1987 Chevrolet Cavalier Problems

Below Average Complaints

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 1987 Chevrolet Cavalier.

19861988
Complaints
27
Crashes
3
Fires
0
Injuries
4
Fatalities
Recalls
0

Worst 1987 Chevrolet Cavalier Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#15 complaints

Steering:Rack And Pinion

#22 complaints

Seat Belt Issues

#32 complaints

Seat Belts:Front:Anchorage

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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 1987 Chevrolet Cavalier.

Steering:Rack And Pinion
5
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Seat Belt Issues
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Seat Belts:Front:Anchorage
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Seat Belts:Front:Retractor
2
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Steering: Steering Wheel/Handle Bar
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Tire Defects
2
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Unintended Acceleration
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Transmission / Drivetrain
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Automatic Transmission
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Seat Belts:Front:Buckle Assembly
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Seat-Related Issues
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Seats:Front Assembly:Recliner
1
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Hydraulic Brakes
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Structure:Body:Door:Hinge And Attachments
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Vehicle Speed Control:Cables
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Sunroof/Moonroof
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 1987 Chevrolet Cavalier. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Other Chevrolet Cavalier Years

1987 Chevrolet Cavalier — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 1987 Chevrolet Cavalier reliable?
Verdict: Below Average Complaints. The 1987 Chevrolet Cavalier has 27 NHTSA complaints, 3 crash-related, and 0 recall campaigns. The most common issue is Steering:Rack And Pinion with 5 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 1987 Chevrolet Cavalier?
Top reported problems: Steering:Rack And Pinion (5 complaints); Seat Belt Issues (2 complaints); Seat Belts:Front:Anchorage (2 complaints). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
How safe is the 1987 Chevrolet Cavalier?
NHTSA complaints for the 1987 Chevrolet Cavalier include 3 crash-related reports, 0 fire reports, 4 injuries, and 0 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 1987 Chevrolet Cavalier have any recalls?
No NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the 1987 Chevrolet Cavalier as of the latest data sync. Verify by VIN for the most current status — new recalls can be issued years after a model year ships.
Should I buy a 1987 Chevrolet Cavalier?
Fewer complaints than typical for this model. That's a good sign, but every individual car is different — the VIN still tells you what happened to this specific one.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full Chevrolet Cavalier reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

Check Your Specific 1987 Chevrolet Cavalier

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