liftback/Notchback |
| Doors | 2 |
Engine
| Engine Cylinders | 8 |
| Displacement (L) | 5.7 |
Manufacturer
| Manufacturer | GENERAL MOTORS LLC |
| Assembly City | STE. THERESE |
| Assembly Country | CANADA |
VIN Structure
| WMI (Chars 1–3) | 2G2 |
| Check Digit (Char 9) | 2 |
| Model Year Code (Char 10) | 2 |
| Plant Code (Char 11) | 2 |
| Sequence (Chars 12–17) | 125010 |
Safety Data
| NHTSA Recall Count | 1 |
| NHTSA Complaint Count | 30 |
VIN Structure Decode
ISO 3779 character-by-character breakdown of this Vehicle Identification Number
Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 11/1/2026, 4:17:11 PM.