1995 Nissan D21: problems, recalls and reliability
5 recalls and 129 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is structure (22% of complaints); the 1993 and 1994 and 1996 and 1997 model years look 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 129 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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 . The problem is from the same as the nissan frontier trucks recalled, coil rolled frame and no drainage for water, mud, salt etc on the bottom of the frame. The vehicle is a total loss x2 since this is the second nissan I have owned. Thanks.”Owner report · Structure · Oct 2017
“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. I have documented work orders from ziebart stating when new from the dealer undercoating was applied and yearly inspected for the duration of the implied warranty (10 yrs). Still the frame is 40% gone. Does nissan understand my blue book valued truck of $5,300.00 is not only worthless it could kill me or others when the frame does collapse under normal highway usage. Please nissan do something! *tr”Owner report · Structure · Apr 2012
“Tl* the contact owns a 1995 nissan pickup truck. The contact noticed that the front and rear frame was corroded and exhibiting holes. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where they diagnosed the corrosion failure but provided no assistance. The manufacturer was also contacted and stated that there were no recalls for the vehicle and offered no further assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was no longer comfortable operating the vehicle. The failure mileage was 135,000 and the current mileage was 136,000. Updated 06/06/12 *bf”Owner report · Structure · Mar 2012
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“This vehicle has been a one owner truck. I have carefully maintained and have not been able to stop a serious frame rust problem. I have contacted my local dealer and corporate usa nissan. Nissan has refused to address my repeated requests for assistance with this matter. I can not be certain at what point the truck becomes unsafe to operate. Nissan needs to address this issue asap to prevent any safety problems with this vehicle as other manufactures have in the past. *kb”Owner report · Structure · Feb 2012
“Frame of the truck is rusted out very badly. This is a known issue, vehicle unsafe to drive. No notifications of the common defect. Other owners and drivers of the vehicles of same make and model needs to made aware of the problem. Also, these trucks should be recalled. *tr”Owner report · Structure · Feb 2011
“My 1995 nissan pickup truck with only 28,000 miles has serious frame rust. Truck looks brand new and has been meticulously cared for but body shop and mechanic have said rust is too severe to repair. I am the original owner. *tr”Owner report · Structure · Oct 2009
“Frame rails on 1995 nissan pickup rusting out from interior. Researching web for solutions indicate a large number of people with similar problems. While it is an old truck with high miles, it appears to me that a defect in design, finishing, or materials makes this a safety issue for those pickups (and pathfinders) on the road today. *tr”Owner report · Structure · Jun 2009
“Severe frame rust which weakens the structure. Required welding several pieces of steel plate to the frame to strengthen the rusted areas. The problem continues at other areas of the frame as chunks of rusted metal continue to separate from the inside of the frame rails. *tr”Owner report · Structure · May 2009
“Although this has not lead to an accident yet, the frame on my 1995 nissan pickup truck is rusting so bad it appears to be rotting. I concerned about driving it, but scared to see what would happen if I was in an accident. I know toyota has bought back there older pickups and I think nissan should do something other then turn their cheek. *tr”Owner report · Structure · Jan 2009
“I currently own a 1995 nissan pick up truck that has severe frame rust beyond what would be considered normal. It is to the point that it is a safety concern. I had contacted nissan and was told that there was nothing that they would be willing to do. After researching the problem it appears to be a design issue on nissans part and they are not willing to own up to it. I can send you photo documentation of the frame to prove that it is not regular wear and tear on the vehicle. I took the vehicle to a mechanic last week and the truck was deemed unsafe and dangerous because of the amount of frame rust. *tr”Owner report · Structure · Jan 2009
When filing, owners marked a crash in 10 of these complaints and injuries in 9 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 5 campaigns
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 HEAT RESISTANCE OF THE PLASTIC AT THE LAMP OPERATING TEMPERATURE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BULB SOCKETS IN THE REAR COMBINATION LAMPS.
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.
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.
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.
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 1995 Nissan D21 reliable?
NHTSA has 129 owner complaints and 5 recall campaigns on record for the 1995 Nissan D21. The most complained-about area is structure (22% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1995 Nissan D21 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 92,500 miles or less.
Does the 1995 Nissan D21 have open recalls?
5 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting:tail lights. 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.