Nissan 720 problems

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The Datsun Truck is a compact pickup truck made by Nissan in Japan from 1955 through 1997. It was originally sold under the Datsun brand, but this was switched to Nissan in 1983. It was replaced in 1997 by the Frontier and Navara. In Japan, it was sold only in Nissan Bluebird Store locations.

Predecessors

Pre-war

The Datsun truck line began with the Type 13 Truck of April 1934, and was later used as the basis of the Datsun DC-3 roadster. A series of small trucks based on their passenger car counterparts, the 14T, 15T, and 17T, continued to be built until early 1944.

Post-war

The 17T was followed by the post-war Datsun 1121 in 1946, which was nearly identical technically but had an extremely simple body made out of simple pressed metal (with almost no chrome) and many body parts made from wood, to enable production in resource-starved early post-war Japan. Early trucks also depended on leftover stocks of pre-war parts. The engine was the 15 PS (11 kW) Type 7 unit. As the supply situation improved the new 2124 and then 2225 took over in July 1947 and at the end of November of the same year.

A rapid stream of changes and new model numbers followed in this early post-war area, as pre-war parts dried up and new designs were substituted. The naming followed a clear system: the first number represented the chassis/engine iteration, with "1" being the pre-war (17T) design. The second digit was for the bonnet and grille, the third digit for the cab, and the fourth and final digit for the rear body. 1121 thus had mostly pre-war parts, with a post-war design for the cab. The 2225 had post-war chassis and front end designs, with a fourth redesign of the rear bodywork. The grille was a plain, painted pressed steel piece. Some numbers were assigned but never used, such as rear body designs 2 and 3. The 2225 was succeeded by the 2125 at the end of July 1948; this seemingly retrograde step marked the return to the more ornate pre-war 17T grille.

In January 1949 the 3135 took over, followed by the January 1950 3145 model with a slightly different cabin. In August 1950 the Datsun 4146 arrived, introducing the 860 cc Type 10 engine with 15 kW (20 hp; 20 PS). The 4146 also had a bit more chrome trim included, as well as a stronger transmission. The power increase allowed for a somewhat bigger cargo area but top speed only crept up from 67 to 70 km/h (42 to 43 mph).

In 1951 the 5147 appeared, introducing a longer wheelbase of 2,150 mm (84.6 in) rather than the 2,005 mm (78.9 in) chassis which had been used for seventeen years. Most important was the introduction of hydraulic brakes, replacing the original mechanical units. The 5147 was succeeded two years later by the final 6147 model, which received the 25 PS (18 kW; 25 hp) D-10 version of the old sidevalve engine. The extra power output was made possible because of higher quality petrol allowing for higher compression rates. Although somewhat longer and with a bigger engine, the Datsun 6147 remained very similar to the prewar type 15 truck. Payload increased from 500 to 600 kg (1,100 to 1,300 lb) while overall length increased to 3,406 mm (134.1 in). A rare double-cab version, the DU-5, was introduced alongside the 6147. The 6147 was built until the 1955 introduction of the all new 120-series truck.

photo of Nissan 720 car production

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Nissan 720 model years

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Common Nissan 720 problems

Based on the complaints and experiences shared by owners of Nissan 720 pickups, several common problems have been highlighted:

  1. Rust Issues: While living in California may mitigate this problem to some extent, rust remains a significant concern for Nissan 720 pickups, especially in regions with harsher climates. Rust can affect various parts of the vehicle, including the body, frame, and undercarriage, leading to structural integrity issues and aesthetic deterioration.
  2. Overheating: Owners have reported instances of overheating in Nissan 720 pickups. This issue can stem from various factors such as a malfunctioning radiator, water pump, thermostat, or air bubbles in the cooling system. Additionally, inaccurate temperature readings due to faulty sensors can also contribute to overheating problems.
  3. Starting Problems: Some owners have encountered difficulties with starting their Nissan 720 pickups, particularly in the mornings or after the vehicle has been sitting idle for a while. This issue could be related to starter problems, ignition system components like spark plugs, ignition wires, or distributor, or even environmental factors like cold weather affecting engine performance.
  4. Ignition System Issues: Problems with the ignition system have been reported, including issues with the distributor, ignition control module, spark plugs, and ignition coil. These components are crucial for the proper functioning of the engine and can lead to performance issues if they are faulty or deteriorated.
  5. Fuel System Concerns: Complaints have surfaced regarding the carbureted versions of the Nissan 720 pickups, particularly related to fuel delivery and engine performance. Issues with carburetors, fuel pumps, and fuel lines can impact the vehicle's fuel efficiency, power delivery, and overall reliability.
  6. Electrical Problems: Some owners have faced electrical issues with their Nissan 720 pickups, such as problems with the ECM (Engine Control Module), distributor, sensors, or wiring. Electrical malfunctions can lead to various operational issues, affecting the vehicle's performance and drivability.

