Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1995 Nissan D21 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
I see that you are investigating the frames on the Infiniti qx and Nissan pathfinders. The Nissan hardbody trucks also suffer the same frame problems as the aforementioned vehicles. Here is a link that will show you that frame failure is also common in the hardbody trucks. Http://www.carsurvey.org/reviews/Nissan/pathfinder/r78984/comments/page-13/ there are many hardbody owners on there asking for a remedy as well. My frame on my 95 is rusted and cracking as well right behind the passenger side front suspension. Its only a matter of time before the frame gives way and causes a crash on my truck and several others. Nissan motor corp needs to take responsibility and get these trucks off the roads.
Tl* the contact owns a 1995 Nissan pickup. The contact stated that the vehicle was being examined by an independent mechanic, when the mechanic noticed small holes throughout the entire frame. The mechanic patched up all the holes, but the vehicle would not pass inspection after the repairs. The vehicle was then taken to a frame specialist, who replated the frame with steel. The vehicle again would not pass inspection because the cross member was corroded. The manufacture was made aware of the failure and stated that the warranty expired. The vehicle was not again repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 117,000.
I bought a one owner low mileage 63,000 miles 1995 Nissan king cab 4x4 truck. I took it in for a oil change and was refused service due to the frame deemed unsafe to support the vehicle while resting on the vehicle lift. I have documented work orders from ziebart stating when new from the dealer undercoating was applied and yearly inspected for the duration of the implied warranty (10 yrs). Still the frame is 40% gone. Does Nissan understand my blue book valued truck of $5,300.00 is not only worthless it could kill me or others when the frame does collapse under normal highway usage. Please Nissan do something!
I currently own a 1995 Nissan pick up truck that has severe frame rust beyond what would be considered normal. It is to the point that it is a safety concern. I had contacted Nissan and was told that there was nothing that they would be willing to do. After researching the problem it appears to be a design issue on nissans part and they are not willing to own up to it. I can send you photo documentation of the frame to prove that it is not regular wear and tear on the vehicle. I took the vehicle to a mechanic last week and the truck was deemed unsafe and dangerous because of the amount of frame rust.
Tl* the contact owns a 1995 Nissan pickup truck. The contact noticed that the front and rear frame was corroded and exhibiting holes. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where they diagnosed the corrosion failure but provided no assistance. The manufacturer was also contacted and stated that there were no recalls for the vehicle and offered no further assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was no longer comfortable operating the vehicle. The failure mileage was 135,000 and the current mileage was 136,000. Updated 06/06/12
Tl contact owns a 1995 Nissan pickup. The entire sub-frame of the vehicle had corrosion. The manufacturer referred her to the dealer. The dealer informed the manufacturer that since the sub-frame failed, the vehicle was no longer in a drivable condition. The manufacturer concluded that because the warranty expired she was ineligible for a free remedy. Two years ago the fuel tank started to spill gas onto the ground. The dealer replaced the fuel tank as a free remedy. The failure mileage was 70,000 . The current mileage was 105,000. Updated 05/12/10
This vehicle has been a one owner truck. I have carefully maintained and have not been able to stop a serious frame rust problem. I have contacted my local dealer and corporate USA Nissan. Nissan has refused to address my repeated requests for assistance with this matter. I can not be certain at what point the truck becomes unsafe to operate. Nissan needs to address this issue asap to prevent any safety problems with this vehicle as other manufactures have in the past.
The frame of my truck is rotting through. It started with the area over the back wheels, the garage refused to give me a state inspection until I had it repaired. I had metal patches welded over the defective areas on both sides of my vehicle. Now a year later the frame has split in both sides of the truck behind the front wheels. I contacted Nissan corporate office as well as the local Nissan dealership to no avail. They said this was due to environmental conditions.
Body complaints in other D21 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 1995 Nissan D21?
NHTSA has 31 complaints about the body & structure of the 1995 Nissan D21, 24% of the model year's 129 complaints. The component named most often is frame and members (19 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1995 Nissan D21 body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for the 1995 Nissan D21, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1995 Nissan D21 body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 120,000 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.