1987 Chevrolet Corvette problems
The Chevrolet Corvette is a line of American two-door, two-seater sports cars, manufactured and marketed by General Motors, under the Chevrolet marque, since 1953.
Over the course of eight generations, indicated sequentially as C1 to C8, the Corvette is noted for its performance, distinctive styling, lightweight fiberglass or composite bodywork, and competitive pricing. Since the cessation of Ford and Chrysler's competitors, the Corvette is the only two-seat sports car produced by a major United States auto manufacturer and serves as Chevrolet's halo car.
Since its introduction in 1953, the two-seater has steadily moved upmarket. Originally a relatively modest, lightweight 6‑cylinder convertible, subsequent introductions of V8 engines, competitive chassis innovations, and rear mid-engined layout have positioned the Corvette in the supercar class. The first three Corvette generations (1953–1983) employed body-on-frame construction, and since the C4 generation, introduced in 1983 as an early 1984 model, Corvettes have used GM's unibody Y‑body platform. All Corvettes used front mid-engine configuration for seven generations, through 2019, and transitioned to a rear mid-engined layout with the C8 generation.
In 1953, GM executives accepted a suggestion by Myron Scott, then the assistant director of the Public Relations department, to name the company's new sports car after the corvette, a small maneuverable warship. The first model, a convertible, was introduced at the 1953 GM Motorama as a concept car; production models went on sale later that year. In 1963, the second generation was introduced in coupe and convertible styles. Originally manufactured in Flint, Michigan, and St. Louis, Missouri, the Corvette has been produced in Bowling Green, Kentucky, since 1981, which is also the location of the National Corvette Museum.
The Corvette has become widely known as "America's Sports Car." Automotive News wrote that after being featured in the early 1960s television show Route 66, "the Corvette became synonymous with freedom and adventure," ultimately becoming both "the most successful concept car in history and the most popular sports car in history."
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Common 1987 Chevrolet Corvette problems
Based on the information gathered from various sources about the Chevrolet Corvette 1987, here are some common problems reported by owners:
- Digital Dash Flickering: Owners have noted a slight flicker in the digital dash display, resembling a power surge. This issue can be attributed to grounding problems. The dash's grounding wires, particularly Pin D3, are prone to corrosion, leading to flickering. Soldering the two ground wires together at the display can often resolve this problem.
- Gas Pedal Slow to Return: Some owners have experienced a gas pedal that is slow to return, indicating a weak spring. This issue can affect the responsiveness of the throttle and may require inspection and potential replacement of the spring mechanism to ensure proper functionality.
- Fan Operation: The single fan system in the 1987 Corvette may not always run as soon as the air conditioning is turned on. This can lead to overheating concerns, especially in warmer climates. Checking the fan's wiring, relay, and motor for any faults or malfunctions is crucial to ensure proper cooling system operation.
- Door Locks: Owners have reported slow operation of the power door locks, which can be inconvenient and frustrating. This issue may stem from electrical faults, worn-out components, or issues with the locking mechanism. Repairing or replacing the affected door lock components may be necessary to restore proper functionality.
- Mechanical Reliability: While some owners claim no mechanical or handling issues with the 1987 Corvette, it's essential to consider the overall maintenance costs and the car's suitability as a daily driver. Regular maintenance, especially for a vintage vehicle like the 1987 Corvette, is crucial to prevent potential problems and ensure its longevity on the road.
By addressing these common problems reported by owners of the Chevrolet Corvette 1987, prospective buyers and current owners can be better informed about potential issues and take proactive steps to maintain and enjoy their vehicles effectively.
What problems did the 1987 Corvette have?
Headlight motors are known to fail, preventing headlights from engaging/disengaging. There are a number of fiberglass body panel components that are known to fail. These include faulty hood seals, leaky roof seals and deteriorating firewalls. Both the driver and passenger doors are known to exhibit erratic vibration.
Was the 1987 Corvette a good car?
An Absolutely Fun Car to Own!!!
The 350 engine combined with the 4 Plus 3 stick shift make it a fun car to drive. The glass Targa top removes easily for open air ride without the looseness you can sometimes experience with a drop top.
How many miles will a 1987 Corvette last?
Our final take-away from this car, though, is the reassuring knowledge that a Corvette isn't necessarily a fragile vehicle destined to sit in a garage or museum but that instead it can take on the roads of America for more than 330,000 miles and still keep running!
What year was the bad Corvette?
What is the worse Corvette of all time? 1975. The body was degraded from the original 1968 shark design with energy-absorbing boat anchors on each end. The engine was a sluggish 350 with only 165 hp, hardly enough to run the quarter in 16.1 seconds at 87.4 mph.
What problems did the 1987 Corvette have?
Headlight motors are known to fail, preventing headlights from engaging/disengaging. There are a number of fiberglass body panel components that are known to fail. These include faulty hood seals, leaky roof seals and deteriorating firewalls. Both the driver and passenger doors are known to exhibit erratic vibration.
Is the 1987 Corvette a good car?
Corvettes are supposed to handle. They do. Better and better, in fact, and the 1987 is easily and clearly the best of the current generation, in turn the best in the history of the nameplate.
