1987 Toyota Van recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Steering
What's wrong, in plain English: If steering fails you can lose control of the car. THE STEERING BEVEL GEAR ASSEMBLY MAY HAVE WATER CONTAMINATION WHICH COULD LEAD TO RUST/CORROSION.
What could happen: THIS COULD CAUSE ERRATIC STEERING, WHICH COULD RESULT INAN ACCIDENT.
The fix: REPLACE STEERING BEVEL GEAR ASSEMBLY; COVER LIQUID GASKET MATERIAL WITH IMPROVED MATERIAL.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1987 VAN.
- Book a repair at any authorized Toyota dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 89V089000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
Summary: THE STEERING BEVEL GEAR ASSEMBLY MAY HAVE WATER CONTAMINATION WHICH COULD LEAD TO RUST/CORROSION.
Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE ERRATIC STEERING, WHICH COULD RESULT INAN ACCIDENT.
Remedy: REPLACE STEERING BEVEL GEAR ASSEMBLY; COVER LIQUID GASKET MATERIAL WITH IMPROVED MATERIAL.
Notes: SYSTEM: STEERING BEVEL GEAR.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VANS AND CARGO VANS.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1987 Toyota Van owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Brakes (5), Hydraulic (5), Electrical system (2), Vehicle Speed Control (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
11/20/2001 · Electrical system · fire
DRIVER NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH. VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED. *AK CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING, HE HEARD A SMALL THUD COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD, HE ALSO STATES THAT THE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED, TOYOTA STATED FIRE WAS CAUSED DUE TO REGULAR WEAR AND TEAR. *JB
08/20/1999 · Brakes
THE FRONT BRAKE PADS / ROTORS FRONT & REAR ARE PREMATURELY WEARING, CAUSING FAILURE. *YC.ET.
05/04/1998 · Electrical system · fire
UPON TRYING TO START THE VEHICLE, IT WOULD NOT START. NOTHING ELECTRICAL WAS WORKING. SINCE THE BATTERY IS LOCATED BEHIND THE SEAT IN THE VEHICLE, WHEN CHECKING , NOTICED THE CARPET ON THE INSIDE WAS BURNED, AND THE TOP HALF OF THE BATTERY WAS MELTED DOWN. RESIDUE APPEARED AROUND THE TOP OF BATTERY COVER. BATTERY WAS PURCHASED AT AUTO ZONE ABOUT THREE MONT…
08/09/1996 · Vehicle Speed Control · crash
VEHICLE WAS PARKED, OWNER HAD JUST PUT VEHICLE IN DRIVE, THEN STEPPED LIGHTLY ON GAS PEDAL, VEHICLE SUDDENLY SHOT OUT LIKE A BULLET, HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT WAS TRAVELING IN ANOTHER DIRECTION ON THE SAME STREET.*AK CONSUMER WAS INJURED IN ACCIDENT. *SLC
06/03/1996 · Brakes
FRONT BRAKE ROTORS FAILED. *AK
06/03/1996 · Brakes
FRONT BRAKE CALIPERS FAILED. *AK
06/03/1996 · Brakes
FRONT BRAKE PADS FAILED. *AK
06/13/1995 · Brakes
HAD TO REPLACE FRON BRAKE PADS/ROTORS FOUR TIMES IN ONE YEAR. TT