1987 Chevrolet Camaro problems

chevrolet logo

The Chevrolet Camaro is a mid-size American automobile manufactured by Chevrolet, classified as a pony car. It first went on sale on September 29, 1966, for the 1967 model year and was designed to compete with the Ford Mustang. The Camaro shared its platform and major components with the Firebird, produced by General Motors' Pontiac division that was also introduced for 1967.

Four distinct generations of the Camaro were developed before production ended in 2002. The nameplate was revived on a concept car that evolved into the fifth-generation Camaro; production started on March 16, 2009.

The Camaro was discontinued at the end of the 2024 model year. Production ended in December 2023. However, Chevrolet has stated, "This is not the end of Camaro's story."

1987 Chevrolet Camaro

Social links

Common 1987 Chevrolet Camaro problems

Based on the complaints from owners of the 1987 Chevrolet Camaro, here are common problems associated with this car:

  1. Security Light and Starting Issues: Some 1987 Camaros experienced problems with the security light staying on and the engine not turning over when trying to start the vehicle due to issues with the anti-theft system. This problem was often caused by the sensor in the ignition tumbler not reading the chip of the ignition key properly. A solution involved bypassing the sensor and the chip by replacing it with a resistor of the same resistance .
  2. Power Window Lift Motors: Premature failure of power window lift motors was a common issue in 1987 Camaros. Symptoms included slow window rolling and, as the motor deteriorated, windows failing to roll up or down at all. Replacing the faulty window lift motor with a higher-quality replacement was the recommended solution .
  3. Water Pump Leaks: Some 1987 Camaros with V8 engines were prone to developing cooling leaks in the water pump at low mileage. It was advised to replace the OEM water pump with a better-quality aftermarket replacement, especially if the vehicle was frequently driven at higher RPMs .
  4. T-Top Seal Leaks: The rubber seals of the T-top in 1987 Camaros tended to dry out over time, leading to rainwater leaking inside the vehicle. Replacing the old seals with new ones was the solution to this problem .
  5. Engine Mount Deterioration: The rubber material of the engine mounts in 1987 Camaros deteriorated over time, causing clunking noises when the engine lifted out of place momentarily. This issue could be resolved by replacing the OEM engine mounts with high-quality polyurethane replacements .
  6. Back Seat Fabric Tears: The fabric of the back seat in 1987 Camaros was prone to tearing over time due to sun exposure. To minimize this problem, tinting the glass of the rear hatch was recommended .
  7. Clear Coat Peeling: The clear coat in some 1987 Camaros tended to peel off over time, especially on the hood, roof, and trunk area of the vehicle. This issue was common and required attention to maintain the car's appearance .
  8. Dashboard Cracking: Prolonged exposure to sun rays caused the dashboard in 1987 Camaros to crack. Using aftermarket plastic shells or fabric dash covers to protect the dashboard from cracking was advised .
  9. Transmission Mount Issues: The rubber material of the transmission mount in some 1987 Camaros tended to rip, causing the transmission to bounce out of place during hard braking and gear shifting. Replacing the torn OEM transmission mount with a high-quality polyurethane replacement was recommended .
  10. Weak Lift Supports: The lift supports of the hood and rear hatch in 1987 Camaros tended to weaken over time, leading to issues with them staying open. Replacing the worn lift supports with high-quality replacements was the solution to this problem .
1987 Chevrolet Camaro engine

What is the most common problem with Camaros?

Most of the time, the issue concerned the Camaro's water pump system. It's possible for fifth-gen engines to produce loud noises, stall or shut down completely due to a lack of coolant. You could notice this Chevy Camaro issue somewhere around the 80,000-mile mark.

What year is the least reliable Camaro?

According to CarComplaints.com, the 2010 Chevy Camaro is the worst model year of the iconic muscle car. The website logged 481 complaints and three recalls for this model, and many of the complaints are severe in nature.

What engine is in a 1987 Camaro?

The 350 TPI (or L98) saw its IROC production debut in 1987, albeit with cast-iron cylinder heads instead of aluminum (as on the Corvette), with a reduced 225 hp and coupled only to a four-speed automatic transmission.

What year is the best Camaro to own?

The Chevrolet Camaro is a decent choice if you're hunting for a muscular vehicle with incredible power. Go with the 2000, 2001, 2018, 2019, 2020, or 2021 options for the best value.

