1987 Suzuki Samurai Problems
- Complaints
- 6filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- —no mileage reported
- Recalls
- 0campaigns 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
- 25 mpgcombined, 1.3L 4-cyl 4WD/AWD · 23 city / 27 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1987 Suzuki Samurai (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 6 consumer complaints for the 1987 Suzuki Samurai. The part named most often is tires, with 2 complaints (33% of the total), followed by engine cooling (1) and steering (1). Of all complaints, 3 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 4 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 2 technical service bulletins for this model year. Engine cooling complaints overlap with 1 technical service bulletin 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.
- Tires2 33%
- Engine cooling1 17%
- Steering1 17%
- Body and structure1 17%
- Suspension1 17%
Example complaints
Tires: “The left rear tire delaminated and wrapped around the axel, causing the car to go out of control... Causing us to go out into the desert and roll over... I was injured, my husband only suffered a bruise, I received sever trauma to my head, causing me to need eye surgery within a year to regain vision. ( DOT number: ejyt tire size: p205/70r15 )”
NHTSA complaint #732552, filed 2000-09Complaints by year filed
Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1987 Suzuki Samurai version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samurai Convertible 4WD/AWD | 1.3L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 23 | 27 | 25 | $2,700 |
| Samurai Hardtop 4WD/AWD | 1.3L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 23 | 27 | 25 | $2,700 |
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
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1987 Suzuki Samurai in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA investigations
- DP89003Reconsider samurai petitionClosed · Dec 9, 1988
- DP88019Vehicle stabilityClosed · Aug 2, 1988
- DP88011ROLLOVERClosed · Feb 25, 1988
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 2 on record; the latest 2 are shown.
- 10152052Nov 20, 2018Suspension, Equipment. This Service Bulletin was sent by Suzuki Motor Corporation to its authorized Suzuki automobile distributors in the U.S., explaining the importance of proper inspection and maintenance of suspension…
- 10014819May 10, 2005Engine cooling. Correct coolant usage.
Other model years of the Suzuki Samurai
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | 20 | — | 1 | — | 25 | — | Stable |
| 1987 | 6 | — | 0 | — | 25 | — | Not enough data |
| 1986 | 5 | — | 0 | — | 25 | — | Not enough data |
All Suzuki Samurai model years
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1987 Suzuki Samurai have?
NHTSA recorded 6 consumer complaints for the 1987 Suzuki Samurai as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1987 Suzuki Samurai is reported most often?
Tires is named most often, in 2 complaints (33% of the total), followed by engine cooling with 1.
Has the 1987 Suzuki Samurai been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1987 Suzuki Samurai get?
The EPA rates the 1987 Suzuki Samurai (Samurai Convertible, 1.3L 4-cyl) at 25 mpg combined, 23 city and 27 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,700 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 28, 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.