1987 Pontiac Fiero problems
The Pontiac Fiero is a rear mid-engine, light sports car manufactured and marketed by Pontiac for model years 1984–1988.
Styled by George Milidrag and Hulki Aldikacti as an economical commuter car with modest performance aspirations, it was Pontiac's first two-seater since their 1926 to 1938 coupes, and the first rear mid-engine mass-produced car by any American manufacturer.
In addition to using 4- and 6-cylinder engines to help Pontiac meet America's 'CAFE' average fuel economy requirements, the Fiero's chassis and structure technology used non-load-bearing, composite body-panels, contributing to the car's light-weight and unique selling proposition. Pontiac engineers modified the design over its life to enhance its performance and reposition the two-seater closer to the implications of its sporty configuration.
The Fiero 2M4 (two-seat, mid-engine, four-cylinder) was on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 1984, and was the Official Pace Car of the Indianapolis 500 for 1984.
A total of 370,168 Fieros were manufactured over five years' production. After suffering criticisms related to its mild performance as well as reliability and safety issues, the Fiero was discontinued after annual sales fell steadily.
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Common 1987 Pontiac Fiero problems
The 1987 Pontiac Fiero GT is a mid-engined sports car that has gained a reputation for certain common problems among its owners. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues:
- Fuel Line Leakage: Fuel line leakage is not uncommon in the 1987 Fiero GT, and it can lead to serious consequences due to the car's fiberglass body, which makes it more susceptible to fire.
- Exhaust Leaks: Exhaust leaks are a common problem in the 1987 Fiero GT, particularly from cracked exhaust manifolds. This issue can lead to decreased performance and increased emissions.
- Weak Upper Engine Mount: The upper engine mount in the 1987 Fiero GT is prone to failure, which can cause the lower engine and transmission mounts to fail as well. This issue can lead to decreased stability and handling, as well as increased noise and vibration.
- Clutch System Problems: The clutch system in the 1987 Fiero GT is prone to problems, particularly in the hydraulic system. This issue can lead to difficulty shifting and increased wear on the clutch components.
- Suspension and Steering Issues: The suspension and steering systems in the 1987 Fiero GT are prone to problems, particularly in the clutch system and the front and rear wheel free play. These issues can lead to decreased stability and handling, as well as increased wear on the suspension and steering components.
- Rust: The 1987 Fiero GT is prone to rust in several areas, including under the battery, the sides of the trunk by the wheel wells, and the radiator braces. This issue can lead to decreased structural integrity and increased repair costs.
- Interior Restoration: The interior of the 1987 Fiero GT is prone to wear and tear, and may require restoration, particularly in the seats, dashboard, and carpet. This issue can lead to decreased comfort and appearance, as well as increased repair costs.
- Engine Cooling System: The cooling system in the 1987 Fiero GT is prone to problems, particularly in the long pipes connecting the front-mounted radiator and the engine. This issue can lead to decreased performance and increased emissions, as well as increased repair costs.
- Engine Performance: The engine in the 1987 Fiero GT is prone to performance issues, particularly in the base four-cylinder 2.5-liter motor. This issue can lead to decreased power and acceleration, as well as increased fuel consumption.
Overall, the 1987 Pontiac Fiero GT is a car that requires careful maintenance and attention to detail in order to avoid these common problems. However, with proper care and maintenance, the Fiero GT can be a reliable and enjoyable sports car.
What is the common issues for Pontiac Fiero?
The Pontiac Fiero had a litany of issues, most of which were limited to the inaugural 1984 model year. The biggest were the low-capacity oil pans that caused overheating, faulty connecting rods that failed at a rate of about 1 in 10, and an electric panel that was mounted too close to the exhaust manifold.
Are Pontiac Fieros hard to work on?
Working on a Fiero is not worse than any other FWD car and better in some cases. I just ran into some guy who claimed to be a Fiero owner that told me you have to drop the cradle to change the plugs/ I know he had the cars as he had photo's of 4. But he either had no skills or never worked on a Fiero before.
What was the best year for the Pontiac Fiero?
1988 GT
The best-performing Fieros in the market are 1988 GT coupe models. That final production year saw in improved suspension to make that model the best of the breed, and prices reflect it, with #2-condition values at $13,400.
What year Fiero caught fire?
However, it was almost exclusively the 2.5-liter and the 1984 model which caught fire. By mid-1987, the 1984 Fieros were catching fire at a rate of about 20 per month.
What is the common issues for Pontiac Fiero?
The Pontiac Fiero had a litany of issues, most of which were limited to the inaugural 1984 model year. The biggest were the low-capacity oil pans that caused overheating, faulty connecting rods that failed at a rate of about 1 in 10, and an electric panel that was mounted too close to the exhaust manifold.
Is a Pontiac Fiero safe?
The unique plastic body-on-spaceframe design, helped the Fiero to achieve a NHTSA NCAP frontal crash test rating of five stars, the highest rating available.
What is special about the Pontiac Fiero?
Some of the amazing features of the Pontiac Fiero include: Mid-engine layout: This gave the Fiero a better weight distribution and handling than front-engine cars. Composite body panels: These panels were lightweight and helped to improve the Fiero's fuel economy.
Are Pontiac Fieros hard to work on?
Working on a Fiero is not worse than any other FWD car and better in some cases. I just ran into some guy who claimed to be a Fiero owner that told me you have to drop the cradle to change the plugs/ I know he had the cars as he had photo's of 4. But he either had no skills or never worked on a Fiero before.
1987 Pontiac Fiero car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Pontiac Fiero problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Electrical system problems
- Engine problems
- Power train problems
- Equipment problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1987 Pontiac Fiero vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1987 Pontiac Fiero complaints
The NHTSA has received 19 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1987 Pontiac Fiero.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-03-30
- VIN: 1G2PG1196HP
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: I AM BOTH COMPLAINING AND REQUESTING HELP. I HAVE A 1987 PONTIAC FIERO V6 WHICH WAS NEVER TAKEN IN FOR RECALL WORK AND AS A RESULT HAS SEVERE OVERHEATING ISSUES AND WILL OCCASIONALLY HAVE AN ISSUE WITH SMALL AMOUNTS OF OIL HITTING THE EXHAUST HEADERS. SAW THE RECALL ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE SO I TRIED TO CALL GENERAL MOTORS BUT THEY SAID THAT THEIR COMPUTERS NO LONGER HAVE RECORDS OF CARS AS OLD AS MINE AND THEREFORE THEY COULDN'T HELP ME. I CONTACTED A DEALERSHIP WHICH LOOKED UP THE NHTSA RECALL BULLETINS 88-C-23 AND 88-C-24 WHICH AFFECTS THE 1987 FIERO V6 REGARDING ENGINE FIRES BUT SAID THAT SINCE THE FIERO IS TOO OLD THE VIN DATA IS NO LONGER IN THE GM DATABASE THEY DON'T HAVE TO DO THE RECALL WORK. I REALIZE IT IS AN OLDER CAR BUT IT HAS NEVER BEEN WRECKED OR TOTALED. I TOLD THEM THAT IF THEY COULD GIVE ME THE RECALL PARTS I WOULD DO IT MYSELF, BUT THEY WANT O CHARGE ME AN OUTRAGEOUS AMOUNT OF MONEY FOR PARTS THAT I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO PAY FOR. MY CAR HAS CLEARLY NEVER HAD THE RECALL WORK DONE, IT HAS NONE OF THE RECALL REPLACEMENT PARTS IN IT. ALL I WANT IS FOR GENERAL MOTORS TO HELP ME FIX THIS PROBLEM. *TR
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-11-26
- VIN: 1G2PG1195HP
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: I CALLED PONTIAC TODAY ABOUT A RECALL THEY ISSUED THESE CARS. ACCORDING TO THE DOCUMENT THEY SENT THERE DEALERSHIP CARS MY CAR FALLS IN THIS RECALL AND THEY ARE STATING THEY HAVE NO RECALLS ON THIS CAR. HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE, I KNOW THIS IS A OLDER CAR BUT THIS CAN STILL LEAD TO A SERIOUS MATTER OF WHY THEY DID THE RECALL AN ENGINE FIRE!! I TAKE THIS VERY SERIOUS AND I WANT TO GET THIS RESOLVED. THE CAR SHOWS NO SIGNS OF ANY RECALL BEING COMPLETED. WHAT CAN I DO TO GET THIS RESOLVED?? *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G2PG1193HP
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: I'D LIKE TO KNOW IF PONTIAC WILL STILL HONOR THE PONTIAC FIERO RECALL, PARTICULIARLY THE EXHAUST MANIFOLDS.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-08-25
- VIN: 1G2PG1199HP
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: I WOULD LIKE A LIST OF ALL RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE SO THAT I CAN GET IT FIXED. THIS MAKES THE SECOND TIME THAT THE TEMP GAUGE HAS WENT OUT OF THIS CAR. I HAVE BEEN TOLD MY PROFESSIONAL THAT IT IS THE WAY IT HAS BEEN WIRED FROM THE MANAFACTUOR. THANK YOU
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: IG2PG1194HP
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: WHILE ATTEMPTING TO DO SOME WORK ON SAID VEHICLE I BEGAN TO JACK IT UP WITH THE SCISSOR TYPE JACK PROVIDED BY THE MANUFACTURER. AFTER RAISING THE VEHICLE BODY ABOUT 3 INCHES THE SCREW THREAD ON THE JACK STRIPPED OUT OF FITTING IN THE JACK DROPPING THE VEHICLE. WHILE NO ONE WAS HURT OR DAMAGE DONE I FEEL THIS A DANGEROUS SITUATION. HAD THE VEHICLE BEEN HIGHER OR ONE OF THE TIRES REMOVED WHEN THE JACK COLLAPSED INJURY COULD HAVE OCCURRED.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-07-01
- VIN: 1G2PG1196HP
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: BROKEN CONNECTOR ROD. PART WAS RECALLED IN 1990.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1991-05-01
- VIN: 1G2PG1191HP
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILED FOUR TIMES. EXHAUST MANIFOLD FAILED PRIOR TO/AFTER RECALL REPAIRS. IN ADDITION, EGR/DISTRIBUTOR/STARTER FAILED AND WERE REPLACED. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-04-15
