1995 Nissan D21
This year had more than double the complaints of 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 PER YEAR
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.
26% of complaints: structure — 34 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frame and members and hinge and attachments.
Show complaint excerpts
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 .
NHTSA ODI report, 20180114
Also filed under SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 NISSAN PICKUP TRUCK. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRONT AND REAR FRAME WAS CORRODED AND EXHIBITING HOLES.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120514
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120423
Also filed under EQUIPMENT
13% of complaints: exterior lighting — 17 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tail lights and headlights.
13% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 17 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20021125
12% of complaints: service brakes — 16 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
CRASH INJURY9% of complaints: power train — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing manual transmission and transfer case (4-wheel drive).
Show complaint excerpts
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND WITHOUT WARNING THE TRANSMISSION WILL START TO MAKE A CLUNKING NOISE CAUSING A DISTRACTION TO THE CONSUMER. DEALER NOTIFIED TS
NHTSA ODI report, 20021115
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 94V243000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 94V251000 — check if this car was fixed
INADVERTENT RELEASE OF PARKING BRAKE
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
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BULB SOCKETS IN THE REAR COMBINATION LAMPS.
Campaign 98V234000 — check if this car was fixed
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 N
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.
Campaign 06E049000 — check if this car was fixed
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 CONF
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.
Campaign 09E012000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1995 Nissan D21 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for structure issues (34 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (17 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (17 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 94V243000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
- Verify recall 94V251000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 98V234000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E049000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09E012000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1995 Nissan D21 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1995 Nissan D21 is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 1995 Nissan D21?
The most-reported component is structure, accounting for 26% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1995 Nissan D21 have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.