1987 GMC Suburban
Only 8 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 8 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 |
|---|---|
| 1981 | 0 |
| 1982 | 0 |
| 1983 | 2 |
| 1984 | 5 |
| 1985 | 3 |
| 1986 | 4 |
| 1987 | 8 |
| 1988 | 8 |
| 1989 | 17 |
| 1990 | 22 |
| 1991 | 31 |
| 1992 | 80 |
| 1993 | 213 |
| 1994 | 419 |
| 1995 | 227 |
| 1996 | 172 |
| 1997 | 200 |
| 1998 | 100 |
| 1999 | 285 |
| 2000 | 15 |
| 2001 | 5 |
| 2002 | 7 |
| 2003 | 5 |
| 2004 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 8 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
3 of 8 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing tank assembly.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
DRIVING HOME ON FREEWAY APPROXIMATELY 65MPH SMELLED GAS, PULLED OVER TO SEE WHAT WAS HAPPENING, BY TIME GOT OUT AND POPPED THE HOOD THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. FIRE DEPT . SAID CAUSE OF FIRE WAS THE FUEL SYSTEM, VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19970225
1 of 8 total reports mentions: tires.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
THE 1987 GMC SUBURBAN, LICENSE #BVW 5641WAS BEING DRIVEN ON I-40 AT 65 MPH. THE CRASH TOOK PLACE JUST SOUTH OF THE 138 EXIT, NEAR GREENSBORO.THE CRASH WAS INVESTIGATED BY TROOPER GLENN M.
NHTSA ODI report, 20001213
1 of 8 total reports mentions: suspension, most commonly citing leaf spring assembly.
1 of 8 total reports mentions: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
1 of 8 total reports mentions: seat belts, most commonly citing buckle assembly.
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
IMPROPER SPEED CONTROL
FUEL TANK BAFFLE/STALLS
SEAT BACK BOLT BREAKAGE
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1987 GMC Suburban — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for tires issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (1 reports on file for this year).
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1987 GMC Suburban 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 Suburban?
The most-reported component is fuel system, gasoline, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1987 GMC Suburban have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.