What is the most common problem with Camaros?

Most of the time, the issue concerned the Camaro's water pump system. It's possible for fifth-gen engines to produce loud noises, stall or shut down completely due to a lack of coolant. You could notice this Chevy Camaro issue somewhere around the 80,000-mile mark.

What engine is in a 1987 Camaro?

The 350 TPI (or L98) saw its IROC production debut in 1987, albeit with cast-iron cylinder heads instead of aluminum (as on the Corvette), with a reduced 225 hp and coupled only to a four-speed automatic transmission.

What was the worst year for Camaro?

According to CarComplaints.com, the 2010 Chevy Camaro is the worst model year of the iconic muscle car.

How many 1987 Camaros were made?

137,760 units

Total production for the year was 137,760 units, with 60,439 V-6-powered and 77,321 with a V-8. The Camaro Berlinetta was discontinued and replaced with a revived LT model, which was an option package to the Sport Coupe, like the IROC-Z to the Z28.

1987 Chevrolet Camaro car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Chevrolet Camaro problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Seat belts problems
  • Steering problems
  • Engine and engine cooling problems
  • Electrical system problems
  • Equipment problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1987 Chevrolet Camaro vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Latest 25 complaints 1987 Chevrolet Camaro

The NHTSA has received 29 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1987 Chevrolet Camaro. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1987 Chevrolet Camaro vehicles.

2023-01-14

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2017-01-14
  • VIN: 1G1FP2189HN
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: During a New York state auto inspection, this recall, #N00043, was brought to my attention by the paperwork and the technician. I've been trying to get this issue resolved for years with no luck from various auto dealers.
2020-08-13

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2020-07-31
  • VIN: 1G1FP21F1HL
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: TL* THE CONTACT'S GIRLFRIEND OWNS A 1987 CHEVROLET CAMARO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT HAD BECOME DEFECTIVE. UPON RESEARCH, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL THAT HAD BEEN PLACED ON THE VEHICLE FOR THE SEAT BELTS HOWEVER, THE RECALL NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO PLATINUM CHEVROLET (3001 CORBY AVE, SANTA ROSA, CA 95407) WHERE HE INFORMED THE DEALER OF THE SEAT BELT RECALL. THE CONTACT WAS THEN INFORMED THAT THEY COULD NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE DUE TO THE DATABASE NOT HAVING INFORMATION ON A VEHICLE OF THAT AGE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS THEN NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE AND A CASE WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER THEN NOTIFIED THE CONTACT THAT DUE TO THE AGE OF THE VEHICLE AND THE INABILITY TO LOCATE THE RECALL, THEY DENIED HIS RECALL CLAIM. THE VEHICLE HAD YET TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE 49,858.
2004-05-05

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-08-13
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: I WAS AT THE ENTRANCE GATE TO THE PARKING LOT WHERE I WAS WORKING, AT THE TIME, ABOUT TO PUT MY CARD IN THE CARD READER, TO OPEN THE GATE. THE CAR WAS IN DRIVE AND MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE. THE ENGINE STARTED TO RACE WITHOUT WARNING AND I HAD TO STAND ON THE BRAKE PEDAL WITH BOTH FEET BEFORE I FINALLY GOT THE IGNITION KEY TURNED OFF. I RESTARTED THE ENGINE, IN PARK, AND THE ENGINE TOOK OFF AGAIN. I SHUT IT OFF, PLAYED AROUND WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL BUTTONS (WHICH WERE IN THE OFF POSITION) AND RESTARTED THE CAR. THIS TIME IT WAS FINE. THE CAR NEVER DID IT AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS A 1987 CHEVY CAMARO LS.
2003-12-22

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2003-10-06
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: 1G1FP21H2HN
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: 1987 CHEVROLET CAMERO CAUGHT ON FIRE. *MR *SC *JB
2003-11-25

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2003-07-27
  • VIN: 1G1FP2186HL
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: NEITHER SEAT BELT WILL LOCK. PASSENGERS USE TO LOCK BUT COULD NOT GET OUT OF THE SEAT BELT AND PULLED ON IT AND IT FELL APART. IF I WAS IN A ACCIDENT I WOULD NOT BE PROTECTED. *LA
2003-11-25

