1987 Chevrolet Suburban problems
The Chevrolet Suburban is a series of SUVs built by Chevrolet since the 1935 model year. The longest-used automobile nameplate in the world, the Chevrolet Suburban is currently in its twelfth generation, introduced for 2021. Beginning life as one of the first metal-bodied station wagons, the Suburban is the progenitor of the modern full-size SUV, combining a wagon-style body with the chassis and powertrain of a pickup truck. Alongside its Advance Design, Task Force, and C/K predecessors, the Chevrolet Silverado currently shares chassis and mechanical commonality with the Suburban and other trucks.
Traditionally one of the most profitable vehicles sold by General Motors, the Suburban has been marketed through both Chevrolet and GMC for nearly its entire production. Along sharing the Suburban name with Chevrolet, GMC has used several nameplates for the model line; since 2000, the division has marketed it as the GMC Yukon XL. Since 2003, Cadillac has marketed the Suburban as the Cadillac Escalade ESV. During the 1990s, GM Australia marketed right-hand drive Suburbans under the Holden brand.
.The Suburban is sold in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America, Chile, Dominican Republic, Bolivia, Peru, Philippines, and the Middle East (except Israel), while the Yukon XL is sold only in North America (exclusive to the United States, Canada, and Mexico) and the Middle East territories (except Israel).
A 2018 iSeeCars.com study identified the Chevrolet Suburban as the car that is driven the most each year. A 2019 iSeeCars.com study named the Chevrolet Suburban the second-ranked longest-lasting vehicle. In December 2019, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce unveiled a Hollywood Walk of Fame star for the Suburban, noting that the Suburban had been in "1,750 films and TV shows since 1952."
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Common 1987 Chevrolet Suburban problems
Based on complaints from owners of the 1987 Chevrolet Suburban, several common problems have been reported:
- Shifting Problems: Owners have reported shifting problems where the vehicle seems to slip into neutral when shifting into a higher gear, causing the engine to rev without a corresponding increase in speed. This issue can be disruptive to driving and may require attention to the transmission or transfer case.
- Starting Issues: Some owners have experienced difficulties starting the vehicle, which could be attributed to problems with the starter, battery cables, or ground connection to the engine block. These starting issues can be frustrating and may require thorough inspection and potential replacement of faulty components.
- Electrical Problems: Complaints have also been made about electrical issues, such as lights not turning off when the key is removed or an engine that will not turn over. Electrical problems can affect various systems in the vehicle, leading to malfunctions and safety concerns.
- Suspension Concerns: Another reported problem involves suspension issues, although details are limited. Suspension problems can impact the vehicle's handling, comfort, and overall driving experience.
These common problems reported by owners of the 1987 Chevrolet Suburban highlight a range of issues that can affect the vehicle's performance, reliability, and safety. Addressing these problems promptly through proper diagnosis and repairs is essential to ensure the vehicle operates smoothly and safely.
What is the most common problem with the Chevy Suburban?
Common Chevrolet Suburban Problems
Excessive oil consumption: Several suburban models have struggled with excessive oil consumption. Many owners have reported that their Suburban consumed abnormal amounts of oil. For the 2010-2013 Suburban, the culprit was determined to be the change to the Vortec 5300 engine.
What year is the best year Suburban to buy?
These are the most reliable years to consider:
- 1998 Chevrolet Suburban.
- 1999 Chevrolet Suburban.
- 2006 Chevrolet Suburban.
- 2010 Chevrolet Suburban.
- 2013 Chevrolet Suburban.
- 2017 Chevrolet Suburban.
- 2018 Chevrolet Suburban.
- 2019 Chevrolet Suburban.
Is a Chevy Suburban a reliable car?
For many SUV owners, much of the appeal comes from the safety and reliability of a larger vehicle. That's especially true when it comes to the Chevrolet Suburban, which routinely ranks high in reliability and safety. In fact, if you're searching for a used Suburban, you'll often find several over the 100,000 mile mark.
