RoadVitals

1984 Pontiac Fiero

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
30
Latest Dec 11, 2013
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
4
Latest May 19, 2006
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
8
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
8

Overview

Our database contains 30 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1984 Pontiac Fiero, most frequently naming the engine, electrical and brakes categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 8 NHTSA investigations name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Engine1852.9%
  • Electrical823.5%
  • Brakes411.8%
  • Body & structure12.9%
  • Fuel system12.9%
  • Interior & seats12.9%
  • Transmission12.9%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

4 campaigns cover this model year

View all 4

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
06E043000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

May 19, 2006
88,303 units potentially affected
The defect: 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 CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
The risk: 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 remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.View on NHTSA.gov
91V055000

PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL

Apr 11, 1991
179,036 units potentially affected
The defect: PARKING BRAKE ADJUSTER FAILS TO OPERATE AND DO NOT WORK AFTER BRAKE PAD WEAR.
The risk: PARKING BRAKES WILL NOT COMPLETELY HOLD A PARKED VEHICLEWHEN PARKED ON A SLOPE, CAUSING UNINTENDED VEHICLE ROLLAWAY WHICH COULD RESULTIN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
The remedy: REPLACE NONFUNCTIONING PARKING BRAKE ADJUSTERS.
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.View on NHTSA.gov
89V232000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

Dec 28, 1989
244,000 units potentially affected
The defect: DUE TO AN INTERACTION OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT ENVIRONMENT AND MAINTENANCE OR SERVICE RELATED FACTORS, THERE IS A RISK OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES.
The risk: AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE CAN SPREAD TO THE PASSENGERCOMPARTMENT AND INJURE OCCUPANTS.
The remedy: CORRECT OR INSTALL NEW ENGINE COMPONENTS TO PREVENT UNREASONABLE FIRE RISK.
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

C90001ClosedInvestigation

REAR DISC BRAKES

Opened Feb 21, 1990
Closed Jul 31, 1991

There is no summary currently available

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
EA88036ClosedEngineering Analysis

REAR DISC BRAKES

Opened Jul 22, 1988
Closed Aug 30, 1991

SUMMARY: CORROSION IN THE REAR BRAKE CALIPER PREVENTS AUTOMATIC ADJUSTMENT FOR PAD WEAR. THIS MAY EVENTUALLY CAUSE LOSS OF REAR SERVICE BRAKE AND PARKING BRAKE. GM HAS ADDED CORROSION PROTECTION AND CHANGED SPRING RATE TO CORRECT PROBLEM. SAME BASIC DESIGN USED ON ALL MODELS IDENTIFIED.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
PE88033ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

THROTTLE CABLE BINDING

Opened Mar 10, 1988
Closed May 6, 1988

===

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
DP88002ClosedDefect Petition

TIE ROD BREAKAGE

Opened Oct 7, 1987
Closed May 18, 1988

TIE ROD BREAKAGE

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 30
Engine
Filed Dec 11, 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1984 PONTIAC FIERO (N/A). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEAD BOLT WOULD BECOME SEPARATED FROM THE ENGINE WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED. THE FAILURE CAUSED OIL TO LEAK ONTO THE MANIFOLD AND ENGINE BLOCK. IN ADDITION, THE OIL WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,000.

NHTSA ID
10555740
Incident
Nov 15, 2013
Mileage
51,000 mi
Engine
Filed Aug 1, 2013
Fire reported

A FRIEND WAS DRIVING MY 1984 PONTIAC FIERO WHEN THE ENGINE SUDDENLY CAUGHT FIRE. AFTER AN INVESTIGATION BY THE LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT, THEY DETERMINED AN OIL LIKE SUBSTANCE WAS SPRAYED ON THE MANIFOLD. MY FRIEND WAS ARRESTED FOR ARSON & I WAS ARRESTED FOR CRIMINAL SOLICITATION. AFTER GOING THROUGH THE COURT PROCEDURES AND BEING CONVICTED OF A FELONY I RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER FROM PONTIAC RECALLING MY CAR FOR POSSIBLE ENGINE FIRE. THE CAR WAS ALREADY GONE THOUGH & I NEVER RECEIVED ANY COMPENSATION AND HAVE HAD A FELONY RECORD FOLLOWING ME FOR ALL OF THESE YEARS! I WANT SOMETHING DONE TO HELP IN THIS SITUATION. *TR