STEERING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2003-06-14
  • VIN: 1G1FP2186HL
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: (TILT STEERING) STEERING WHEEL VERY LOOSE. HARD TO STEER IN CURVES AND ON TURNS. STEERING WHEEL MOVE ABOUT A INCH OR 2 WHEN TRYING TO STEER. FEELS LIKE THE STEERING IS GOING TO FALL OFF, HAVE HAD IT CHECKED AND THE MECHANIC SAID THAT THE BOLTS ON THE TILT ARE FALLING OUT. THAT THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM. *LA
2003-10-24

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 1G1FP21H8HL
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME DEFECT AS STATED IN RECALL 90 V 105 000 HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. *JB
2001-07-19

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2001-04-16
  • VIN: 1G1FP21HXHN
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
2001-02-22

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2000-02-01
  • VIN: 1GCBS14AXC0
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: CONSUMER RECEIVED TWO RECALL LETTERS FOR SEATBELTS. RED PLASTIC BUTTONS WERE BRITTLE AND DISCOLORED. CONSUMER FELT THAT BUCKLE MAY NOT LATCH IN AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF CONDITION OF LATCHES. *AK
2001-02-16

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2001-02-12
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: 1G1FP21HOHN
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: CAR WAS SITTING STILL RUNNING IN NETURAL WHEN IT EXPLODED IN TO FLAMES WITH" NO WARNING SIGNS" TOTALLY DESTROYED CAR PASSANGER SIDE IS BURNED THE MOST! [PASSENGERS "MOTHER AND SON " MANAGED TO EXCAPE THE BURNING CAR INFERNO } THIS 1987 Z-28 CAMARO INFERNO TOOK PLACE IN WAL-MART PARKING LOT. *AK
2000-09-26

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2000-09-20
  • VIN: 1G1FP218XHN
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: THE LEFT SEAT BELT BUCKLE COMES UNLATCHED ALL THE TIME, THE RIGHT ONE HAS JUST BROKEN, MAKING IT TOTALLY USELESS. I TOOK MY VEHICLE IN FOR THE ORIGINAL RECALL, AND WAS TOLD THAT THE RECALL WAS NOW CLOSED. I OFFERED TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS, BUT WAS TOLD THAT CHEVROLET NO LONGER MANUFACTURES THE SEATBELT BUCKLES THAT ARE NEEDED. THEY TOLD ME TO GO TO A JUNKYARD AND GET ANOTHER SET. I AM NOT WILLING TO DO THAT, KNOWING THAT THE SEATBELTS ARE FAULTY TO BEGIN WITH.*AK
2000-08-22

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-08-10
  • VIN: 1G1FP21S7HN
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: FRONT PASSENGER'S AND DRIVER'S PLASTIC COMPONENT IN THE SEATBELT BUCKLE HAS DISINTEGRATED. CONSUMER WAS NOT ABLE TO USE SEAT BELTS. *AK
2000-08-18

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2000-08-18
  • VIN: 1G1FP21S3HL
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: DRIVER'S SIDE SEATBELT BROKE. DEALERSHIP TOLD HER THAT THAT PART WASN'T AVAILABLE. *AK
2000-08-16

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2000-04-01
  • VIN: 1G1FP21H8HH
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: DRIVER SIDE SEATBELT BUCKLE BROKE, THERE IS NO CONTACT WITH RETRACTOR. CONSUMER NOTIFIED DEALERSHIP.*AK
1998-11-04

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: WHEN DRIVING AFTER 2 OR 3 MINUTES THE CAR STARTS TO PAUSE, AS IF IT IS STALLING. DEALER HAS NOT SEEN. *AK
1998-04-17

STEERING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-04-01
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: STEERING COLUMN LOOSE.
1997-10-10

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 1G1FP2153HL
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: CATALYTIC CONVERTER RATTLES. IT SOUNDS AS IF ENGINE WILL FALL OUT. *AK
1997-10-07

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-10-01
  • VIN: J1FP21S9HL1
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: BOTH DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLES ARE INOPERATIVE DUE TO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY HAVING A CRACK. ALSO THE RED PLASTIC BUTTON IS STUCK. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER. THERE ALSO A RECALL LISTED FOR THE SAME PROBLEM RECALL 90V105000. *AK
1997-04-01

