1985 Pontiac Fiero
Only 18 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 18 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 18
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 6
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1985
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1985: 18 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1982 | 0 |
| 1983 | 0 |
| 1984 | 31 |
| 1985 | 18 |
| 1986 | 26 |
| 1987 | 15 |
| 1988 | 13 |
| 1991 | 1 |
| 1994 | 1 |
| 1996 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Only 18 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Engine and engine cooling
20 of 18 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.
Show complaint excerpts
Took to dealer to be repaired and the dealer broke parts of the engine and is charging consumer for fixing vehicle under a recall that was not corrected the first time.
NHTSA ODI report, 1997-02-26
Motor mounts came apart. Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-03-28
Engine failed, causing oil leakage, resulting in a fire prio to/after recall repairs (90V-104).
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-03-10
Power train
5 of 18 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing constant velocity joint and clutch assembly.
Parking brake
4 of 18 total reports mention: parking brake, most commonly citing conventional.
Vehicle speed control
2 of 18 total reports mention: vehicle speed control, most commonly citing cruise control.
Service brakes
2 of 18 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 6 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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I
1986-12-17Engineering analysisClosed 1988-07-22 Rear brakes
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I
1987-10-07Defect petitionClosed 1988-05-18 Tie rod breakage
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I
1988-07-22Engineering analysisClosed 1991-08-30 Rear disc brakes
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I
1988-12-13Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-03-31 Engine compartment fires
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I
1989-03-31Engineering analysisClosed 1990-07-13 Engine compartment fires
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I
1990-02-21CClosed 1991-07-31 Rear disc brakes
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R
1990-07-03Engine and engine cooling89V232000 Due to an interaction of the engine compartment environment and maintenance or service related factors, there is a risk of engine compartment fires.
Remedy: Correct or install new engine components to prevent unreasonable fire risk.
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R
1990-08-06Engine and engine cooling90V104000 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…
Remedy: Correct or install new components to prevent unreasonable fire risk.
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R
1991-07-01Parking brake91V055000 Parking brake adjuster fails to operate and do not work after brake pad wear.
Remedy: Replace nonfunctioning parking brake adjusters.
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R
2006-10-18Fuel system, gasoline06E043000 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…
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).
Buy-smart checklist
1985 Pontiac Fiero — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 20 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Parking brake: 4 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 89V232000 · Engine and engine cooling
- Recall 90V104000 · Engine and engine cooling
- Recall 91V055000 · Parking brake
- Recall 06E043000 · Fuel system, gasoline
FAQ
- Is the 1985 Pontiac Fiero reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 1985 Pontiac Fiero?
- The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 111% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1985 Pontiac Fiero have?
- 4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.