Menu

1987 Chevrolet SpectrumProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 9 owner complaints about the 1987 Chevrolet Spectrum, most often about the engine and engine cooling. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.

–
CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls2Free fix at dealersOwner complaints90 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem2Engine and engine cooling

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through July 31, 1997. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1987 Chevrolet Spectrum has problems

9 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Engine and engine cooling20
Fuel system, gasoline20
Seat belts20
Vehicle speed control20
Power train10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

2 recalls

1987 Chevrolet Spectrum recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Engine and engine cooling: engine

Recall 88V-046 · Mar 29, 1988 · 8,238 vehicles

Risk. THIS CONDITION CAN ALLOW WATER/OIL MIXTURE TO BUILD UPIN THE HOSE FROM THE OIL SEPARATOR TO THE AIR INLET DUCT.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Tank assembly: filler pipe and cap

Recall 88V-036 · Mar 23, 1988 · 7,665 vehicles

Risk. THIS CONDITION COULD ALLOW FUEL TO LEAK FROM THE FUELTANK AND ULTIMATELY RESULT IN A FIRE WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Chevrolet.

Best & worst years

1987 vs. every other Spectrum year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Spectrum median. How we score

'85'86'87'88'89
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated

Own a 1987 Spectrum?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.