MYRModel Year Report

1987 Chevrolet Nova

○ Not enough data
1987 Chevrolet Nova
RENDERED 2026-09-16T08:22:57.841Z

Only 15 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 15 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Chevrolet Nova Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1987 highlighted. 1984: 1 complaints 1984 1986: 4 complaints 1986 1987: 15 complaints 1987 1988: 11 complaints 1988 1990: 1 complaints 1990
1987: 15 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19841
19864
198715
198811
19901

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 15 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

POWER TRAIN

8 of 15 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission and axle assembly.

INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

WHILE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN SPEEDOMETER CABLE SNAPPED. 10 MILES LATER, ENTIRE FRONT END LOCKED UP DUE A MALFUNCTION WITHIN THE TRANSMISSION. *AK THE MECHANIC DETERMIND THAT THE TRANS CASE, ALL GEARS AND RIGHT AND LEFT C.V.

NHTSA ODI report, 20001006

SEAT BELTS

4 of 15 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing retractor and buckle assembly.

INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

SEAT BELTS IN FRONT SEAT FAILED TO HOLD DRIVER/PASSENGER IN PLACE IN REAR END COLLISION, CAUSING INJURIES.

NHTSA ODI report, 19960930

1987 CHEVROLET NOVA DOES NOT SECURE PASSENGER PROPERLY. *TS THE CONSUMER STATED THE SEAT BELTS DO NOT CATCH AND STOP WHEN HE GRABS THEM ABRUPTLY AS HE WOULD EXPECT IN AN ACCIDENT. *JB

NHTSA ODI report, 20060214

TIRES

1 of 15 total reports mentions: tires.

Show complaint excerpts

{1}NORTH BOUND FREEWAY WORK RIGHT LANE FROM, LINDON EXIT TO SALT LAKE CITY. THERE ARE SEVERAL GROOVES, HOLES AND UNEVEN LANES.

NHTSA ODI report, 20051109

Also filed under STEERING

STEERING

1 of 15 total reports mentions: steering, most commonly citing tie rod assembly.

SERVICE BRAKES

1 of 15 total reports mentions: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1987 Chevrolet Nova — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for power train issues (8 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for seat belts issues (4 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for tires issues (1 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1987 Chevrolet Nova 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 Nova?

The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 53% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1987 Chevrolet Nova have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-15 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.