NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 30 owner complaints for the 2002 Pontiac Firebird. Most complaints involve electrical system (9) and engine and engine cooling (7). The EPA rates it 19–21 mpg combined.
VEHICLE 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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Firebird model year we’ve synced.
Only one model year synced so far.
“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”
“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”
“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.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Firebird Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.8 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 28 | 21 | $2,850 | 423 |
| Firebird Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.8 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 29 | 21 | $2,850 | 423 |
| Firebird Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 20 | $3,750 | 444 |
| Firebird Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 23 | 19 | $3,950 | 468 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
1 safety recall as of Nov 12, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 30 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (9), engine and engine cooling (7), exterior lighting (6). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2002 Pontiac Firebird at 19–21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).