NHTSA ID
10533104
Incident
Jun 24, 1988
Engine
Filed Aug 18, 2003

I PURCHASED A 1984 PONTIAC FIERO ON APRIL, 4 2003. I HAVE READ ABOUT THE SAFETY RECALL ON THIS AUTO. FROM THE INFORMATION I HAVE GATHERED, NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER : 89V232000 CONCERNING ENGINE FIRE APPLIES TO THIS AUTOMOBILE. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS SAFETY RECALL AND DETERMINED THE REQUIRED WORK HAS NOT BEEN PERFORMED ON MY AUTO. I CONTACTED GM CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE ABOUT THIS SITUATION. THEY INFORMED ME THAT THIS RECALL EITHER HAD ALREADY BEEN DONE, OR THAT IT DID NOT APPLY TO MY AUTO. BY THE INFORMATION I HAVE FOUND ALL 1984 FIERO'S WERE INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL. THE VIN NUMBER OF MY AUTO IS [XXX]. I NEED YOUR ASSISTANCE TO DETERMINE IF THE ABOVE RECALL DOES OR DOES NOT APPLY TO MY AUTO. IF IT DOES, IT APPEARS THAT I NEED YOUR ASSISTANCE IN GETTING PONTIAC TO PERFORM THE SPECIFIED SERVICE TO THIS AUTOMOBILE. *AK INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID
10033074
Incident
Aug 18, 2003
Mileage
40,100 mi
Engine
Filed Sep 13, 2002

RECALL 89 V 232 000 ENGINE. CONSUNER STATES THAT THE DEALER ( TOM WOOD PPONTIAC INDIANOPOLIS, IN 317-352-9311) IS REFUSING TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE FOR THE RECALL. NLM

NHTSA ID
8018604
Engine
Filed Jul 31, 2001
Fire reported

CONSUMER STATES HE WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE, WHEN SMOKE STARTED COMING INTO THE VEHICLE, CONSUMER PULLED OFF THE ROADWAY AND EXITED THE VEHICLE, FIRE STARTED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENTDUE TO POSSIBLE ENGINE FAILURE. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT #10-89-165)*JB

NHTSA ID
562258
Incident
Jun 4, 2001
Engine
Filed Aug 23, 2000

THE VEHICLE HAS A LOUD KNOCKING/RATTLING NOISE COMING FROM THE BLOCK IT SOUNDS LIKE THE CONNECTING ROD IS ABOUT TO COME APART , I WENT TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP AFTER I FOUND A CAMPAIGN ON THE PONTAIC FIERO ENGINES. AND THE CANT TELL ME IF THE ENGINE HAD BEEN REPLACED OR NOT THEY JUST TOLD ME THERE IS NO OPEN CAMPAIGN ON THE VEHICLE AND I ALSO CALLED PONTIAC CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY ALSO TOLD ME THAT THERE IS NO OPEN CAMPAIGNS ON THE CAR. THE VECHICLE IS EXHIBITING THE SAME NOISE AS THE CAMPAIGN STATES.

NHTSA ID
728851
Filed Mar 13, 2000

I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THE ENGINE IN THIS FIERO WAS ONE OF THOSE RECALLED. NO SAFETY DEFECT, REQUESTS RECALL INFORMATION. *AK

NHTSA ID
720033
Incident
Oct 16, 1999
Interior & seats
Filed Jan 12, 2000

WIRING HARNESS UNDER THE DASH BEGAN TO SMOKE AND CAUSING THE IGNITION SYSTEM NOT TO WORK. NLM

NHTSA ID
783839

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Pontiac Fiero by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
1996100—
1994100—
1991100—
1988133147.7
1987153352.0
1986264770.4
1985184671.0
1984Viewing304871.9
1983002—
1982001—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.