At a Glance
The Pontiac Firebird has 0 identified common problems across 4 generations and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 8K MOT tests from DVSA data.
Problems are patterns in the DVSA data that occur significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average — confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read our DVSA MOT data methodology →
Below: generation-by-generation comparison of Pontiac Firebird common problems, MOT failure types, and pass-rate data drawn from DVSA records. Click any generation to see fuel- and engine-specific fault patterns, mileage-banded repair guidance, and the most common MOT failures testers record.
MOT Tests & Failures by Generation
Pontiac Firebird generations by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that generation's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
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Tell Us About Your Problem
Help other Pontiac Firebird owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
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Browse Pontiac Firebird Generations
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Most Common Pontiac Firebird MOT Failures
Every reason Pontiac Firebird vehicles fail their MOT, ranked by frequency. Select an individual year to see only that year’s failures, or stay on ‘All time’ for the combined picture across our 20 years of DVSA data. Scroll inside the table for the full list.
| # | Failure | % of failures |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brake performance below minimum | 10.01% |
| 2 | Headlamp aim defect | 6.00% |
| 3 | Windscreen washer not working | 5.31% |
| 4 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 5.17% |
| 5 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 4.59% |
| 6 | Indicator fault | 4.39% |
| 7 | Exhaust system fault | 3.68% |
| 8 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 3.67% |
| 9 | Stop lamp not working | 3.46% |
| 10 | Front lamp not working | 3.11% |
| 11 | Suspension mounting corroded | 2.91% |
| 12 | Number plate lamp not working | 2.63% |
| 13 | Fog lamp not working | 2.42% |
| 14 | Tyre condition | 2.05% |
| 15 | Horn not working | 2.03% |
| 16 | Track rod end worn | 1.96% |
| 17 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 1.88% |
| 18 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 1.80% |
| 19 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 1.76% |
| 20 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 1.75% |
| 21 | Battery loose or leaking | 1.70% |
| 22 | Seat belt condition | 1.47% |
| 23 | Spring mounting corroded | 1.47% |
| 24 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 1.42% |
| 25 | Brake disc or drum worn | 1.25% |
| 26 | Chassis condition | 1.20% |
| 27 | Body corrosion or damage | 1.08% |
| 28 | Headlamp fault | 1.04% |
| 29 | Rear lamp not working | 1.00% |
| 30 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 0.99% |
| 31 | Parking brake condition | 0.93% |
| 32 | Brake pads or linings worn | 0.91% |
| 33 | Position lamp not working | 0.89% |
| 34 | Electrical switch fault | 0.64% |
| 35 | Front suspension fault | 0.63% |
| 36 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.60% |
| 37 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.59% |
| 38 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.58% |
| 39 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.57% |
| 40 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.57% |
| 41 | Steering column fault | 0.53% |
| 42 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.39% |
| 43 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.36% |
| 44 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.36% |
| 45 | ABS fault | 0.35% |
| 46 | Brake fluid leak | 0.35% |
| 47 | Rear suspension fault | 0.35% |
| 48 | Drag link end worn | 0.32% |
| 49 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.31% |
| 50 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.30% |
| 51 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.28% |
| 52 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.27% |
| 53 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.27% |
| 54 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.26% |
| 55 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.23% |
| 56 | Steering arm worn | 0.22% |
| 57 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.22% |
| 58 | Brake caliper fault | 0.21% |
| 59 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.21% |
| 60 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.21% |
| 61 | Brake pedal fault | 0.19% |
| 62 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.18% |
| 63 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | 0.17% |
| 64 | Passenger seat fault | 0.15% |
| 65 | Steering lock fault | 0.15% |
| 66 | Steering box fault | 0.14% |
| 67 | Steering rack fault | 0.14% |
| 68 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.14% |
| 69 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.13% |
| 70 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.13% |
| 71 | Driver seat fault | 0.13% |
| 72 | Power steering pump fault | 0.13% |
| 73 | Steering free play excessive | 0.13% |
| 74 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.12% |
| 75 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.10% |
| 76 | Brake lever fault | 0.09% |
| 77 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.09% |
| 78 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.09% |
| 79 | Speedometer fault | 0.09% |
| 80 | Anchor bracket corroded | 0.08% |
| 81 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | 0.08% |
| 82 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.06% |
| 83 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.06% |
| 84 | Indicator warning light fault | 0.06% |
| 85 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.06% |
| 86 | Steering coupling worn | 0.06% |
| 87 | Body security fault | 0.05% |
| 88 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.05% |
| 89 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | 0.05% |
| 90 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.04% |
| 91 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.04% |
| 92 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.04% |
| 93 | Engine oil leak | 0.04% |
| 94 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | 0.04% |
| 95 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | 0.04% |
| 96 | Steering operation fault | 0.04% |
| 97 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | 0.04% |
| 98 | Brake relay lever fault | 0.03% |
| 99 | Dip switch fault | 0.03% |
| 100 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.03% |
| 101 | Leaf spring eye worn or broken | 0.03% |
| 102 | Leaf spring shackle bracket corroded | 0.03% |
| 103 | Main beam warning light fault | 0.03% |
| 104 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.03% |
| 105 | Transmission oil leak | 0.03% |
| 106 | Vehicle floor corroded | 0.03% |
| 107 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.03% |
| 108 | Airbag warning light on | 0.01% |
| 109 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | 0.01% |
| 110 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | 0.01% |
| 111 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.01% |
| 112 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.01% |
| 113 | Driver airbag fault | 0.01% |
| 114 | Driver door fault | 0.01% |
| 115 | Exhaust leak | 0.01% |
| 116 | Front passenger door fault | 0.01% |
| 117 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.01% |
| 118 | Hazard warning light fault | 0.01% |
| 119 | Outline marker lamp not working | 0.01% |
| 120 | Power steering ram fault | 0.01% |
| 121 | Semaphore indicator fault | 0.01% |
| 122 | Steering drive system fault | 0.01% |
| 123 | Steering shaft fault | 0.01% |
| 124 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.01% |
| 125 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | 0.01% |
Showing all 125 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Pontiac Firebird MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Pontiac Firebird, grouped by category. Same data as the failures table above — just sliced by category instead of fault title. Hover a slice for the top failures in each category.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Pontiac Firebird problems?
Based on analysis of 8K Pontiac Firebird MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 0 identified common problems across 4 generations. Brakes is the most common problem category.
Which Pontiac Firebird generation has the most problems?
We haven't identified significant problem patterns specific to any single generation of the Pontiac Firebird yet — either this is a well-engineered model across all its generations, or the sample size per generation is still small. Check individual generation pages for MOT failure and advisory breakdowns.
How is this data calculated?
We analyse anonymised DVSA MOT test records under the Open Government Licence. An issue is classified as a "Common Problem" when it occurs significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average, confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read the full methodology page for details.
Can I report a problem with my Pontiac Firebird?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Pontiac Firebird owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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