1987 GMC Safari
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
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 6
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1987
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1987: 11 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1982 | 0 |
| 1983 | 0 |
| 1984 | 0 |
| 1985 | 1 |
| 1986 | 7 |
| 1987 | 11 |
| 1988 | 7 |
| 1989 | 18 |
| 1990 | 35 |
| 1991 | 40 |
| 1992 | 60 |
| 1993 | 61 |
| 1994 | 125 |
| 1995 | 195 |
| 1996 | 139 |
| 1997 | 135 |
| 1998 | 89 |
| 1999 | 61 |
| 2000 | 68 |
| 2001 | 39 |
| 2002 | 25 |
| 2003 | 18 |
| 2004 | 5 |
| 2005 | 4 |
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.
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 →
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I
1988-09-12Engineering analysisClosed 1989-10-31 Rear a/c unit
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I
1989-03-23Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-09-19 Rear axle seal failure
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I
1989-12-15Preliminary evaluationClosed 1990-04-16 Power steering failure
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I
1990-02-05Preliminary evaluationClosed 1990-06-29 Spare tire carrier failure
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I
1990-04-16Engineering analysisClosed 1991-04-30 Power steering failure
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I
1992-06-24Engineering analysisClosed 1993-11-19 Seat back bolt breakage
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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.
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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 →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.