1994 Nissan D21
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 65
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- Structure
Campaigns on file for 1994
Opened by NHTSA
35% of complaints
Complaints per year
1994: 65 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1986 | 0 |
| 1987 | 0 |
| 1988 | 1 |
| 1989 | 4 |
| 1990 | 1 |
| 1991 | 31 |
| 1992 | 16 |
| 1993 | 43 |
| 1994 | 65 |
| 1995 | 129 |
| 1996 | 44 |
| 1997 | 57 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Structure
35% · 23 reportsMost commonly citing frame and members and underbody shields.
Show complaint excerpts
I have a 1994 Nissan pu D21 . I just noticed that the frame has a rusty hole on the frame at the front on the passenger side . For my safety and others I can't drive this truck . I hope Nissan will pay attention this issue before someone get killed .
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-02-03
The frame section above the right rear front spring perch is cracked. Frame has holes on both sides near front suspension also. Unsafe to operate vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-04-06
Also filed under Suspension
Tires
14% · 9 reportsMost commonly citing tread/belt.
Show complaint excerpts
Consumer complained about firestone tire atx wilderness. 30X95R15LT DOT. While driving vehicle at 40MPH it had heavy vibration. Dealer was notified. Consumer stated this tire was defective from manufacturer. Please provide further information.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-01-31
Engine and engine cooling
12% · 8 reportsMost commonly citing manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe and exhaust system.
Show complaint excerpts
Have had constant problem with exhaust leaks. Dealer denies safety issue/manufacturing defect exists.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-09-09
Power train
11% · 7 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and transfer case (4-wheel drive).
Show complaint excerpts
Consumer states while driving 60 MPH the transmission start slipping . Nlm
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-10-02
Seat belts
6% · 4 reportsMost commonly citing buckle assembly and retractor.
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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1994Complaint volume 65 complaints filed for this model year.
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I
1995-04-12Preliminary evaluationClosed 1995-07-27 Inadvertent release of parking brake
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R
1996-11-25Seat belts96V170001 The latch plate used in the seat belt buckle was not manufactured according to design dimensions. If the seat belt tongue is inserted slowly at an angle into the buckle, there is a possibility of…
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the buckle and, if necessary, replace the buckle assembly with a new buckle.
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I
2002-04-11Recall queryClosed 2002-12-17 Seat belt latch failures
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R
2002-12-16Seat belts02V125000 On certain light duty pickup trucks, the latch plate used in the seat belt buckle was not manufactured according to design dimensions. If the seat belt tongue is inserted slowly at an angle into…
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the buckle and, if necessary, replace the buckle assembly with a new buckle. Owner notification began May 22, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer…
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R
2006-07-01Exterior lighting06E049000 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…
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.
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R
2009-05-11Exterior lighting09E012000 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…
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.
Buy-smart checklist
1994 Nissan D21 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Structure: 23 reports on file for this year.
- Tires: 9 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 8 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 96V170001 · Seat belts
- Recall 02V125000 · Seat belts
- Recall 06E049000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 09E012000 · Exterior lighting
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1994 Nissan D21 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1994 Nissan D21 is rated "worse than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 1994 Nissan D21?
- The most-reported component is structure, accounting for 35% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1994 Nissan D21 have?
- 4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.