Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1997 Nissan D21 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Was going about 40-50mph when another vehicle had stopped. Applied brakes quickly. Vehicle slid into other vehicle. Front end pushed towards radiator. The air bags failed to deploy. The ABS brakes failed to stop vehicle quickly. The seat belts failed to restrain passenger who hit head on dashboard. Will be taking vehicle to dealer.
The vehicle was involved in a frontal collision, which forced the vehicle into another vehicle, and into a retaining wall. Upon impact, the driver's air bag did not deploy. Manufacturer was notified. The consumer states theat the vehicle had three major impacts and was considered a total loss.
Consumer involved in a collision. Hit another vehicle at 40 MPH impact on the right front bumper, taking out headlights, and then ran into a tree head-on, and driver's side airbag did not deploy, causing neck and shoulder injuries.
Consume rwas traveling about 40mph on highway and a animal ran across the street. Consumer was trying to avoid the animal and swerved into a tree. Upon impact, frontal airbag didn't deploy at all.
Consumer was driving at approximately 35 MPH, ran over a sheet of ice ,vehicle began to slide until it hit guardrail head-on. Driver's side airbag did not deploy, resulting in serious injuries.
While driving at 55 MPH the vehicle hit the barrier, causing the rear axle to fall off, the vehicle kept going and hit an embankment in a frontal collision and the air bag didnot deploy.
Frontal crash with livestock - airbag did not deploy. Also the passenger seatbelt did not lock into place preventing passenger from going forward into dash and windshield. Ts
While traveling 45 MPH and as a result of trying not to hit a dog, consumer ran into poles. Upon impact, air bags did not deploy . Please provide further information.
When vehicle crashed into the rear of an 85 Cadillac there was no deployment of the driver's side air bag. The truck is being repaired. Damages totaled $6,000.00.
Vehicle was involved in an accident while traveling at approximately 45 MPH, air bags failed to deploy. One person was injured in accident.
Airbag complaints in other D21 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 1997 Nissan D21?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the air bags of the 1997 Nissan D21, 37% of the model year's 57 complaints. The component named most often is frontal (18 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Nissan D21 airbag problems?
No. NHTSA lists no air bags recall for the 1997 Nissan D21. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 19 crashes, 0 fires and 9 injuries to air bags problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.