1996 Pontiac Firebird: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1996 Pontiac Firebird: 0 recalls, 41 owner complaints and up to 20 mpg combined.
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Recalls
0 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 2 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
2 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E065000 · 2006 · 3,593 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and May possibly result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Aj motorsport will notify owners and offer reimbursement for the lamps. The recall began on July 31, 2006.
Equipment Equipment recall #07E088000 · 2007 · 121,680 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: This condition May cause inadequate sealing and loss of engine oil, possibly resulting in a fire.
The fix: 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 4 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Brakes (hydraulic) (12): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (4), warning light on (4).
- Electrical (8): the most common themes are electrical failure (5), fire / smoke (3).
- Transmission & drivetrain (7): the most common themes are warning light on (2).
- Engine & cooling (6): the most common themes are leaks (2).
The 1996 Pontiac Firebird has 41 owner complaints, ranking #6 of 13 Firebird model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 38). Complaints peaked in 1999 (9 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 57,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1995 (84 complaints, 1 recalls), 1997 (49 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 26 | 20 | Regular |
| 3.8 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 28 | 20 | Regular |
| 5.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 23 | 18 | Regular |
| 5.7 L 8-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 24 | 18 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1996 Pontiac Firebird.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 1996 Pontiac Firebird have any recalls?
NHTSA doesn't list any vehicle recalls for the 1996 Pontiac Firebird, but 2 equipment or tire recalls may apply. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to be sure.
What are the most common 1996 Pontiac Firebird problems?
Owners have filed 41 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (hydraulic) (12), electrical (8), transmission & drivetrain (7).
What gas mileage does the 1996 Pontiac Firebird get?
EPA ratings run up to 20 mpg combined (3.8 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1996 Pontiac Firebird repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.