By addressing these common problems faced by Nissan 720 owners, it provides insights into the potential challenges associated with these vehicles and highlights areas that may require attention for maintenance and troubleshooting.

Nissan 720

Is the Nissan 720 reliable?

The Nissan 720 found its place as a daily driver for many, while others cherished it as a show car or even used it in local racing events. Its maintenance and reliability were one of its strongest selling points, with parts being readily available and repairs relatively simple for the average owner to undertake.

How much is a 1985 Nissan 720 worth?

A: The lowest recorded sale price was $3,200 for a 1985 Nissan 720 King Cab 5-Speed on Sep 10 2023. Q: What is the average sale price of a Nissan Datsun 720? A: The average price of a Nissan Datsun 720 is $9,640.

What engine does the Nissan 720 have?

The Nissan 720 1984 is available in Leaded Petrol and Diesel. Engine sizes and transmissions vary from the Dual Cab 1.8L 4 SP Manual to the Single Cab 2.5L 5SP Manual 4X4.

How many miles per gallon does a 1985 Nissan 720 get?

Based on data from 20 vehicles, 491 fuel-ups and 113,493 miles of driving, the 1985 Nissan 720 gets a combined Avg MPG of 25.02 with a 0.29 MPG margin of error.

Percentage distribution of complaints by Nissan 720 years

We have researched Nissan problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Nissan 720 cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Nissan 720 model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Nissan 720 model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Nissan 720 years

We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:

Nissan 720 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Nissan 720 , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

  • Steering problems
  • Service brakes problems
  • Hydraulic problems
  • Seat belts problems
  • Equipment problems

The graph below shows statistics for all Nissan 720 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

The NHTSA has received 9 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Nissan 720 . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Nissan 720 vehicles.

