1987 Chevrolet Cavalier
Only 24 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 24 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1981 | 0 |
| 1982 | 1 |
| 1983 | 3 |
| 1984 | 8 |
| 1985 | 4 |
| 1986 | 18 |
| 1987 | 24 |
| 1988 | 12 |
| 1989 | 43 |
| 1990 | 55 |
| 1991 | 55 |
| 1992 | 134 |
| 1993 | 146 |
| 1994 | 212 |
| 1995 | 270 |
| 1996 | 503 |
| 1997 | 540 |
| 1998 | 345 |
| 1999 | 240 |
| 2000 | 315 |
| 2001 | 243 |
| 2002 | 196 |
| 2003 | 678 |
| 2004 | 330 |
| 2005 | 287 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 24 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
4 of 24 total reports mention: steering.
2 of 24 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.
2 of 24 total reports mention: tires.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
CONSUMER HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING CONSTANT BLOWOUTS AND FLATS WITH THE TIRES. ONE INCIDENT LED TO THE VEHICLE SLAMMING INTO A STREET CURB. *JG
NHTSA ODI report, 20030123
I WAS TRAVELING HOME FROM WORK YESTERDAY EVENING. I WAS DOING BETWEEN 35 - 40 MPH. ALL OF A SUDDEN I HEARD A LOUD NOISE. I PULLED OVER TO CHECK MY TIRES FOR A FLAT OR SEE IF SOMETHING WAS HANGING BELOW MY CAR. NO FLAT, NOTHING HANGING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20040610
2 of 24 total reports mention: steering.
2 of 24 total reports mention: seat belts.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A TREE, THE SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN HIM IN THE SEAT*AK CONSUMER'S SON WAS DRVING ON A GRAVEL ROAD AND HE CAME OVER AH HILL AND CAUGHT THE PILE OF GRAVEL AND LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE, WHIC THEN TURNED...
NHTSA ODI report, 19961017
SAFETY TIMELINE
PARKING BRAKE LEVER MECHANISMS MAY NOT PROPERLY ENGAGE WHEN APPLIED AS REQUIRED BY FMVSS 105.
Remedy: REPLACE PARKING BRAKE LEVER ASSEMBLY.
Campaign 86V128000 — check if this car was fixed
ACCELERATOR CONTROL CABLE MAY CONTAIN WATER WHICH COULD FREEZE WHILE VEHICLE IS PARKED CAUSING TRAVEL OF ACCELERATOR CONTROL CABLE TO BECOME RESTRICTED WHEN THROTTLE IS INITIALLY OPENED.
Remedy: REPLACE ACCELERATOR CONTROL CABLE.
Campaign 87V011000 — check if this car was fixed
POOR BRAKING
BRAKE INEFFECTIVENESS
BRAKE PERFORMANCE
STICKING THROTTLE
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 MANUFACTURE
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).
Campaign 06E043000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1987 Chevrolet Cavalier — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for steering issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for tires issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 86V128000 (parking brake) has been completed.
- Verify recall 87V011000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E043000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1987 Chevrolet Cavalier reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1987 Chevrolet Cavalier?
The most-reported component is steering:rack and pinion, accounting for 17% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1987 Chevrolet Cavalier have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.