1998 Pontiac Firebird: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1998 Pontiac Firebird: 0 recalls, 63 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.
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Recalls
No recalls on file for this model year. Still worth a VIN check.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 5 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Brakes (hydraulic) (27): the most common themes are noise or vibration (7).
- Airbags (7): the most common themes are fails to deploy (5).
- Exterior lights (5): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Steering (5): the most common themes are steering problems (4).
The 1998 Pontiac Firebird has 63 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 13 Firebird model years for complaints (1.7× the average Firebird year). Complaints peaked in 1999 (29 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 1 year old, at a median of 69,500 miles. Neighboring years: 1997 (49 complaints, 1 recalls), 1999 (47 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 28 | 21 | Regular |
| 3.8 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 26 | 20 | Regular |
| 5.7 L 8-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 24 | 19 | Premium |
| 5.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | Premium |
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 1998 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.
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FAQ
Does the 1998 Pontiac Firebird have any recalls?
NHTSA doesn't list any vehicle recalls for the 1998 Pontiac Firebird. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to be sure.
What are the most common 1998 Pontiac Firebird problems?
Owners have filed 63 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (hydraulic) (27), airbags (7), exterior lights (5).
What gas mileage does the 1998 Pontiac Firebird get?
EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (3.8 L, Manual 5-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1998 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.