1987 Chevrolet Silverado problems

General information about Chevrolet-Silverado
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list

The Chevrolet Silverado is a range of trucks manufactured by General Motors under the Chevrolet brand. Introduced for the 1999 model year, the Silverado is the successor to the long-running Chevrolet C/K model line. Taking its name from the top trim level from the Chevrolet C/K series, the Silverado is offered as a series of full-size pickup trucks, chassis cab trucks, and medium-duty trucks. The fourth generation of the model line was introduced for the 2019 model year.

The Chevrolet Silverado shares mechanical commonality with the identically related GMC Sierra; GMC ended the use of the C/K nomenclature a model generation prior to Chevrolet. In Mexico, high-trim level versions of the Silverado use the Chevrolet Cheyenne name (not to be confused with the 2003 concept). Competing against the Ford F-Series, Ram Pickup, Toyota Tundra, and Nissan Titan, the Silverado is among the best-selling vehicles in the United States, having sold over 12 million trucks since its introduction in 1998 as a 1999 model year.

History

The Silverado nameplate made its debut for the 1975 model year, becoming the top trim level on all Chevrolet C/K trucks, slotted above Custom Deluxe, Scottsdale, and Cheyenne. For the 1968 model year (seven years before the Silverado), GMC C/K trucks used variations of the Sierra name (Sierra, Sierra Classic, Sierra Grande, and High Sierra). Even after the C/K series officially ended, GM still uses the CK and the CC in their current model codes, to denote a two-wheel drive (CC), and four-wheel drive (CK).

For the 1988 GMT400 model architecture, Chevrolet retained the C/K model nomenclature, with GMC branding its full-size line as Sierras. While sharing the same body and chassis, the model chronology of the Silverado and Sierra are different, with five generations of the Sierra, while four of the Silverado.

In 2018, at the NTEA Work Truck Show in Indianapolis, Indiana, Chevrolet unveiled the first medium-duty Silverado, expanding the model line to a 4500HD, 5500HD, and 6500HD chassis cab. Largely the successor to the 2003–2009 GMT560 chassis, the medium-duty trucks are exclusive to Chevrolet, with no plans for an equivalent GMC version. Instead, Navistar International (now partnering with GM) would sell the medium-duty trucks as a rebadged counterpart, called the CV. This is in fact a very similar nod to how the Avalanche did not have a GMC Yukon–based equivalent, but instead, Cadillac would take its place as the former's rebadged counterpart, the Escalade EXT.

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Common 1987 Chevrolet Silverado problems

The Chevrolet Silverado 1987, part of the third generation of this popular pickup truck, has been known to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues:

Hood Buckling: The hoods of early square-body Chevy C10 trucks, including the 1987 Silverado, were known to buckle on the passenger side right in front of the hood hinge.

Faulty Throttle Body: A faulty throttle body can cause a sudden loss of engine power in the 1987 Silverado. This issue can interfere with engine function and cause the vehicle to lose power anywhere from once in a while to several times in a day. When given a digital diagnostic, the vehicle scan will tell you there is an issue with the throttle body, which should be replaced to resolve the issue.

Starter Problems: Starter problems, such as starter motor failure and starter solenoid issues, can affect the 1987 Silverado's reliability. These problems can cause symptoms like a single click when you turn the key without the engine starting, difficulty turning the key, intermittent starting problems, or no response when you attempt to start the vehicle. Addressing these issues promptly is essential for the proper functioning of the starting system.

Ignition Switch Problems: Ignition switch problems can also affect the 1987 Silverado. These issues can cause symptoms such as difficulty turning the key, intermittent starting problems, or no response when you attempt to start the vehicle. Consulting a professional mechanic to diagnose and replace the faulty switch is essential to ensure the vehicle starts reliably every time.

Four-Wheel Disc Brakes Downgrade: Starting with the 2005 model, the standard four-wheel disc brakes were downgraded to a front disc/rear drum setup in the Silverado. While still competent to stop a vehicle, it is recommended to avoid the 2005 to 2006 models for this reason.

Air Conditioning Issues: Nonfunctional air conditioning is a common problem in the 1987 Silverado, particularly in trucks with more than 60,000 miles on the odometer. The issue is often solved by replacing a faulty A/C compressor.

Transmission Problems: Transmission issues, such as clunking and screeching noises when shifting between gears and overall rough shifting, have been reported in the 1987 Silverado. These problems can lead to transmission failure, requiring a replacement that can cost more than $2,000.

Rust Issues on Frames: Due to supply issues, some 1987 Silverado trucks have rust issues on the frames. GM is aware of this issue and has issued recalls to address the problem.

Electrical Issues: Electrical problems, such as malfunctioning speedometers and wiring issues that can lead to melting and burning, have been reported in the 1987 Silverado. These issues can pose a major fire hazard and affect the vehicle's overall reliability.

When considering purchasing a used Chevrolet Silverado 1987, it is essential to be aware of these common problems and thoroughly inspect the vehicle for any signs of these issues. Regular maintenance and addressing any problems promptly can help ensure the longevity and reliability of the vehicle.

