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1987 Pontiac Sunbird SE 2dr Hatchback

The 1987 Pontiac Sunbird SE 2dr Hatchback is a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 hatchback with an automatic 3-speed and front-wheel drive. It starts at $8,869 MSRP and is rated at 21 mpg combined.

EPA fuel-economy estimates are 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway (21 mpg combined).

The Sunbird measures 173.0 inches long on a 101.2-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 2,392 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeHatchback
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$8,869 ($25,373 *)
Engine
Engine Type2.0L I4 turbocharged
Displacement2 L
Drivetrain
Drive TypeFWD
Transmission
TransmissionAutomatic 3-speed
Fuel Economy
City18 MPG
Highway25 MPG
Combined21 MPG
Recommended FuelPremium Gasoline
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front13-in.
Wheels Rear13-in.
Dimensions & Weight
Length173 in
Width66 in
Height51 in
Wheelbase101.2 in
Curb Weight2,392 lbs
Interior
Headroom Front37 in
Headroom Rear36 in
Legroom Front42 in
Legroom Rear31 in
Shoulder Room Front53 in
Shoulder Room Rear52 in
Hip Room Front49 in
Hip Room Rear49 in
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Not crash-tested by NHTSA for this model year.

Recalls

2 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 1987 Pontiac SUNBIRD. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

May 19, 2006 · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.

Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).

NHTSA campaign 06E043000

Dec 1, 1987 · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP

THE FUEL FEED AND/OR RETURN HOSE/PIPE ASSEMBLIES COULD CRACK OR SEPARATE, ALLOWING FUEL TO LEAK INTO THE UNDERHOOD AREA.

Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE, WITHOUT PRIORWARNING, AND CAUSE INJURY TO OCCUPANTS.

Remedy: REPLACE BOTH FUEL FEED AND RETURN HOSE/PIPE ASSEMBLIES.

NHTSA campaign 87V184000

6 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 1987 Pontiac SUNBIRD

Owner Complaints

6 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1987 Pontiac SUNBIRD (3 a fire). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Electrical System2
Engine And Engine Cooling2
Equipment2
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Dec 17, 1998 · Electrical System Fire
“NONE”
Jan 6, 1997 · Equipment
“AIR CONDITIONER REPLACED.”
Sep 18, 1996 · Engine And Engine Cooling Fire
“ENGINE FIRE.”
Jul 16, 1996 · Engine And Engine Cooling Fire
“ENGINE LOCKED UP, CAUSING FIRE.”
Dec 6, 1995 · Electrical System
“WRONG ALTERNATOR INSTALLED IN VEHICLE AT FACTORY, CAUSING ALTERNATOR TO OVERHEAT. *DSH”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 1987 PONTIAC SUNBIRD. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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