1994 Nissan D21: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 65 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is structure (35% of complaints); the 1992 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Apr 2009
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 65 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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 .”Owner report · Structure · Sep 2017
“Nothing happened to me yet. But I've been reading reports of this frame rust the same way in other trucks. I think there's integrity issue with the frame nissan made. The rest of my truck is flawless no body rust. Was there a recall put out I just haven't heard of it? I just want to report it to make sure that nissan might be aware of the problem. *tr”Owner report · Engine · Sep 2012
“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. *tr”Owner report · Structure · Mar 2012
Show 7 more owner reports
“1994 nissan pick up truck. Consumer writes in regards to it being unsafe to drive vehicle due to the frame rotting out *tgw”Owner report · Structure · Dec 2011
“Frame broke loose in 7 spots once a week I was patching then I would find a new spot but now from is to soft to even put a jack under it to get the spare tire on I finally had to retire it. But this truck only has 81000 on it. *tr”Owner report · Structure · Jun 2011
“Tl*the contact owns a 1994 nissan king cab. The contact stated that while having routine maintenance performed the mechanic advised him that the sub frame was severely covered with rust. They also advised him not to drive the vehicle due to the severity of the rust. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure and current mileage was approximately 225,000. The VIN was unavailable.”Owner report · Structure · Apr 2011
“Tl* the contact owns a 1994 nissan pickup. The contact stated that after having the vehicle repaired for routine maintenance, he noticed that the frame was rusted. The dealer was notified and stated that there were no recalls or warranties for this failure. The manufacturer was also notified and offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 120,000. The VIN was unavailable.”Owner report · Structure · Feb 2011
“The structural frame of the truck is rotting out in varying degrees throughout the truck. Creates a safety issue if in a vehicle accident the structural integrity of the truck may fail and cause a great deal of injury to the occupants of the vehicle. The rotting was not noticed (although it was frequently checked for) until the frame literally cracked open while it was sitting in the garage. *tr”Owner report · Structure · Dec 2010
“1994 nissan pickup, rusted frame. Unsafe to drive but have no choice need to get to work. Nissan should be made to buy these vehicles back at a reasonable price. Toyota bought back there trucks with rotted frames. Hopefully I don't get hurt or moreso an innocent driver. *tr”Owner report · Structure · Apr 2010
“I am an owner of a 1994 nissan pick up with serious frame problems. The frame is rusted in many places and unsafe to drive. After researching the problem it seems to be a recurring problem with nissan pick ups and pathfinders. *tr”Owner report · Structure · Nov 2008
When filing, owners marked a crash in 5 of these complaints and injuries in 11 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 4 campaigns
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 PARTIAL ENGAGEMENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BUCKLE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY WITH A NEW BUCKLE.
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 NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
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.
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 THE BUCKLE, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY OF PARTIAL ENGAGEMENT.
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 ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
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 CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
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.
How other years compare
Check your exact D21 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1994 Nissan D21 reliable?
NHTSA has 65 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 1994 Nissan D21. The most complained-about area is structure (35% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1994 Nissan D21 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 120,000 miles or less.
Does the 1994 Nissan D21 have open recalls?
4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning seat belts:front:buckle assembly. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.