Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 32 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 4.6 times the median Stanza year — the 1987 model ranks #4 of 15 Stanza years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 6 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across seat belts (7), fuel system (7), and body & structure (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
32
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
5
Crash-involved
2
Fires reported
6
Injuries
1
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Belts | 7 | 22% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 7 | 22% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 5 | 16% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 5 | 16% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 2 | 6% | — flat |
| Speed Control | 2 | 6% | new |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Seats | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Steering | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 1 | 3% | new |
1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“THERE IS A SEVERE ODOR OF GAS IN THE INTERIOR; VENTING IN EXTERNAL AIR ONLY INCREASES ODOR. THE PHENOMENON HAS STEADILY INCREASED, BUT MECHANICS CONTINUE TO FAIL IN LOCATING THE SOURCE. NO FUEL LEAK HAS EVER BEEN FOUND.”
“SEAT BELT FAILED TO LOCK IN PLACE DURING AN ACCIDENT, CAUSING DRIVER TO GO FORWARD STRIKING WINDSHIELD WITH HEAD, RESULTING IN AN INJURY. *AK”
“DURING A ROLLOVER ACCIDENT THE DOORS FLEW OPEN UPON SLIGHTEST IMPACT TO FRONT CORNER ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE, RESULTING IN A FATALITY AND INJURY. *AK”
“WHEN DRIVING AND GETTING INTO THE VEHICLE THE CONSUMER CAN SMELL FUMES GETTING INTO THE VEHICLE. ALSO, WHEN CONSUMER IS TRYING TO START VEHICLE UP, THE VEHICLE ISN'T GETTING ENOUGH FLUID, AND THE VEHICLE WILL CUT OFF. THERE IS SOME TYPE OF NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. *AK”
“PARKED IN DRIVE, WENT THROUGH LANE OF A HAMBURGER STAND, PUT CAR FROM PARK IN DRIVE; FOOT ON BRAKE AND CAR JUST PROPELLED FORWARD. ACCLERATOR WAS STUCK AND WHEN COMING TO A STREET COULD NOT STOP VEHICLE EVEN THOUGH FOOT WAS ON BRAKE. RAN INTO BRICK WALL AND TOTALED CAR. *AK”
NHTSA data argues against it: 32 complaints put the 1987 model at #4 of 15 Stanza years. It is one of the Stanza years to avoid.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are seat belts (7 complaints), fuel system (7 complaints), body & structure (5 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1987 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.