1988 Nissan Pickup
Only 9 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
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.
Only 9 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 9
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1988
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1988: 9 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1983 | 2 |
| 1984 | 3 |
| 1985 | 5 |
| 1986 | 9 |
| 1987 | 5 |
| 1988 | 9 |
| 1989 | 13 |
| 1990 | 14 |
Known problem areas
Only 9 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Seat belts
6 of 9 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing buckle assembly and anchorage.
Show complaint excerpts
Vehicles driver side seat belt buckle broke and became inoperative. Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-05-15
Seat beat buckle replaced due to buckle locking and not unlatching when release button is pushed. Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-05-05
Driver seat belt buckle broke, therefore seatbelt inoperative. Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-03-01
Power train
2 of 9 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission.
Show complaint excerpts
There is something defective with the starter and flywheel mechanism of my 1988, 4 cycle., automatic transmission, Nissan pkup truck. The starter and the fly wheel has been replaced twice, and it has gone out again.
NHTSA ODI report, 2008-03-15
Speedometer pointer curved making the speedometer to be inoperative, apparently as a result of temperature in the state where the consumer lives.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-11-06
Visibility
1 of 9 total reports mentions: visibility, most commonly citing glass, side/rear.
Tires
1 of 9 total reports mentions: tires.
Show complaint excerpts
Tire faillure, sidewall separation driving approximately 60-65 MPH on highway. I have taken pictures of failed tire that can be emailed if requested.
NHTSA ODI report, 2010-03-29
Safety timeline
1 recall · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
I
1989-05-23Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-08-01 Loss of steering
-
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.
Buy-smart checklist
1988 Nissan Pickup — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Seat belts: 6 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Visibility: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 06E049000 · Exterior lighting
FAQ
- Is the 1988 Nissan Pickup reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 1988 Nissan Pickup?
- The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 67% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1988 Nissan Pickup have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.