Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 9 complaints on file for the 1987 Toyota Van — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
9
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
1
Crash-involved
2
Fires reported
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 6 | 67% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 2 | 22% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 1 | 11% | new |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE STEERING BEVEL GEAR ASSEMBLY MAY HAVE WATER CONTAMINATION WHICH COULD LEAD TO RUST/CORROSION.
Consequence
THIS COULD CAUSE ERRATIC STEERING, WHICH COULD RESULT INAN ACCIDENT.
Remedy
REPLACE STEERING BEVEL GEAR ASSEMBLY; COVER LIQUID GASKET MATERIAL WITH IMPROVED MATERIAL.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“DRIVER NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH. VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED. *AK CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING, HE HEARD A SMALL THUD COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD, HE ALSO STATES THAT THE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED, TOYOTA STATED FIRE WAS CAUSED DUE TO REGULAR WEAR AND TEAR. *JB”
“VEHICLE WAS PARKED, OWNER HAD JUST PUT VEHICLE IN DRIVE, THEN STEPPED LIGHTLY ON GAS PEDAL, VEHICLE SUDDENLY SHOT OUT LIKE A BULLET, HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT WAS TRAVELING IN ANOTHER DIRECTION ON THE SAME STREET.*AK CONSUMER WAS INJURED IN ACCIDENT. *SLC”
The record is thin — 9 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1987 Toyota Van. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.