Nissan Datsun problems

General information about Nissan Datsun
Nissan Datsun years list
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list

Datsun (UK: /ˈdætsən/, US: /ˈdɑːtsən/) was a Japanese automobile manufacturer brand owned by Nissan. Datsun's original production run began in 1931. From 1958 to 1986, only vehicles exported by Nissan were identified as Datsun. Nissan phased out the Datsun brand in March 1986, but relaunched it in June 2013 as the brand for low-cost vehicles manufactured for emerging markets. Nissan considered phasing out the Datsun brand for a second time in 2019 and 2020, eventually discontinuing the struggling brand in April 2022.

In 1931, DAT Motorcar Co. chose to name its new small car "Datson", a name which indicated the new car's smaller size when compared to the DAT's larger vehicle already in production. When Nissan took control of DAT in 1934, the name "Datson" was changed to "Datsun", because "son" also means "loss" (損 son) in Japanese and also to honour the sun depicted in the national flag – thus the name Datsun: Dattosan (ダットサン, Dattosan). The Datsun name is internationally well known for the 510, Fairlady roadsters, and the Z and ZX coupés.

History

Origin of Datsun

Before the Datsun brand name came into being, an automobile named the DAT car was built in 1914, by the Kaishinsha Motorcar Works (快進自動車工場, Kaishin Jidōsha Kōjō), in the Azabu-Hiroo District in Tokyo. The new car's name was an acronym of the initials of the company partners:

Kenjiro Den (Den Kenjirō)
Rokuro Aoyama (Aoyama Rokurō)
Meitaro Takeuchi (Takeuchi Meitarō)

Incidentally, datto (how a native Japanese speaker would pronounce "dat") means to "dash off like a startled rabbit" (脱兎), which was considered a good name for the little car. The firm was renamed Kaishinsha Motorcar Co. in 1918, seven years after their establishment and again, in 1925, to DAT Motorcar Co. DAT Motors constructed trucks in addition to the DAT passenger cars. In fact, their output focused on trucks since there was almost no consumer market for passenger cars at the time. Beginning in 1918, the first DAT trucks were assembled for the military market. The low demand from the military market during the 1920s forced DAT to consider merging with other automotive industries. In 1926 the Tokyo-based DAT Motors merged with the Osaka-based Jitsuyo Jidosha Co., Ltd. (実用自動車製造株式会社, Jitsuyō Jidōsha Seizō Kabushiki-Gaisha) also known as Jitsuyo Motors (established 1919, as a Kubota subsidiary) to become DAT Automobile Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (ダット自動車製造株式会社, Datto Jidōsha Seizō Kabushiki-Gaisha) in Osaka until 1932. (Jitsuyo Jidosha began producing a three-wheeled vehicle with an enclosed cab called the Gorham in 1920, and the following year produced a four-wheeled version. From 1923 to 1925, the company produced light cars and trucks under the name of Lila.)

The DAT corporation had been selling full size cars to Japanese consumers under the DAT name since 1914. In 1930, the Japanese government created a ministerial ordinance that allowed cars with engines up to 500 cc to be driven without a license. DAT Automobile Manufacturing began development of a line of 495 cc cars to sell in this new market segment, calling the new small cars "Datson" – meaning "Son of DAT". The name was changed to "Datsun" two years later in 1933.

The first prototype Datson was completed in the summer of 1931. The production vehicle was called the Datson Type 10, and "approximately ten" of these cars were sold in 1931. They sold around 150 cars in 1932, now calling the model the Datsun Type 11. In 1933, government rules were revised to permit 750 cc (46 cu in) engines, and Datsun increased the displacement of their microcar engine to the maximum allowed. These larger displacement cars were called Type 12s.

By 1935, the company had established a true production line, following the example of Ford, and were producing a car closely resembling the Austin 7. There is evidence that six of these early Datsuns were exported to New Zealand in 1936, a market they then re-entered in May 1962. In 1937, Datsun's biggest pre-war year, 8593 were built, with some exported to Australia in knock-down form.

After Japan went to war with China in 1937, passenger car production was restricted, so by 1938, Datsun's Yokohama plant concentrated on building trucks for the Imperial Japanese Army.

When the Pacific War ended, Datsun would turn to provide trucks for the Occupation forces. This lasted until car production resumed in 1947. As before the war, Datsun closely patterned their cars on contemporary Austin products: postwar, the Devon and Somerset were selected. For Datsun's smaller cars (and trucks), such as the DB and DS series, they depended on designs based on the pre-war Austin Seven. The heavier trucks, meanwhile, were based on Chevrolet's 1937 design with an engine of Graham-Paige design. Nissan also built the 4W60 Patrol, based on the Willys Jeep, and the 4W70 Carrier, based on the Dodge M37. Not until January 1955 did Datsun offer a fully indigenous design.

