Model year guide

2002 Pontiac Firebird

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2002 Pontiac Firebird is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 19 on record.

2002 Pontiac Firebird — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2002 Pontiac Firebird at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints30
Combined19–21 mpg
Typical price$7,087

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

2002 Pontiac Firebird recalls 1

Structure:frame And Members NHTSA Campaign #01V381000 · manufacturer #01072 · 12/12/2001

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 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.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL STRUCTURAL RIVETS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 26, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020 OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-27…

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.

2002 Pontiac Firebird common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 30 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.
Visibility
Test wipers, washers, defrosters and all mirrors. Check the windshield for cracks and any camera/sensor for fogging or faults.
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.

2002 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 2002 Pontiac Firebird 2-DR. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2002 Pontiac Firebird MPG & running costs

Combined19–21 mpg
City17 mpg
Highway26 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,713
EPA size classSubcompact Cars
Transmission3 options
Passenger volume84 cu ft
Cargo volume12 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$6,563 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 2002 Pontiac Firebird worth?

Low
$900
Typical price
$7,087
High
$20,300

From 19 comparable 2002 Pontiac Firebird listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2002 Pontiac Firebird costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$18,565
Depreciation (5 yrs)$5,950
Total$24,515
Per mile$0.33

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($7,087) with the same model 3 model-years older ($3,525), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Dimensions & weight

Length
193.3–193.7 in
Width
74.4 in
Height
51.2–52.0 in
Wheelbase
101.2 in
Curb weight
3,336–3,611 lb
Front track
60.6 in
Rear track
60.6 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2002 Pontiac Firebird — ranges cover the 3 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

Manufacturer service bulletins 347

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 347.

This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.

Bulletin PIP5601C · Jul 2025

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment…

Bulletin PIP5358D · Feb 2025

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 PIP4723J · Electrical System · Oct 2024

Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exc…

Bulletin General Communication · Electrical System · Aug 2024

This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.

Bulletin 18-NA-099 · Jun 2024

This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.

Bulletin 24-NA-098 · Electrical System · Jun 2024

This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.

Bulletin 10-08-45-001H · Electrical System · Mar 2024

This bulletin advises the technician of possible location of an internal coolant leak from a specific cylinder head and location.

Bulletin 06-06-01-019C · Engine And Engine Cooling · Mar 2024

This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce…

Bulletin 16-NA-383 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Mar 2024

This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.

Bulletin 22-NA-074 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Feb 2024

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 2002 Pontiac Firebird. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.

Structure

Certain vehicles fail to conform to C.M.V.S.S. 208, "occupant crash protection" and C.M.V.S.S. 214 "side door strength". The weld strength on the drivers door hinge pillar does not meet specification which could result in occupant injury in a crash. Correction: Dealers will install three rivets.

Transport Canada #2001294 · Dec 2001

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.

2002 Pontiac Firebird trims & engines on record

Trims
Base · Formula · Trans Am
Engines
3.8L 6-cyl · 5.7L 8-cyl

2002 Pontiac Firebird vehicles on record

2002 Pontiac Firebird 2002 Pontiac Firebird Base2G2FS22K422158166 2002 Pontiac Firebird 2002 Pontiac Firebird Base2G2FS22K322118547 2002 Pontiac Firebird 2002 Pontiac Firebird Formula2G2FV22G722105447 2002 Pontiac Firebird 2002 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am2G2FV32G122107314 2002 Pontiac Firebird 2002 Pontiac Firebird Base2G2FS32KX22152071 2002 Pontiac Firebird 2002 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am2G2FV22G522137121 2002 Pontiac Firebird 2002 Pontiac Firebird Base2G2FS22K122166466 2002 Pontiac Firebird 2002 Pontiac Firebird Base2G2FS22K622170433 2002 Pontiac Firebird 2002 Pontiac Firebird Base2G2FS32K022156677 2002 Pontiac Firebird 2002 Pontiac Firebird Base2G2FS32K322115881 2002 Pontiac Firebird 2002 Pontiac Firebird Formula2G2FV22GX22154965 2002 Pontiac Firebird 2002 Pontiac Firebird Base2G2FS22K122162627 2002 Pontiac Firebird 2002 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am2G2FV22G522169809 2002 Pontiac Firebird 2002 Pontiac Firebird Formula2G2FV22G922164287 2002 Pontiac Firebird 2002 Pontiac Firebird Base2G2FS22K822115465 2002 Pontiac Firebird 2002 Pontiac Firebird Formula2G2FV22GX22169949 2002 Pontiac Firebird 2002 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am2G2FV22G122140744 2002 Pontiac Firebird 2002 Pontiac Firebird2G2FV22G322153320 2002 Pontiac Firebird 2002 Pontiac Firebird2G2FS22K722161272

Other Pontiac Firebird model years

2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1991 1989 1988 1987 1986 1985 1984 1982

2002 Pontiac Firebird — frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Pontiac Firebird have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2002 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 2002 Pontiac Firebird?

Across all 30 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, engine and engine cooling, exterior lighting.

What is the 2002 Pontiac Firebird safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2002 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 2002 Pontiac Firebird get?

The 2002 Pontiac Firebird has U.S. EPA estimates of 19–21 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (4 versions).

How much is a 2002 Pontiac Firebird worth?

Comparable 2002 Pontiac Firebird listings run roughly $900–$20,300, typically around $7,087 (from 19 vehicles).

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