How long do Suburban engines last?
How Long will a Chevy Suburban Last? Expect 125,000 to 150,000 Miles Minimum, or Roughly 10-12.5 Years when Serviced Regularly.
What year is bad for Suburban?
Quick Answer: Avoid Chevrolet Suburban Year Models 1999, 2001 - 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2014, 2015, and 2016. You shouldn't purchase these Chevrolet Suburban year models for various reasons, the most alarming of them including total engine and transmission failure, excessive oil consumption, and broken speedometers.
What is the most common problem with the Chevy Suburban?
Oil leaks. All vehicles develop oil leaks over time and the Suburban is no exception. The biggest leak in mine was the rear main seal between the engine and transmission. I was losing/burning less than a quart of oil in between oil changes, but I decided to get it replaced.
Is a Chevy Suburban reliable?
For many SUV owners, much of the appeal comes from the safety and reliability of a larger vehicle. That's especially true when it comes to the Chevrolet Suburban, which routinely ranks high in reliability and safety. In fact, if you're searching for a used Suburban, you'll often find several over the 100,000 mile mark.
What year is the best year Suburban to buy?
These are the most reliable years to consider:
- 1998 Chevrolet Suburban.
- 1999 Chevrolet Suburban.
- 2006 Chevrolet Suburban.
- 2010 Chevrolet Suburban.
- 2013 Chevrolet Suburban.
- 2017 Chevrolet Suburban.
- 2018 Chevrolet Suburban.
- 2019 Chevrolet Suburban.
1987 Chevrolet Suburban car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Chevrolet Suburban problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Tires problems
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1987 Chevrolet Suburban vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1987 Chevrolet Suburban complaints
The NHTSA has received 20 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1987 Chevrolet Suburban.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-02-06
- Fire: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 1987 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. CONSUMER WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY SAW SMOKE, PULLED OVER THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. *MC (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT) *JB A VEHICLE QUESTIONAIRE WAS MAILED TO CUSTOMER TO OBTAIN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION PERTAINING TO THE COMPLAINT. *TR
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-08-12
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: WHILE IN MOTION, THE RIGHT REAR TIRE SUSTAINED DAMAGE. THE VEHICLE SWERVED TO THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ROAD AND STRUCK THE GUARDRAIL. THE OFFICER REPORTING LISTED THIS AS EQUIPMENT FAILURE BECAUSE THE RIGHT REAR TIRE'S RIM WAS STILL ATTACHED. IT HAD SHEARED OFF THE HUB. THE STUDS HAD BROKEN OFF OF THE HUB ASSEMBLY WHICH CAUSED THE TIRE AND RIM TO DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE. *JG
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-08-31
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: I BOUGHT 2 FIRESTONE WILDERNESS HTS IN JULY 2000 FOR OUR SUV. I FOUND A TWO INCH TEAR IN ONE AFTER 2,500 MILES, ABOUT 800 OF WHICH WAS SUSTAINED HIGHWAY DRIVING DURING A HOT JULY. THERE WAS NO BRUISING AROUND THE TEAR AND IT LOOKED CLEAN INSIDE, BUT FIRESTONE COMPANY TIRE STORE WHERE I BOUGHT IT SAID I MUST HAVE HIT SOMETHING AND REFUSED TO REFUND MY MONEY. I PURCHASED TWO REPLACEMENT TIRES FROM A MORE HONORABLE COMPANY ON SEPT. 1. I WOULD LIKE FIRESTONE TO REFUND MY MONEY AND I WILL HAPPILY GIVE THEM THEIR DANGEROUS AND DEFECTIVE TIRES BACK.*AK( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 235R7515 )
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-08-31
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: I BOUGHT 2 FIRESTONE WILDERNESS HTS IN JULY 2000 FOR OUR SUV. I FOUND A TWO INCH TEAR IN ONE AFTER 2,500 MILES, ABOUT 800 OF WHICH WAS SUSTAINED HIGHWAY DRIVING DURING A HOT JULY. THERE WAS NO BRUISING AROUND THE TEAR AND IT LOOKED CLEAN INSIDE, BUT FIRESTONE COMPANY TIRE STORE WHERE I BOUGHT IT SAID I MUST HAVE HIT SOMETHING AND REFUSED TO REFUND MY MONEY. I PURCHASED TWO REPLACEMENT TIRES FROM A MORE HONORABLE COMPANY ON SEPT. 1. I WOULD LIKE FIRESTONE TO REFUND MY MONEY AND I WILL HAPPILY GIVE THEM THEIR DANGEROUS AND DEFECTIVE TIRES BACK.*AK( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 235R7515 )
