MYRModel Year Report

1986 Pontiac Fiero

○ Not enough data
1986 Pontiac Fiero
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:35:47.478Z

Only 26 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 26 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints
26

Too few to rank

Recalls
4

Campaigns on file for 1986

Investigations
7

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1984: 31 complaints 1984 1985: 18 complaints 1985 1986: 26 complaints 1986 26 1987: 15 complaints 1987 1988: 13 complaints 1988 1991: 1 complaint 1991 1994: 1 complaint 1994 1996: 1 complaint 1996
1984: 31 complaints 1984 1985: 18 complaints 1985 1986: 26 complaints 1986 26 1987: 15 complaints 1987 1988: 13 complaints 1988 1991: 1 complaint 1991 1994: 1 complaint 1994 1996: 1 complaint 1996
1984: 31 complaints 1984 1985: 18 complaints 1985 1986: 26 complaints 1986 26 1987: 15 complaints 1987 1988: 13 complaints 1988 1991: 1 complaint 1991 1994: 1 complaint 1994 1996: 1 complaint 1996

1986: 26 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19820
19830
198431
198518
198626
198715
198813
19911
19941
19961

Known problem areas

Only 26 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Engine and engine cooling

15 of 26 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline and manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe.

FIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

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…

NHTSA ODI report, 1999-04-28

Vehicle fire caused by the pine needles and leaves were ignited by a hot catalytic converter. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-02-12

Consumer complained about oil leaking into the engine compartment and onto the ground.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-11-28

Parking brake

5 of 26 total reports mention: parking brake, most commonly citing conventional and mechanical.

Show complaint excerpts

The consumer stated, the emergency brake did not work. If the vehicle was parked on a hill, it would roll.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-08-12

Service brakes

2 of 26 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.

Electrical system

2 of 26 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing wiring and ignition.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Spark plug wire came in contact with hot engine and burst into flames.

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-10-29

Seat belts

1 of 26 total reports mentions: seat belts, most commonly citing buckle assembly.

INJURY

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 7 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. I
    1986-12-17Engineering analysisClosed 1988-07-22 Rear brakes
  2. I
    1987-10-07Defect petitionClosed 1988-05-18 Tie rod breakage
  3. I
    1988-07-22Engineering analysisClosed 1991-08-30 Rear disc brakes
  4. I
    1988-10-18Preliminary evaluationClosed 1988-12-29 Rear hub carrier failure
  5. I
    1988-12-13Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-03-31 Engine compartment fires
  6. I
    1989-03-31Engineering analysisClosed 1990-07-13 Engine compartment fires
  7. I
    1990-02-21CClosed 1991-07-31 Rear disc brakes
  8. 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  9. 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  10. 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  11. 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).

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1986 Pontiac Fiero — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 15 reports on file for this year.
  • Parking brake: 5 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 2 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
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1986 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 1986 Pontiac Fiero?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 58% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1986 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.