What are the bad years for Chevy Silverado?

The 2008 model year competes with the 2014 model year as one of the worst ever produced. Due to its frequent engine problems and overuse of oil, which was repair that cost owners over $2,700 to fix, this problem continued onward from the 2007 into the 2009 model years.

What is the most common problem with Chevy Silverado?

1. 4WD Position Switch Failure. Almost every generation of Chevy Silverado has suffered various issues with the 4WD switch. Drivers of early models reported that their truck would automatically switch between 4WD and 2WD and the Service 4WD light would appear on the dashboard.

Are older Silverados reliable?

First Generation: 1999-2006. The first generation of the Silverado may not be the most reliable choice, as the vehicle underwent significant growing pains as a new full-sized truck on the market. The most common complaints from early model years are loud knocking and clanking sounds from the steering system.

What engine is in a 1987 Chevy Silverado?

1987 Chevrolet C30 Silverado one-ton pickup with 454-cubic-inch (7.4L) fuel-injected Big Block V-8 engine.

Are older Silverados reliable?

What engine is in a 1987 Chevy Silverado?

1987 Chevrolet C30 Silverado one-ton pickup with 454-cubic-inch (7.4L) fuel-injected Big Block V-8 engine.

What year Silverados have engine problems?

What are the most common problems with Chevy Silverado 1500?

Common Issues With Chevy Silverado Pickup Trucks

Fire Risks. ...
Defective In-Car Electronics. ...
Engine Control Module Problems. ...
Transmission Issues. ...
Seat Haptic Motor Failure. ...
Clunking Steering Column. ...
The “Chevy Shake” ...
Fuel Pump System Failure.

1987 Chevrolet Silverado car problems categorized by type of issue

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

Wheels problems
Tires problems

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

1987 Chevrolet Silverado complaints

The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1987 Chevrolet Silverado.

2016-08-15

WHEELS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2016-08-11
Components: WHEELS
Summary: FIRESTONE SUPREME SI P235/75R15 105S M&S TIRE HAD COMPLETE TREAD SEPARATION. LEFT FRONT TIRE AFFECTED. LUCKILY ONLY GOING ABOUT 30 MPH AT TIME ON A CITY STREET. JUST GOT OFF OF FREEWAY GOING 60 MPH! BADLY DAMAGED LEFT FRONT INNER WHEEL WELL. TIRE REMAINED INFLATED AND I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE OFF ROAD TO SAFETY. STARTED WITH FRONT SHIMMY AND PULL TO THE RIGHT WHEN BRAKING, THAT GOT WORSE OVER ABOUT A WEEK OF DRIVING. I EXAMINED FRONT TIRES FOR ABNORMALITIES BUT FOUND NONE. AFTER THE TREAD SEPARATED, THE TREAD LOOKS GOOD WITHOUT EXCESSIVE WEAR OR WEAR PATTERNS. LOOKS VERY SIMILAR TO THAT OF A RETREAD TIRE. I THEN EXAMINED OTHER THREE TIRES (SAME BRAND AND SIZE OF SUBJECT TIRE) AND FOUND WHAT APPEARS TO BE TREAD SEPARATIONS OF THE TREAD WHERE TREAD MEETS THE SIDEWALL.

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2011-10-30

TIRES PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2011-10-24
VIN: 1GCEV14H5HF
Components: TIRES
Summary: GOODYEAR VIVA 2 TIRES FROM WALMART HAVE GONE OUT-OF-ROUND REPEATEDLY. THE MECHANICS AT ANOTHER TIRE SHOP SAY THEY SEE THIS ALL THE TIME WITH WALMART GOODYEARS. I GAVE UP ON WARRANTY REPLACEMENTS, SINCE THEY ALSO FAIL, AND I HAVE TWO DAUGHTERS AND A WIFE DRIVING THESE CARS WITH FAILING TIRES. I SACRIFICED THE WARRANTIES AND PUT KUMHOS ON THE CARS. I HAVE 6 VOLVO 240S AND ALL OF THEM HAVE HAD FAILURES OF WALMART TIRES. GOODYEAR, DOUGLAS AND UNIROYAL. 185 -70 - 14. IN EVERY CASE THE TIRES GO OUT-OF-ROUND AND CANNOT BE BALANCED. THEY WOBBLE AND SHAKE, BECAUSE OF BUBBLES IN THE SIDEWALLS AND THE TREAD FACE, OR FLAT SPOTS IN THE TREAD FACE, WHERE THE BELTS OR BANDS INSIDE THE TIRE ARE SEPARATING AND THE TIRE STRUCTURE ITSELF IS FAILING. IN EVERY CASE THE TIRES ARE A FEW MONTHS OLD AND STILL HAVE THE BRAND NEW MOLD NIPPLES, AND THE TREAD DEPTH IS ALMOST BRAND NEW. I HAVE TAKEN THE CARS TO FRONT END ALIGNMENT SHOPS AND NONE OF THEM NEEDED SUSPENSION PARTS OR ALIGNMENT - IT HAS BEEN TIRE FAILURE SHAKING THE CARS. *TR

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