Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 194 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.5 times the median Maxima year — the 1987 model ranks #13 of 42 Maxima years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 5 deaths and 7 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.
The trouble concentrates in one system: fuel system issues account for 54% of all reports (105 of 194), far ahead of electrical system at 23.
194
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
2
Investigations
6
Crash-involved
101
Fires reported
7
Injuries
5
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel System | 105 | 54% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 23 | 12% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 21 | 11% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 15 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 7 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 6 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 5 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Other | 3 | 2% | new |
| Brakes | 2 | 1% | — flat |
| Lighting | 2 | 1% | new |
| Steering | 2 | 1% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 1% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 1% | — flat |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL REGULATION 573. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. THE CAMPAIGN WILL REPLACE THE FUEL INJECTORS AND RELATED HOSES OF AFFECTED VEHICLES WHICH COULD LEAK.
Consequence
FUEL LEAKS IN THE ENGINE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy
NISSAN DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL INJECTORS AND RELATED HOSES ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“RECALL 95I00600, 15 MINUTES AFTER STARTING VEHICLE CONSUMER COULD SEE FLAMES COMING FROM ENGINE NEAR FUEL INJECTORS. CONSUMER WAS 2ND OWNER OF VEHICLE, AND MANUFACTURER SENT A LETTER SHOWING THAT IT WAS DONE. PROBLEM HAS REOCCURRED, AND CONSUMER WAS LOOKING FORWARD TO MANUFACTURER TO AT LEAST SENT…”
“HAD COME UPON A STOP LIGHT, STARTED TO TAKE OFF & SMELLED FUEL. NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. PULLED OVER & LIFTED HOOD. NOTICED FLAMES & PUT OUT FIRE. VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. MECHANIC CHECKED VIN & NOTICED A RECALL AFFECTING THIS VEHICLE. HOWEVER, MANUFACTURER REFUSED RECALL…”
“VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE AFTER MOVING AND RESTARTING THE CAR 2 TIMES. THE FIRE/EXPLOSION BEGAN IN THE ENGINE AREA MOSTLY ON THE LEFT SIDE. *AK CONSUMER WAS ADVISED BY NISSAN CUSTOMER SERVICE THAT SOME VEHICLE'S HAS FUEL LEAKS CONSUMER STATES SHE WAS NEVER NOTIFIED.*JB ”
“CONSUMER WAS RIDING IN THE PASSENGER'S SEAT WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE CUT IN FRONT OF VEHICLE AND WAS HIT HEAD-ON, CAUSING THE METAL PART AND THE TRACK OF THE SAFETY BELT TO BREAK, NOT HOLDING THE SHOULDER PART IN PLACE. THE CONSUMER HIT HIS HEAD, AND THEIR WAS NO SUPPORT. *AK”
“RELEASED EMERGENCY BRAKE AND SHIFTED GEAR SELECTOR INTO REVERSE. VEHICLE SUDDENLY SURGED REARWARD, ACROSS THE STREET, UP (7) STAIRS AND INTO A WOODEN PILLAR OF A HOUSE BEFORE STOPPING. *AK”
NHTSA data argues against it: 194 complaints put the 1987 model at #13 of 42 Maxima years. It is one of the Maxima years to avoid.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (105 complaints), electrical system (23 complaints), engine (21 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1987 Nissan Maxima. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Maxima years to avoid are 2004, 2005, 2006, 2000, 2009, 2010, 2002, 2003, 2001, 2016, 1999, 1995, 1987. The cleanest record among Maxima years belongs to 2023.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.