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 1G1FP21F2HN
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT FAILED TO LATCH AFTER RECALL WAS PERFORMED, BECAUSE THE METAL GUIDE WAS MISSING.
1997-02-20

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-02-12
  • VIN: 1G1FP2183HL
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: HOOD STRUTS FAILED TO KEEP HOOD IN THE OPEN POSITION.
1996-12-16

EQUIPMENT PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 1G1FP21FOHN
  • Components: EQUIPMENT
  • Summary: WHILE TRYING TO CHANGE A FLAT TIRE THE JACK BENT AND COLLAPSED UNDER THE WEIGHT OF THE EMPTY CAR. MJS
1996-12-04

EQUIPMENT PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 1G1FP21FOHN
  • Components: EQUIPMENT
  • Summary: AFTER LIFTING UP THE VEHICLE, THE JACK ITSELF BENT AND COLLAPSED UNDER THE WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE, CREATING A VERY DISTRESSING AND DANGEROUS SITUATION.
1996-09-10

STEERING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-07-07
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: STEERING COLUMN FAILURE, BOLTS ARE VERY LOOSE, CAUSING MOVEMENT OF THE STEERING WHEEL. *AK
1996-07-19

PARKING BRAKE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-07-19
  • Number Of Injuries: 2
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 1G1FP2180HL
  • Components: PARKING BRAKE
  • Summary: REAR PARKING BRAKE FAILED, RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT/INJURIES. *AK
1996-06-23

STEERING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-06-22
  • VIN: 1G1FP21S9HN
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: THE FOUR BOLTS HOLDING THE LOWER TILT-WHEEL PIVOT BECAME LOOSE, CAUSING THE STEERING WHEEL TO FLOP OVER TO THE SIDE, MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO DRIVE. *AK

1987 Chevrolet Camaro recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 1987 Chevrolet Camaro.

2007-10-24
  • Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
  • Components: EQUIPMENT
  • Summary: CERTAIN HONEYWELL FRAM RACING BRAND HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 25, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 14, 2007, AND SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR VEHICLES LIST ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FILTERS ARE MARKED WITH A DATE CODE A61451 THROUGH A72571 SEQUENTIALLY. THE DATE CODE AND PART NUMBER APPEAR ON THE FILTER HOUSING. FRAM RACING HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS NOT BEARING A DATE CODE IN THIS RANGE ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL. THE GASKET OF THE OIL FILTER BECOMES MORE PLIABLE UNDER HIGH TEMPERATURES AND PRESSURES.
  • Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE INADEQUATE SEALING AND LOSS OF ENGINE OIL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
  • Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED OIL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING NOVEMBER 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-890-2075.
2006-05-19
  • Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: 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 MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
  • Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
  • 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).
2006-03-23
  • Manufacturer: PRO-A MOTORS, INC.
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
  • Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
  • Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
1990-05-14
  • Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  • Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
  • Summary: PLASTIC COMPONENTS OF SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES DO NOT CONTAIN AN ULTRA VIOLET STABILIZER, AND EXPOSURE TO DIRECT SUNLIGHT AND ELEVATED INTERIOR TEMPERATURES COULD WEAKEN THE PLASTIC COMPONENTS.
  • Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN BREAKAGE OF PLASTIC COMPONENTS WHICHCOULD PREVENT BUCKLE FROM LATCHING AND PROTECTING OCCUPANT IN A SUDDEN STOP ORACCIDENT.
  • Remedy: REPLACE OR REPAIR SEAT BELT BUCKLE.
Leave your review of 1987 Chevrolet Camaro

Other years of Chevrolet Camaro

chevrolet camaro 1988 photo
Camaro 1988
Chevrolet

21

5

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
chevrolet camaro 1989 photo
Camaro 1989
Chevrolet

30

6

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
chevrolet camaro 1990 photo
Camaro 1990
Chevrolet

28

5

6

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
chevrolet camaro 1991 photo
Camaro 1991
Chevrolet

110

7

20

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
chevrolet camaro 1992 photo
Camaro 1992
Chevrolet

101

5

13

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
chevrolet camaro 1993 photo
Camaro 1993
Chevrolet

42

6

13

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

Are you having problems with your 1987 Chevrolet Camaro?

Add car complaint
1987 Chevrolet Camaro photo