1987 GMC S15
Only 3 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 3 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 3
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 4
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1987
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1987: 3 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 1 |
| 1982 | 0 |
| 1983 | 0 |
| 1984 | 0 |
| 1985 | 1 |
| 1986 | 3 |
| 1987 | 3 |
| 1988 | 2 |
| 1989 | 8 |
| 1990 | 3 |
| 1991 | 8 |
| 1992 | 3 |
| 1993 | 4 |
| 1994 | 6 |
| 1995 | 3 |
| 1996 | 3 |
| 1997 | 2 |
| 1998 | 2 |
| 1999 | 1 |
| 2001 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Only 3 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Steering
1 of 3 total reports mentions: steering, most commonly citing hydraulic power assist system.
Show complaint excerpts
A few months ago I noticed a noise from the engine compartment at low idle,I checked it out and found the support bracket for the power steering pump was loose.the 2 bolts that secure it to the engine had both sheared off,this caused considerable...
NHTSA ODI report, 1998-11-19
Engine and engine cooling
1 of 3 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine.
Show complaint excerpts
Head gasket failure on several occassions.
NHTSA ODI report, 1998-10-20
Electrical system
1 of 3 total reports mentions: electrical system, most commonly citing interior/under dash.
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 4 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
1987-03-02Steering87V021000 Inner tie rod to relay rod nuts on steering linkage may be iimproperly torqued and not crimped.
Remedy: Replace steering linkage assembly.
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I
1987-10-09Preliminary evaluationClosed 1988-04-22 Frctr of p/s pump brckt
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I
1988-04-19Preliminary evaluationClosed 1988-11-07 Rear axle failure
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I
1988-11-07Engineering analysisClosed 1990-08-24 Rear axle shaft
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I
1990-02-05Preliminary evaluationClosed 1990-06-29 Spare tire carrier failure
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R
2006-04-03Exterior lighting06E026000 Certain pro-a motors corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber…
Remedy: Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. The recall began on April 3, 2006. Owners may contact pro-a motors at 323-838-2988.
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R
2006-07-01Exterior lighting06E049000 Certain ck motorsports combination headlights, clear corner, bumper, and side marker lights sold as replacement lamps for use on the passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are…
Remedy: Ck motorsport will notify owners and replace the noncompliant lamps free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2006. Owners may contact ck motorsport at 1-909-610-7211.
Buy-smart checklist
1987 GMC S15 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Steering: 1 report on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 1 report on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 87V021000 · Steering
- Recall 06E026000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 06E049000 · Exterior lighting
FAQ
- Is the 1987 GMC S15 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 GMC S15?
- The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1987 GMC S15 have?
- 3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.