RoadVitals

1986 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.
26
Latest Jul 3, 2016
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.
7
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.
5
2 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 26 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1986 Pontiac Fiero, most frequently naming the engine, brakes and electrical categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 7 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

  • Engine1557.7%
  • Brakes726.9%
  • Electrical27.7%
  • Seat belts13.8%
  • Transmission13.8%

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
90V104000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

Apr 23, 1990
102,162 units potentially affected
The defect: PCV GROMMET OIL LEAKS, TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LEAKS, PISTON CONNECTING ROD FAILURES BREAKING THROUGH ENGINE WALL CAUSING OIL SPILLAGE, FUEL RAIL LEAKS, COOLANT LEAKS, ROCKER COVER OIL LEAKS, AND MAINTENANCE OR SERVICE RELATED FACTORS, COULD CAUSE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES.
The risk: AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE CAN SPREAD TO THE PASSENGERCOMPARTMENT AND INJURE OCCUPANTS.
The remedy: CORRECT OR INSTALL NEW 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
EA89022ClosedEngineering Analysis

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES

Opened Mar 31, 1989
Closed Jul 13, 1990

SUMMARY:MANY SUBJECT VEHICLE OWNERS REPORTED ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES,AND SIX FIRES RESULTED IN SIX INJURIES.===

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINELed to recall 90V104000
PE89023ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES

Opened Dec 13, 1988
Closed Mar 31, 1989

There is no summary currently available

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
PE89005ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

REAR HUB CARRIER FAILURE

Opened Oct 18, 1988
Closed Dec 29, 1988

There is no summary currently available

SUSPENSION

Recent owner complaints

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

View all 26
Filed Jul 3, 2016

I HAVE OWNED THIS CAR SINCE NEW AND NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FROM GM. I SEE IN YOUR DATABASE THAT THERE HAVE BEEN 4 RECALLS ISSUED.

NHTSA ID
10882360
Incident
Jul 3, 2016
Engine
Filed Jul 1, 2006

RECALL TO MY 1986 PONTIAC FIERO (VIN# 1G2PF3795GP23433) WAS NEVER COMPLETED DURING THE LIFETIME OF THE VEHICLE. THIS WAS A SERIOUS RECALL, AS IT INVOLVED A POSSIBILITY OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE. GM RECALL NUMBER 88-C-24A. I RECENTLY PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE ON 6/21/2006, UNAWARE THAT THE RECALL WAS NEVER DONE. I TRIED TO GET PONTIAC TO COVER THIS RECALL BUT THEY REFUSE. FOR MY SAFETY, I'M MOVING FORWARD AND PAYING FOR THE RECALL TO BE DONE FOR MY SAFETY AND MY FAMILY. I WOULD LIKE SOME SORT OF ASSISTANCE FROM PONTIAC. *NM

NHTSA ID
10161182
Incident
Jun 21, 2006
Brakes
Filed Dec 13, 2004

THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THE PARTS WERE NO LONGER AVAILABLE. THE PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM OF THESE VEHICLE'S MAY CONTAIN A NONFUNCTIONAL PARKING BRAKE ADJUSTER. *BF RECALL CAMPAIGN 91V055000; THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER FOR HER VEHICLE. *TC

NHTSA ID
10108839
Incident
Jul 1, 1991
Brakes
Filed Apr 20, 2004

THE CONSUMER STATED, THE EMERGENCY BRAKE DID NOT WORK. IF THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON A HILL, IT WOULD ROLL. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS A RECALL, AND THAT THIS WAS CAUSING VEHICLE NOT TO PASS STATE INSPECTION.*AK *SC *JB

NHTSA ID
10033772
Incident
Aug 12, 2003
Engine
Filed Mar 22, 2004

CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL 90V104000 CONCERNING ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. WHEN THE TRUNK IS OPENED IN THE RAIN WATER DRIPS THROUGH THE TRUNK ONTO THE OXYGEN SENSOR. A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM WAS ISSUED, BUT THE THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN. *AK

NHTSA ID
10064605
Incident
Jun 6, 2003
Mileage
98,000 mi
Engine
Filed Nov 28, 2003

CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT OIL LEAKING INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND ONTO THE GROUND. *AK

NHTSA ID
10048784
Engine
Filed Nov 28, 2003

CONSUMER STATED THAT VEHICLE DUMPED OIL FROM THE ENGINE UPON STARTING. CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO GET ANY RECALL INFORMATION FROM EITHER DEALER OR MANUFACTURER. *AK

NHTSA ID
10048757
Incident
Nov 28, 2003
Engine
Filed Sep 5, 2001

CONSUMER RECEIVED MANUFACTURER'S RECALL NOTICE 88C24, MANFACTURER HAS NOT REMEDIED THE PROBLEM BECAUSE HAD NO PARTS. ALSO, HAD BEEN CALLING DEALER, PONTIAC CUSTOMER CARE CENTER FOR ABOUT 120 DAYS, AND NO RESPONSE. RECALLS HAD NOT BEEN PERFORMED ON VEHICLE.*AK

NHTSA ID
895792

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
1986Viewing264770.4
1985184671.0
1984304871.9
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.