Most common 1995 Nissan D21 problems
Share of the 129 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Nissan D21 complaints by model year
Best D21 years: 1996, 1997. Years to avoid: 1995. Compare all years →
1995 Nissan D21 recalls (3)
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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 1995 Nissan D21:
Inadvertent release of parking brake
There is no summary currently available
What 1995 Nissan D21 owners say
Body & structure all 31 →
The entire frame of the 1995 Nissan hardbody pickup is rusting apart, this is the second truck of this type ive owned and have had this problem. It is no longer deemed safe by mechanics to meet n.c.d.m.v. Inspection standards . The problem is from the same as the Nissan frontier trucks recalled, coil rolled frame and no drainage for water, mud, salt etc on the bottom of the frame. The vehicle is a total loss x2 since this is the second Nissan I have owned. Thanks.
The entire undercarriage and frame is rusted out. I have had to replace the gasoline lines, the brake lines and the power steering lines. The frame is totally rusted out and can not pass inspection. Every component under the vehicle is dangerously rusted and frail. Both front and rear bumpers are also falling off. Also everything in the front of the vehicle is disintegrating. I have called numerous agencies, including Nissan, both dealerships and their headquarters, inquiring about recalls due to the rusted out frame issues and get nowhere. They deny any problem exists. I understand that Toyota has acknowledged a similar issue and has taken extreme actions to buy back or repair the affected vehicles.
Brakes
The entire undercarriage and frame is rusted out. I have had to replace the gasoline lines, the brake lines and the power steering lines. The frame is totally rusted out and can not pass inspection. Every component under the vehicle is dangerously rusted and frail. Both front and rear bumpers are also falling off. Also everything in the front of the vehicle is disintegrating. I have called numerous agencies, including Nissan, both dealerships and their headquarters, inquiring about recalls due to the rusted out frame issues and get nowhere. They deny any problem exists. I understand that Toyota has acknowledged a similar issue and has taken extreme actions to buy back or repair the affected vehicles.
When the brakes were applied the vehicle squeaked and pulled to the right. The dealer replaced the brake caliper. There was a recall on the original brake calipers. According to Nissan, the vehicle was serviced and taken by the original owner. These were genuine Nissan parts and also resulted in caliper failure. The vehicle pulled abruptly to the right upon brake application.
Engine & cooling
Consumer called complaining about having problems with wire harness routed over the engine nut causing accelarating chafing which caused a fire on the vehicle. Dealer was contacted and stated the same reason. Also consumer stated that this has happend twice. Ts
Dt:the contact stated the lifter valve was making a tapping noise in the engine. The noise was heard when starting the vehicle. The vehicle has not experienced any engine failure at this time. The vehicle has not been taken to the dealership or repaired.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1995 Nissan D21 a good car?
Based on 129 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1995 D21 rates avoid: 2.0× as many complaints as a typical year of the D21 at the same age. It is one of the D21 years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1995 Nissan D21?
The body & structure — 31 complaints, 24% of all complaints for this model year, most often about frame and members. Next are the brakes (19) and engine & cooling (17).
How many recalls does the 1995 Nissan D21 have?
There are 3 recalls for the 1995 Nissan D21, the most recent from September 21, 1998 (tail lights). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Nissan D21?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 1996 and 1997. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1995. See the full Nissan D21 years comparison.
At what mileage do 1995 Nissan D21 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 95,000 miles; 7% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.