1988 Nissan Stanza Problems
- Complaints
- 6filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- —no mileage reported
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 21 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl FWD · 18 city / 24 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1988 Nissan Stanza (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 6 consumer complaints for the 1988 Nissan Stanza. The part named most often is engine cooling, with 2 complaints (33% of the total), followed by brakes (1) and exterior lighting (1). Of all complaints, 1 a fire, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 2 technical service bulletins for this model year.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine cooling2 33%
- Brakes1 17%
- Exterior lighting1 17%
- Fuel system1 17%
- Body and structure1 17%
Example complaints
Brakes: “I feel this vehicle I purchased was not safe to leave the car lot, it has major problems and bad brakes any help in this matter will be greatly appreicated.”
NHTSA complaint #721668, filed 2000-04Fuel system: “Turned on ignition, would not start;noticed big fuel puddle/hood scorched; lifted hood, engine parts were burnt; fire must have occurred while parked 2 days.”
NHTSA complaint #973568, filed 1995-10Complaints by year filed
Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1988 Nissan Stanza version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stanza FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 19 | 26 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Stanza FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 18 | 24 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Stanza Wagon 2WD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 19 | 25 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Stanza Wagon 2WD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 18 | 23 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Stanza Wagon 4WD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 18 | 22 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Stanza Wagon 4WD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 17 | 20 | 18 | $3,700 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 90V072000Apr 17, 1990Equipment › Other › LabelsCovers: Nissan Stanza 1986–1988, D21 1986–1990, Pathfinder 1987–1990 +1 more
Incorrect tire inflation pressures were printed on certification labels.
Recall details for the 1988 Nissan Stanza → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 2 on record; the latest 2 are shown.
- 10031305Sep 30, 2010Tires. Nissan: tire pressure monitoring system (tpms) warning light on/flashing. No models or model years listed. *pe updated on 08-11-2011.
- 10030165Apr 6, 2009Electrical system. Nissan: the 12 volt battery is an important part of the vehicle electrical system and is required to stay connected when the engine is running. To prevent damage to vehicle electronic components…
Other model years of the Nissan Stanza
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | 33 | — | 1 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 33 | 132,000 | 1 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 36 | 125,000 | 1 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 10 | — | 0 | — | 22 | — | Not enough data |
| 1988 | 6 | — | 1 | — | 21 | — | Not enough data |
| 1987 | 21 | 125,000 | 1 | — | 22 | — | Stable |
| 1986 | 16 | 138,000 | 2 | — | 23 | — | Stable |
| 1985 | 6 | — | 0 | — | 26 | — | Not enough data |
All Nissan Stanza model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1988 Nissan Stanza have?
NHTSA recorded 6 consumer complaints for the 1988 Nissan Stanza as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1988 Nissan Stanza is reported most often?
Engine cooling is named most often, in 2 complaints (33% of the total), followed by brakes with 1.
Has the 1988 Nissan Stanza been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1988 Nissan Stanza get?
The EPA rates the 1988 Nissan Stanza (Stanza, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 21 mpg combined, 18 city and 24 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.