1987 Nissan Maxima Problems

Typical for Model

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 1987 Nissan Maxima.

19861988
Complaints
194
Crashes
6
Fires
101
Injuries
7
Fatalities
5
Recalls
0

Worst 1987 Nissan Maxima Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#141 complaints

Fuel System, Gasoline:Fuel Injection System

Avg mileage:95,638 mi
Crash-related:1
Fires:26
#236 complaints

Fuel System, Gasoline:Fuel Injection System:Injectors

Fires:27
#314 complaints

Gasoline Fuel System

Fires:13
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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 1987 Nissan Maxima.

Fuel System, Gasoline:Fuel Injection System
41
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
26
Avg Miles
95,638
Fuel System, Gasoline:Fuel Injection System:Injectors
36
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
27
Avg Miles
—
Gasoline Fuel System
14
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
13
Avg Miles
—
Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood
13
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
12
Avg Miles
—
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline
12
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
10
Avg Miles
—
Seat Belt Issues
8
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Unintended Acceleration
6
complaints
Crashes
3
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery
5
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
2
Avg Miles
155,000
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
4
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System
4
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings
4
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
4
Avg Miles
—
Seat Belts:Front:Retractor
4
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Sunroof/Moonroof
4
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Electrical System:Alternator/Generator/Regulator
3
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Electrical System:Wiring
3
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
2
Avg Miles
—
Fuel System, Gasoline:Fuel Injection System:Fuel Rail
3
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
3
Avg Miles
—
Automatic Transmission
3
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Seat Belts:Front:Buckle Assembly
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Visibility:Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Electrical Faults
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
1
Avg Miles
—
Electrical System:Ignition
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Electrical System:Ignition:Switch
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
1
Avg Miles
—
Electrical System:Wiring:Interior/Under Dash
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Exterior Lighting:Headlights
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Fuel System, Gasoline:Carburetor System
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Fuel System, Other
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Interior Lighting
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Gear Position Indication (Prndl)
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 1987 Nissan Maxima. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Other Nissan Maxima Years

1987 Nissan Maxima — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 1987 Nissan Maxima reliable?
Verdict: Typical for Model. The 1987 Nissan Maxima has 194 NHTSA complaints, 6 crash-related, and 0 recall campaigns. The most common issue is Fuel System, Gasoline:Fuel Injection System with 41 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 1987 Nissan Maxima?
Top reported problems: Fuel System, Gasoline:Fuel Injection System (41 complaints, avg 95,638 mi); Fuel System, Gasoline:Fuel Injection System:Injectors (36 complaints); Gasoline Fuel System (14 complaints). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 1987 Nissan Maxima?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 102,090 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 1987 Nissan Maxima?
NHTSA complaints for the 1987 Nissan Maxima include 6 crash-related reports, 101 fire reports, 7 injuries, and 5 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 1987 Nissan Maxima have any recalls?
No NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the 1987 Nissan Maxima as of the latest data sync. Verify by VIN for the most current status — new recalls can be issued years after a model year ships.
Should I buy a 1987 Nissan Maxima?
Complaint levels are in line with what's expected. Normal used-car due diligence applies — check the specific VIN for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full Nissan Maxima reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

Check Your Specific 1987 Nissan Maxima

Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.

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