The Nissan Stanza spans 1981–1992 with 12 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 3.5/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 1990, 1991, 1992 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 1981, 1982, 1983. It delivers up to 27 mpg combined and NHTSA-rated safety.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The Nissan Stanza is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1981 to 1992 across multiple generations.
How to read a Nissan Stanza VIN — every digit explained
Every Nissan Stanza carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Nissan and the country it was built in (real Nissan codes below).
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this Stanza.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
- USA1N4 · 1N6 · 5BZ · 5N1
- Mexico3N1 · 3N6 · 3N8 · 3PC
- JapanJN1 · JN6 · JN8
- UKSJK
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your Stanza, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Nissan Stanza have?
The Nissan Stanza has 12 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1981–1992. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
1992 Nissan Stanza recalls 1
Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:filler Pipe And Cap
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. 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.
Fix. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES AND CORRECTIVE ACTION WILL BE TAKEN DEPENDING UPON THE EXTENT OF THE CORROSION.
1991 Nissan Stanza recalls 1
Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:filler Pipe And Cap
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. 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.
Fix. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES AND CORRECTIVE ACTION WILL BE TAKEN DEPENDING UPON THE EXTENT OF THE CORROSION.
1990 Nissan Stanza recalls 1
Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:filler Pipe And Cap
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. 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.
Fix. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES AND CORRECTIVE ACTION WILL BE TAKEN DEPENDING UPON THE EXTENT OF THE CORROSION.
1988 Nissan Stanza recalls 1
Equipment:other:labels
What's wrong. INCORRECT TIRE INFLATION PRESSURES WERE PRINTED ON CERTIFICATION LABELS.
Risk. INCORRECT TIRE INFLATION COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.
Fix. INSTALL CORRECTED TIRE INFORMATION LABEL ON DOORPOST CERTIFICATION LABEL.
1987 Nissan Stanza recalls 1
Equipment:other:labels
What's wrong. INCORRECT TIRE INFLATION PRESSURES WERE PRINTED ON CERTIFICATION LABELS.
Risk. INCORRECT TIRE INFLATION COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.
Fix. INSTALL CORRECTED TIRE INFORMATION LABEL ON DOORPOST CERTIFICATION LABEL.
1986 Nissan Stanza recalls 2
Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:filler Pipe And Cap
What's wrong. 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.
Fix. INSTALL A COVER OVER THE BRACKET.
Equipment:other:labels
What's wrong. INCORRECT TIRE INFLATION PRESSURES WERE PRINTED ON CERTIFICATION LABELS.
Risk. INCORRECT TIRE INFLATION COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.
Fix. INSTALL CORRECTED TIRE INFORMATION LABEL ON DOORPOST CERTIFICATION LABEL.
1982 Nissan Stanza recalls 1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:pedals And Linkages
What's wrong. THE INVOLVED VEHICLES DO NOT CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 105, "HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEMS", DUE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL HEIGHT BEING ADJUSTED LOWER THAN SPECIFICATIONS. IF A VEHICLE HAS SUCH A MISADJUSTMENT IT COULD ALSO EXPERIENCE PARTIAL BRAKE SYSTEM DISABLEMENT.
Fix. DEALER WILL INSPECT FOR BRAKE PEDAL HEIGHT AND ADJUST, IF NECESSARY, AT NO COST TO OWNER.
Best and worst years for the Nissan Stanza
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 12 tracked years, the worst years are 1990, 1991, 1992 and the best (fewest complaints) are 1981, 1982, 1983.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 Stanza | — | Best | |
| 1982 Stanza | — | Best | |
| 1983 Stanza | Power Train | Best | |
| 1984 Stanza | Fuel System | Average | |
| 1985 Stanza | Fuel System | Average | |
| 1986 Stanza | Fuel System | Average | |
| 1987 Stanza | Fuel System | Average | |
| 1988 Stanza | Engine And Engine Cooling | Average | |
| 1989 Stanza | Fuel System | Average | |
| 1990 Stanza | Fuel System | Avoid | |
| 1991 Stanza | Fuel System | Avoid | |
| 1992 Stanza | Fuel System | Avoid |
What are the most common Nissan Stanza problems?
