RoadVitals

1991 Nissan D21

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
31
Latest Nov 16, 2016
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
3
Latest Apr 7, 2009
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
1
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
7
8 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 31 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1991 Nissan D21, most frequently naming the seat belts, engine and transmission categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 30 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Seat belts1236.4%
  • Engine412.1%
  • Transmission39.1%
  • Suspension39.1%
  • Visibility26.1%
  • Powertrain (other)26.1%
  • Steering26.1%
  • Tires & wheels26.1%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

3 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Apr 7, 2009
16,270 units potentially affected
The defect: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
The risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

May 24, 2006
27,176 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
The risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
The remedy: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
CK MOTORSPORT, INC.View on NHTSA.gov

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

May 24, 1995
2,730,462 units potentially affected
The defect: THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS CAN BREAK. THESE RED PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTONS ARE MARKED "PRESS." IF A BUTTON BREAKS, PIECES CAN FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE BUCKLE TO OPERATE IMPROPERLY.
The risk: THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The remedy: OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CHECK THE CONDITION AND OPERATION OF BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES AND CAREFULLY INSPECT THE RED RELEASE BUTTON FOR ANY BREAKS OR CRACKS. THEY SHOULD ENSURE THAT BOTH BUCKLES ARE OPERATING PROPERLY BY INSERTING EACH LATCH PLATE INTO ITS BUCKLE, TUGGING ON THE BELT TO MAKE SURE THE LATCH IS SECURELY LOCKED, AND THEN PRESSING THE RELEASE BUTTON. THE LATCH PLATE SHOULD POP OUT OF THE BUCKLE WHEN THE BUTTON IS PRESSED. IF EITHER RELEASE BUTTON SHOWS A SIGN OF BREAKING OR CRACKING OR IF EITHER BUCKLE FAILS TO OPERATE PROPERLY, OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CONTACT THEIR AUTHORIZED DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE BUCKLE REPLACED OR REPAIRED FREE OF CHARGE.
NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

EA95007ClosedEngineering Analysis

TAKATA SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE

Opened Mar 10, 1995
Closed Aug 2, 1995

There is no summary currently available

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLYLed to recall 95V103002

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Tires & wheels
Filed Nov 16, 2016

AROUND FIVE YEARS AGO, WE BOUGHT 4 NEW DOUGLAS ULTRA TRAC 2 TIRES FROM THE LOCAL WALMART. THE TRUCK WAS RETIRED FROM HIGHWAY USE SHORTLY AFTER AND THE TIRES HAVE LESS THAN A THOUSAND MILES USE ON THEM. THE TRUCK HAS BEEN IN LIGHT USE AROUND THE HOUSE TO MOVE MATERIALS AFTER, AND SEEN LESS THAN ONE HUNDRED MILES USE. SILVER CITY NEW MEXICO IS A RURAL AREA WITH NO SMOG AT AROUND 6 THOUSAND FEET. I HEARD A NOISE IN THE YARD, WENT TO INVESTIGATE AND FOUND THAT A REAR TIRE HAD BLOWN OUT ON THE INSIDE REAR. THE FAILURE HAD COME FROM THE BEAD OF THE TIRE, ON THE SHADED SIDE OF THE WHEEL. THERE WAS NO OTHER DAMAGE TO BE SEEN ON THE TIRE. ON EXAMINING THE TIRE BEFORE REMOVAL, I FOUND THAT THE RUBBER WAS SO DETERIORATED THAT I COULD TEAR IT, CHORD INCLUDED, WITH MY BARE HANDS (I'M NEARLY 70 AND DISABLED). I FELT THAT THESE TIRES ARE A CONSIDERABLE SAFETY HAZARD. HAVE TRIED SEVERAL TIMES TO CONTACT THE LOCAL WALMART MANAGEMENT WITHOUT SUCCESS. HAS ANYTHING BEEN DONE TO REMOVE THESE TIRES FROM USE?

NHTSA ID
10926419
Incident
Nov 12, 2016
Suspension
Filed Jul 21, 2012

THIS TRUCK HAS 18300 ORIG MILES THE FRAME IS ROTTED SO BAD THAT IT IS READY TO BREAK IN HALF. I GOOGLED THIS AND FOUND MANY OTHER PICKUPS AND PATHFINDERS THAT USE THE SAME FRAME ASSY ALSO ROTTED BADLY . THIS SEEMS TO BE THE SAME AS TOYOTA. CAN SOMEONE PLEASE CONTACT ME ON THIS. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID
10466865
Incident
Jul 1, 2011
Mileage
18,343 mi
Filed Sep 27, 2010

