1989 Nissan Nissan truck problems

Common 1989 Nissan Nissan truck problems

The Nissan Hardbody, also known as the Nissan D21, is a popular pickup truck from the late 1980s and early 1990s. While many owners love their Hardbody trucks, there are some common problems that have been reported by owners

One of the most common problems with the Nissan Hardbody is rusty frames, especially if the truck has spent most of its life in areas where salt or other chemicals are used to treat roads

. This can lead to corrosion of the steel and weaken the frame over time.

Another common issue is cracked dashboards, particularly on trucks that have been exposed to high temperatures

. This can cause the dashboard to become brittle and crack, which can be both unsightly and potentially dangerous if it interferes with the driver's ability to see the road.

Sensors are another area where the Nissan Hardbody can have problems. Owners have reported issues with sensors going out regularly, which can affect various systems in the truck

Front torsion bars and bushings can also fail, particularly if the truck has been lifted or used for off-roading

. This can cause the steering and suspension components to wear out prematurely, which can be both expensive and inconvenient to repair.

The Nissan Hardbody's engine can also have issues, particularly with overheating. Owners have reported problems with the engine block leaking, as well as issues with the valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, and oil pressure sending unit

. The timing cover and crankshaft seal can also leak oil, which can be a major issue if not addressed promptly.

The low pressure hoses and reservoir can also leak, which can cause problems with the cooling system and potentially lead to overheating

While these issues can be frustrating for Nissan Hardbody owners, many of them are relatively simple to address with regular maintenance and repairs. However, it's important to keep an eye on these common problems to ensure that they don't become more serious issues down the road.

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.

What are old Nissan trucks called?

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.

What does a hard body truck mean?

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. Hardbody took hold, however, and Nissan ads even used the Hardbody term.

Are old Nissans reliable?

Nissans are generally considered reliable vehicles, except for a few model years. While Toyota and Honda are known for higher reliability ratings, the style and character Nissan brings to the table often help it outrank the more dependable brands.

1989 Nissan Nissan truck car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Nissan Nissan truck problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

• Suspension problems
• Power train problems
• Structure problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1989 Nissan Nissan truck vehicle components and the number of complaints received.