VehicleVerdict

1985 Pontiac Fiero problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 40 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 4.0 times the median Fiero year — the 1985 model ranks #2 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 53% of all reports (21 of 40), far ahead of brakes at 6.

40

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

6

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1985 compare to other Fiero years?

Fiero NHTSA complaints by model year, 1985 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, 1985 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Fiero years to avoid →

What are the most common 1985 Pontiac Fiero problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine2153%
Brakes615%
Transmission513%
Speed Control25%
Other13%
Suspension13%
Visibility & Wipers13%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)13%
Electrical System13%
Fuel System13%

Does the 1985 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.

90V104000EngineApril 23, 1990 · 102,162 units

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.

Consequence

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

Remedy

CORRECT OR INSTALL NEW COMPONENTS TO PREVENT UNREASONABLE FIRE RISK.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“RECALLS 89 V 232 000/ENGINE AND 90 V 104 000/ENGINE: VEHICLE HAD AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE WHILE TRAVELING 15-20 MPH. MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION ON THIS MATTER.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 13, 2001 · fire

“THE DEALERSHIP WILL NOT FIX EVERYTHING STATED IN HIS RECALL LETTER. *AK CONSUMER STATES RECALL LETTER STATES THAT THE BRAKE PADS NEED TO BE REPLACED WHENT THE CABLES, ETC ARE REPLACED, HOWEVER DEALER DID NOT PERFORM THIS, SERVICE MANAGER REFUSED TO REPLACE, CONSUMER REFUSES TO DRIVE VEHICLE, RECALL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · July 26, 1996

“CLUTCH AND SLAVE CYLINDER FAILED DUE TO SPRINGS CATCHING THE FINGERS IN THE PRESSURE PLATE STRIPPING THE RELEASE BEARING. YUH”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission

1985 Pontiac Fiero — common questions

Is the 1985 Pontiac Fiero reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 40 complaints put the 1985 model at #2 of 10 Fiero years. It is one of the Fiero years to avoid.

What are the most common 1985 Fiero problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (21 complaints), brakes (6 complaints), transmission (5 complaints).

Does the 1985 Pontiac Fiero have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1985 Pontiac Fiero. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1985 Pontiac Fiero under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 6 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.