1991 NISSAN D21 PICK UP TRUCK. CONSUMER STATES HE NEEDS THE STOPPING DISTANCE FROM 60 MPH *TGW THE CONSUMER WOULD ALSO LIKE INFORMATION ON THE BRAKING SYSTEM, *JB

NHTSA ID
10344392
Incident
Jan 1, 1901
Body & structure
Filed Feb 17, 2009

THE FRAME ON MY 1991 NISSAN PICKUP TRUCK RUST OUT ON BOTH SIDES AND ALMOST SNAP CLEAN THROUGH. ITS BEING HELD TOGETHER BY A FEW INCH OF STEEL ON FRAME. *TR

NHTSA ID
10259128
Incident
Feb 16, 2009
Engine
Filed Jun 13, 2008

THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW IN THE AIR INDUCTION SYSTEM, FILTER FILLS UP WITH WATER, CAUSING THE AIR INDUCTION SYSTEM TO RUST OUT, AND THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR TO RUST SHUT, FLOODING THE ENGINE, FIX IS REPLACE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR, REBUILD/REPLACE AIR INDUCTION CONTROLS, AND THE FILTER AND CANISTER, AND DRILL A SMALL DRAIN HOLE IN THE CANISTER SO THAT THE CONDENSATION CAN DRAIN OUT, UNTIL NISSAN MAKES A BETTER REPLACEMENT CANISTER FOR THE FILTER. *TR

NHTSA ID
10230975
Incident
Mar 21, 2008
Mileage
10 mi
Airbags
Filed Nov 22, 2004
Crash reported2 injuries reported

THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION WHERE THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A GARAGE AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *JB

NHTSA ID
10101507
Incident
Oct 20, 2003
Mileage
135,000 mi
Engine
Filed Aug 21, 2004

TIMING CHAIN, TIMING CHAIN COVER DEFECT (NISSAN KA24E). TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER FAILURE CAUSES DAMAGE TO INSIDE OF TIMING CHAIN COVER. COOLANT SEEPS INTO OIL PAN CAUSING OVERHEATING AND STALLING. *JB

NHTSA ID
10088331
Incident
May 15, 2004
Mileage
83,000 mi
Tires & wheels
Filed Sep 11, 2000

I CHECKED AND NO DOT#'S WERE ON TIRE STARTING WITH DOT, FIRST SET TIRES TREAD BLEW OFF BACK TIRES, NOW SECOND SET IS STARTING TO SEPARATE, CONTACTED DEALER AND TIRE MANUFACTURER BOTH BASICALLY TOLD ME TO BAD!*AK( DOT NUMBER: NOT ONTIRE TIRE SIZE: 30/9.5/15 )

NHTSA ID
731082
Incident
Sep 22, 1998

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

NTB08-097L

STEERING

DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.

NTB23-049

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

12 VOLT BATTERY TESTING FOR IN-SERVICE VEHICLES SERVICE INFORMATION The following Service Information lists NNA procedural recommendations for establishing good connections while performing 12V battery testing. These recommendations are expected to promote uniformity during the connection process, therefore reducing the number of incorrect “Test with DCA” and “Replace” results. HINT: If 12 volt batteries are allowed to discharge for a prolonged period of time, battery life may be drastically reduced. This condition may lead to premature battery replacement and customer dissatisfaction. IMPORTANT:  CPX-900 is now an accepted testing tool to use along with or in place of the DSS-5000  CPX-900 operating instructions are found at: https://nissancpx900.midtronics.com/  DSS-5000 operating instructions are found at: https://nissandss5000.midtronics.com/  DCA-8000 is now a required testing tool to be used for all warranty replacement decisions. The DCA-8000 is also a more efficient charger than previously available, and will charge any available 12 volt lead acid battery safely and accurately as long as all precautions and inputs are made correctly. The DCA-8000 operating instructions are found at: https://nissandca8000.midtronics.com/

NTB23-053

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

SILICONE-BASED LUBRICANT OR GREASE CAN DAMAGE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS SERVICE INFORMATION Do not apply Silicone-based lubricants or grease to, or around, any interior electrical components. To avoid the risk of death or severe personal injury, do not directly spray Silicone-based lubricant or grease, or inadvertently overspray Silicone-based lubricant or grease onto any interior electrical components. These types of lubricants can be detrimental to the proper operation of electrical components.

NTB13-107F

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.

NTB16-003C

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

INTELLIGENT KEY REPLACEMENT OR SWAPPING BETWEEN VEHICLES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Discard all previous versions of this bulletin.

NTB13-028H

STRUCTURE; VISIBILITY

REMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Nissan D21 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
1997572059.7
1996443055.3
19951295157.2
1994654258.2
1993432053.5
1992162043.5
1991Viewing313161.4
1990110
1989410
1988110
1987010
1986010

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.