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 PER YEAR
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.
1 of 3 total reports mentions: steering.
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, 19981119
1 of 3 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling.
Show complaint excerpts
HEAD GASKET FAILURE ON SEVERAL OCCASSIONS.
NHTSA ODI report, 19981020
CYLINDER HEAD GASKET FAILED THREE TIMES.
NHTSA ODI report, 19981020
1 of 3 total reports mentions: electrical system.
SAFETY TIMELINE
INNER TIE ROD TO RELAY ROD NUTS ON STEERING LINKAGE MAY BE IIMPROPERLY TORQUED AND NOT CRIMPED.
Remedy: REPLACE STEERING LINKAGE ASSEMBLY.
Campaign 87V021000 — check if this car was fixed
FRCTR OF P/S PUMP BRCKT
REAR AXLE FAILURE
REAR AXLE SHAFT
SPARE TIRE CARRIER FAILURE
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 S
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.
Campaign 06E026000 — check if this car was fixed
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 N
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.
Campaign 06E049000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1987 GMC S15 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for steering issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 87V021000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E026000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E049000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
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:hydraulic power assist system, 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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.