1992 Nissan D21 problems
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.
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Common 1992 Nissan D21 problems
The Nissan D21, also known as the Nissan Hardbody, is a popular compact pickup truck that was produced from 1986 to 1997. While the D21 is known for its reliability, there are some common problems that owners have reported.
One common issue with the Nissan D21 is a brake fluid leak. This can be caused by a number of factors, including a faulty brake booster, brake master cylinder, brake lines, or brake rotors. If you notice a brake fluid leak, it's important to address the issue as soon as possible, as it can affect your ability to stop the vehicle safely
Another common problem with the Nissan D21 is related to the engine. Some owners have reported low compression on certain cylinders, which can be caused by open or damaged exhaust valves. This can lead to rough idling and low power. If you suspect that you have this issue, it's important to have the engine checked by a professional, as it may require replacing the hydraulic lifters and possibly the valves as well.
The Nissan D21's cooling system can also be a source of problems. Some owners have reported issues with the cooling system not coming in between the manifold and the engine, which can affect engine performance. It's important to check the AC line to ensure that it's in good condition and that there is enough freon in the system. Additionally, the AC pulley and fan clutch should be checked to ensure that they are working properly
The power steering system is another area where the Nissan D21 can experience issues. Some owners have reported leaks in the power steering system, which can be caused by a faulty pump or high pressure hose. If you notice that your power steering is not working properly, it's important to have the system checked by a professional
Finally, the Nissan D21's electrical system can also be a source of problems. Some owners have reported issues with the fuse for the AC, which can prevent the system from working properly. If you suspect that you have this issue, it's important to check the fuse and replace it if necessary
In summary, the Nissan D21 is a reliable vehicle, but like any vehicle, it can experience common problems. By addressing these issues as soon as they arise, you can help ensure that your D21 remains a reliable and enjoyable vehicle to drive.
Is Nissan Hardbody reliable?
The Hardbody was one of the most durable, dependable, and sought-after trucks from that moment on until it was replaced by another truck line in 1997.
Why is my Nissan D21 stalling?
The most common reasons a Nissan D21 engine stalling are the fuel system, the air intake system, or the ignition system.
What is the top speed of the D21?
- Maximum speed: Mach 3.35.
- Cruise speed: 2,524 mph (4,062 km/h, 2,193 kn) (Mach 3.32)
- Range: 3,500 mi (5,600 km, 3,000 nmi)
- Service ceiling: 95,000 ft (29,000 m)
Why is the Nissan D21 called a hardbody?
Why Is It Called a Nissan Hardbody? Hardbody refers to its double-walled bed, firm paneling, and aggressive styling. Seriously, the brick-like trucks of the '80s were tough. It's the only generation any Nissan truck was called a Hardbody—and unofficially, as it's formally coded D21.
1992 Nissan D21 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Nissan D21 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Seat belts problems
- Tires problems
- Electrical system problems
- Structure problems
- Wheels problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1992 Nissan D21 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1992 Nissan D21 complaints
The NHTSA has received 20 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1992 Nissan D21.
