1991 Pontiac Firebird: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1991 Pontiac Firebird: 3 recalls, 27 owner complaints and up to 19 mpg combined.
Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 2 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #91V031000 · 1991 · 21 vehicles
What's wrong: Poor bond adhesion between the windshield glass and the mounting, which could allow the windshield to separate from the vehicle during a collision. This fails to conform with fmvss 212.
Why it matters: If windshield separation occurs in a collision, anunbelted occupant could be ejected from the vehicle, and personal injury couldoccur.
The fix: Remove all sealer from windshield and mounting; apply new bonding and sealant material, and reinstall windshield.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #91V067000 · 1991 · 40,696 vehicles
What's wrong: The metal latchplates May not engage the buckle assemblies, causing a "no latch" condition. Movement of the seat occupant in this condition could cause latchplate release from the buckle.
Why it matters: Unbelted or incorrectly belted seat occupants aresubjected to increased risk of injury in the event of sudden stop or accident.
The fix: Replace the retractor assembly for the safety belt (front and rear in coupes and front only in convertibles).
Fuel system Vehicle recall #94V077000 · 1994 · 232,988 vehicles
What's wrong: The fuel filler neck solder joint can develop cracks or pin hole leaks, which does not comply with fmvss no. 301, "fuel system integrity." the cracks and holes can allow fuel vapor and fuel leakage.
Why it matters: Consequence of non-compliance: gasoline vapors and fuel leaks can result in a fire if exposed to a source of ignition.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the fuel tank assembly and replace those which exhibit the cracks or pin hole leaks.
2 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Fuel system Equipment recall #06E043000 · 2006 · 88,303 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain replacement fuel filters, fram brand name p/n g3727, with date codes x52911 through x60801 sequentially or x600141 and a mexico country or origin marking on the fuel filter housing manufactured from October 18, 2005, through March 21, 2006, sold for use on the vehicles listed above and on certain school buses. (to see the school bus engine sizes, click on "document search" and then "bus applications"). The…
Why it matters: This condition May cause an inadequate seal at the connection, potentially leading to a fuel leak. In the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur.
The fix: Honeywell will notify owners and replace the fuel filters free of charge. The recall began on October 18, 2006.
Equipment Equipment recall #07E088000 · 2007 · 121,680 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: This condition May cause inadequate sealing and loss of engine oil, possibly resulting in a fire.
The 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 3 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Fuel system (7): the most common themes are leaks (6).
- Airbags (3): the most common themes are fails to deploy (2).
- Body & structure (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Electrical (3): the most common themes are electrical failure (2).
The 1991 Pontiac Firebird has 27 owner complaints, ranking #7 of 13 Firebird model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 38). Complaints peaked in 1995 (4 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 68,300 miles. Neighboring years: 1990 (9 complaints, 2 recalls), 1992 (27 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.1 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 25 | 19 | Regular |
| 3.1 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 24 | 18 | Regular |
| 5.0 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 22 | 18 | Premium |
| 5.0 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 24 | 18 | Regular |
| 5.0 L 8-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 24 | 18 | Regular |
| 5.0 L 8-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 24 | 18 | Premium |
| 5.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 22 | 17 | 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 1991 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 1991 Pontiac Firebird have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 1991 Pontiac Firebird, plus 2 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. 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 1991 Pontiac Firebird problems?
Owners have filed 27 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are fuel system (7), airbags (3), body & structure (3).
What gas mileage does the 1991 Pontiac Firebird get?
EPA ratings run up to 19 mpg combined (3.1 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 7 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1991 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.