List of Nissan 720 complaints

Nissan 720 1986
  • Date Of Incident: 2013-09-05
  • Date Complaint: 2013-09-05
  • VIN: JN6ND01Y4GW
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: THIS VEHICLE HAD A RECALL REGARDING THE STEERING GEAR BOX. A SEPARATION OF THE GEAR BOX FROM THE STEERING SHAFT (WHICH HAS DISAPPEARED FROM THE RECALL DATABASE). IT ONLY AFFECTED ONE MONTH OF MANUFACTURE (10/1995 I BELIEVE) WHICH IS THE MANUFACTURE OF MY TRUCK. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER PURCHASING NEW IN KINGMAN, AZ JANUARY 1986 AND WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF THE RECALL. WHEN I LEARNED OF IT DECADES LATER, I HAVE ATTEMPTED TO GET NISSAN TO PERFORM THE REPAIRS, SINCE IT IS A SAFETY THING, AND EVERY PLACE I HAVE TURNED I HAVE BEEN IGNORED GETTING MY TRUCK CORRECTED. I STILL OWN THIS TRUCK AND WOULD LIKE THIS SAFETY RECALL PERFORMED. *JB
Nissan 720 1985
  • Date Of Incident: 2009-04-22
  • Date Complaint: 2009-06-15
  • VIN: JN6ND06S6GW
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,EQUIPMENT
  • Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1985 NISSAN 720. THE CONTACT PURCHASED FRONT BRAKE CALIPERS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED BY CARDONE AND DANA. HE NOTICED THAT THE BLEED SCREW ON EACH CALIPER WAS MISPLACED AND LABELED INCORRECTLY. THE LEFT ONE SHOULD FIT ON THE RIGHT SIDE AND VICE VERSA. HE CALLED BOTH MANUFACTURERS FOR THE PARTS AND WAS INFORMED TO FLIP FLOP THE CALIPERS; HOWEVER, THAT ONLY WORKED FOR THE DANA PART, NOT THE CARDONE. THE CARDONE COMPANY HANDLES THE INQUIRIES FOR BOTH PARTS. THE ONLY PART NUMBERS AVAILABLE WERE FROM NAPA, A RESELLER OF THESE PARTS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 159,000.
Nissan 720 1990
  • Date Of Incident: 1997-06-16
  • Date Complaint: 2000-09-12
  • VIN: 1N6SD11YXLC
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: TREADING CAME APART ON TIRE WHICH DID BODY DAMAGE TO VEHICLE. COMMENTS FROM THE ADJUSTER. FIRESTONE TIRE. NO CONTRACT WITH INSD YET. ACCORDING TO LOG, HE HAS PHOTOS AND RECEIPT. (CLAIM# 53-C008-962) *MW
Nissan 720 1985
  • Date Of Incident: 2000-08-23
  • Date Complaint: 2000-08-27
  • VIN: JN6ND06Y1FW
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: THE TRANSMISSION STARTED EMITTING A CLICKING NOISE IN GEARS 1-4, AND 5TH GEAR HAS AN EXTREMELY LOUD NOISE, WHICH I PRESUME IS A GEAR WITH TEETH STRIPPED OUT ON IT. SEVERAL OTHER NISSAN PICKUPS, IN THE SAME YEAR RANGE OF THE TRANSMISSION I USE, SUFFERED FROM THE SAME PROBLEM, SO I BELIEVE THE 5TH GEAR HAS SOME TYPE OF DEFECT IN IT WHICH CAUSES IT TO FAIL AFTER A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF TIME.
Nissan 720 1989
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Date Complaint: 1999-09-15
  • VIN: 1N6HD16S9KC
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: CRUISE CONTROL WORKS INTERMITTANTLY AND HAS FOR SEVERAL YEARS. IT NOW NO LONGER FUNCTIONS.
Nissan 720 1989
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Date Complaint: 1999-09-15
  • VIN: 1N6HD16S9KC
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: PAINT ON UPPER SURFACES OF VEHICLE BEGAN COMING OFF ABOUT FIVE YEARS AGO.
Nissan 720 1985
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Date Complaint: 1997-06-16
  • VIN: 1N6NDO1S8FC
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: VEHICLE WANDERS DUE TO STEERING DESIGN PROBLEM.
Nissan 720 1995
  • Date Of Incident: 1996-06-04
  • Date Complaint: 1996-06-04
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: WHEN BRAKING, THE TRUCK PULLS TO THE RIGHT. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
Nissan 720 1986
  • Date Of Incident: 1994-01-15
  • Date Complaint: 1995-04-14
  • VIN: JN6ND06Y8GW
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: DRIVER'S 3 PT SEAT BELT DOES NOT RETRACT (INTERMITTENTLY); HANGS LOOSE; EXCESSIVE EFFORT BEFORE RETRACTS. TT

Recalls Nissan 720

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the Nissan 720.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.

  • Model: Nissan 720 1985
  • Report Received Date: 1990-04-17
  • Manufacturer: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
  • Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
  • Summary: INCORRECT TIRE INFLATION PRESSURES WERE PRINTED ON CERTIFICATION LABELS.
  • Consequence: INCORRECT TIRE INFLATION COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.
  • Remedy: INSTALL CORRECTED TIRE INFORMATION LABEL ON DOORPOST CERTIFICATION LABEL.
  • Model: Nissan 720 1986
  • Report Received Date: 1990-04-17
  • Manufacturer: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
  • Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
  • Summary: INCORRECT TIRE INFLATION PRESSURES WERE PRINTED ON CERTIFICATION LABELS.
  • Consequence: INCORRECT TIRE INFLATION COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.
  • Remedy: INSTALL CORRECTED TIRE INFORMATION LABEL ON DOORPOST CERTIFICATION LABEL.
  • Model: Nissan 720 1986
  • Report Received Date: 1985-11-13
  • Manufacturer: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
  • Components: STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
  • Summary: THE STEERING COLUMN IS CONNECTED TO THE STEERING GEAR BY MEANS OF SPLINED SHAFT COUPLINGS. THESE COUPLINGS ARE SECURED WITH A TRANSVERSE BOLT AND LOCKWASHER. IT WAS FOUND THAT THE BOLT WAS NOT TIGHTENED AND TORQUED TO SPECIFICATIONS. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: ALTHOUGH THE SPLINES PROVIDE ADEQUATE COUPLING TO PERMIT OPERATION, EXTENDED USE MAY RESULT IN SPLINE DISENGAGEMENT AND LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL WHICH MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. CORECTIVE ACTION: INSPECT AND CORRECT AS NECESSARY TO PRECLUDE SPLINE DISENGEMENT.

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