1987 GMC Safari Problems

Below Average Complaints

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 1987 GMC Safari.

19861988
Complaints
22
Crashes
1
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Fatalities
Recalls
0

Worst 1987 GMC Safari Problems

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

#12 complaints

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine

#22 complaints

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline

#32 complaints

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components

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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 1987 GMC Safari.

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Radiator Assembly
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline:Belts And Associated Pulleys
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Equipment:Appliance:Air Conditioner
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Fuel System, Gasoline:Carburetor System
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Fuel System, Gasoline:Fuel Injection System
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Power Train:Driveline:Differential Unit
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Seat Belt Issues
1
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Seat Belts:Front:Retractor
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist System
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist:Pump
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Steering:Linkages:Arm:Idler And Attachment
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Body Structure
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Structure:Body:Door
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Suspension:Front
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Tire Defects
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Vehicle Speed Control:Linkages
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles

Search Owner Complaints

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

Other GMC Safari Years

1987 GMC Safari — FAQ

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

Is the 1987 GMC Safari reliable?
Verdict: Below Average Complaints. The 1987 GMC Safari has 22 NHTSA complaints, 1 crash-related, and 0 recall campaigns. The most common issue is Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine with 2 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 1987 GMC Safari?
Top reported problems: Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine (2 complaints); Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline (2 complaints); Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components (2 complaints). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
How safe is the 1987 GMC Safari?
NHTSA complaints for the 1987 GMC Safari include 1 crash-related reports, 0 fire reports, 0 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 GMC Safari have any recalls?
No NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the 1987 GMC Safari 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 GMC Safari?
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 GMC Safari reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

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