Is the Pontiac Fiero reliable?

The Pontiac Fiero has 163 NHTSA complaints, or 1630.0 per 1,000 vehicles. Its crash involvement rate is moderate. The most common issue is ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE. Source: VinItel

What is the best year for the Pontiac Fiero?

Among Pontiac Fiero model years with enough on-road history, the most reliable years are 1988 (19 complaints), 1986 (28 complaints), 1987 (29 complaints). Source: NHTSA complaints database via VinItel.

What are common Pontiac Fiero problems?

The most common Pontiac Fiero problems reported to NHTSA are: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE (31 complaints, 0.0% crash rate); ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE (18 complaints, 5.6% crash rate); ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE (10 complaints, 0.0% crash rate); PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL (9 complaints, 0.0% crash rate); ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE) (6 complaints, 0.0% crash rate). Source: VinItel

Should I buy a used Pontiac Fiero?

Used Pontiac Fiero buyers should: 1) Check our years-to-avoid list for this model. 2) Verify the specific VIN for accident history, title issues, and odometer rollbacks. The most reliable model years to look for: 1988, 1986, 1987. Free VIN check at vinitel.com.

Pontiac Fiero Reliability

163 NHTSA complaints (1984–1996). Complaint rate: 1630.0 per 1,000 vehicles.

Severity Score

3090.0

Complaints

163

Crash Rate

1.2%

Fire Rate

11.0%

Injuries

Fatalities

—

Which Years to Buy & Avoid

Years auto-clustered by complaint volume relative to this model's median.

Bottom line: The 1984 Pontiac Fiero had a notable spike in NHTSA complaints. Other years had typical complaint volumes. Most common issue across all years: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE.

Avoid These Years

1984

~44/yr complaints

Average

1985–1988

~29/yr complaints

Better Years

No years stand out as significantly better.

Looking at a specific Pontiac Fiero?

A model's reputation is just the start.

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Complaints by Model Year

NHTSA complaint count per model year

Pontiac Fiero — Complaints by Model YearPeak: 1984 (44)

Common Pontiac Fiero Problems

Most reported component complaints to NHTSA

Component	Complaints	Crash %
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE	31	0.0%
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE	18	5.6%
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE	10	0.0%
PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL	9	0.0%
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)	6	0.0%
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR	6	0.0%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION	6	0.0%
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM	5	0.0%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	5	0.0%
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	4	0.0%

Year-by-Year Breakdown

NHTSA complaint count per model year — click any year for full problems & recalls breakdown.

Year	Generation	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Details
1984AVOID	—	44	0	8	View →
1985	—	40	1	4	View →
1986	—	28	0	5	View →
1987	—	29	0	—	View →
1988	—	19	0	—	View →

Year-by-Year Breakdown

Tap any year for full problems & recalls breakdown.

See also: Pontiac Fieroaccident & safety statistics from our vehicle history database.

Buying a Pontiac Fiero?

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