Pontiac Firebird 1996

• Recall 89926 [USA]: This condition may cause inadequate sealing and loss of engine oil, possibly resulting in a fire.
  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. The affected filters are marked with a date code a61451 through a72571 sequentially. The date code and part number appear on the filter housing. Fram racing hp4 and hp8 oil filters not bearing a date code in this range are not affected by this recall. The gasket of the oil filter becomes more pliable under high temperatures and pressures.
  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.
  customers may contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty: 1-800-424-9153); or go to http://www.Safercar.Gov.

• Recall 36891 [USA]: Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and may possibly result in a vehicle crash.
  Certain aj motorsport combination lamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above listed passenger vehicles. Combination lamps not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
  aj motorsport will notify owners and offer reimbursement for the lamps. The recall began on july 31, 2006. Owners may contact aj motorsport at 626-618-2026.
  this recall only pertains to aj motorsport aftermarket lamps and has no relation to any original equipment installed on the listed passenger vehicles.For more information on the lamp model numbers, click on document search and view document titled "lamp model numbers."customers may contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty: 1-800-424-9153); or go to http://www.Safercar.Gov.

• Recall 1996080 [Canada]: Other
  Note: firebird formula and trans am with performance package. These vehicles may not meet local or provincial pass-by noise requirements. Correction: dealers will reflash the powertrain control module (pcm) calibration.

To ensure accuracy and for your safety, it is recommended to do a free VIN recall check here or here [USA] - UK - Canada.

Bulletins are notices put out by manufacturers in conjunction with the NHTSA to notify the public of manufacturing issues or changes.

• Fuel tube retaining clip failure investigation as of 19971113

  Most of the reports reviewed in this investigation are fire incidents in which fuel leakage has been alleged as the cause or the area of origin is consistent with the alleged defect.There is no evidence that the subject clip was a factor in any of these fire incidents and nhtsa testing indicates thatbroken or dislodged retention clip does not result in significant movement of the fuel line bundle toward the left secondary air injection check valve.Failure of the clip places the fuel line bundle assembly in the same configuration as the 1993 model year lti vehicles.A safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that no safety-related defect exists.The agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.
  

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• Fuel tub retaining clip failure investigation as of 19970724

  Owners have reported failures of the fuel tube retention clip that attaches to the plastic throttle linkage cover.According to gm, the subject retention clip (p/n 12048089) was implemented in production on october 12, 1993, to address a concern with incorrect assembly plant fuel line routing.Mis-routed fuel tubes may fail from contact with a hot air check valve, creating a fire hazard in the engine compartment.Gm maintains that no problems should occur if the clip is properly installed and isnt mishandled during subsequent service operations.Some owners have alleged to odi that the subject clip becomes brittle over time and may also pull free of the throttle linkage cover attachment hole.
  

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Common OBD Error codes specific to this vehicle.

• P1870 [3] Transmission Transfer Case Contact Plate Power Short To Ground
• P0400 [1] Exhaust Gas Recirculation Flow Malfunction

1996 pontiac firebird seat back collapsed into the back seat. Consumer states that he violently turned the wheel to the left on the highway to avoid and accident when his seat collapsed into the rear seat causing him to lose control. *kb the consumer was rear ended, because when the seat broke, he could not see the road and instinctively applied the brakes. The consumer stated the seat will not lock in any position. The consumer stated it wasn't the first time the seat failed. *jb

While driving at 65 mph flames were coming from vehicle. Dealer notified. *ak *ts *jb

While placing key inside of ignition switch vehicle will not start. Dealership is aware of problem. *ak

This is the second time i've had to replace the mirror on the drivers side of this car. The mirror breaks off of the controls which makes it flop around. You can't use it to drive with, nor can you get it to stay still. You can't replace just the mirror either. You have to buy the whole piece (casing and mirror) then you have to have it painted. Grrrrrrrrrr!

The plastic gears that drive the headlight pods on my 1996 pontiac firebird have failed. Retraction of the headlight causes loud grinding noises. Occaisionally, one or other of the headlight pods does not rasie when the headlights are turned on. It can only be a matter of time before the pods no longer operate at all. This is unacceptable given the low mileage of the vehicle. The problem is well known among firebird owners and some enterprising soul has even come up with a "fix". Note this fix requires the disassembly of parts that were never intended to be taken apart. Http://www.Bfranker.Badz28.Com/headlightfix/index.Htm gm charge over $200 dollars for the pod drive motor. That is simply extortion.*ak

When cold or damp outside engine idle will race and stick at 2500 to 3000 rpm. Vehicle has manual transmission - 5 speed. Sometimes (ocassionally) turning off the vehicle and restarting solves the problem, most times no. Could be dangerous in the winter causing excess torque to rear wheels. *ak

Dealer said - no recall on this component. No safety defect listed in summary. *ak

Fuse blew out and engine shut down while driving. Consumer said that mechanic indicated it was the fuse. If on the freeway it could cause a fire or accident. When consumer puts key in fuse it will immediately blow out. *ak

The cable on the lt. Driver side keeps breaking. This will be the third time replaced. I have seen it break both times, no one was touching the mirror when it happened. It just "pops" and the mirror flips up.

