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

Free: 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 · 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-…

Source: U.S. NHTSA. 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

Owners have filed 30 complaints with NHTSA. These are the most-reported areas in a sample of the most recent — and what to check before you buy.

Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Wheels
Inspect wheels for bends, cracks and curb rash, and feel for vibration at highway speed.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.

2002 Pontiac Firebird safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★

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

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.

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

Other Pontiac Firebird model years

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 free.

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Pontiac Firebird?

Owners have filed 30 complaints with NHTSA; in a sample of the most recent, the most-reported problem areas are engine and engine cooling, electrical system, wheels.

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.