1999 Pontiac Firebird: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1999 Pontiac Firebird: 1 recall, 47 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.
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Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #99V239000 · 1999 · 69 vehicles
What's wrong: The clutch master cylinder May have been built with an incorrect retaining ring.
Why it matters: This May not allow the clutch system to disengage the clutch when the clutch pedal is depressed, resulting in unintentional vehicle movement, increased stopping distances, engine stalls, and difficulty in shifting.
The fix: Dealers will replace the hydraulic clutch master cylinder with a new cylinder.
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
- Brakes (hydraulic) (15): the most common themes are noise or vibration (4), brake failure / soft pedal (2).
- Transmission & drivetrain (9): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (2).
- Visibility (wipers, glass) (6): the most common themes are electrical failure (2).
- Engine & cooling (6): the most common themes are electrical failure (2).
The 1999 Pontiac Firebird has 47 owner complaints, ranking #5 of 13 Firebird model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 38). Complaints peaked in 2000 (16 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 2 years old, at a median of 41,500 miles. Neighboring years: 1998 (63 complaints, 0 recalls), 2000 (24 complaints, 0 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 28 | 21 | Regular |
| 3.8 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 26 | 20 | Regular |
| 5.7 L 8-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 26 | 20 | Premium |
| 5.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | 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 1999 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.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 1999 Pontiac Firebird have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 1999 Pontiac Firebird. 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 1999 Pontiac Firebird problems?
Owners have filed 47 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (hydraulic) (15), transmission & drivetrain (9), visibility (wipers, glass) (6).
What gas mileage does the 1999 Pontiac Firebird get?
EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (3.8 L, Manual 5-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1999 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.