1987 Chevrolet Nova Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 47%of 15 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1987 Chevrolet Nova, 47% of the 15 complaints for this model year.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Consumer states that the minor service of checking the oil level in defferential for front wheel drive vehicles. 80-90 oil is the problem with the extra reservoir, resulting in low oil level that will burn up the tranmission. The transmission was replaced, and the dealers have not been notified of the description of the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #824311, filed 1998-06“While vehicle was being driven speedometer cable snapped. 10 miles later, entire front end locked up due a malfunction within the transmission. The mechanic determind that the trans case, all gears and right and left c.v. Shafts were broken as the result of front end lock up.”
NHTSA complaint #872427, filed 2000-10“Vehicle experienced a front wheel lock up while driving at 50-55 MPH. Vehicle taken to an independent repairs shop, and informed consumer that lock up was due to lack of front axle lubrication. Please feel free to provide any further details on this matter.”
NHTSA complaint #880688, filed 2001-02Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 1988 | 4 | 36% |
| 1987 | 7 | 47% |
Other parts of the 1987 Chevrolet Nova
4 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsTires
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1987 Chevrolet Nova
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology