1987 Nissan Maxima
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1982 | 4 |
| 1983 | 5 |
| 1984 | 30 |
| 1985 | 54 |
| 1986 | 60 |
| 1987 | 176 |
| 1988 | 60 |
| 1989 | 62 |
| 1990 | 106 |
| 1991 | 76 |
| 1992 | 110 |
| 1993 | 78 |
| 1994 | 89 |
| 1995 | 152 |
| 1996 | 96 |
| 1997 | 102 |
| 1998 | 113 |
| 1999 | 165 |
| 2000 | 360 |
| 2001 | 172 |
| 2002 | 205 |
| 2003 | 206 |
| 2004 | 1425 |
| 2005 | 948 |
| 2006 | 576 |
| 2007 | 129 |
| 2008 | 78 |
| 2009 | 339 |
| 2010 | 275 |
| 2011 | 106 |
| 2012 | 107 |
| 2013 | 62 |
| 2014 | 95 |
| 2015 | 1 |
| 2016 | 142 |
| 2017 | 102 |
| 2018 | 36 |
| 2019 | 18 |
| 2020 | 21 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2022 | 5 |
| 2023 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
22% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 39 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
1987 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO VEHICLE FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING, ONE OF THE PASSENGERS STARTED TO SMELL BURNING WIRE. SOON AFTER HIS WIFE NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD.
NHTSA ODI report, 20121127
VEHICLE WAS BEING OPERATED AND THEN WAS PARKED DUE TO FUEL LEAKING. ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE, AND VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. FIRE DEPARTMENT DETERMINED FUEL LEAK DUE TO FAULTY FUEL LINE AND FUEL INJECTION.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20040630
20% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 36 distinct reports on file.
FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
UPON PARKING SMELLED FUEL, THEN FOUND FUEL LEAKING, HAD TOWED TO DEALER, AFTER TAKING OFF WRECKER VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE, #3 FUEL INJECTOR WAS LEAKING. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950124
FUEL INLECTORS LEAKING, THE CONSUMER STATES THAT THERE IS AN INJECTOR RECALL. (RECALL NOT LIFETIME WARRANTY)-DEALER MADE THE REPAIRS *SCC
NHTSA ODI report, 20021106
8% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 14 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
DRIVER SMELLED GAS FUMES FOLLOWED BY ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950201
7% of complaints: electrical system — 13 distinct reports on file.
FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE, DRIVING VEHICLE FOR A PERIOD 0F 10 MIN. VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND CAUGHT FIRE WITHOUT WARNING. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950109
7% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 12 distinct reports on file.
FIRESAFETY TIMELINE
SUDDEN ACCELERATION
FUEL INJECTOR ASSEMBLY LEAKAGE
THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL REGULATION 573. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. THE CAMPAIGN WILL REPLACE THE FUEL INJECTORS AND RE
Remedy: NISSAN DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL INJECTORS AND RELATED HOSES ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES.
Campaign 95I006000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1987 Nissan Maxima — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (39 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (36 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (14 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 95I006000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1987 Nissan Maxima reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1987 Nissan Maxima is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1987 Nissan Maxima?
The most-reported component is fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection system, accounting for 22% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1987 Nissan Maxima have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.