VehicleVerdict

1984 Pontiac Fiero problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 44 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 4.4 times the median Fiero year — the 1984 model ranks #1 of 10 Fiero years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 55% of all reports (24 of 44), far ahead of electrical system at 12.

44

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

8

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

8

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1984 compare to other Fiero years?

Fiero NHTSA complaints by model year, 1984 highlighted44 complaints1982: 0 complaints1983: 0 complaints1984: 44 complaints1985: 40 complaints1986: 28 complaints1987: 29 complaints1988: 19 complaints1991: 1 complaints1994: 1 complaints1996: 1 complaints
Fiero NHTSA complaints by model year, 1984 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Fiero years to avoid →

What are the most common 1984 Pontiac Fiero problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine2455%
Electrical System1227%
Brakes49%
Other25%
Fuel System12%
Transmission12%

Does the 1984 Pontiac Fiero have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

06E043000Fuel SystemMay 19, 2006 · 88,303 units

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.

Consequence

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.

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).

91V055000BrakesApril 11, 1991 · 179,036 units

Defect

PARKING BRAKE ADJUSTER FAILS TO OPERATE AND DO NOT WORK AFTER BRAKE PAD WEAR.

Consequence

PARKING BRAKES WILL NOT COMPLETELY HOLD A PARKED VEHICLEWHEN PARKED ON A SLOPE, CAUSING UNINTENDED VEHICLE ROLLAWAY WHICH COULD RESULTIN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Remedy

REPLACE NONFUNCTIONING PARKING BRAKE ADJUSTERS.

89V232000EngineDecember 28, 1989 · 244,000 units

Defect

DUE TO AN INTERACTION OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT ENVIRONMENT AND MAINTENANCE OR SERVICE RELATED FACTORS, THERE IS A RISK OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES.

Consequence

AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE CAN SPREAD TO THE PASSENGERCOMPARTMENT AND INJURE OCCUPANTS.

Remedy

CORRECT OR INSTALL NEW ENGINE COMPONENTS TO PREVENT UNREASONABLE FIRE RISK.

87V181000EngineDecember 1, 1987 · 125,440 units

Defect

DUE TO AN INTERACTION OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT ENVIRONMENT AND MAINTENANCE OR SERVICE RELATED FACTORS, THERE IS AN UNREASONABLE RISK OF CONNECTING ROD FAILURE AND ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES.

Consequence

AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE CAN SPREAD TO THE PASSENGERCOMPARTMENT AND INJURE OCCUPANTS.

Remedy

CORRECT OR INSTALL NEW ENGINE COMPONENTS TO PREVENT UNREASONABLE FIRE RISK.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 4, 2001 · fire

“WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH CONSUMER SMELLED SMOKE, PULLED OVER AND NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. ANOTHER CONSUMER HELP PUT OUT THE FIRE. THE CONSUMER NOTICED THE WIRES HAD BURNED UP. THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD WAS GETTING TOO HOT AND CATCHING ON FIRE. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 19, 1998 · fire

“OWNER RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE FOR PARKING BRAKE PROBLEMS, CALLED DEALER AND WAS TOLD THEY COULD NOT DO THE REPAIR BECAUSE THE VEHICLE HAD A DIFFERENT TYPE OF ENGINE. RECALL (91V-055). *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes

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

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · October 16, 1999

1984 Pontiac Fiero — common questions

Is the 1984 Pontiac Fiero reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 44 complaints put the 1984 model at #1 of 10 Fiero years. It is one of the Fiero years to avoid.

What are the most common 1984 Fiero problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (24 complaints), electrical system (12 complaints), brakes (4 complaints).

Does the 1984 Pontiac Fiero have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1984 Pontiac Fiero. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1984 Pontiac Fiero under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 8 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Pontiac Fiero years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Fiero years to avoid are 1984, 1985. The cleanest record among Fiero years belongs to 1983.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.