1987 GMC Safari

○ Not enough data

1987 GMC Safari
RENDERED 2026-09-17T02:36:28.970Z

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.

How is this computed?

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. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19950419

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**CC *JB

NHTSA ODI report, 20070418

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. *JB

NHTSA ODI report, 20030605

SAFETY TIMELINE

I 19880912 — EA (closed 19891031)

REAR A/C UNIT

I 19890323 — PE (closed 19890919)

REAR AXLE SEAL FAILURE

I 19891215 — PE (closed 19900416)

POWER STEERING FAILURE

I 19900205 — PE (closed 19900629)

SPARE TIRE CARRIER FAILURE

I 19900416 — EA (closed 19910430)

POWER STEERING FAILURE

I 19920624 — EA (closed 19931119)

SEAT BACK BOLT BREAKAGE

R 19940120 — seats

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 LOOSENESS

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.

Campaign 93V187000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20061018 — fuel system, gasoline

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 GMC Safari — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (5 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for steering issues (3 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for service brakes issues (2 reports on file for this year).
Verify recall 93V187000 (seats) has been completed.
Verify recall 06E043000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1990 ▲ 2001 ▲ 1991

WORST YEARS

■ 1995 ■ 1996 ■ 1997

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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.