VehicleVerdict

1986 Pontiac Fiero problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 28 complaints on file for the 1986 Pontiac Fiero — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 4 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

28

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

7

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

5

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1986 compare to other Fiero years?

Fiero NHTSA complaints by model year, 1986 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, 1986 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Fiero years to avoid →

What are the most common 1986 Pontiac Fiero problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1554%
Brakes725%
Electrical System27%
Other27%
Seat Belts14%
Transmission14%

Does the 1986 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.

“APPARENTLY, THIS CAR IS INFAMOUS FOR FIRES, BUT I WAS NOT WARNED UPON PURCHASE 4 MONTHS PRIOR TO THIS, PLUS I HAD SPENT CLOSE TO $400 ON REPAIRS AFTER PURCHASE AND IT DID PASS SAFETY INSPECTION 2 WEEKS PRIOR TO BURSTING INTO FLAMES”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 5, 1999 · fire

“EMERGENCY BRAKE WILL NOT KEEP CAR FROM ROLLING AWAY. I GOT A RECALL ON IT. PONTIAC SAID THEY WOULD FIX IT ANYTIME IN THE FUTURE THAT I WANTED BECAUSE THE CAR WAS BEING SAVED AS A COLLECTABLE. THEY SAID THAT BECAUSE IT WAS SAFETY RELATED THERE WAS NO TIME FRAME. NOW THEY ARE TRYING TO AVOID FIXING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · July 1, 1989

“OIL LEAK FROM UNKNOWN ORIGIN. LOCATED APPROXIMATELY AT UPPER PART OF ENGINE DOWN TO PULLY AND BELTS. ALSO WIRES LOCATED NEAR PASSENGER COMPARTMENT IN ENGINE ARE EXTREMELY HOT, DISCOLORED AND BRITTLE HARNESS..CONCERN FOR ? OF FIRE, ESPECIALLY WITH OIL LEAKAGE NEAR BY...CHECK ENGINE LIGHT GOES…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other

“OIL LEAK FROM UNKNOWN ORIGIN. LOCATED APPROXIMATELY AT UPPER PART OF ENGINE DOWN TO PULLY AND BELTS. ALSO WIRES LOCATED NEAR PASSENGER COMPARTMENT IN ENGINE ARE EXTREMELY HOT, DISCOLORED AND BRITTLE HARNESS..CONCERN FOR ? OF FIRE, ESPECIALLY WITH OIL LEAKAGE NEAR BY...CHECK ENGINE LIGHT GOES…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System

“4 SPEED SHIFTER ASSY WILL NOT ENGAGE BACK UP LIGHT SWITCH AND IS HARD TO SHIFT INTO REVERSE GEAR AT TIMES. I HAVE REPLACED SHIFTER TWICE, THIS BEING THE 3RD ONE FOR THE CAR. EACH TIME THE FAILURE HAS BEEN DUE TO PREMATURE WEAR ON TWO RIVITS COMING LOOSE ON FORWARD RIGHT SIDE OF ASSY AND THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 23, 1999

1986 Pontiac Fiero — common questions

Is the 1986 Pontiac Fiero reliable?

The record is thin — 28 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 4 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 1986 Fiero problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (15 complaints), brakes (7 complaints), other (2 complaints).

Does the 1986 Pontiac Fiero have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1986 Pontiac Fiero. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1986 Pontiac Fiero under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 7 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.