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1986 Pontiac FieroProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 26 owner complaints about the 1986 Pontiac Fiero, most often about the engine and engine cooling. It is covered by 3 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls3Free fix at dealersOwner complaints267 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage98kEngine and engine cooling, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through July 3, 2016. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1986 Pontiac Fiero has problems

26 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Engine and engine cooling154
Parking brake50
Service brakes, hydraulic20
Electrical system21
Power train10
Seat belts11

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

3 recalls

1986 Pontiac Fiero recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Parking brake: conventional

Recall 91V-055 · Apr 11, 1991 · 179,036 vehicles

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

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Pontiac.

Best & worst years

1986 vs. every other Fiero year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Fiero median. How we score

'84'85'86'87'88'91'94'96
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
7 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1986 Pontiac Fiero, and the recalls they led to.

  1. REAR DISC BRAKESC90001 · closed Jul 31, 1991
    No recall
  2. TIE ROD BREAKAGEDP88002 · closed May 18, 1988
    No recall
  3. REAR BRAKESEA87008 · closed Jul 22, 1988
    No recall
  4. REAR DISC BRAKESEA88036 · closed Aug 30, 1991
    No recall
  5. ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRESEA89022 · closed Jul 13, 1990
    Led to recall 90V-104
  6. REAR HUB CARRIER FAILUREPE89005 · closed Dec 29, 1988
    No recall
  7. ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRESPE89023 · closed Mar 31, 1989
    No recall
In owners' words

What Fiero owners report

Recent engine and engine cooling complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

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…
Complaint 10161182 · Jul 1, 2006
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
Complaint 10064605 · Mar 22, 2004 · 98,000 miles
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
Complaint 10048757 · Nov 28, 2003

Own a 1986 Fiero?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.