Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | 57 | −22% | — | Airbag | Average |
| 1996 | 44 | −45% | 1 | Airbag | Good |
| 1995 | 129 | 2.0× | 3 | Body | Avoid |
* Complaints compared with the median D21 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Nissan D21 problems
Latest Nissan D21 recalls
Exterior lighting › Tail lights
Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks. A rear lamp will not illuminate because the metal barrel in the light bulb socket moves or separates from the plastic socket housing due to inadequate heat resistance of the plastic at the lamp operating temperature.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the bulb sockets in the rear combination lamps.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Caliper
The right front brake caliper piston seal groove was improperly machined causing a brake fluid leak when the brakes are applied.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the brake calipers on the affected vehicles.
Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
Trucks were assembled without a door lock plate in the right side door.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and install door lock plate in vehicles which are missing a door plate.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Nissan D21 should you avoid?
1995 — this year has the most complaints relative to other D21 years at the same age, led by body & structure problems in the 1995.
What is the best year for the Nissan D21?
1996 has the fewest complaints compared with other D21 years at the same age, followed by 1997. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Nissan D21 problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the body & structure (36), air bags (35) and engine & cooling (25). Body complaints peak in the 1995 model year.
How many recalls has the Nissan D21 had?
3 recalls across 1995–1997. The model year with the most is 1995. See all Nissan D21 recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.