RoadVitals

1987 Chevrolet Corvette

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
21
Latest Oct 8, 2019
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
3
Latest Oct 24, 2007
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
5
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
1

Overview

Our database contains 21 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1987 Chevrolet Corvette, most frequently naming the seat belts, electrical and steering categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 5 NHTSA investigations name it; and 2 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Seat belts1356.5%
  • Electrical313.0%
  • Steering28.7%
  • Suspension28.7%
  • Interior & seats14.3%
  • Driver assistance14.3%
  • Brakes14.3%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

3 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
07E088000

EQUIPMENT

Oct 24, 2007
121,680 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN HONEYWELL FRAM RACING BRAND HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 25, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 14, 2007, AND SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR VEHICLES LIST ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FILTERS ARE MARKED WITH A DATE CODE A61451 THROUGH A72571 SEQUENTIALLY. THE DATE CODE AND PART NUMBER APPEAR ON THE FILTER HOUSING. FRAM RACING HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS NOT BEARING A DATE CODE IN THIS RANGE ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL. THE GASKET OF THE OIL FILTER BECOMES MORE PLIABLE UNDER HIGH TEMPERATURES AND PRESSURES.
The risk: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE INADEQUATE SEALING AND LOSS OF ENGINE OIL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
The remedy: HONEYWELL WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED OIL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING NOVEMBER 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-890-2075.
HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.View on NHTSA.gov
06E043000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

May 19, 2006
88,303 units potentially affected
The 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.
The risk: 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.
The 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).
HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.View on NHTSA.gov
91V143000

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE

Sep 4, 1991
231,833 units potentially affected
The defect: UNDER CERTAIN VEHICLE OPERATIONS AND OCCUPANT USAGE CONDITIONS, THE SAFETY BELTS CAN LOCKUP OR JAM IN THE SAFETY BELT RETRACTOR.
The risk: IF LOCKUP OCCURS, IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PULL BELT OUT OFTHE RETRACTOR. THE OCCUPANT OF A SEAT WITH AN UNUSABLE SAFETY BELT ISSUBJECT TO INCREASED RISK OF INJURY OR DEATH IN THE EVENT OF A SUDDEN STOP ORACCIDENT.
The remedy: REPLACE THE SAFETY BELTS IF THE LOCKUP OCCURS.
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

DP96006ClosedDefect Petition

BRAKE PULL

Opened May 14, 1996
Closed Oct 18, 1996

THE PETITIONS STATED THAT:WE REPRESENT THE OWNER OF A 1990 CHEVROLET CORVETTE WHICH, WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, SUDDENTLY, VIOLENTLY, AND UNEXPECTEDLY PULLS TO THE LEFT.THIS IS A INTERMITTENT DEFECT WHICH DOES NOT OCCUR WITH AN REGULARITY.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
EA92005ClosedEngineering Analysis

THROTTLE STICKING

Opened Jan 30, 1992
Closed Jan 29, 1993

There is no summary currently available

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
EA90033ClosedEngineering Analysis

SAFETY BELT RETRACTOR FAIL

Opened Jun 11, 1990
Closed Sep 9, 1991

There is no summary currently available

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTORLed to recall 91V143000
PE90041ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

SAFETY BELT RETRACTOR FAIL

Opened Feb 8, 1990
Closed Jun 11, 1990

There is no summary currently available

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 21
Seat belts
Filed Oct 8, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1987 CHEVROLET CORVETTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT WAS INOPERABLE AND WOULD NOT PULL OUT OF THE RETRACTOR. SEAVIEW BUICK GMC (17909 HWY 99, LYNNWOOD, WA 98037, (425) 742-1920) WAS CONTACTED, BUT COULD NOT CHECK FOR RECALLS BECAUSE THE VIN COULD NOT BE LOOKED UP IN THEIR SYSTEM. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 91V143000 (SEAT BELTS). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED THE SAME INFORMATION AS THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 175,000.

NHTSA ID
11266987
Incident
May 2, 2019
Mileage
175,000 mi
Interior & seatsSeat beltsSuspension
Filed Dec 1, 2018

BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT SEATBELTS ARE JAMMED AN UNUSEABLE. REAR SUSPENSION, BEARING MAKING NOISES. SEAT CONTROLS DRIVERS SIDE INOPERABLE

NHTSA ID
11155384
Incident
Nov 15, 2005
Mileage
85,000 mi
Seat belts
Filed Apr 3, 2017

GM WILL NOT HONOR THE RECALL FOR TWO (2) RECALLS - 91C25 & 91C26 SAFETY BELT RETRACTORS THAT ARE JAMMED.