How many miles will a 1987 Corvette last?
Our final take-away from this car, though, is the reassuring knowledge that a Corvette isn't necessarily a fragile vehicle destined to sit in a garage or museum but that instead it can take on the roads of America for more than 330,000 miles and still keep running!
What year was the bad Corvette?
What is the worse Corvette of all time? 1975. The body was degraded from the original 1968 shark design with energy-absorbing boat anchors on each end. The engine was a sluggish 350 with only 165 hp, hardly enough to run the quarter in 16.1 seconds at 87.4 mph.
1987 Chevrolet Corvette car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Chevrolet Corvette problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Seat belts problems
- Electrical system problems
- Suspension problems
- Steering problems
- Seats problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1987 Chevrolet Corvette vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1987 Chevrolet Corvette complaints
The NHTSA has received 21 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1987 Chevrolet Corvette.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-05-02
- VIN: 1G1YY2183H5
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1987 CHEVROLET CORVETTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT WAS INOPERABLE AND WOULD NOT PULL OUT OF THE RETRACTOR. SEAVIEW BUICK GMC (17909 HWY 99, LYNNWOOD, WA 98037, (425) 742-1920) WAS CONTACTED, BUT COULD NOT CHECK FOR RECALLS BECAUSE THE VIN COULD NOT BE LOOKED UP IN THEIR SYSTEM. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 91V143000 (SEAT BELTS). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED THE SAME INFORMATION AS THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 175,000.
SUSPENSION,SEAT BELTS,SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-11-15
- VIN: 1G1YY3188H5
- Components: SUSPENSION,SEAT BELTS,SEATS
- Summary: BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT SEATBELTS ARE JAMMED AN UNUSEABLE. REAR SUSPENSION, BEARING MAKING NOISES. SEAT CONTROLS DRIVERS SIDE INOPERABLE
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-07-01
- VIN: 1G1YY2180H5
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: GM WILL NOT HONOR THE RECALL FOR TWO (2) RECALLS - 91C25 & 91C26 SAFETY BELT RETRACTORS THAT ARE JAMMED.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-05-10
- VIN: 1G1YY2185H5
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: I HAD ABOUT A 2 HOUR DRIVE AND WHEN I ARRIVED AT MY DESTINATION I ATTEMPTED TO EXIT THE CAR THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT TIGHTENED UP AND WOULD NOT RELEASE I COULD NOT GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE TILL I FOUND A 12 IN SCREWDRIVER TO PRY THE SEATBELT TENSIONER APART TO RELEASE THE BELT IT AN OLDER CAR AND THINGS HAPPEN BUT THAT IS JUST AS DANGEROUS AS NOT HAVING A SEAT BELT ON I JUST FOUND OUT THAT THERE WAS A RECALL BUT I CAN'T FIND IF THERE IS AN END DATE .IF IF I CAN GET REPLACEMENTS I WILL REPLACE BOTH RED SEAT BELTS. THE CAR WAS IN MOTION ON THE OHIO TURNPIKE HOWEVER THE REAL PROBLEM AT THE TIME WAS WHEN I STOPPED AND TRIED TO EXIT THE CAR WHEN THE BELT GOT TIGHTER(NO PHONE ,NO KNIFE JUST A 12 IN SCREWDRIVER.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-11-15
- VIN: 1G1YY3185H5
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1987 CHEVROLET CORVETTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING THE SAME FAILURES AS LISTED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 091V14300 (SEAT BELTS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT WAS JAMMED IN THE RETRACTOR AND COULD NOT BE UNFASTENED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,000.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-07-09
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1987 CHEVROLET CORVETTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR FAILED ON THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SEATS. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO EXIT THE SEAT BELT ON VARIOUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE MECHANIC COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATELY FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 143,000. *TR
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-09-08
- VIN: 1G1YY2189H5
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1987 CHEVROLET CORVETTE KIT Z52. THE CONTACT STATED BOTH FRONT SEAT BELTS FAILED TO OPEN ON SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS NOTIFIED OF RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 91V143000 (SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE) THAT MIGHT BE RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,332 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 115,342. UPDATED 9/26/12 *CN UPDATED 09/27/12
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-07-22
- VIN: 1G1YY3181H5
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE SEAT BELTS DON`T RETRACT PROPERLY WHEN LATCHED,SO THEY ARE LOOSE AND HAVE NO TENSION TO THEM,THEY STAY TIGHT ACROSS THE WAIST,BUT NOT ACROSS THE CHEST. *TR
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-04-03
- VIN: 1G1YY3188H5
