VehicleVerdict

1991 Nissan Stanza problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 43 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 6.1 times the median Stanza year — the 1991 model ranks #2 of 15 Stanza years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: fuel system issues account for 54% of all reports (23 of 43), far ahead of engine at 6.

43

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1991 compare to other Stanza years?

Stanza NHTSA complaints by model year, 1991 highlighted47 complaints1982: 0 complaints1983: 1 complaints1984: 2 complaints1985: 7 complaints1986: 18 complaints1987: 32 complaints1988: 7 complaints1989: 11 complaints1990: 47 complaints1991: 43 complaints1992: 38 complaints1993: 2 complaints1994: 1 complaints1995: 1 complaints1996: 2 complaints
Stanza NHTSA complaints by model year, 1991 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Stanza years to avoid →

What are the most common 1991 Nissan Stanza problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System2353%
Engine614%
Brakes37%
Tires & Wheels37%
Transmission37%
Suspension25%
Speed Control25%
Other12%

Does the 1991 Nissan Stanza have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

95V244000Fuel SystemDecember 15, 1995 · 747,000 units

Defect

IT IS POSSIBLE FOR A MIXTURE OF MUD AND SALT TO GET TRAPPED BETWEEN THE FUEL FILLER TUBE AND WHEEL HOUSING. THE TRAPPED MUD AND SALT CAN RESULT IN CORROSION OF THE FUEL FILLER TUBE AND THE WHEEL HOUSING.

Consequence

SIGNIFICANT CORROSION OF THE FUEL FILLER TUBE MAY RESULT IN FUEL LEAKS WHICH IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE. IN ADDITION, THE LEFT REAR SEAT BELT RETRACTOR IS MOUNTED TO THE WHEEL HOUSING AND IN THE EVENT OF SIGNIFICANT CORROSION, AND THE MOUNTING COULD FAIL IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES AND CORRECTIVE ACTION WILL BE TAKEN DEPENDING UPON THE EXTENT OF THE CORROSION.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“I AM CURRENTLY HAVING A PROBLEM WITH MY FUEL TANK LEAKING. I LOOKED ON LINE AND NOTICED THE CARS IN THE NORTHERN PART OF THE U.S. WERE RECALLED FOR THIS PROBLEM. WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY ALL CARS WERE NOT RECALLED AND IF IT CAN STILL BE REPLACED. THANK-YOU. NLM [REDACTED]DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · July 15, 2000

“1991 NISSAN STANZA FUEL INJECTOR LEAKAGE, TIMING BELT GUIDE BREAKAGE, CV JOINT FAILURE. WHAT WILL IT TAKE FOR A RECALL ON THESE LEAKING FUEL INJECTORS, SOMEONE'S DEATH? THIS CAR IS A PIECE OF JUNK!!! MY TEENAGE DAUGHTER HAS BEEN DRIVING THE CAR AND I AM VERY CONCERNED THAT THIS PROBLEM IS ALLOWED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 20, 2002

“1991 NISSAN STANZA FUEL INJECTOR LEAKAGE, TIMING BELT GUIDE BREAKAGE, CV JOINT FAILURE. WHAT WILL IT TAKE FOR A RECALL ON THESE LEAKING FUEL INJECTORS, SOMEONE'S DEATH? THIS CAR IS A PIECE OF JUNK!!! MY TEENAGE DAUGHTER HAS BEEN DRIVING THE CAR AND I AM VERY CONCERNED THAT THIS PROBLEM IS ALLOWED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 20, 2002

“I PURCHASED TWO NEW NANKANG TIRES FOR THE FRONT WHEELS ON MY 1991 NISSAN STANZA ON 8/11/05. ON 8/16/05 WHILE DRIVING TOWARD WASHINGTON ON OREGON I-84, THE LEFT FRONT TIRE EXPERIENCED A BLOWOUT OF THE SIDEWALL, CAUSING THE CAR TO CLIMB THE CENTER DIVIDER. I MANAGED TO BRING THE CAR UNDER CONTROL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · August 16, 2005

1991 Nissan Stanza — common questions

Is the 1991 Nissan Stanza reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 43 complaints put the 1991 model at #2 of 15 Stanza years. It is one of the Stanza years to avoid.

What are the most common 1991 Stanza problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (23 complaints), engine (6 complaints), brakes (3 complaints).

Does the 1991 Nissan Stanza have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1991 Nissan Stanza. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1991 Nissan Stanza under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Nissan Stanza years should you avoid?

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.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.