Model year guide

1994 Pontiac Firebird

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1994 Pontiac Firebird is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 7 on record.

1994 Pontiac Firebird — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

1994 Pontiac Firebird at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints68
Combined18–20 mpg

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

1994 Pontiac Firebird recalls 3

Equipment NHTSA Campaign #07E088000 · 24/10/2007

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…

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.

Exterior Lighting NHTSA Campaign #06E065000 · 17/07/2006

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.

Fix: 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.

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings NHTSA Campaign #93V199000 · manufacturer #94-C-09 / 94-C-01 · 01/12/1993

THE FUEL LINES ON THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN MISROUTED AND MAY CONTACT THE "AIR" CHECK VALVE. THE HIGH TEMPERATURES FROM THE "AIR" CHECK VALVE COULD ALLOW IT TO MELT THROUGH AND DAMAGE A FUEL LINE.

Fix: REROUTE ANY MISROUTED FUEL LINES TO THE PROPER POSITION, AND REPLACE ANY FUEL LINE BUNDLE WHERE THE OUTER SHELL HAS BEEN MELTED THROUGH.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

1994 Pontiac Firebird common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 68 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Fuel System
Sniff for fuel odor, check for leaks, hard starts or stalling, and confirm the fuel gauge reads correctly.
Gasoline
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.

1994 Pontiac Firebird safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Frontal — driver★★★★★
Frontal — passenger★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 1994 Pontiac Firebird 2-DR.. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

1994 Pontiac Firebird MPG & running costs

Combined18–20 mpg
City16 mpg
Highway25 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,950
EPA size classSubcompact Cars
Transmission3 options
Passenger volume84 cu ft
Cargo volume13 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$7,750 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 4 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1994 Pontiac Firebird costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$19,750
Fuel only$19,750
Per mile$0.26

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Dimensions & weight

Length
195.7–197.2 in
Width
74.4 in
Height
51.6–52.8 in
Wheelbase
101.2 in
Curb weight
3,239–3,609 lb
Front track
60.6–61.0 in
Rear track
60.6 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1994 Pontiac Firebird — ranges cover the 6 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 2

FUEL TUBE RETAINING CLIP FAILURE Closed

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 THAT BROKEN OR DISLODGED RETENTION CLIP DOES NOT RESULT IN SIGNIFICANT MOVEMENT OF THE FUEL LINE BUNDLE TOWARD THE LEFT SE…

NHTSA #EA97024 · Vehicle Speed Control · opened Nov 1997 · closed Sep 1998

FUEL TUB RETAINING CLIP FAILURE Closed

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…

NHTSA #PE97036 · Vehicle Speed Control · opened Jul 1997 · closed Nov 1997

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 29

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 29.

This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.

Bulletin 19NA273 · Electrical System, Equipment · Dec 2019

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the…

Bulletin PIC4696E · Equipment · Nov 2019

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the…

Bulletin PIC4696D · Equipment · Sep 2019

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve th…

Bulletin PIC4696C · Equipment, Equipment Adaptive/mobility · May 2018

Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules

Bulletin 130089009 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Sep 2013

DIAGNOSIS OF CRACKED OR BROKEN TRANSMISSION CASE. *TT 2006 AND PRIOR CARS AND LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS. *TT

Bulletin 020730024A · Power Train · Aug 2005

NO SERIAL DATA COMMUNICATIONS USING THE TECH 1 WITH A 1986 OR NEWER CAMARO, FIREBIRD OR CORVETTE WITH A 5.0 OR 5.7 LITRE ENGINE. SIT BULLETIN 1450640. *TT

Bulletin 01697 · Equipment · Jan 2004

SERVICE MANUAL ADVISES INCORRECT USAGE OF CONVERTIBLE TOP FLUID. *TT

Bulletin 052802 · Structure · May 2002

INFORMATION REGARDING SWITCHES TO TURN OFF AND ON FRONTAL AIR BAGS FOR PASSENGER CARS AND TRUCKS. *TT

Bulletin 990941004 · Air Bags · Jan 2000

GENERAL MOTORS BEGAN PROVIDING CHILD RESTRAIN SEAT TOP TETHER HARDWARE PACKAGES TO CUSTOMERS IN THE UNITED STATES WHO REQUESTED THEM. *TT

Bulletin 990940004 · Seats · Jan 2000

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the FIREBIRD. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

Canadian recalls 1

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1994 Pontiac Firebird. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.

Fuel System

NOTE: VEHICLE LOCATED IN ONTARIO. THE FUEL LINE COULD DEVELOP A HOLE DUE TO CONTACT WITH THE HOT AIR (AIR INJECTION REACTION) CHECK VALVE. THIS COULD RESULT IN FUEL LEAKAGE AND AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE. CORRECTION: FUEL LINE BUNDLE WILL BE INSPECTED FOR HEAT DAMAGE AND REPLACED IF NECESSARY. FUEL LINE BUNDLE WILL ALSO BE REROUTED.

Transport Canada #1993162 · Dec 1993

Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.

About the Pontiac Firebird

The Pontiac Firebird is an American automobile built and produced by Pontiac from the 1967 to 2002 model years. Designed as a pony car to compete with the Ford Mustang, it was introduced on February 23, 1967, five months after GM's Chevrolet division's platform-sharing Camaro. This also coincided with the release of the 1967 Mercury Cougar, Ford's upscale, platform-sharing version of the Mustang. The name "Firebird" was also previously used by GM for the General Motors Firebird series of concept cars in the 1950s.

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

1994 Pontiac Firebird trims & engines on record

Trims
Base
Engines
3.4L 6-cyl

1994 Pontiac Firebird vehicles on record

Other Pontiac Firebird model years

1994 Pontiac Firebird — frequently asked questions

Does the 1994 Pontiac Firebird have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 1994 Pontiac Firebird. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 1994 Pontiac Firebird?

Across all 68 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are fuel system, gasoline, service brakes.

What is the 1994 Pontiac Firebird safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 1994 Pontiac Firebird crash-test ratings of frontal 5★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 1994 Pontiac Firebird get?

The 1994 Pontiac Firebird has U.S. EPA estimates of 18–20 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (4 versions).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.