STRUCTURE,WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-11-20
- VIN: 1N6HD16Y6NC
- Components: STRUCTURE,WHEELS
- Summary: UPON PURCHASE OF VEHICLE...PREVIOUS OWNER STATED THAT AT 32,000 HE HAD TO HAVE THE FRAME PLATED ON BOTH SIDES IN FRONT OF REAR WHEELS... DO TO EXCESSIVE RUST AND CRACKS.I JUST RECENTLY PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE WITH ONLY 57,000 MILES ON THE TRUCK NOW AS OF 5/15/2014. THE TRUCK SAT FOR THE LAST 3 YEARS BECAUSE THE FRAME HAD PROGRESSED TO THE POINT OF NON DRIVE ABILITY.BOTH SIDE FRAME RAILS FROM THE REAR TO THE FRONT AXLES ARE HANGING BY THE FUEL AND BRAKE LINES. RESEARCHED THE SALVAGE YARDS AN ALL SUITABLE DONORS ARE STARTING TO BE THE SAME WAY.I HAD ANOTHER ONE YEAR AN A HALF AGO I HAD TO PLATE IT TOO.THE INSIDE OF THE BEDS ARE ALL CANCER-ED UP AS WELL.VERY POOR METAL QUALITY AND PREPPING. *TR
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-03-18
- VIN: 1N6SD11S5NC
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: VEHICLE WAS LIFTED ON HOIST, AND LITERALLY BROKE IN HALF. FRAME WAS NOT VISIBLY DAMAGED PRIOR TO INCIDENT, AND HAD ONLY SMALL AMOUNT OF SURFACE RUST. REAR END OF VEHICLE SMASHED TO GROUND FROM 4 FEET IN THE AIR. VERY LUCKY SOMEONE WAS NOT UNDER IT WORKING AT THE TIME. FRAME EXTREMELY WEAK WITH NO VISIBLE SIGNS. VEHICLE HAD LESS THAT 125,000 MILES ON IT AT THE TIME OF FAILURE. *TR
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-07-13
- VIN: 1N6SD16S7NC
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: I WAS TRAVELING ALONG INTERSTATE 10, AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH. THE VISIBILITY WAS CLEAR; THE ROADWAY WAS CLEAR OF ANY OBSTRUCTIONS. THE TREAD ON THE RIGHT REAR TIRE COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE. I DID NOT HIT ANYTHING TO CAUSE THIS TREAD SEPARATION. THE TIRE HAD JUST BEEN INSPECTED/ROTATED BY A FIRESTONE DEALER WITHIN THE PREVIOUS MONTH. WHEN THE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE, THE LOOSE TREAD HIT THE REAR QUARTER PANEL ON MY TRUCK CAUSING $2,000 WORTH OF DAMAGES.*AK (DOT NUMBER: H4P9DJD486 TIRESIZE: P195/75R14)
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-01-31
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1N6SD11S9NC
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: SEAT BROKE AND THROUGH ME INTO THE STERING WHEEL WHEN I CRASHED INTO THE BACK OF ANOTHER CAR.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-11-01
- VIN: 1N6SD11Y7NC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO START DUE TO MAIN STARTER RELAY GOING OUT, HAPPENED ALL THE TIME . TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND THE DEALER RECOMMENDED TO BUY EXTRA RELAYS, SO IT COULD BE FIXED NEXT TIME AROUND.*AK THE PART THAT FAILED IS CALLED A DOUBLE BLUE RELAY. *SLC
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: NOT APPLICA
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: EXPERIENCED BELT SEPARATION ON ALL FOUR TIRES - SAME PROBLEM AS RECALLED TIRES. THIS MODEL NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED AND ADDED TO RECALL LIST. *AK( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P195/75R14 )
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-04-01
- VIN: 1NESD6Y9UC3
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: ODI# 6141; WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH RIGHT REAR TIRE TREAD HAD SEPARATED FROM TIRE WHICH CAUSED TRUCK TO SWERVE. TIRE IS A FIRESTONE ATX, SIZEP215/75R15 W/ APPROX. 25K MILEAGE. TIRE WAS A PART OF THE ORIGINAL TIRES BOUGHT WITH VEHICLE. VEHICLE IS A NISSAN PICKUP TRUCK 1992. *AK FIRESTONE ATX P215/75/R15 *MW
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1N6SD16Y9NC
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: HEADLIGHTS GO ON AND OFF,USUALLY ONE SIDE AT A TIME.IT SEEMS TO ALTERNATE SIDES OR BOTH GO OFF. THE BRIGHT LIGHT SWITCH SOME TIMES ONLY ONE WILL BE OFF AT A TIME WITH THE OTHER ONE COMING ON WHEN EVER. IT DOES NOT SEEM LIKE A GROUND IS BAD SINCE IT CAN BE SITTING STILL AND THE LIGHTS WILL GO ON OR OFF AS THEY PLEASE. I HAVE NEW LIGHTS INSTALLED. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-07-30