No summary

Ongoing problem with fuel odor/vapor getting into vehicle vehicle been in dealer shop on four occasions, and still unable to locate cause. Feel free to provide any further details on this matter. *ak

The brakes are repeatedly failing. When stopping they will begin to slow the vehicle and then let go, allowing the vehicle to proceed forward. It is especially hazardous while turning. The no traction light illuminates when occurring. Eventually this could lead to an accident.*ak

Oil leaks simultaneously leaking from the front,rear,main,head,and oil pan gaskets.

Defect in the wiring harness causing fuses to blow out continually. Mjs

When applying the brakes the brake lights are not illuminating. The electronic specialist says there is a shortage in one of the two wires that runs from dash to rear of vehicle. *ak

Noticed roaring in the rear end of the vehicle after purchase. Thought possibility of simple road noise at first. But later as the roar continued and got louder ,became convinced otherwise. I have worked in a garage in the past so i was aware of possible problems which could cause the noise, but did not believe these possibilities should exist at such a low mileage. The rear wheel bearings were replaced, but the roaring continues. The rear chunk was free of excess metal on the magnet, so the problem still remains a mystery since labor will cost so much. This is only a 3 year old car so you can imagine my frustration. An inquiry would be greatly appreciated and follow up later from nhtsa. *ak

While driving on rough road applied brakes. Pedal pulsated but brakes failed to catch. Vehicle sped up instead. Took to dealer & mechanic said abs light not on & in failure mode. Could not really find or repair brake problem. *ak

First transmission replaced at 34000 mnufacturer's warranty, second transmission being replaced with only 40,000 mi on it. Manufacturer will only pay 1/3 of $2,200 cost. Same problem on both transmissions. *ak

Anti lock brakes failed.

Transmission failed.

Driving vehicle about 25-30 mph, engine would shut down for no reason; would have to wait at least 1/2 hourr to 1 hour before starting again; took to dealership who could not find or fix the problem. *ak

Electrical short in fuse box melted fuel lines and caused fire.

The vehicle caught on fire while driving. The fuel line is too close to the engine and it caused a fire. *ak

In wet and dry weather the abs brakes lock up. *ak consumer states the second time incident happened another vehicle pulled out in front him and consumer slammed on brakes, the front tires locked up, the tires locked up and when consumer slammed on brakes the froont of vehicle turned sideways and the truck in another lane hit consumer;s vehicle. *jb

Vehicle leaking oil. Changed oil filler cap stem, engine gasket twice, main crank seal, drive shaft, and manifold but but none of the replacement corrected the oil leak.

No deployment of driver's/passenger's air bags upon impact, resulting in injuries. *ak

Door lock turn indicator failed.

Consumer contacted the dealer on two occasions in reference to oil leaks, the consumer was driving at 60 mph and oil was leaking from the transmission dip stick onto the motor, causing the vehicle to catch fire in the engine compartment. *ak abs light illuminated, dealer replaced abs. *slc

The abs braking system failed while pressing the pedal, it went completely to the floor, causing him to run into the window of blockbusters. *ak

Transmission failed.

Abs warning light on dash comes on intermittently. Restarting car (1 to 3 times) may correct problem. Brakes also slip on dry pavement causing low traction light to come on and may cause abs warning light to come on.

While driving car started hesitating and engine light came on due to a defective water pump. Vehicle has had 3 water pumps previously. Problem still exists.*ak

Electrical sys. Malfunctions when appying brake, dash lights flicker, when appying signals, dash lights go out, also concealed head lamps won't open. *ak

The spark plug wires go bad which causes the vehicle to misfire. This has happened at least ten times. The manufacturer has a safety campaign for this problem for up to 70,000 miles or seven years. The consumer stated the dealer fixed one time at no cost. The other times the consumer had to pay the expenses. *ak

Consumer said that strut rod came loose or broke while driving. As result the wheels tilted inward. Mechanic said that if car was in high speed the wheels would have come off, the car is currently at the dealer. *ak

This is an ongoing brake problem. The vehicle was involved in an accident where the driver was unable to stop in time, despite good conditions and relatively low speed. Summary description: car does not feel like sufficient braking is being provided; more noticeable when rotors are wet. Symptoms: 1) driver cannot apply sufficient force to lock rotors (or engage anti-lock system); 2) rear brake pads worn completely out at 35000 miles, while front pads barely worn at all. Other related facts: 1) have personally bled brake system, verified no air in lines; 2) dealer claims system "operating as designed" despite evidence of worn rear pads; 3) at present, car has worn tires, which should make it easier to lock-up on wet pavement; i have to put both feet on the pedal and push with all my might to force rotors to lock (and anti-lock system does then engage).

Head rests don't stay in one place vertically/horizontally. Driver has to constantly adjust the head rest while driving, creating an unsafe situation. *ak

While driving an electrical short in wiring in the dash is causing the vehicle engine to shut down, resulting in vehicle stalling. Please provide details. *ak

Brake system gets wet, causing loss of brakes, loss of control for few seconds, slowly will begin to recover, dealer has replaced brake pads, but problem is still reoccurring. *ak

When applying the abs brakes the pedal traveled to the floor, causing extended stopping distance. Also, front brake pads and rotors are prematurely wearing, cause unknown. Please give any further details. *ak

While driving car started hesitating and engine light came on due to a defective water pump. Vehicle has had 3 water pumps previously. Problem still exists.*ak

Oil leak causing oil fumes to enter the interior passenger area through the air vents.