1987 PONTIAC FIERO

Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: Coolant loss with no visible leaks, Oil pressure warning light flickering at idle, Metallic knocking from engine bay, White smoke from rear vents, Sudden loss of power

Fix: Mid-engine layout makes this a 12-15 hour job minimum. Requires dropping the cradle, pulling engine. Connecting rod bearings fail from heat cycling and poor oil circulation in rear-mounted setup. Often find spun bearings, scored crank journals. Full rebuild typical including crank machining, new pistons if cylinder scoring present. Many shops quote engine replacement instead due to labor intensity.

Estimated cost: $3,500-6,500

Typical onset: 90,000-130,000 mi

Symptoms: Slipping between 2nd and 3rd gear, Delayed engagement when shifting to drive, Transmission fluid dark brown or burnt smell, Shuddering on acceleration, No reverse gear

Fix: The Isuzu-built TH-125C transaxle wasn't designed for mid-engine heat exposure. Clutch packs and bands wear prematurely. Rebuild requires cradle drop (8-10 hours labor) plus 6-8 hours rebuild time. Valve body issues common. Used replacements risky as most have similar heat exposure history.

Estimated cost: $2,800-4,200

Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi

Symptoms: Severe clunking when shifting or accelerating, Vibration at idle that worsens under load, Visible engine movement in rear-view mirror, Difficulty shifting manual transmission, Grinding or scraping from undercarriage

Fix: Hydraulic mounts fail from heat exposure in engine bay. Three mounts total - requires cradle lowering for proper access. Not a DIY job despite parts being cheap ($150-300). Labor runs 4-6 hours because of mid-engine access. Failed mounts stress CV joints and shift linkage.

Estimated cost: $600-1,200

Symptoms: Fuel smell in cabin or near rear of car, Visible fuel wetness on engine cradle, Hard starting when hot, Fuel gauge erratic readings, Engine bay smoke (worst case)

Fix: Original rubber fuel lines and hoses deteriorate from engine heat. Factory recall addressed some but not all problem areas. Critical to replace ALL rubber fuel lines preventively - includes filter-to-pump, pump-to-rail, and return lines. Filter changes often reveal cracked lines at connections. Takes 3-4 hours to do properly with cradle access. THIS IS THE FIRE RISK FIERO IS KNOWN FOR.

Estimated cost: $400-800

Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi

Symptoms: Overheating in traffic or hot weather, Coolant in oil (milky dipstick), White exhaust smoke, Loss of coolant with no external leaks, Rough idle and misfires

Fix: Both engines suffered from marginal cooling capacity. Single radiator up front struggles to cool mid-mounted engine via long hoses. Head gaskets fail from repeated heat cycling. V6 more prone due to higher heat output. Head gasket job requires engine removal (10-12 hours). Often find warped heads requiring machining. Smart move is full cooling system overhaul during repair - new hoses, water pump, thermostat.

Estimated cost: $2,200-3,800

Typical onset: all mileages in rust belt

Symptoms: Clunking over bumps from rear, Steering feels loose or imprecise, Uneven tire wear on rear, Visible rust on cradle mounting points, Car feels unstable in corners

Fix: Space frame design has steel cradle bolted to main structure. Cradle mounts and bushings rust out, especially in salt states. Requires complete cradle removal to properly assess and repair (6-8 hours). Often find structural rust in mounting points requiring welding. Not just bushings - actual cradle can be rusted through.

Estimated cost: $800-2,000