- VIN: 1N6HD16Y7NC
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE DRIVER'S SIDE SHOULDER SEAT BELT POPPED LOOSE WHILE THE DRIVER STRETCHED AT A STOP LIGHT, BELT DOES NOT LOCK TIGHTLY, DEALER CONTACTED, AND IS NOT AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. NO WARRANTY AND THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-06-01
- VIN: 1N6HD16Y7NC
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: EXHAUST MANIFOLD MOUNTING STUDS FAILURE.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-07-11
- VIN: 1N6SD16S8NC
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION SLIPS FROM 1ST TO 2ND AND IN O/D AND DOWN SHIFTING FROM 3RD TO 2ND BUMPS, RESULTING IN TRANSMISSION FAILURE, OVER DRIVE SWITCH INOPERATIVE REPLACED SOLENOID AND VALE BODY. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1N6SD11S1NC
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SHOULDER/LAP BELT BUCKLE/LATCH WIRES ARE FRAYING, ALSO PASS. SIDE FEMALE PORTION BUCKLE HAS FALLEN OFF. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1N6SD11S1NC
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SHOULDER/LAP BELT BUCKLE/LATCH WIRES ARE FRAYING, ALSO PASS. SIDE FEMALE PORTION BUCKLE HAS FALLEN OFF. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1992-08-09
- VIN: 1N6SD16S9NC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: REPLACED THE WIRING HARNESS FOR THE SECOND SINCE HAD CAR PURCHASE CAR NEW . TT
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1993-10-31
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: STEEL RIMS CRACKED, 1 SPLIT CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE PRIOR TO RECALL. (92V139) *TW
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1993-11-18
- VIN: 1N6HD16S0NC
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE WILL NOT STAY LATCHED. TT
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-01-17
- VIN: 1N65D16YXNC
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 5 SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION JUMPD OUT OF 3RD/4TH GEAR, CAUSING GRINDING. TT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-01-17
- VIN: 1N65D16YXNC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: STARTER RELAY FAILED, CAUSING ENGINE NOT TO CRANK. *AK
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-01-17
- VIN: 1N65D16YXNC
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: NOISY HEATER FAN. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-01-17
- VIN: 1N65D16YXNC
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: INTAKE MANIFOLD FAILURE. *AK
1992 Nissan D21 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1992 Nissan D21.
- Manufacturer: SABERSPORT
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- 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.
- Manufacturer: CK MOTORSPORT, INC.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
- 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.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1992 Nissan D21 problems:
What are the common problems with the hardbody truck - Nissan ...
May 30, 2009 ... Not a lot, as miles add up the timing chain tensioner breaks and makes noise on start up. I have had 2 and it is basically a great little ...
Q&A: Common Problems with 1991 Nissan D21 Pickup
May 19, 2010 ... What causes idle problems in my 91 Nissan D21 Pickup? - Answered by a verified Nissan Mechanic.
How long do these D21s last? - Nissan Forum | Nissan Forums
Sep 20, 2009 ... those are pretty common. Check carrier bearing for rubber rot. Check for timing chain rattle. Check for broken leaf springs. Check for loose ...
Problems with Nissan 4-cylinder? | Bob Is The Oil Guy
Apr 7, 2006 ... Google Nissan message boards. NissanForums.com is a good one. I have a 92 and a 96 D21 with the 2.4. Love them. PCV and starters are ...
fuel pump problems - Infamous Nissan - Hardbody / Frontier Forums
Aug 11, 2017 ... fuel pump problems Engine and Drivetrain. ... Vehicle: Nissan D21 1991,standard cab 4cyl 5spd ... Vehicle: 1992 Red 2.4L D21, Automatic, Over 226K.
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