1997 Nissan D21: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 57 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is air bags (32% of complaints).
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 57 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Ladder frame rusted from inside. Will no longer pass state inspection. Previously repaired but no longer repairable. Vehicle has less that 58k miles on it and mechanically perfect. Always carefully maintained. Substandard steel in ladder frame, rear axle and differential cover and drive shafts. Tin worm evident and anti-rust treatment inadequate for use on roads in ne. Toyota corrected similar problem by replacing frames or buying back truck. What is wrong with nissan? *tr”Owner report · Structure · Nov 2012
“The speedometer stops working at will. A check on the internet shows thousands of people with same problem. Nissan 1997 king cab pickup, 2.4l engine 5 speed manual trans. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2008
“While driving the 1997 nissan pathfinder at certain speeds above 50 mph the truck will began to wobble from side to side ncontrollably. I have to slow down or come to a complete stop before the truck returns to normal.*ak”Owner report · Suspension · Apr 2007
Show 7 more owner reports
“Dt*: the contact stated while driving at various speeds the battery and brake indicator lights illuminated. Upon inspection the contact determined the alternator failed. The failure and replacement occurred on six different occasions under various circumstances. The failure continued to occur. The alternator part number is 23001-0s300. The vehicle was not inspected by a dealership.”Owner report · Electrical System · May 2006
“Battery keep's going dead over and over! I put a new one in and it happen all over. I had to have the alternator fixed about 3 times. The 4th time I got a new one and new battery and the battery is the same. I will drive and it runs the battery down. I can not find any recalls for this.”Owner report · Electrical System · Oct 2004
“During a collision and without warning driver's seat fully reclined backward causing a distraction to consumer. Dealer notified. Ts....*ak”Owner report · Seats · Dec 2002
“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. Ts”Owner report · Seat Belts · Sep 2002
“The vehicle was involved in a frontal collision, which forced the vehicle into another vehicle, and into a retaining wall. Upon impact, the driver's air bag did not deploy. Manufacturer was notified. *ak the consumer states theat the vehicle had three major impacts and was considered a total loss. *scc”Owner report · Air Bags · Jul 2002
“I'm transit mechanic 30 years, proir coast gaurd dot, keep tires inflated 35lbs at all times, check often, rotate 5-7 thousand miles,largest load ever carried less than 300 lbs-mulch for yard, vehicle unloaded at time of tire separation. It would appear that the other three tires are on the verge of seperation. I have parked vehicle until I hear from NHTSA.*ak”Owner report · Tires · Jul 2002
“Vehicle was involved in an accident while traveling at approximately 45 mph, air bags failed to deploy. *ak one person was injured in accident. *slc”Owner report · Air Bags · Mar 2001
When filing, owners marked a crash in 22 of these complaints and injuries in 11 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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.
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 1997 Nissan D21 reliable?
NHTSA has 57 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1997 Nissan D21. The most complained-about area is air bags (32% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1997 Nissan D21 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 68,000 miles or less.
Does the 1997 Nissan D21 have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting. 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.