1990 Pontiac Trans Am Problems: 1 Issue Every Owner Should Know
1990 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated July 2026
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1990 Pontiac Trans Am has 1 documented known issues. No issues are rated critical, indicating generally reliable ownership. Across all issues, repair costs range from $150 to $600. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
All 1 Known Issues
On the 1990-1999 Pontiac Trans Am, t-top-equipped Trans Am/Firebirds (both 3rd-gen 1990-1992 and 4th-gen 1993-1999) commonly develop water leaks as the rubber seals age. The most frequent source is the U-shaped molding/weatherstrip around the top rear corner of the glass, which flattens and loses its shape after years of sun exposure and no longer seals against the glass, producing the classic wet-shoulder leak in heavy rain. Leaks can also drip into the interior and, over time, contribute to floor-pan moisture. It is an age/wear issue rather than a defect, but it is nearly universal on high-mileage T-top cars.
Common Symptoms
- Water dripping onto shoulder/interior in rain
- Wet carpet or floor pan
- Wind noise from roof at speed
- Visibly flattened or cracked T-top seals
How to Fix
Replace the T-top and roof-rail weatherstripping with new reproduction seals (widely available from F-body/Firebird specialists), clean and re-seat the moldings, verify the T-top panels are properly adjusted/latched, and confirm the roof drain channels are clear.