NHTSA ID
10970111
Incident
Jul 1, 2016
Mileage
83,000 mi
Seat belts
Filed May 22, 2016

I HAD ABOUT A 2 HOUR DRIVE AND WHEN I ARRIVED AT MY DESTINATION I ATTEMPTED TO EXIT THE CAR THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT TIGHTENED UP AND WOULD NOT RELEASE I COULD NOT GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE TILL I FOUND A 12 IN SCREWDRIVER TO PRY THE SEATBELT TENSIONER APART TO RELEASE THE BELT IT AN OLDER CAR AND THINGS HAPPEN BUT THAT IS JUST AS DANGEROUS AS NOT HAVING A SEAT BELT ON I JUST FOUND OUT THAT THERE WAS A RECALL BUT I CAN'T FIND IF THERE IS AN END DATE .IF IF I CAN GET REPLACEMENTS I WILL REPLACE BOTH RED SEAT BELTS. THE CAR WAS IN MOTION ON THE OHIO TURNPIKE HOWEVER THE REAL PROBLEM AT THE TIME WAS WHEN I STOPPED AND TRIED TO EXIT THE CAR WHEN THE BELT GOT TIGHTER(NO PHONE ,NO KNIFE JUST A 12 IN SCREWDRIVER.

NHTSA ID
10870238
Incident
May 10, 2016
Mileage
80 mi
Seat belts
Filed Nov 28, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1987 CHEVROLET CORVETTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING THE SAME FAILURES AS LISTED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 091V14300 (SEAT BELTS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT WAS JAMMED IN THE RETRACTOR AND COULD NOT BE UNFASTENED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,000.

NHTSA ID
10661162
Incident
Nov 15, 2014
Mileage
113,000 mi
Seat belts
Filed Jan 21, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1987 CHEVROLET CORVETTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR FAILED ON THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SEATS. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO EXIT THE SEAT BELT ON VARIOUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE MECHANIC COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATELY FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 143,000. *TR

NHTSA ID
10560795
Incident
Jul 9, 2013
Mileage
143,000 mi
Seat belts
Filed Sep 11, 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1987 CHEVROLET CORVETTE KIT Z52. THE CONTACT STATED BOTH FRONT SEAT BELTS FAILED TO OPEN ON SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS NOTIFIED OF RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 91V143000 (SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE) THAT MIGHT BE RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,332 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 115,342. UPDATED 9/26/12 *CN UPDATED 09/27/12

NHTSA ID
10475061
Incident
Sep 8, 2012
Mileage
113,332 mi
Seat belts
Filed Sep 6, 2011

THE SEAT BELTS DON`T RETRACT PROPERLY WHEN LATCHED,SO THEY ARE LOOSE AND HAVE NO TENSION TO THEM,THEY STAY TIGHT ACROSS THE WAIST,BUT NOT ACROSS THE CHEST. *TR

NHTSA ID
10423827
Incident
Jul 22, 2011

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

01697

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

NO SERIAL DATA COMMUNICATIONS USING THE TECH 1 WITH A 1986 OR NEWER CAMARO, FIREBIRD OR CORVETTE WITH A 5.0 OR 5.7 LITRE ENGINE. SIT BULLETIN 1450640. *TT

9313110

VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR

REAR LIFT WINDOW HARD TO OPEN/HINGE LOOSE TO GLASS. *TW

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Chevrolet Corvette by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2025103062.5
2024202056.4
2023241052.5
2022201042.0
2021122054.1
2020344053.1
20191471042.7
2018511040.6
20172554051.5
20161032046.4
2015645047.6
2014615159.6
2013820035.8
2012561043.7
2011851041.3
2010840035.0
20091510034.6
20085400037.8
20073402249.4
20063655456.6
20055326456.2
20042174253.7
2003853157.2
20021573148.8
20012033252.6
20002774358.2
19993084558.8
19983994557.3
19971537456.1
1996441251.1
1995321151.1
1994291245.5
1993222155.4
1992722—
1991243157.6
1990344560.3
1989154259.2
1988165351.3
1987Viewing213557.7
1986155559.6
1985163453.5
1984146258.6
1982020—
1981620—
1980320—
1979320—
1978120—
1977130—
1976120—
1975420—
1974030—
1973010—
1972010—
1971010—
1970010—
1969020—
1968020—
1967010—
1966110—
1965010—
1964100—
1960100—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.