That year, the Occupation returned production facilities to Japanese control, and Datsun introduced the 110 saloon and the 110-based 120 pickup.

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Nissan Datsun model years

Datsun 1984

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Datsun 1982

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Datsun 1981

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Datsun 1980

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Common Nissan Datsun problems

Based on the complaints from owners of Nissan Datsun cars, several common problems have been identified:

Fuel System Problems: Owners reported issues with fuel lines and fuel pumps in the Nissan Datsun 2000, leading to fuel leaks and poor engine performance. The use of ethanol-based fuels could exacerbate this issue, making it crucial for owners to address fuel system problems promptly to maintain engine efficiency.

Electrical System Malfunctions: Some owners experienced various electrical system issues in the Nissan Datsun 2000, ranging from flickering headlights to malfunctioning ignition switches. Troubleshooting electrical problems could be challenging, often requiring professional assistance to diagnose and repair these issues effectively.

Rust: Rust is a significant concern with Datsun vehicles from certain eras due to the thin sheet metal used in their construction. Areas with high humidity or road salt are particularly prone to rust, which can lead to structural weakness and cosmetic damage over time.

Engine Failures: Engine failures are common in 1950s and 1960s Datsuns, especially in vehicles powered by small four-cylinder engines. While these engines are generally reliable, wear and tear over time may necessitate engine rebuilds or replacements to maintain optimal performance.

Electrical Issues: Older Datsun vehicles are susceptible to electrical problems, including shorts, blown fuses, and bad connections. Troubleshooting these issues is essential to ensure the smooth operation of these classic vehicles, requiring time and effort to diagnose and address electrical malfunctions effectively.

Transmission Troubles: Nissan cars, including Datsun models, have faced transmission trouble, which can manifest as slipping, coolant leaks, and power failures while driving. These issues have led to recalls and extended warranties to cover repair costs, highlighting the importance of addressing transmission problems promptly.

Oil Leaks: Oil leaks, even in relatively new cars, have been reported in Nissan vehicles, indicating potential manufacturing issues. In some cases, recalls were issued due to excessive oil leakages, emphasizing the need for timely repairs to prevent engine damage and maintain vehicle performance.

Backup Camera Problems: Nissan had to recall over a million vehicles due to significant safety faults in the backup cameras of several models. Flaws in the system allowed owners to change settings, leading to safety concerns. Recalled vehicles included popular models like the Altima and Frontier, underscoring the importance of addressing backup camera issues for safety reasons.

These common problems with Nissan Datsun cars highlight the importance of regular maintenance, prompt repairs, and awareness of potential issues to ensure the longevity and reliability of these classic vehicles.

Percentage distribution of complaints by Nissan Datsun years

We have researched Nissan problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Nissan Datsun cars and compiled the top 4 most problematic Nissan Datsun model years:

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

Distribution of the number of complaints by Nissan Datsun years

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

Nissan Datsun car problems categorized by type of issue

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

Fuel system problems
Gasoline problems
Electrical system problems
Engine and engine cooling problems
Seat belts problems

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

Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Datsun model years

A total of 1 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Datsun model years

There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

The NHTSA has received 7 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Nissan Datsun . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Nissan Datsun vehicles.

List of Nissan Datsun complaints

Nissan Datsun 1984

Date Of Incident: 2014-03-17
Date Complaint: 2014-03-31
VIN: JN1PB12S7EU
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,SEAT BELTS,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1984 NISSAN DATSUN. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR AN UNRELATED REPAIR AND THEY NOTICED THE FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM THE TOP PART OF THE FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THERE WAS A RECALL RELATED TO THE SAME FAILURE ON CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2013 SENTRA VEHICLES UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 13V068000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 193,000. UPDATED 05/19/14*LJ THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED, THE SEAT BELT LATCHES WERE DEFECTIVE. UPDATED 06/30/14

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Nissan Datsun 1982

Date Of Incident: 1996-07-17
Date Complaint: 1996-10-22
Fire: 1
VIN: JN1RS06S0CU
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary: VEHICLE PARKED, GOT IN AND STARTED VEHICLE, DROVE ABOUT 2 MILES, SAW SMOKE, STOPPED AND TURNED VEHICLE OFF, CALLED FIRE DEPT., FIRE ENGULFED FRONT OF VEHICLE*AK

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Nissan Datsun 1982

Date Of Incident: 1996-07-01
Date Complaint: 1996-07-16
VIN: 4N1HVC1S1CT
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM: FUEL IS LEAKING FROM TWO FUEL INJECTOR ONTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, CAMPAIGN #95I006000. *AK

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