AI Damage1991 Nissan Stanza: common problems
Owners of the 1991 Nissan Stanza filed 33 complaints with NHTSA, most often about fuel system and engine and cooling. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 33
- involving a crash
- 1
What fails most often
- 1 Fuel system 61% of all complaints
- 2 Engine and cooling 15% of all complaints
- 3 Powertrain 9% of all complaints
- 4 Service brakes 9% of all complaints
- 5 Suspension 6% of all complaints
- 6 Tires 6% of all complaints
- 7 Vehicle speed control 6% of all complaints
- 8 Equipment 3% of all complaints
- Fuel system: 20 complaints (61% of all).
- Engine and cooling: 5 complaints (15% of all).
- Powertrain: 3 complaints (9% of all).
- Service brakes: 3 complaints (9% of all), 1 of them with a crash reported by the owner.
- Suspension: 2 complaints (6% of all).
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 2.4 L · petrol · 4 cyl
- automatic, 4-speed
- manual, 5-speed
Drive: FWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 33 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel system | 20 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Suspension | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Tires | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Equipment | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Wheels | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
Vehicle stopped short in front of driver and front abs brakes locked up, back wheels never locked.
Fuel pump failure [second time] and sending unit [harness] completely fried. Car stalled in middle of pa interstate with traffic -- was very lucky to avoid accident.
Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle's fuel filler tube was corroded. The dealer inspected the vehicle on 08/14/06 and determined that the fuel filler tube was corroded and needed to be replaced. There was a nhtsa recall #95v244000, regarding the fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: filler pipe and cap.
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 without rolling, but I injured my back and leg in the process.
I am worried that condition may become worse until such time and pose a potential fire hazard. I am extremely concerned about this since vehicle is parked within an attached garage directly under my children's bedroom.
Consumer's vehicle was involved in a side collision. Vehicle suffered severe damage. Cv joint broke. In addition, tire blewout/shock absorber busted, and radiator broke.
The brakes feel spongy when applied. Also, squeak loudly when coming to a stop. Dealer says there is no problem.
20 minutes of continuous driving, there is a rubbing noise and jerking motion when a turn is attempted.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 6,523 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 18% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Stanza has 11 complaints (15 years in the data). This year has 33, above average.
What to check before buying
- Fuel system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
- Service brakes. Pedal feel, ABS operation, leaks, discs and hoses.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 1991 Nissan Stanza?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: fuel system, engine and cooling, powertrain. Total complaints: 33. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: smoke, burning smell, fire (21%), fuel system, fuel smell (9%), rust, corrosion (6%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 1991 Nissan Stanza?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 1991 Nissan Stanza from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 1991 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.