1997 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
- 57
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Air bags
Campaigns on file for 1997
None on file
37% of complaints
Complaints per year
1997: 57 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.
Air bags
37% · 21 reportsMost commonly citing frontal and side/window.
Show complaint excerpts
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.…
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-10-22
Also filed under Seat belts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 1997-05-05
While driving struck another vehicle from the back and the driver's side air bag did not deploy. Driver sustained injuries.
NHTSA ODI report, 1997-04-08
Power train
14% · 8 reportsMost commonly citing driveline and clutch assembly.
Engine and engine cooling
12% · 7 reportsMost commonly citing exhaust system and engine.
Electrical system
11% · 6 reportsMost commonly citing ignition and horn.
Tires
9% · 5 reportsMost commonly citing valve and tread/belt.
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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1997Complaint volume 57 complaints filed for this model year.
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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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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
1997 Nissan D21 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 21 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 8 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 7 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 06E049000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 09E012000 · Exterior lighting
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1997 Nissan D21 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1997 Nissan D21 is rated "worse than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 1997 Nissan D21?
- The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 37% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1997 Nissan D21 have?
- 2 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.