The most-reported Nissan Stanza problems are Other (1 reports), Seats (2 reports) and Tires (6 reports) — out of 184 owner complaints NHTSA holds for the model. Here's how they break down:
Most-reported components — tap a category to read what owners actually experienced:
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Nissan Stanza specifications & dimensions
The 1992 Nissan Stanza measures 180″ long on a 100″ wheelbase, with a curb weight near 2,789 lb. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Nissan Stanza window sticker.
| Years | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Curb weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | 180″ | 67″ | 54″ | 100″ | 2,789 lb |
| 1989 | 178″ | 67″ | 55″ | 100″ | 2,835 lb |
| 1986 | 182″ | 67″ | 55″ | 100″ | 2,831 lb |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Nissan Stanza cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the Stanza holds — passengers and cargo. EPA measures its interior at 91 cu ft of passenger volume and 43 cu ft of cargo. Seating capacity and legroom vary by trim.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Nissan Stanza tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Nissan Stanza get?
The Nissan Stanza returns up to 27 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $2,300/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:
The 1992 Nissan Stanza (2.4L 4-cyl) gets 22 mpg combined and costs about $2,850/yr to fuel, emitting 404 g/mi CO₂ — about $3,250 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 Stanza | 19 | 26 | $2,850 | 404 | — | 2.4L 4-cyl | |
| 1991 Stanza | 19 | 26 | $2,850 | 404 | — | 2.4L 4-cyl | |
| 1990 Stanza | 19 | 26 | $2,850 | 404 | — | 2.4L 4-cyl | |
| 1989 Stanza | 19 | 26 | $2,850 | 404 | — | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 1988 Stanza | 19 | 26 | $2,850 | 404 | — | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 1987 Stanza | 20 | 26 | $2,850 | 404 | — | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 1986 Stanza | 23 | 30 | $2,500 | 355 | — | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 1985 Stanza | 23 | 31 | $2,400 | 342 | — | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 1984 Stanza | 24 | 31 | $2,300 | 329 | — | 2L 4-cyl |
Source: EPA fuel-economy database (ForCar-hosted, 1986–2027) — best combined rating per engine & year, with EPA annual fuel cost and tailpipe CO₂. Trim & drivetrain vary slightly; decode your VIN for the exact figure.
See how the Stanza stacks up against the most fuel-efficient sedans, or calculate this Stanza's real yearly fuel cost.
What engines does the Nissan Stanza have? Power & range
The Nissan Stanza is offered with 1 powertrain — 2.4L 4-cyl. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4-cyl | 2.4L · 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | FWD | Regular |
Horsepower, torque and fuel-tank size decode from your VIN — exact figures vary by engine and trim.
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, drivetrain, range, charge time). Horsepower & torque from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
How much does a Nissan Stanza cost to own?
A Nissan Stanza tends to depreciate faster than average. A typical example keeps roughly 37% of its value after five years — losing about 63% to depreciation. Check what a used Stanza is worth today or browse current used-market prices before you buy or sell. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 75% | $22,500 | −$7,500 |
| Year 2 | 63% | $18,900 | −$11,100 |
| Year 3 | 53% | $15,900 | −$14,100 |
| Year 4 | 44% | $13,200 | −$16,800 |
| Year 5 | 37% | $11,100 | −$18,900 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this Stanza loses about 63% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — ≈ $11,500 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the Stanza ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
Is the Nissan Stanza safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the Stanza yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a Nissan Stanza last?
A well-maintained Nissan Stanza typically lasts 200,000–250,000 miles. With regular oil, transmission and timing service, most examples comfortably pass the 200,000-mile mark. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 3.5/5.
Check your Nissan Stanza’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this Stanza’s VIN free →All Nissan Stanza model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Nissan Stanza — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 Stanza | 1 recall | — | |
| 1991 Stanza | 1 recall | — | |
| 1990 Stanza | 1 recall | — | |
| 1989 Stanza | 1 recall | — | |
| 1988 Stanza | 1 recall | — | |
| 1987 Stanza | 1 recall | — | |
| 1986 Stanza | 2 recalls | — | |
| 1985 Stanza | 1 recall | — | |
| 1984 Stanza | 1 recall | — | |
| 1983 Stanza | 1 recall | — | |
| 1982 Stanza | 1 recall | — | |
| 1981 Stanza | 0 | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the Stanza?
By owner-complaint volume, 1990, 1991, 1992 drew the most reports. 1981, 1982, 1983 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the Stanza have?
12 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1981–1992. Always check open recalls by your VIN. See all Nissan recalls and reliability across every model.
What MPG does the Stanza get?
Up to 27 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
How many miles does a Stanza last?
A well-maintained Stanza typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the Stanza reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the Stanza is 3.5/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Nissan Stanza warranty?
New Nissan models carry a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Nissan dealer.
Where is the Nissan Stanza made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your Stanza's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Nissan may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much does a Stanza weigh?
The Stanza's curb weight is around 2,789 lb. Its GVWR — the maximum loaded weight — decodes from the VIN.
How much ground clearance does the Stanza have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.