1994 Nissan D21 problems

General information about Nissan-D21
Overview of popular issues
Recalls list

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 1994 Nissan D21 problems

The 1994 Nissan D21 is known to have several common problems, primarily related to the engine, electrical system, and drivetrain.

Electrical System Issues: The 1994 Nissan D21 has also been reported to have electrical system problems, including issues with the onboard computer and wiring harness.

Drivetrain Problems: The D21's drivetrain is also known to have issues, particularly with the transfer case. This can cause problems with the four-wheel-drive system, including difficulty shifting into four-wheel-drive mode or the vehicle not engaging four-wheel-drive at all.

Recall Issues: The Nissan D21 has had several recalls over the years, with the largest recall occurring in 1995, where cars were invited to dealerships for troubleshooting with five issues. The most common recalls are related to lighting, equipment, seats, brakes, and doors.

These common problems with the 1994 Nissan D21 can be frustrating for owners, but many can be diagnosed and repaired with the right tools and knowledge. Regular maintenance and checking for recalls can also help prevent these issues from occurring or becoming more severe.

What is the gas mileage for a 1994 Nissan D21 2.4 L?

Based on data from 21 vehicles, 888 fuel-ups and 197,914 miles of driving, the 1994 Nissan D21 gets a combined Avg MPG of 17.23 with a 0.29 MPG margin of error.

What problems are common in a 1990 Nissan D21?

Most Common 1990 Nissan D21 Problems

The exhaust manifold on the 3.0 liter engine often warps and cracks, breaking off the studs between the cylinder head... Regular maintenance is recommended to avoid timing chain failure. rattles may develop in higher mileage vehicles....

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 does my 1994 Nissan D21 crank but won't start?

The Nissan Hardbody may crank but not start because the motor is not getting enough compression or spark. In most cases faulty spark plugs or ignition coils are preventing the vehicle from firing. Alternatively the car's charging system may be compromised.

1994 Nissan D21 complaints

The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1994 Nissan D21.

You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.

1994 Nissan D21 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 1994 Nissan D21.

2009-04-07

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.

2006-05-24

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.

2002-05-02

Manufacturer: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Summary: 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.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE SEAT BELT TONGUE TO COME OUT OF THE BUCKLE IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION OR HARD BRAKING OF THE VEHICLE INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY TO AN OCCUPANT OF THE SEAT.
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.

1996-09-10

Manufacturer: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Summary: 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.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE SEAT BELT TONGUE TO COME OUT OF THE BUCKLE IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION OR HARD BRAKING OF THE VEHICLE INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY TO AN OCCUPANT OF THE SEAT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BUCKLE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY WITH A NEW BUCKLE.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 1994 Nissan D21 problems:

a couple 94 hardbody problems? - Infamous Nissan - Hardbody ...

https://www.infamousnissan.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27994

Aug 23, 2013 ... a couple 94 hardbody problems? Hardbody Forum (D21) ... engine running bad, its 9 out of 10 times a wiring issue. ... Vehicle: 1994 nissan hardbody ...

1994 Nissan D21 Problems and Complaints - 2 Issues

https://repairpal.com/1994-nissan-d21/problems

Problem with your 1994 Nissan D21? Our list of 2 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 1994 Nissan D21.

New 1994 Nissan multiple problems - Infamous Nissan - Hardbody ...

https://www.infamousnissan.com/forum/showthread.php?t=41205

Feb 25, 2018 ... Hi Everyone, I am new to the forum and to Nissan I purchased a 1994 2 wheel drive 4 Cylinder Hardbody and have been using it as my daily ...

3.0 v6 over-revved common problems - Infamous Nissan - Hardbody ...

http://www.infamousnissan.com/forum/showthread.php?t=48035

Mar 20, 2024 ... Vehicle: 1994 Nissan Hardbody. Thanks: 0. Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post. Default 3.0 v6 over-revved common problems. Hello - Jeff here - a new member ...