1988 Pontiac Fiero
Only 13 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 13 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1982 | 0 |
| 1983 | 0 |
| 1984 | 30 |
| 1985 | 18 |
| 1986 | 26 |
| 1987 | 15 |
| 1988 | 13 |
| 1991 | 1 |
| 1994 | 1 |
| 1996 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 13 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
4 of 13 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.
2 of 13 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.
Show complaint excerpts
PRODUCT SAFETY CAMPAIGN - 88-C-24 MR
NHTSA ODI report, 20021022
DEALER CLAIMS RECALL 1988 C 24 IS NOT IN EFFECT DESPITE FACT THAT THE RECALL WORK WAS NEVER DONE NOR WAS I ADVISED. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20020823
1 of 13 total reports mentions: wheels.
Show complaint excerpts
THE BOLTS WERE MISSING FROM THE CALIPER (REAR), THE RIM WAS DAMAGED , THE EMERGENCY BRAKE BRACKET PADS WERE NO GOOD,AND THE BRAKE PAD ON THE LEFT REAR WAS SPLIT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950501
1 of 13 total reports mentions: service brakes, hydraulic.
1 of 13 total reports mentions: service brakes, hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
THE BOLTS WERE MISSING FROM THE CALIPER (REAR), THE RIM WAS DAMAGED , THE EMERGENCY BRAKE BRACKET PADS WERE NO GOOD,AND THE BRAKE PAD ON THE LEFT REAR WAS SPLIT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950501
SAFETY TIMELINE
REAR DISC BRAKES
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.
Campaign 89V232000 — check if this car was fixed
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 MAIN
Remedy: CORRECT OR INSTALL NEW COMPONENTS TO PREVENT UNREASONABLE FIRE RISK.
Campaign 90V104000 — check if this car was fixed
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 MANUFACTURE
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).
Campaign 06E043000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1988 Pontiac Fiero — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for wheels issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 89V232000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 90V104000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E043000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1988 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 1988 Pontiac Fiero?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline, accounting for 31% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1988 Pontiac Fiero have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.