1987 GMC Sierra
Only 1 complaint 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 1 complaint on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1982 | 1 |
| 1983 | 2 |
| 1987 | 1 |
| 1988 | 6 |
| 1989 | 16 |
| 1990 | 18 |
| 1991 | 12 |
| 1992 | 30 |
| 1993 | 72 |
| 1994 | 190 |
| 1995 | 261 |
| 1996 | 246 |
| 1997 | 238 |
| 1998 | 190 |
| 1999 | 600 |
| 2000 | 443 |
| 2001 | 264 |
| 2002 | 249 |
| 2003 | 206 |
| 2004 | 188 |
| 2005 | 117 |
| 2006 | 53 |
| 2007 | 59 |
| 2008 | 68 |
| 2009 | 37 |
| 2010 | 34 |
| 2011 | 43 |
| 2012 | 29 |
| 2013 | 39 |
| 2014 | 101 |
| 2015 | 53 |
| 2016 | 6 |
| 2017 | 61 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 1 complaint on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 1 total report mentions: steering.
Show complaint excerpts
THE STEERING COLUMN IS LOOSE! THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT IS TALKED ABOUT ON THE INTERNET. THE HIGH BEAM SWITCH HAS FAILED. THE SWITCH IS LOCATED IN THE STEERING COLUMN AND ITS FAILURE MAY BE RELATED TO THE LOOSENESS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160223
1 of 1 total report mentions: exterior lighting.
Show complaint excerpts
THE STEERING COLUMN IS LOOSE! THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT IS TALKED ABOUT ON THE INTERNET. THE HIGH BEAM SWITCH HAS FAILED. THE SWITCH IS LOCATED IN THE STEERING COLUMN AND ITS FAILURE MAY BE RELATED TO THE LOOSENESS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160223
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1987 GMC Sierra — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for steering issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (1 reports on file for this year).
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1987 GMC Sierra 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 Sierra?
The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 100% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1987 GMC Sierra have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.