GM to Recall All 4-Cylinder Fieros

General Motors Corp. intends to recall 244,000 four-cylinder Pontiac Fieros--every one ever made--because of a nagging engine-fire problem that contributed to the company’s decision to scuttle the two-seater, a company official said Monday.

The plastic body, mid-engine Fiero was introduced as a 1984 model in September, 1983, and was an immediate sales success. But its demise at the end of the 1988 model year came nearly as quickly, after consumer advocate Ralph Nader alleged that engine problems led to fires.

GM has not determined when the recall will take effect or what kind of repair work will be performed, spokesman Tom Pyden said.

“It is my understanding that the previous fix has not solved the problem of fires in Fieros,” National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration spokesman Tim Hurd said from his Washington office. “I’m sure that GM is working as hard as it can in good faith to get this problem solved.”

It is the second time the four-cylinder Fiero has been recalled because of possible engine fires. Pontiac made about 100,000 six-cylinder Fieros, which will not be subject to the recall.