1986 Pontiac Fiero Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 58%of 26 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 98,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1986 Pontiac Fiero, 58% of the 26 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 98,000 miles. 4 a fire, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10064605, filed 2004-03, 98,000 miles“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 flames”
NHTSA complaint #706070, filed 1999-04“1986 Pontiac Fiero that the dealer says is not in there data base and has not had the recalls done to it I have the recall #s the dates and a very detailed out-line of the recalls that were to be done. A mechanic looked at my car and the TSB bullitions I have and said the car clearly has not had the recalls done. The dealer and GM claim it's up to the other one who has to look at it the dealer at first said that my car was not involved. But when I read the TSB to him, and gave him the campaign numbers and read from them vebatum he said thecomputer only goes back ten years! …”
NHTSA complaint #707648, filed 1999-06“Oil leak from unknown origin. Located approximately at upper part of engine down to pully and belts. Also wires located near passenger compartment in engine are extremely hot, discolored and brittle harness..concern for ? Of fire, especially with oil leakage near by...check engine light goes on..and is unknown problem to the dealer”
NHTSA complaint #708734, filed 1999-07“Consumer received manufacturer's recall notice 88c24, manfacturer has not remedied the problem because had no parts. Also, had been calling dealer, Pontiac customer care center for about 120 days, and no response. Recalls had not been performed on vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #895792, filed 2001-09Related recalls
- 90V104000Apr 23, 1990Pcv grommet oil leaks, transmission oil cooler leaks, piston connecting rod failures breaking through engine wall causing oil spillage, fuel rail leaks…Covers: Pontiac Fiero 1985–1988
- 89V232000Dec 28, 1989Due to an interaction of the engine compartment environment and maintenance or service related factors, there is a risk of engine compartment fires.Covers: Pontiac Fiero 1984–1988
Engine cooling: other model years
Other parts of the 1986 Pontiac Fiero
7 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1986 Pontiac Fiero
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology