1988 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 1988 Pontiac Fiero problems
The Pontiac Fiero, produced from 1984 to 1988, is known for its mid-engine layout and sporty design. However, it has earned a reputation for being unreliable, which is not entirely justified. With proper maintenance and care, the Fiero can be a reliable sports car. Here are some common problems reported by Fiero owners, along with their causes and possible solutions:
- Engine issues: The V6 engine in the Fiero can occasionally display signs of low oil pressure, which can lead to spun rod bearings. Additionally, the car may suffer from exhaust leaks due to cracked exhaust manifolds. The weak upper engine mount can also cause problems, as its failure can lead to the failure of lower engine and transmission mounts. Solution: The Fiero Store offers an improved upper engine mount made of tig-welded chrome-moly steel with polyurethane bushings, which is a significant improvement over the factory's aluminum mount with rubber bushings.
- Drivetrain and suspension issues: The clutch system in the Fiero presented the most significant issues, with the hydraulic system being particularly problematic. Checking for free play in the front and rear wheels can help reveal problems with the steering system. Solution: Replacing the clutch's hydraulic system can prevent future headaches. Installing parts designed for the 1988 model year, which had a massive steering and suspension overhaul, is recommended.
- Rust: The Fiero is prone to rust, particularly in areas such as the battery, sides of the trunk by the wheel wells, and radiator braces. Additionally, interior restoration may be necessary due to the car's small production numbers and limited availability of parts. Solution: Regularly inspecting and addressing rust issues can help maintain the car's structural integrity. Finding and installing compatible interior parts may require some diligence and effort.
- Oil leaks and overheating: The Fiero was prone to oil leaks and overheating, which could lead to engine fires. In some cases, these issues were attributed to improper owner maintenance and service procedures, while others pointed to design flaws. Solution: Regularly checking and maintaining the cooling system, as well as ensuring proper oil levels, can help prevent these issues. Addressing any potential design flaws, such as impractically reduced oil pan size or incorrect oil pan quantity measurements, is also crucial.
- Cooling system issues: The presence of exhaust gases in the cooling system can create more pressure, causing the engine to burn coolant and heat up faster. This can lead to engine problems like head gasket or head issues. Solution: Regularly checking the cooling system for exhaust gases, ensuring the system is full and the coolant is circulating, and maintaining the cooling fans and pressure cap can help prevent these issues.
By addressing these common problems and providing proper maintenance, the Pontiac Fiero can be a reliable and enjoyable sports car.
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.
How many 1988 Fieros were made?
Just over 26,400 Fieros were produced in 1988, down from a high of 137,000 in 1984. The '88 GT is equipped with a 135-hp, 2.8-liter V-6 (mated to a three-speed automatic transmission), a far cry from the 92-hp, 2.5-liter “Iron Duke” four-banger found in introductory models.
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 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.
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.
How safe is a Fiero?
Crash safety
The Fiero's body panels are purely cosmetic (and aerodynamic) and carry no structural load. The Fiero was the second safest vehicle sold in America from 1984 to 1988, beaten only by the Volvo 740DL station wagon. The official crash test scores were as follows: Head Injury Criterion – 356.5/308.6.
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.
1988 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
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1988 Pontiac Fiero vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1988 Pontiac Fiero complaints
The NHTSA has received 15 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1988 Pontiac Fiero.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-06-12
- VIN: 1G2PE11R3JP
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1988 PONTIAC FIERO. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT OBSERVED THAT OIL WAS LEAKING ONTO THE VAL COVER OF THE ENGINE. HE WAS CONCERNED THAT OIL WOULD DRIP ONTO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND CAUSE A FIRE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE VAL COVER AND DRIP SHIELD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, ALTHOUGH THE FAILURES WERE IDENTICAL. THE RECALL NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 106,986.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-12-16
- VIN: 1G2PE11R1JP
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: DEAR NHTSA, I AM WRITING IN REGARDS TO AN ISSUE I AM HAVING WITH GM ABOUT NECESSARY RECALL WORK ON AN 1988 PONTIAC FIERO WHILE REPAIRING SOME ITEMS ON THIS AUTO, IT WAS BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION THAT THERE IS AN OUTSTANDING RECALL ON THIS MAKE/MODEL OF VEHICLE. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE UNIVERSITY GM DEALERSHIP IN DURHAM, NC AND REQUESTED INFORMATION ABOUT THE RECALL ON DECEMBER 16, 2006. THEY HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO ASCERTAIN OFFICIALLY FROM GM WHETHER OR NOT THE RECALL WORK HAS BEEN DONE EVEN AFTER TWO MONTHS OF HAVING THE VEHICLE. THEY ONLY RECENTLY EVEN ORDERED THE RECALL KIT ONLY TO THEN FIND OUT THE PARTS IN THAT KIT WERE ALREADY INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE. NOW, THEY ARE TELLING ME THERE IS NOTHING MORE THEY CAN DO AND THAT THEIR POSITION IS THAT THE RECALL WORK APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN COMPLETED AND SO THERE IS NOTHING FURTHER THEY WILL DO. I WOULD LIKE TO BOTH LODGE A COMPLAINT ABOUT THEIR INACTION AND INABILITY TO OFFICIALLY CONFIRM THIS VEHICLE'S RECALL WORK HAS BEEN DONE AND ALSO REQUEST YOUR ASSISTANCE IN GETTING THIS INFORMATION FROM GM. I THINK GM AND THIS DEALERSHIP HAVE NOT BEEN FORTHCOMING IN PROVIDING THIS INFORMATION, PER THE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS RECALL, AND I AM EXTREMELY DISPLEASED ABOUT THE TREATMENT WE HAVE RECEIVED. THIS VEHICLE, THOUGH OLD, WAS REFURBISHED INTO GOOD WORKING ORDER AND IS CURRENTLY ENSURED FOR AN AS-IS VALUE OF $3000. IT IS OUR FAMILY'S SECOND VEHICLE AND WE HAVE BEEN WITHOUT IT FOR 2 MONTHS NOW, A MAJOR INCONVENIENCE AND ISSUE FOR OUR FAMILY. I DO NOT BELIEVE GM AND THIS DEALERSHIP INACTION IS IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE STIPULATIONS OF THE RECALL. I AM ULTIMATELY ONLY INTERESTED IN MAKING SURE THIS VEHICLE IS SAFE AND THEY HAVE FAILED TO PROVIDE THE INFORMATION SHOWING THAT. CAN YOU PLEASE HELP REMEDY THIS SITUATION? THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND CONSIDERATION. I LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU. *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-03-20
- VIN: 1G2PE11R6JP
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THERE WERE SEVERAL ENGINE PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE. THE ENGINE BECAME LOUD AND WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. AS A RESULT OF THE HEAT FROM THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD, THE BELT TENSIONER, WATER PUMP, STARTER (REPLACED FOUR TIMES), VALVE COVER GASKET (REPLACED TWICE), OIL PRESSURE SENDING UNIT, HEATER HOSES, RADIATOR HOSES, AND RADIATOR FAN MOTOR WERE REPLACED. LAST WEEK THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTICE FROM THE DEALER CONCERNING A RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID # 89V232000 ON THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD, ADDED AN EXHAUST MANIFOLD HEAT SHIELD, REMOVED DUST SHIELDS FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, AND REPLACED A PART OF THE TRANSMISSION LINE. THE RECALL REMEDY AUTHORIZED THE DEALER TO REPLACE ALL OF THE PARTS THAT WERE PREVIOUSLY REPLACED BY THE CONTACT AS A RESULT OF DAMAGE SUSTAINED BY THE DEFECTIVE EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND DUST SHIELD. HOWEVER, THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT AUTHORIZE REIMBURSEMENT OF THE PARTS REPLACED PRIOR TO THE NOTIFICATION. THE CONTACT INQUIRED PREVIOUSLY WITH BOTH THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED THERE WAS NO RECALL CONCERNING THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS NEVER AN OFFICIAL RECEIPT OF THIS 1989 RECALL UNTIL LAST WEEK. *AK UPDATED 04/11/06.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-06-23
- VIN: 1G2PE1198JP
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: RECALLS 89V232000 AND 90V104000. CONSUMER CONTACTED MANUFACTURER ABOUT ABOVE RECALLS MENTIONED ON THE INTERNET. MANUFACTURER TOLD HIM THAT THE RECALLS WERE OVER, AND VEHICLE HAD ALREADY BEEN SERVICED. HOWEVER, CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS HAVING THE SAME ANTIFREEZE LEAKING AND ENGINE PROBLEMS. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G2PE1199JP
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: PRODUCT SAFETY CAMPAIGN - 88-C-24 MR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G2PE1199JP
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 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
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1991-08-01
- VIN: N/A
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: WHEN VEHICLE HAS A FULL TANK OF GAS THERE ARE FUEL AND AN OIL LEAKAGES. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-12-01
- VIN: 1G2PG1199JP
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: MANUFACTURER'S RECALL NOTICE 88C24; WHERE DEALERSHIP IS WILLING TO FIX ONLY A PART OF LISTED COMPONENTS ON VEHICLE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-01-01
- VIN: 1G2PE11R6JP
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: THE HEADLIGHT MECHANISM CONTINUALLY FAILS, IT WILL NOT RAISE OR LOWER. IN ADDITION, PREMATURE WEAR OF REAR BRAKES. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-03-21
- VIN: 1G2PE1199JP
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE ENGINE WAS NOT REPAIRED PROPERLY DURING RECALL CAMPAIGN 88C24
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G2PE11RJP2
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: THE MECHANISM TO RAISE AND LOWER THE HEADLIGHTS CONTINUES TO FAIL. REAR BRAKES WERE WORN EXCESSIVELY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-04-04
- VIN: 1G2PE1199JP
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE FAILED AFTER RECALL REPAIR DUE TO OLD PCV HOSE STILL BEING CONNECTED TO AIR CLEANER, CAUSING EXCESSIVE AIR AND FAILURE OF ENGINE.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-04-28
- VIN: 1G2PE1198JT
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: 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
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-04-28
- VIN: 1G2PE1198JT
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: 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
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-04-28
- VIN: 1G2PE1198JT
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: 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
1988 Pontiac Fiero recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1988 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 1988 Pontiac Fiero problems:
What are the most common Fiero problems? - Pennock's Fiero Forum
Dec 31, 2000 ... The second biggest problem is that many of them were given to kids that did not care about them as "first cars." When I got my 1984 Fiero, the ...
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 ... ... engine, go-kart handling and mini-supercar looks, the 1986-1988 Pontiac Fiero GT was 1980s America's everyday exotic. The Fiero, which ...
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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