1987 Chevrolet Suburban
Only 18 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 18 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 |
|---|---|
| 1981 | 1 |
| 1982 | 1 |
| 1983 | 3 |
| 1984 | 6 |
| 1985 | 9 |
| 1986 | 7 |
| 1987 | 18 |
| 1988 | 30 |
| 1989 | 62 |
| 1990 | 54 |
| 1991 | 52 |
| 1992 | 189 |
| 1993 | 500 |
| 1994 | 876 |
| 1995 | 457 |
| 1996 | 360 |
| 1997 | 414 |
| 1998 | 201 |
| 1999 | 634 |
| 2000 | 282 |
| 2001 | 440 |
| 2002 | 286 |
| 2003 | 301 |
| 2004 | 204 |
| 2005 | 129 |
| 2006 | 23 |
| 2007 | 292 |
| 2008 | 213 |
| 2009 | 106 |
| 2010 | 117 |
| 2011 | 148 |
| 2012 | 101 |
| 2013 | 118 |
| 2014 | 59 |
| 2015 | 428 |
| 2016 | 218 |
| 2017 | 141 |
| 2018 | 81 |
| 2019 | 76 |
| 2020 | 44 |
| 2021 | 192 |
| 2022 | 117 |
| 2023 | 121 |
| 2024 | 41 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 18 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
6 of 18 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
3 of 18 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing tank assembly and fuel injection system.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE DUE TO GAS LEAK IN FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM. *SD
NHTSA ODI report, 19960404
2 of 18 total reports mention: tires, most commonly citing temporary/emergency spare tire.
2 of 18 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing cooling system.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
1987 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. CONSUMER WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY SAW SMOKE, PULLED OVER THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20070509
2 of 18 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing front underhood and horn.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
WHILE TRYING TO START THE AUTO, IT MADE A VERY HIGH PITCHED NOISE AND SMOKE BEGAN TO COME FROM UNDER THE HOOD, AUTO CAUGHT A FIRE AND BURNED, NO INJURIES. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19960606
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 Suburban — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for tires issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 06E043000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1987 Chevrolet Suburban 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 Suburban?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1987 Chevrolet Suburban have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.