1987 Suzuki Samurai problems
The Suzuki Jimny (Japanese: スズキ・ジムニー, Suzuki Jimunī) is a series of four-wheel drive off-road mini SUVs, manufactured and marketed by Japanese automaker Suzuki since 1970.
Originally belonging to the kei class, Japan's light automobile tax/legal class, the company continues to market a kei-compliant version for the Japanese and global markets as the Jimny, as well as versions that exceed kei-class limitations. Suzuki has marketed 2.85 million Jimnys in 194 countries through September 2018.
History
The history of Suzuki four-wheel drive cars began in the latter half of the 1960s, when Suzuki bought a Steyr-Puch Haflinger to study with the intent of building a kei-class off-road vehicle. A better opportunity presented itself in 1968, when Suzuki was able to buy bankrupt Japanese automaker Hope Motor Company, which had introduced a small off-road vehicle called the HopeStar ON360. The tiny Hope company had been unable to enter series production, and only about 45 were manufactured. The first Suzuki-branded four-wheel drive, the LJ10 (Light Jeep 10), was introduced in 1970. The LJ10 had a 359-cc, air-cooled, two-stroke, in-line two-cylinder engine. The liquid-cooled LJ20 was introduced in 1972 with the cooling changed due to newly enacted emission regulations, and it gained 3 hp. In 1975, Suzuki complemented the LJ20 with the LJ50, which had a larger 539 cc, two-stroke, in-line three-cylinder engine and bigger differentials. This was originally targeted at the Australian market, but more exports soon followed.
The Jimny8/LJ80 was an updated version of the LJ50 with an 800 cc, four-stroke, in-line four-cylinder engine, followed by the Jimny 1000/SJ410 and Jimny 1300/SJ413. An updated version of the SJ413 became known as the Samurai and was the first Suzuki officially marketed in the US. The series from SJ410 to SJ413 was known as the Sierra in Australia, and remained the Jimny in some markets.
The new Jimny was released in 1998, and now bears the same name in all markets. The 1998 release used the G13BB EFI engine, replaced by the M13AA EFI engine in 2001 and the M13AA variable valve timing engine in 2005, in conjunction with a minor interior redesign.
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Common 1987 Suzuki Samurai problems
The Suzuki Samurai, produced from 1985 to 1995, is known for its off-road capability and affordability. However, like any vehicle, it has its share of common problems.
One common issue with the Suzuki Samurai is engine overheating. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including a faulty thermostat, a damaged radiator, or low coolant levels. Overheating can lead to serious engine damage if not addressed promptly.
Another common problem with the Suzuki Samurai is engine stalling. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including a faulty ignition system, dirty fuel injectors, or a clogged air filter. Engine stalling can be dangerous, especially if it occurs while driving at high speeds.
Rust and corrosion on the body and frame are also common problems with the Suzuki Samurai. This can be caused by exposure to salt and moisture, especially in coastal areas. Rust and corrosion can weaken the vehicle's structure and lead to serious safety issues.
Head gasket failure is another common problem with the Suzuki Samurai, especially in later model years. This can be caused by overheating, excessive engine wear, or a faulty head gasket. Head gasket failure can lead to serious engine damage if not addressed promptly.
Transfer case issues are also common with the Suzuki Samurai, especially in later model years. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including worn-out gears, damaged bearings, or low fluid levels. Transfer case issues can lead to serious drivetrain problems if not addressed promptly.
Worn-out suspension components are also common problems with the Suzuki Samurai, especially in later model years. This can be caused by excessive wear and tear, lack of maintenance, or a faulty suspension system. Worn-out suspension components can lead to poor handling and reduced off-road capability.
Engine-related problems, such as lack of power, oil consumption, and poor fuel efficiency, are also common with the Suzuki Samurai. These issues can be caused by a faulty battery, starter, alternator, or wiring.
To prevent or fix these problems, it's important to keep your Suzuki Samurai well-maintained and to address any issues as soon as they arise. Regularly changing the oil and air filters, keeping the tires properly inflated, and checking the battery and electrical connections can go a long way in preventing these issues.
Are old Suzuki Samurais reliable?
The car, however, was very reliable and even set a world record for the highest altitude attained by a four-wheeled vehicle in 2007. The lawsuit and reputation damages did cause its “fall from grace”, but if you want to find and purchase one now, there's absolutely nothing to worry about.
How fast can a 1987 Suzuki Samurai go?
With a top speed around 65 mph and an almost unmeasurable 0–60 time, the Samurai wasn't fit for American highways; but it was never designed for them. The same features that made the Samurai uncomfortable on the road—short wheelbase, solid axles, and four-corner leaf springs—allowed it to excel on trails.
Does the 1987 Suzuki Samurai have airbags?
It does have four-wheel drive with low-range. But there are no locking differentials, no airbags, no power windows and no power steering. It's as basic as you like, but that is what endears it to enthusiasts as a light, capable off-road car.
How much was a Suzuki Samurai in 1987?
Best of all, the base price was $6550, two thirds that of a Jeep Wrangler. Helped by a catchy advertising program “Beep, Beep, Hi!” sales soared. Suzuki anticipated 1200 US sales per month but recorded 47,000 buyers in the first year.
1987 Suzuki Samurai car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Suzuki Samurai problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Tires problems
- Structure problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Suspension problems
- Steering problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1987 Suzuki Samurai vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1987 Suzuki Samurai complaints
The NHTSA has received 6 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1987 Suzuki Samurai.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-09-27
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TIRE FAILURE. *LA
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-07-13
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JS4JC51V5H4
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: THE LEFT REAR TIRE DELAMINATED AND WRAPPED AROUND THE AXEL, CAUSING THE CAR TO GO OUT OF CONTROL... CAUSING US TO GO OUT INTO THE DESERT AND ROLL OVER... I WAS INJURED, MY HUSBAND ONLY SUFFERED A BRUISE, I RECEIVED SEVER TRAUMA TO MY HEAD, CAUSING ME TO NEED EYE SURGERY WITHIN A YEAR TO REGAIN VISION. *AK( DOT NUMBER: EJYT TIRE SIZE: P205/70R15 )
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: WHEN CONSUMER SUDDENLY APPLIED THE BRAKES THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER CAUSING HER SERIOUS INJURY. *YC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-12-01
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JS4JC51V5H4
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE TRANSMISSION AREA. *AK
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-05-31
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: VEHICLE VEERED RIGHT THEN LEFT, CAUSING DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL/ACCIDENT/INJURY. *SKD
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-05-31
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: STEERING MECHANISM FAILED, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL/ROLLOVER. *SD
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1987 Suzuki Samurai problems:
Common issues or not? : r/SuzukiSamurai
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Apr 27, 1998 ... Want to buy suzuki SAMURAI,. What are the common problems,. what should I check before buying ??? Are the samurai subject to problems? What ...
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May 3, 2023 ... Other Samurai issues include rusted floors, clicky starters, and leaky distributor O-rings. In addition, the stock Samurai carburetor is fussy ...
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