RoadVitals

1997 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.
57
Latest Nov 19, 2012
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.
2
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.
0
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.
22
11 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 57 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1997 Nissan D21, most frequently naming the airbags, electrical and tires & wheels categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 48 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

  • Airbags2130.9%
  • Electrical68.8%
  • Tires & wheels57.4%
  • Engine57.4%
  • Seat belts45.9%
  • Powertrain (other)45.9%
  • Suspension45.9%
  • Transmission34.4%

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

2 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
09E012000

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.
SABERSPORTView on NHTSA.gov
06E049000

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

Recent owner complaints

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

View all 57
Body & structure
Filed Nov 19, 2012

LADDER FRAME RUSTED FROM INSIDE. WILL NO LONGER PASS STATE INSPECTION. PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED BUT NO LONGER REPAIRABLE. VEHICLE HAS LESS THAT 58K MILES ON IT AND MECHANICALLY PERFECT. ALWAYS CAREFULLY MAINTAINED. SUBSTANDARD STEEL IN LADDER FRAME, REAR AXLE AND DIFFERENTIAL COVER AND DRIVE SHAFTS. TIN WORM EVIDENT AND ANTI-RUST TREATMENT INADEQUATE FOR USE ON ROADS IN NE. TOYOTA CORRECTED SIMILAR PROBLEM BY REPLACING FRAMES OR BUYING BACK TRUCK. WHAT IS WRONG WITH NISSAN? *TR

NHTSA ID
10485159
Incident
Nov 9, 2012
Mileage
57,245 mi
Electrical
Filed Aug 18, 2008

THE SPEEDOMETER STOPS WORKING AT WILL. A CHECK ON THE INTERNET SHOWS THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE WITH SAME PROBLEM. NISSAN 1997 KING CAB PICKUP, 2.4L ENGINE 5 SPEED MANUAL TRANS. *TR

NHTSA ID
10238744
Incident
Aug 3, 2008
Mileage
160,000 mi
Tires & wheels
Filed Feb 7, 2008

RECEIVED NOTICE FROM GOODYEAR TIRE & RUBBER COMPANY THAT CERTAIN P215/70R14 DOUGLAS ETRA-TRAC A/W IT PRODUCED HAVE EXPERIENCED ADVERSE SERVICE CONDITIONS THAT HAVE LED TO TREAD AREA SEPARATION. IN THERE LETTER I WAS DIRECTED TO GO TO THE NEAREST WAL-MART RETAIL OUTLET TO SEE IF I QUALIFIED FOR THE FREE REPLACEMENT. I QUALIFIED. MY VEHICLE WAS PULLED INTO THE BAY, THE TIRES WERE REPLACE, AND I WAS THEN PRESENTED WITH A BILL OF $118.00 FOR THE NEW TIRES. IT WAS THEN THAT THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY PRORATE THE OLD TIRES AND GAVE ME A SMALL DISCOUNT FOR TIRE WARE. MY OLD TIRES SHOWED NO DEFECT AT THE TIME AND I BROUGHT THEM IN AS A PRECAUTION IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE RECALL. HAD I KNOW THAT I WAS GOING TO BE THE VICTIM OF A BAIT AND SWITCH SCHEME TO GET ME TO BUY THE NEW TIRES. I WAS TOLD THAT THEY HAD PULLED THE DEFECTIVE TIRES OFF THE SHELF, SO THEY HAD TO SELL ME A MORE EXPENSIVE BRAND AS A REPLACEMENT. THAT TO ME IS BAIT AND SWITCH. I KNOW HAVE TO MORE EXPENSIVE TIRES ON MY VEHICLE THAN I NEED AND MY FINANCES HAVE SUFFERED BECAUSE OF IT. *TR

NHTSA ID
10217419
Incident
Feb 7, 2008
Suspension
Filed Apr 10, 2007

WHILE DRIVING THE 1997 NISSAN PATHFINDER AT CERTAIN SPEEDS ABOVE 50 MPH THE TRUCK WILL BEGAN TO WOBBLE FROM SIDE TO SIDE NCONTROLLABLY. I HAVE TO SLOW DOWN OR COME TO A COMPLETE STOP BEFORE THE TRUCK RETURNS TO NORMAL.*AK

NHTSA ID
10187416
Incident
Apr 8, 2007
Mileage
98,000 mi
Electrical
Filed May 31, 2006

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS THE BATTERY AND BRAKE INDICATOR LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. UPON INSPECTION THE CONTACT DETERMINED THE ALTERNATOR FAILED. THE FAILURE AND REPLACEMENT OCCURRED ON SIX DIFFERENT OCCASIONS UNDER VARIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE ALTERNATOR PART NUMBER IS 23001-0S300. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALERSHIP.

NHTSA ID
10158713
Incident
May 31, 2006
Mileage
68,000 mi
Engine
Filed Jan 22, 2006

I HAVE A 1997 NISSAN PICKUP TRUCK THAT HAS A DANGEROUS HESITATION PROBLEM. WHENEVER I DRIVE THE TRUCK UP ANY HILLS OR ENCOUNTER STRONG HEAD WINDS, THE TRUCK'S ENGINE LOOSES POWER AND SPEED. CONSEQUENTLY, I HAVE ALMOST BEEN REAR-ENDED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. IN 2005 I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZED NISSAN DEALER. UNFORTUNATELY, I WAS CHARGED $450.00 TO REPLACE A PART THAT WAS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PROBLEM AND WAS TOLD THAT THE SERVICE PERSONNEL DO NOT KNOW WHAT IS CAUSING THE MALFUNCTION. AFTER COMPLAINING TO THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE PROBLEM WAS NOT FIXED, I TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER AND WAS AGAIN TOLD THAT THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM CANNOT BE DETECTED. PLEASE HELP ME AND OTHER NISSAN PICKUP TRUCK OWNERS WHO ARE DRIVING A VEHICLES THAT HAVE A DANGEROUS DEFECT THAT IS CAUSED BY A MALFUNCTION THAT THE DEALER STATES CANNOT BE DETECTED. *JB

NHTSA ID
10148288
Incident
Jan 21, 2006
Mileage
37,046 mi
Electrical
Filed Jun 4, 2005

BATTERY KEEP'S GOING DEAD OVER AND OVER! I PUT A NEW ONE IN AND IT HAPPEN ALL OVER. I HAD TO HAVE THE ALTERNATOR FIXED ABOUT 3 TIMES. THE 4TH TIME I GOT A NEW ONE AND NEW BATTERY AND THE BATTERY IS THE SAME. I WILL DRIVE AND IT RUNS THE BATTERY DOWN. I CAN NOT FIND ANY RECALLS FOR THIS.

NHTSA ID
10124210
Incident
Oct 1, 2004
Mileage
100,000 mi
Driver assistanceElectricalEngine+3 more
Filed Oct 26, 2003
Crash reported

CLUTCH, SEAT BELTS, NOISE IN STEERING WHEEL, THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR, HORN, SPARK PLUGS AND DISTRIBUTOR. *LA

NHTSA ID
10043580
Incident
Oct 26, 2003

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.

NTB23-053

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.

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/

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.

NTB09-081J

STRUCTURE; VISIBILITY

WINDSHIELD CRACKING 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
1997Viewing572059.7
1996443055.3
19951295157.2
1994654258.2
1993432053.5
1992162043.5
1991313161.4
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.