1987 GMC Safari

○ Not enough data
1987 GMC Safari
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:57:16.438Z

Only 11 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 11 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

Complaints
11

Too few to rank

Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 1987

Investigations
6

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1985: 1 complaint 1986: 7 complaints 1987: 11 complaints 1987 11 1988: 7 complaints 1989: 18 complaints 1990: 35 complaints 1991: 40 complaints 1991 1992: 60 complaints 1993: 61 complaints 1994: 125 complaints 1994 1995: 195 complaints 1996: 139 complaints 1997: 135 complaints 1997 1998: 89 complaints 1999: 61 complaints 2000: 68 complaints 2000 2001: 39 complaints 2002: 25 complaints 2003: 18 complaints 2003 2004: 5 complaints 2005: 4 complaints
1985: 1 complaint 1985 1986: 7 complaints 1987: 11 complaints 1987 11 1988: 7 complaints 1989: 18 complaints 1989 1990: 35 complaints 1991: 40 complaints 1991 1992: 60 complaints 1993: 61 complaints 1993 1994: 125 complaints 1995: 195 complaints 1995 1996: 139 complaints 1997: 135 complaints 1997 1998: 89 complaints 1999: 61 complaints 1999 2000: 68 complaints 2001: 39 complaints 2001 2002: 25 complaints 2003: 18 complaints 2003 2004: 5 complaints 2005: 4 complaints 2005
1985: 1 complaint 1985 1986: 7 complaints 1986 1987: 11 complaints 1987 11 1988: 7 complaints 1988 1989: 18 complaints 1989 1990: 35 complaints 1990 1991: 40 complaints 1991 1992: 60 complaints 1992 1993: 61 complaints 1993 1994: 125 complaints 1994 1995: 195 complaints 1995 1996: 139 complaints 1996 1997: 135 complaints 1997 1998: 89 complaints 1998 1999: 61 complaints 1999 2000: 68 complaints 2000 2001: 39 complaints 2001 2002: 25 complaints 2002 2003: 18 complaints 2003 2004: 5 complaints 2004 2005: 4 complaints 2005

1987: 11 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19820
19830
19840
19851
19867
198711
19887
198918
199035
199140
199260
199361
1994125
1995195
1996139
1997135
199889
199961
200068
200139
200225
200318
20045
20054

Known problem areas

Only 11 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Engine and engine cooling

5 of 11 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline and belts and associated pulleys.

Show complaint excerpts

Replaced thermostat due to coolant leak.

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-04-19

Steering

3 of 11 total reports mention: steering, most commonly citing idler and attachment and pump.

Service brakes

2 of 11 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.

Structure

2 of 11 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing door and body.

Show complaint excerpts

Customer wants to know how to replace the door handles on a 1987 Safari van*

NHTSA ODI report, 2007-04-18

Seat belts

2 of 11 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing retractor.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

The vehicle was involved in a collision, and the seat belt did not perform as designed.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-06-05

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 6 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. I
    1988-09-12Engineering analysisClosed 1989-10-31 Rear a/c unit
  2. I
    1989-03-23Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-09-19 Rear axle seal failure
  3. I
    1989-12-15Preliminary evaluationClosed 1990-04-16 Power steering failure
  4. I
    1990-02-05Preliminary evaluationClosed 1990-06-29 Spare tire carrier failure
  5. I
    1990-04-16Engineering analysisClosed 1991-04-30 Power steering failure
  6. I
    1992-06-24Engineering analysisClosed 1993-11-19 Seat back bolt breakage
  7. R
    1994-01-20Seats93V187000 The recliner mechanism and the seat frame may have foam and/or vinyl between them, creating a "Soft" Joint. This "Soft" Joint results in lower than specified bolt torque which leads to joint…

    Remedy: Dealers will remove the foam and/or vinyl from between the recliner mechanism and the seat frame "Soft" Joint and replace the recliner bolts.

  8. R
    2006-10-18Fuel system, gasoline06E043000 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…

    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).

Buy-smart checklist

1987 GMC Safari — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 5 reports on file for this year.
  • Steering: 3 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 2 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 93V187000 · Seats
  • Recall 06E043000 · Fuel system, gasoline

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1987 GMC Safari 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 Safari?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 45% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1987 GMC Safari have?
2 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.