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: I RECENTLY PURCHASED A USED CAR THAT HAS A SEAT BELT SAFETY RECALL THAT HAS NOT BEEN PERFORMED..CHEVROLET IS TELLING ME THAT I HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE THE BELTS/RETRACTORS REPLACED AT MY COST . THEY SAY THEY DO NOT HAVE THE INFORMATION THROUGH THE VIN NUMBER OF MY CAR OF WHETHER IT HAS BEEN DONE OR NOT... MY BELTS ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY AND THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF CAR IS IN PRISON SO WAS NEVER NOTIFIED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL. HIS PROPERTY WAS SEIZED AND SOLD AT AUCTION. THEY SAY DUE TO THE YEAR OF THE CAR THEY CANNOT TELL. MY OTHER TWO CARS HAD RECALLS THAT WERE ALMOST 20 YEARS OLD PERFORMED ON THEM AT NO COST TO ME. RECALL # IS NHTSA91V143000 . WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS? *TR
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-07-24
- VIN: 1G1YY218XH5
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1987 CHEVROLET CORVETTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT HAS BECOME LOCKED IN THE RETRACTOR AND WILL NOT RELEASE. THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED BEFORE, BUT THE SEAT BELT RELEASED ITSELF. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 124,376.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-04-14
- VIN: 1G1YY3187H5
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THERE IS A RECALL ON MY 1987 CORVETTE THE SEAT BELT RETRACTORS ARE BROKEN I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER I CONTACTED CHEVROLET THEY TOLD ME THE CAR IS TO OLD IT WAS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT THERE WAS NO TIME LIMIT ON THEM FIXING THEM THE CAR ONLY HAS 63,000 MILES. *NM
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-08-11
- VIN: 1G1YY2188H5
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: INTERMITTENTLY VEHICLE BEGAN TO RAPIDLY ACCELERATE WHEN WAS LOW MOTION, CONSUMER IMMEDIATELY HAD TO TURN OFF THE IGNITION SWITCH TO STOP THE VEHICLE. DEALERSHIP INDICATED TO THE CONSUMER WE NEVER HEARD A PROBLEM LIKE THIS ONE, CALL NHTSA.*AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1987-06-17
- VIN: 1G1YY2186H5
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: FRONT STEERING LOCKS UP . AFTER CAR WARMS UP IT'S FINE ..I UNDERSTAND THAT THERE IS A RECALL ON LATER MODLE YEAR CORVETTE . SAME PROBLEM FOR ALL 1987'S I HAVE LOOK AT . THEY GM NEEDS TO RECALL ALL 1987 CORVETTE AND FIX THIS STEERING PROBLEM .
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-05-03
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1G1YY2181H5
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE HAD BEEN TURNED OFF FOR A 1/2 AN HOUR. CONSUMER WAS NOTIFIED THAT SMOKE WAS COMING FORM FRONT HOOD. PARTS WERE TAKEN TO BE INVESTIGATED. DEALER WILL BE CONTACTED. *AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-12-29
- VIN: 1G1YY2186H5
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: THE STEERING RACK AND PINION HAS FAILED IN MY 1987 CORVETTE. THE CONDITION IS PREVALENT IN ALL 1984 TO 1991 CORVETTES. THE PROBLEM IS REFERRED TO AS GM "MORNING SICKNESS". THE PROBLEM CAN CAUSE A LOSS OF CONTROL IN THE VEHICAL. GM CHANGED THE DESIGN OF THE STEERING RACK (REPLACED HARD SEALS) FOR MODEL YEAR 1992 DUE TO NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-09-10
- VIN: 1G1YY3186H5
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: INTERMITTENT NO-START PROBLEM. DEFECTIVE IGNITION PARTS INSTALLED AT FACTORY PER CHEVROLET BULLETIN 88-292-8A. CHEVROLET CONTACTED AND REFUSED TO COVER REPLACEMENT OF PARTS PER BULLETIN. FEE PAID TO GM FOR WARRATY TRANSFER AND EXTENSION TO 60,000 MILES. 25,000 MILES NOW ON VEHICLE. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE FRONT SEATBELT BUCKLES LOCKED UP AND WILL NOT COME UNDONE. VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED ON RECALL 91V143000 DUE TO VIN #. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-09-01
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: ABS BRAKE FAILURE. *AK
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-10-04
- VIN: 1G1YY218XH5
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: THE FRONT FIBERGLASS LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY CRACKED DUE TO DETERIORATION. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1992-09-01
- VIN: 1G1YYX18CH5
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELTS LOCK UP/JAM, DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO PERFORM RECALL REPAIRS UNLESS SEATBELT FAILURE IS DUPLICATED.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-07-01
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE COMPUTER CHIP IN THE IGNITION KEY IS CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CUT OFF IN TRAFFIC AND THE COMPUTER IS NOT READING THE KEY.*AK
1987 Chevrolet Corvette recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1987 Chevrolet Corvette.
- 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.
- 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).
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
- Summary: UNDER CERTAIN VEHICLE OPERATIONS AND OCCUPANT USAGE CONDITIONS, THE SAFETY BELTS CAN LOCKUP OR JAM IN THE SAFETY BELT RETRACTOR.
- Consequence: IF LOCKUP OCCURS, IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PULL BELT OUT OFTHE RETRACTOR. THE OCCUPANT OF A SEAT WITH AN UNUSABLE SAFETY BELT ISSUBJECT TO INCREASED RISK OF INJURY OR DEATH IN THE EVENT OF A SUDDEN STOP ORACCIDENT.
- Remedy: REPLACE THE SAFETY BELTS IF THE LOCKUP OCCURS.
Other years of Chevrolet Corvette
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