Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 18 complaints on file for the 1986 Nissan Stanza — 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.
18
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
0
Investigations
3
Crash-involved
6
Fires reported
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel System | 5 | 28% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 3 | 17% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 2 | 11% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 2 | 11% | new |
| Transmission | 2 | 11% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 1 | 6% | new |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 6% | — flat |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 6% | new |
| Other | 1 | 6% | new |
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
IF A CERTAIN TYPE OF REAR END COLLISION OCCURS, THE EDGE OF A WELDED BRACKET ON THE FLOOR PANEL SUBFRAME MAY PIERCE THE FUEL FILLER PIPE. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: FUEL LEAKAGE WOULD OCCUR WHICH COULD RESULT IN A FIRE. VEHICLES WOULD NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS 301.
Remedy
INSTALL A COVER OVER THE BRACKET.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“INJECTOR FUEL LEAK CAUSED UNDER-HOOD FIRE AFTER VEHICLE WAS PARKED, TOTALLING VEHICLE. (SAN FRANCISCO FIRE DEPT. INCIDENT #18501). *AK”
“RECALL ON SEAT BELTS IN CAR AND DEALER DOES NOT HAVE PARTS TO FIX. HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR AT LEAST A YEAR FOR LETTER TO BE SERVICED. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT”
“ CONSUMER STARTED VEHICLE AND IT WOULD NOT START. CONSUMER TRIED TO RESTART AND VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. FIRE CAUSED TOTAL LOSS. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK”
“WHEN LEAVING A PARKING SPACE THE CAR SLIPPED INTO REVERSE AND ACCLERATED ON ITS ON AND THE BRAKES WOULD NOT STOP.AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION.PLEASE DESCCRIBE. *AK”
The record is thin — 18 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (5 complaints), seat belts (3 complaints), electrical system (2 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1986 Nissan Stanza. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Stanza years to avoid are 1990, 1991, 1992, 1987. The cleanest record among Stanza years belongs to 1982.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.