- VIN: 1G2PG1191HP
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILED FOUR TIMES. REPLACED CRACKED EXHAUST MANIFOLD. IN ADDITION, EGR/DISTRIBUTOR ALSO FAILED AND WERE REPLACED. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G2PF1190H2
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: PURCHASED USED 2 MONTHS AGO.; PONTIAC SAID THAT THE RECALL HAD BEEN PERFORMED, BUT THE WORK HAD NOT BEEN COMPLETED. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAIL. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: EGR SYSTEM FAILED; ALSO, EXHAUST MANIFOLD/CATALYTIC CONVERTER. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G2PF1190HP
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: ENGINE LEAKS PRIOR TO/AFTER RECALL REPAIRS; LYONS PONTIAC DEALER FIXED 3 LEAKS BUTM REFUSES TO DO THE OTHERS UNDER THE RECALL, DEMANDS PAYMENT (89-V232) AND (90V-104); ALSO TRANSMISSION FAILURE. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-04-01
- VIN: 1G2PG1191HP
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CATALYTIC CONVERTER REPLACED 4 TIMES. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-04-01
- VIN: 1G2PG1191HP
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE EXHAUST MANIFOLD FAILED PRIOR TO/AFTER RECALL REPAIRS (90V-104). *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-04-01
- VIN: 1G2PG1191HP
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: REPLACED EGR VALVE SEVEN TIMES. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-04-01
- VIN: 1G2PG1191HP
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: REPLACED DISTRIBUTOR FIVE TIMES. *AK
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G2PE11R9HP
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: THE SUN ROOF GLASS RUBBER AND GLASS NEEDS TO BE REPLACE LEAK WHEN RAIN ON THE DRIVER SIDE . TT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-02-28
- VIN: 1G2PE11R2HP
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE BLOCK REPLACED TWICE, DUE TO LEAKS. *SKD
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-02-28
- VIN: 1G2PE11R2HP
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION LEAK.
PARKING BRAKE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1993-03-07
- VIN: 1G2PE11R7HP
- Components: PARKING BRAKE
- Summary: PARKING BRAKE STICKS THROUGH STRETCH CABLE. CAUSING AN INABILITY TO RELEASE. TT
1987 Pontiac Fiero recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1987 Pontiac Fiero.
- Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: 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 MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
- 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).
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
- Summary: 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 MAINTENANCE OR SERVICE RELATED FACTORS, COULD CAUSE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES.
- Consequence: AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE CAN SPREAD TO THE PASSENGERCOMPARTMENT AND INJURE OCCUPANTS.
- Remedy: CORRECT OR INSTALL NEW COMPONENTS TO PREVENT UNREASONABLE FIRE RISK.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
- Summary: DUE TO AN INTERACTION OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT ENVIRONMENT AND MAINTENANCE OR SERVICE RELATED FACTORS, THERE IS A RISK OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES.
- Consequence: AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE CAN SPREAD TO THE PASSENGERCOMPARTMENT AND INJURE OCCUPANTS.
- Remedy: CORRECT OR INSTALL NEW ENGINE COMPONENTS TO PREVENT UNREASONABLE FIRE RISK.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1987 Pontiac Fiero problems:
What are the most common Fiero problems? - Pennock's Fiero Forum
Dec 31, 2000 ... I had an 87 coupe with the four and I always had problems with the DIS ignition coils failing. The next most frequent problem with the four ...
Pontiac Fiero Questions - what should I look for when buying a 1987 ...
May 18, 2011 ... Most problems int he GT 2.8L V6) are ignition module, trunk corners (Rust. Look under carpet in sides of trunk) ...
Common problems? - Pennock's Fiero Forum
Oct 24, 2005 ... ... 1988 Pontiac Fiero GT was 1980s ... “The clutch pedal is the most common problem on pre-1987 ... 87) or leather coverings (1988) were chosen.
Pontiac Fiero History and FAQ: GM's Most Famous Failure?
Feb 2, 2023 ... The biggest were the low-capacity oil pans that caused overheating, faulty connecting rods that failed at a rate of about 1 in 10, and an ...
common problems on used fieros? - Pennock's Fiero Forum
Aug 18, 2004 ... sardonyx247. 5032 posts. Member since Jun 2003. Fuel pumps seem to be common problems in the Fieros I have worked ...
Other years of Pontiac Fiero
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