1986 Nissan Pulsar problems

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The Nissan Pulsar (Japanese: 日産・パルサー, Hepburn: Nissan Parusā) is a line of automobiles produced by the Japanese automaker Nissan from 1978 until 2000, when it was replaced by the Nissan Bluebird Sylphy in the Japanese market.

Between 2000 and 2005, the name "Pulsar" has been used in Australia and New Zealand on rebadged versions of the Sylphy. This arrangement continued until the introduction of the Nissan Tiida (C11) in 2005; at this time the Pulsar name was retired. In 2013, Nissan replaced the Tiida in Australia and New Zealand with two new models badged as Pulsar. These were based on the Sylphy (B17) sedan and Tiida (C12) hatchback, the latter also sold in Thailand under the Pulsar name. In 2014, a European-only replacement for the Tiida was introduced using the Pulsar nameplate.

The original Pulsar was a hatchback to be sold exclusively at a different Nissan Japan dealership network called Nissan Cherry Store as a larger five-door hatchback alternative to the Nissan Cherry. Although Pulsar models were front-wheel drive from introduction, Nissan did offer four-wheel drive as an option on select models internationally.

The Pulsar sold in Japan originally served as the intermediate model offered at Nissan dealerships Nissan Cherry Store between the Nissan Violet and the Cherry, while different versions of the Pulsar sold at other Japanese networks served as the base model, with other larger Nissan products. Various Pulsar-based models were exported as international market conditions dictated, sometimes labeled as "Sunny", "Cherry" or "Sentra", while the internationally labeled product was actually a Pulsar and not a Japanese market Sunny or Cherry.

The name "Pulsar" is taken from pulsar (portmanteau of pulsating star), a highly magnetized, rotating neutron star.

1986 Nissan Pulsar

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Common 1986 Nissan Pulsar problems

The Nissan Pulsar, produced in its second generation from 1983 to 1987, is known for several common issues that owners may encounter. While the car is generally reliable, certain components can cause problems over time.

One of the most significant issues is related to the engine, specifically the timing belt. The timing belt in the second-generation Nissan Pulsar is prone to breaking or slipping, which can lead to catastrophic engine failure. If the timing belt fails, it can cause significant damage to the engine, resulting in expensive repairs.

Another common problem with the second-generation Nissan Pulsar is related to the transmission. The automatic transmission, in particular, is known to have problems with shifting, causing rough gear changes or a complete failure to shift gears. This can make the car unreliable and require extensive repairs.

In addition to engine and transmission problems, the second-generation Nissan Pulsar also experiences issues with its brakes. The brake calipers are prone to sticking, which can cause uneven brake wear and lead to unsafe driving conditions. Additionally, the rear brakes on the vehicle are prone to locking up, which can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle.

Finally, second-generation Nissan Pulsars are known to have problems with their fuel systems. The fuel pumps on these vehicles are prone to failure, which can cause the engine to stall or fail to start. Additionally, the fuel injectors are prone to clogging, which can cause poor engine performance and reduced fuel economy.

To address these common issues, owners of second-generation Nissan Pulsars should take steps to maintain their vehicles properly. Regular maintenance, including checking and replacing the timing belt, can help prevent engine failure. Checking and replacing brake components can also help ensure safe driving conditions. Additionally, regular fuel system maintenance can help prevent fuel pump failure and clogged fuel injectors.

By staying on top of these common issues, owners of second-generation Nissan Pulsars can help ensure the safety and reliability of their vehicles.

1986 Nissan Pulsar engine

Is A Nissan Pulsar a reliable Car?

In a nutshell, these were pretty reliable cars mechanically speaking. Simple and fairly rugged, they were not known to have any major, endemic problems.

Which Nissan Pulsar engine is best?

The Nissan Pulsar only offered a limited range of engines, but they're all pretty good. Most impressive is actually the entry-level 1.2-litre DIG-T, a four-cylinder turbo with 115PS and a very strong amount of pulling power from low revs.

How much is a 1987 Nissan Pulsar?

1987 Nissan Pulsar Trims

Trim typeMSRP
NX XE Hatchback$10,794
NX SE Hatchback$11,994

How many miles can Nissan Pulsar last?

The estimated lifespan of a Nissan Pulsar is 161,000mi, before reaching the life expectancy upper limit. Fuel type is a major factor when looking into a vehicles lifespan/life expectancy.

1986 Nissan Pulsar car problems categorized by type of issue

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

  • Suspension problems
  • Seat belts problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1986 Nissan Pulsar vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1986 Nissan Pulsar complaints

The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1986 Nissan Pulsar.

1995-03-22

SUSPENSION PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-03-22
  • VIN: JN1MN24S1GM
  • Components: SUSPENSION
  • Summary: REAR END SUSPENSION RUSTS OUT; SHOCK TOWERS RUSTED OUT. TT
1995-02-17

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: PASSENGER/ONE REAR SEAT BELTS FAILS POPPING OPEN WHEN LATCHED. TT
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1986 Nissan Pulsar problems:

Pitfalls of a Pulsar NX? : r/Nissan
Pitfalls of a Pulsar NX? : r/Nissan
https://www.reddit.com/r/Nissan/comments/p2w934/pitfalls_of_a_pulsar_nx/

Aug 12, 2021 ... Is it notorious for certain problems? Are parts available, or do I have to go to the Unicorn Store to get brake pads? They're looking for $3000 ...

86 pulsar nx running problem | Nissan Forum
86 pulsar nx running problem | Nissan Forum
https://www.nissanforums.com/threads/86-pulsar-nx-running-problem.120389/

May 8, 2006 ... I just purchased a 1986 Nissan Pulsar NX and I dont know the chassis or engine number. It's an A/T 1.6L w/ a 2-barrel carb. Can someone gimmie a ...

Nissan Pulsar 2003 Problems: Q&A on Nissan Pulsar Not Starting
Nissan Pulsar 2003 Problems: Q&A on Nissan Pulsar Not Starting
https://www.justanswer.com/nissan/4zu02-nissan-datsun-pulsar-2003-nissan-pulsar-will-start.html

May 14, 2011 ... This may be caused by a faulty MAF sensor or ECU, you will need to have these tested before replacing as these are common to cause these ...

Just bought a 1986 Nissan 300zx Non-Turbo - MANY problems ...
Just bought a 1986 Nissan 300zx Non-Turbo - MANY problems ...
https://www.nissanforums.com/threads/just-bought-a-1986-nissan-300zx-non-turbo-many-problems-help.69947/

Sep 6, 2004 ... i just got me my 1st car, a 1986 Nissan 300zx non-turbo, Maroon w/ Maroon interior. well, i got it for $1800 Cash w/ 164k miles on it.

Q&A: How to Remove Air from Gas Tank - JustAnswer
Q&A: How to Remove Air from Gas Tank - JustAnswer
https://www.justanswer.com/nissan/2lour-air-gas-tank.html

Sep 30, 2009 ... IV got a 1986 Nissan pulsar what would make it run out of ... Customer reply. I do not have the specific code handy. The ...

Other years of Nissan Pulsar

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Pulsar 1987
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Pulsar 1988
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Pulsar 1989
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Pulsar 1983
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Pulsar 1984
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Pulsar 1985
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1986 Nissan Pulsar photo