2002 Pontiac Firebird: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2002 Pontiac Firebird: 1 recall, 21 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.
Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Body & structure Vehicle recall #01V381000 · 2001 · 897 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: In a crash, an occupant could receive severe injuries.
The fix: Dealers will install structural rivets. Owner notification began December 26, 2001.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 2 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (7): the most common themes are noise or vibration (3), electrical failure (3), won't start (2).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (5): the most common themes are noise or vibration (3).
- Engine & cooling (5): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (2), noise or vibration (2).
- Visibility (wipers, glass) (4): the most common themes are noise or vibration (2), electrical failure (2).
The 2002 Pontiac Firebird has 21 owner complaints, ranking #11 of 13 Firebird model years for complaints (well below the 38 average). Complaints peaked in 2003 (4 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 1 year old, at a median of 17,976 miles. Neighboring years: 2001 (24 complaints, 0 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 28 | 21 | Regular |
| 3.8 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 29 | 21 | Regular |
| 5.7 L 8-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 20 | Premium |
| 5.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 23 | 19 | 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 2002 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 2002 Pontiac Firebird have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2002 Pontiac Firebird. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2002 Pontiac Firebird problems?
Owners have filed 21 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (7), brakes (hydraulic) (5), engine & cooling (5).
What gas mileage does the 2002 Pontiac Firebird get?
EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (3.8 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2002 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.