The following list of common issues is intended for individual reference only, and may not reflect the specific issues of every 1987 Corvette. While the intent of this page is to identify the common issues pertaining to the 1987 Corvette, it is not an all-inclusive list and should be used for reference only.
Read more: 1987 Corvette Research Center
1987 Corvette Recalls, Technical Service Bulletins, & Maintenance Schedule
The information contained on this page is for reference only. The time and mileage intervals for each of the maintenance items included on this page were established by General Motors with the introduction of the 1987 Chevy Corvette. Please note that the original service intervals may not reflect the standard service intervals used in current automobile engines.
Read more: 1987 Corvette Recalls, Technical Service Bulletins, & Maintenance Schedule.
1987 Corvette Common Issues
The following list of common issues is intended for individual reference only, and may not reflect the specific issues of every 1987 Corvette. This information comes from a variety of sources including the NHTSA Defects Reports pages. While the intent of this page is to identify the common issues pertaining to the 1987 Corvette, it is not an all-inclusive list and should be used for reference only.
Mechanical Issues
Engine
Engine is known to seize when water enters the engine air intake system. The air cleaner (located directly in the nose of the engine) allows water to flow into the cylinder chamber which causes engine lock up. Water can be pulled into the air intake system by the movement of air from the radiator fan when it is collected on the front air spoiler.
Engine stalls, surges and runs rough as the direct result of malfunctioning computer control module.
Engine tends to rev/accelerate uncontrollably during certain driving conditions, especially when the car has entered a turn/turning condition.
Engine Cooling System
Low coolant light regularly fails on the 1987 Corvette.
Fuel Pump
The factory installed fuel pump has been known to fail prematurely, although GM designed a more reliable replacement fuel pump to resolve this issue.
Suspension
The front fiberglass leaf springs are known to crack as the direct result of normal deterioration.
Braking System
There have been multiple reports of the 1987 Corvette’s brakes locking when the car enters into a turn. Similarly, there are have been reports of the Corvette accelerating uncontrollably through turns without responsiveness from the brakes.
Electrical Issues
Electronic Control Unit
Internal VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System) key-read issue prevents car from starting, even after multiple attempts, rendering the Corvette useless for as much as 15 minutes between attempts. Usually requires replacement of the ignition switch module.
The computer has intermittent difficulty reading VATS key during normal vehicle operation which can cause the Corvette to stall and remain inoperable for several minutes.
Exterior Issues
Headlights
Headlight motors are known to fail, preventing headlights from engaging/disengaging.
Fiberglass Body & Seals
There are a number of fiberglass body panel components that are known to fail. These include faulty hood seals, leaky roof seals and deteriorating firewalls.
Doors & Door Hinges
Both the driver and passenger doors are known to exhibit erratic vibration.
Interior Issues
Dashboard
The dashboard is known to flicker intermittently. If the flickering becomes consistent/regular, it could be an indicator of a bad ground, weak battery or alternator. It could also be an early indication that the dashboard is beginning to fail.
Sat Belts
Seat belts have been known to inadequately secure passengers during quick stopping procedures. They tend to be difficult to buckle and there are a number of reports indicating that their ability to properly restrain an individual is inadequate.
Seat belts are known to lockup or jam as the best retracted to its recoiled position. In the event of a jam, the seat belt would not free itself, increasing the likelihood of injury. There were so many instances of this issue reported that GM issued a formal recall to replace the seat belts.