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1GNGR26N3HF
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: SUNDAY, JUNE 11, 2000 - TRUCK PARKED IN PARKING LOT THE THE SURFSIDE MOTEL, POINT PLEASANT, NJ WITH ALL WINDOWS OPENED APPROX. 1". SPARE TIRE IN TIRE WELL IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE EXPLODED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. TEMP OUTSIDE WAS ABOUT 90. *AK( DOT NUMBER: VDORCRA TIRE SIZE: 235/85/R16 )
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-05-30
- VIN: 1GNEV16K2HF
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-02-09
- VIN: 1G1AW81W4HG
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: HORN HAD STOPPED WORKING ABOUT SEVEN TIMES WITHOUT A WARNING. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-09-26
- VIN: GKGR26N2HS5
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING CAME TO A STOP SIGN AND DIDN'T HAVE ENOUGH VACUUM TO APPLY BRAKES. THEREFORE WAS FORCED INTO THE INTERSECTION, PUT IN NEUTRAL IN ORDER TO STOP. HAD BEEN REPAIRED TWICE BY THE DEALER FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. WAS TOLD THAT THE PROBLEM IS IN THE COMPUTER CHIP. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1987-02-01
- VIN: REFUSED
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKING SYSTEM HAS BEEN INCONSISTENT DURING THE LIFETIME OF THE VEHICLE. MORE OR LESS PRESSURE ON THE BRAKES CAUSES EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE, ESPECIALLY DURING EMERGENCY STOPPING. DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND CANNOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-06-01
- VIN: 1GNEV16KOHF
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKE LINE FAILURE.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-04-20
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1GNER16K6HF
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: SUDDEN ACCELERATION RESULTED FROM USE OF CRUISE CONTROL.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1988-12-01
- VIN: 1GCDR14H9HF
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FUEL TANK MOUNTED OUTSIDE FRAME.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-01-06
- VIN: 1GNEV16KXHF
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHIILE DRIVING DOWN ON FREEWAY CONSUMER LOST POWER OF REAR WHEELS- AND COULD NOT RE ENGAGE- CAUSING A NEAR AUTO ACCIDENT FROM THE REAR.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-06-01
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKES FAILED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-06-01
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WATER PUMP FAILED.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Fire: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE TRYING TO START THE AUTO, IT MADE A VERY HIGH PITCHED NOISE AND SMOKE BEGAN TO COME FROM UNDER THE HOOD, AUTO CAUGHT A FIRE AND BURNED, NO INJURIES. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: REAR BRAKES ARE LOCKING UP WHEN APPLYING BRAKES EVEN AT A SLOW SPEED. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-02-23
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1GNER16K0HF
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE DUE TO GAS LEAK IN FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM. *SD
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-06-01
- VIN: 1GNEV16K4HF
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: THERE IS A BROKEN BAFFLE IN THE FUEL TANK. PLEASE EXPLAIN. TT
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-02-24
- VIN: 1GNGR26N3HF
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: DRIVERS SEAT FRAME COLLAPSED, CAUSING SEATBACK TO FALL BACKWARDS. REPAIRED TWICE. TT
1987 Chevrolet Suburban recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1987 Chevrolet Suburban.
- 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).
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