Skip to content
Chevrolet SpectrumModel year report

1987 Chevrolet Spectrum Problems

Complaints
9filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
—no mileage reported
Recalls
2campaigns on record
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA crash rating
—overall rating starts with 2011 models
EPA fuel economy
28 mpgcombined, 1.5L 4-cyl FWD · 26 city / 30 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 1987 Chevrolet Spectrum (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error

NHTSA recorded 9 consumer complaints for the 1987 Chevrolet Spectrum. The part named most often is engine cooling, with 2 complaints (22% of the total), followed by fuel system (2) and seat belts (2). NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year. Engine cooling complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign filed under the same part. Fuel system complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign covering the filler pipe and cap filed under the same part.

This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.

Which parts are reported most

Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.

Complaints by year filed

Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

1995619961997
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 1987 Chevrolet Spectrum version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
Spectrum FWD1.5L 4-cyl5-speed manual313733$2,050
Spectrum FWD1.5L 4-cyl3-speed automatic263028$2,400
Spectrum Turbo FWD1.5L 4-cyl5-speed manual243327$2,500

Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.

Recalls and investigations

Recall details for the 1987 Chevrolet Spectrum → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls

Technical service bulletins

No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1987 Chevrolet Spectrum.

Other model years of the Chevrolet Spectrum

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
19885—2—28—Not enough data
19879—2—28—Not enough data

All Chevrolet Spectrum model years

Frequently asked questions

How many NHTSA complaints does the 1987 Chevrolet Spectrum have?

NHTSA recorded 9 consumer complaints for the 1987 Chevrolet Spectrum as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 1987 Chevrolet Spectrum is reported most often?

Engine cooling is named most often, in 2 complaints (22% of the total), followed by fuel system with 2.

Has the 1987 Chevrolet Spectrum been recalled?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What gas mileage does the 1987 Chevrolet Spectrum get?

The EPA rates the 1987 Chevrolet Spectrum (Spectrum, 1.5L 4-cyl) at 28 mpg combined, 26 city and 30 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,400 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).

Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.