1987 Pontiac Sunbird
Only 6 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 6 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 6
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 5
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1987
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1987: 6 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1982 | 0 |
| 1983 | 0 |
| 1984 | 5 |
| 1985 | 4 |
| 1986 | 6 |
| 1987 | 6 |
| 1988 | 4 |
| 1989 | 7 |
| 1990 | 11 |
| 1991 | 27 |
| 1992 | 30 |
| 1993 | 37 |
| 1994 | 43 |
| 1995 | 1 |
| 1996 | 4 |
| 1997 | 4 |
| 1998 | 2 |
| 1999 | 3 |
| 2000 | 3 |
Known problem areas
Only 6 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Electrical system
3 of 6 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing front underhood and alternator/generator/regulator.
Show complaint excerpts
None
NHTSA ODI report, 1998-12-17
Equipment
2 of 6 total reports mention: equipment, most commonly citing air conditioner.
Engine and engine cooling
2 of 6 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline.
Show complaint excerpts
Engine locked up, causing fire.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-11-14
Engine fire.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-10-29
Tires
1 of 6 total reports mentions: tires.
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 5 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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I
1987-05-13Preliminary evaluationClosed 1987-08-05 Separated strng knuckle
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R
1987-12-17Fuel system, gasoline87V184000 The fuel feed and/or return hose/pipe assemblies could crack or separate, allowing fuel to leak into the underhood area.
Remedy: Replace both fuel feed and return hose/pipe assemblies.
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I
1988-07-27Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-01-17 Poor braking
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I
1989-01-17Engineering analysisClosed 1990-05-08 Brake ineffectiveness
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I
1990-08-29Engineering analysisClosed 1992-03-30 Brake performance
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I
1992-06-26Engineering analysisClosed 1994-01-31 Sticking throttle
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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 Pontiac Sunbird — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Equipment: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 2 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 87V184000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 06E043000 · Fuel system, gasoline
FAQ
- Is the 1987 Pontiac Sunbird 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 Pontiac Sunbird?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1987 Pontiac Sunbird have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.