1999 Pontiac Firebird problems, recalls, safety rating, MPG & value

Q: Does the 1999 Pontiac Firebird have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 1999 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.

Q: What gas mileage does the 1999 Pontiac Firebird get?

The 1999 Pontiac Firebird has U.S. EPA estimates of 18–21 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (4 versions).

Q: How much is a 1999 Pontiac Firebird worth?

Comparable 1999 Pontiac Firebird listings run roughly $700–$8,700, typically around $3,525 (from 14 vehicles).

1999 Pontiac Firebird at a glance

Safety recalls1

Owner complaints56

Combined18–21 mpg

Typical price$3,525

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

1999 Pontiac Firebird recalls 1

Power Train:clutch Assembly NHTSA Campaign #99V239000 · manufacturer #99056 · 27/08/1999

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS. THE CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN INCORRECT RETAINING RING.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HYDRAULIC CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER WITH A NEW CYLINDER.

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.

1999 Pontiac Firebird common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 56 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Service Brakes

Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.

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.

Power Train

Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.

Engine And Engine Cooling

Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.

Visibility

Test wipers, washers, defrosters and all mirrors. Check the windshield for cracks and any camera/sensor for fogging or faults.

1999 Pontiac Firebird safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★

Side crash★★★★★

Frontal — driver★★★★★

Frontal — passenger★★★★★

Side — front seat★★★★★

Side — rear seat★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 1999 Pontiac Firebird 2-DR. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

1999 Pontiac Firebird MPG & running costs

Combined18–21 mpg

City17 mpg

Highway26 mpg

Est. annual fuel cost$3,800

EPA size classSubcompact Cars

Transmission3 options

Passenger volume84 cu ft

Cargo volume12 cu ft

5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$7,000 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.

What's a 1999 Pontiac Firebird worth?

Low

$700

Typical price

$3,525

High

$8,700

From 14 comparable 1999 Pontiac Firebird listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1999 Pontiac Firebird costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$19,000

Fuel only$19,000

Per mile$0.25

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

193.3 in

Width

74.4 in

Height

52.0–52.8 in

Wheelbase

101.2 in

Curb weight

3,340–3,605 lb

Front track

60.6 in

Rear track

60.6 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1999 Pontiac Firebird — ranges cover the 5 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

Manufacturer service bulletins 94

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 94.

This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.

Bulletin 17-NA-073 · Equipment · Feb 2023

This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Record…

Bulletin PIP4723F · Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Fuel System, Gasoline · Jan 2022

This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Record…

Bulletin PIP4723D · Electrical System · Jan 2020

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 warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.

Bulletin 17NA073 · Equipment · Sep 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 warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.

Bulletin 17NA073 · Equipment · Feb 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

This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorde…

Bulletin PIP4723C · Electrical System, Equipment, Fuel System, Gasoline · Sep 2017

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

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.

1999 Pontiac Firebird trims & engines on record

Trims

Formula · Base · Trans Am

Engines

3.8L 6-cyl · 5.7L 8-cyl

1999 Pontiac Firebird vehicles on record

1999 Pontiac Firebird Base2G2FS22K5X2207883

1999 Pontiac Firebird Formula2G2FV22G2X2230699

1999 Pontiac Firebird Formula2G2FV22G4X2202483

1999 Pontiac Firebird Base2G2FS22K4X2215893

1999 Pontiac Firebird Formula2G2FV22G9X2223815

1999 Pontiac Firebird Base2G2FS22K1X2221554

1999 Pontiac Firebird Base2G2FS22K7X2224670

1999 Pontiac Firebird Formula2G2FV22G7X2210383

1999 Pontiac Firebird Formula2G2FV22G6X2217583

1999 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am2G2FV22G9X2206562

1999 Pontiac Firebird Formula2G2FV22G4X2218263

1999 Pontiac Firebird2G2FS22K2X2223068

1999 Pontiac Firebird2G2FS22K0X2207970

1999 Pontiac Firebird2G2FS22K2X2206707

Other Pontiac Firebird model years

2002 2001 2000 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1991 1989 1988 1987 1986 1985 1984 1982

1999 Pontiac Firebird — frequently asked questions

Does the 1999 Pontiac Firebird have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 1999 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 1999 Pontiac Firebird?

Across all 56 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are service brakes, hydraulic, electrical system.

What is the 1999 Pontiac Firebird safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 1999 Pontiac Firebird crash-test ratings of frontal 4★, side 3★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 1999 Pontiac Firebird get?

The 1999 Pontiac Firebird has U.S. EPA estimates of 18–21 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (4 versions).

How much is a 1999 Pontiac Firebird worth?

Comparable 1999 Pontiac Firebird listings run roughly $700–$8,700, typically around $3,525 (from 14 vehicles).

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