Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 1986 Nissan 720 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
2
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Belts | 1 | 50% | new |
| Steering | 1 | 50% | — flat |
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
INCORRECT TIRE INFLATION PRESSURES WERE PRINTED ON CERTIFICATION LABELS.
Consequence
INCORRECT TIRE INFLATION COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy
INSTALL CORRECTED TIRE INFORMATION LABEL ON DOORPOST CERTIFICATION LABEL.
Defect
THE STEERING COLUMN IS CONNECTED TO THE STEERING GEAR BY MEANS OF SPLINED SHAFT COUPLINGS. THESE COUPLINGS ARE SECURED WITH A TRANSVERSE BOLT AND LOCKWASHER. IT WAS FOUND THAT THE BOLT WAS NOT TIGHTENED AND TORQUED TO SPECIFICATIONS. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: ALTHOUGH THE SPLINES PROVIDE ADEQUATE COUPLING TO PERMIT OPERATION, EXTENDED USE MAY RESULT IN SPLINE DISENGAGEMENT AND LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL WHICH MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. CORECTIVE ACTION: INSPECT AND CORRECT AS NECESSARY TO PRECLUDE SPLINE DISENGEMENT.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“THIS VEHICLE HAD A RECALL REGARDING THE STEERING GEAR BOX. A SEPARATION OF THE GEAR BOX FROM THE STEERING SHAFT (WHICH HAS DISAPPEARED FROM THE RECALL DATABASE). IT ONLY AFFECTED ONE MONTH OF MANUFACTURE (10/1995 I BELIEVE) WHICH IS THE MANUFACTURE OF MY TRUCK. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER PURCHASING…”
The record is thin — 2 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1986 Nissan 720. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.