VehicleVerdict

1987 Chevrolet Celebrity problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 59 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 5.9 times the median Celebrity year — the 1987 model ranks #2 of 13 Celebrity years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (13), steering (12), and latches & locks (8), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

59

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

5

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1987 compare to other Celebrity years?

Celebrity NHTSA complaints by model year, 1987 highlighted62 complaints1980: 0 complaints1981: 0 complaints1982: 1 complaints1983: 3 complaints1984: 12 complaints1985: 25 complaints1986: 38 complaints1987: 59 complaints1988: 62 complaints1989: 53 complaints1990: 10 complaints1991: 2 complaints1992: 2 complaints
Celebrity NHTSA complaints by model year, 1987 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Celebrity years to avoid →

What are the most common 1987 Chevrolet Celebrity problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1322%
Steering1220%
Latches & Locks814%
Seat Belts47%
Fuel System47%
Electrical System47%
Body & Structure47%
Brakes35%
Tires & Wheels35%
Suspension23%
Other23%

Does the 1987 Chevrolet Celebrity have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

06E043000Fuel SystemMay 19, 2006 · 88,303 units

Defect

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).

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH THE ENGINE CRADLE FELL OFF. DUE TO THE DEFECT, CONSUMER LOST ALL POWER STEERING, WAS NOT ABLE TO STEER .THE REAR POINTS OF THE ENGINE CRADLE RUSTED OUT WHICH CAUSED THE WHOLE ENGINE ASSEMBLY TO FALL OUT, INCLUDING THE STEERING MECHANISM. DEALER WILL REPLACE MOUNTING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 21, 1997

“DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH THE ENGINE CRADLE FELL OFF. DUE TO THE DEFECT, CONSUMER LOST ALL POWER STEERING, WAS NOT ABLE TO STEER .THE REAR POINTS OF THE ENGINE CRADLE RUSTED OUT WHICH CAUSED THE WHOLE ENGINE ASSEMBLY TO FALL OUT, INCLUDING THE STEERING MECHANISM. DEALER WILL REPLACE MOUNTING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · November 21, 1997

“WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE BEGAN TO SMOKE FROM UNDER THE HOOD. PULLED VEHICLE OVER. ENGINE WAS LEAKING OIL DUE TO A CRACKED INTAKE MANIFOLD. HAS TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALER & WAS INFORMED BY MECHANIC THE LIFTERS WERE MAKING NOISE. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · June 24, 1999

1987 Chevrolet Celebrity — common questions

Is the 1987 Chevrolet Celebrity reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 59 complaints put the 1987 model at #2 of 13 Celebrity years. It is one of the Celebrity years to avoid.

What are the most common 1987 Celebrity problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (13 complaints), steering (12 complaints), latches & locks (8 complaints).

Does the 1987 Chevrolet Celebrity have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1987 Chevrolet Celebrity. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1987 Chevrolet Celebrity under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 5 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Chevrolet Celebrity years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Celebrity years to avoid are 1988, 1987, 1989, 1986. The cleanest record among Celebrity years belongs to 1981.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.