1987 Nissan Pulsar problems
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.
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Common 1987 Nissan Pulsar problems
The Nissan Pulsar, produced from 1978 to 2000, has been a popular car among car enthusiasts. However, the 1987 Nissan Pulsar, in particular, has been known to have several common problems that its owners have reported over the years.
One of the most significant problems faced by second-generation Nissan Pulsar owners is related to the engine. Specifically, the engine would experience issues with the timing belt, which could break or slip, leading to catastrophic engine failure. In some cases, this could cause significant damage to the engine and require costly repairs. This issue is particularly common in the 1987 Nissan Pulsar, and it is recommended that owners of this car replace the timing belt at regular intervals to prevent this problem from occurring.
Another common issue with the second-generation Nissan Pulsar is related to the transmission. The automatic transmission, in particular, is known to have problems with shifting, and owners would experience rough gear changes or a complete failure to shift gears altogether. This issue can cause the vehicle to be unreliable and require extensive repairs. It is recommended that owners of the 1987 Nissan Pulsar have the transmission checked regularly to ensure that it is functioning correctly.
The second-generation Nissan Pulsar also experienced issues with its brakes. The brake calipers were prone to sticking, which could cause uneven brake wear and lead to unsafe driving conditions. Additionally, the rear brakes on the vehicle were prone to locking up, which could cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle. It is recommended that owners of the 1987 Nissan Pulsar have the brakes checked regularly to ensure that they are functioning correctly.
Finally, second-generation Nissan Pulsars were known to have problems with their fuel systems. The fuel pumps on these vehicles were prone to failure, which could cause the engine to stall or fail to start. Additionally, the fuel injectors were prone to clogging, which could cause poor engine performance and reduced fuel economy. It is recommended that owners of the 1987 Nissan Pulsar have the fuel system checked regularly to ensure that it is functioning correctly.
In addition to these common problems, the 1987 Nissan Pulsar was also known for rust issues, particularly around the wheel arches, sills, and floor pans. Owners should inspect their Pulsar regularly for rust, as it can cause significant structural damage and can be expensive to repair. Electrical issues were also common in the 1987 Nissan Pulsar, particularly in the second generation. The alternator and battery were prone to failure, and the charging system may not work correctly, leading to a dead battery. Additionally, the wiring loom could become brittle and may cause electrical shorts or other issues.
The manual transmissions in these Pulsar models may suffer from synchro problems, making it difficult to shift into gear. Additionally, the clutch may fail prematurely, requiring replacement. Owners of first and second generation Nissan Pulsar models should be aware of these common issues and inspect their cars regularly to catch any potential problems early. Regular maintenance and care can help prevent some of these issues from occurring and prolong the life of the car.
In summary, the 1987 Nissan Pulsar has been known to have several common problems, including engine, transmission, brake, and fuel system issues. Regular inspections and maintenance can help prevent some of these issues from occurring and ensure the safety and reliability of the vehicle.
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.
What engine is in a 1987 Nissan Pulsar?
The engine was the same 1.6-liter four with 70 horses that powered most Sentras in 1987. The Pulsar NX SE got a 113-horsepower twin-cam engine and cost $11,799 (about $29,350 today).
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 type | MSRP |
|---|---|
| NX XE Hatchback | $10,794 |
| NX SE Hatchback | $11,994 |
1987 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:
- Wheels problems
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1987 Nissan Pulsar vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1987 Nissan Pulsar complaints
The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1987 Nissan Pulsar.
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: THE DRIVER SIDE REAR TIRE HAD TWO LUGS NUTS HOLDING TIRE, ONE ONE THE TWO LUG NUTS WAS BROKE. DEALER CONTACTED PLEASE ADD VIN.*JB
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-02-27
- VIN: JN1PN34SXHM
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: WHEN PUMPING GAS IN TANK GAS LEAKS OUT FROM UNDER CAR WHEN ALMOST FULL. GAS BURNS FAST. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-07-03
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JNLPN3459HN
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY THE THERMOSTAT NEEDLE HAND WENT COMPLETELY UP. THEN STATED THE VEHICLE BEGAN SMOKING AND THEY PULLED OVER. CONSUMER OPENED THE HOOD AND A FIRE BROKE OUT, CAUSING INJURIES TO HER BACK AND HAIR, CONSUMER STATED THAT THE CAR WAS TOTALLY DAMAGED. *AK
1987 Nissan Pulsar recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1987 Nissan Pulsar.
- Manufacturer: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
- Summary: THE SOLDERED JOINT WHERE INLET PIPE ATTACHES TO THE FUEL TANK MAY BE CRACKED.
- Consequence: FUEL MAY SEEP THROUGH THE JOINT AND POSE A FIRE HAZARD.
- Remedy: REPLACE FUEL TANK IF THERE IS SEEPAGE OR CRACK.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1987 Nissan Pulsar problems:
Q&A: 1988 Nissan Pulsar NX SE CA 18 DE - Common Issues ...
Aug 20, 2008 ... I have a 1988 nissan pulsar nx se ca 18 de, it recently started having problems starting. Were thinking that its the - Answered by a ...
1987 Nissan Pulsar Reviews - Carsurvey.org
Fuel sender replaced. New Rack and Pinion at 125000. Both half-shafts. All speakers blown out. Waterpump at 125K. Next to fix: Heater core and oil leak.
Nissan Pulsar 2013: Q&A on Common Problems & Motor Issues
Mar 16, 2019 ... I have a Nissan Pulsar 2013 March model, and the engine light was showing on the dash, first it came when the air - Answered by a verified ...
Just Purchased - 1987 Nissan Pulsar NX | Nissan Forum
Jun 20, 2022 ... Is this a common problem in these auto transmissions? The fluid looks clean, no metal or funky dark brown colors. He suggests to have the ...
Nissan Pulsar Questions - Automatic transmission no upshift ...
Apr 2, 2016 ... I got the same problem with my N16 ST...but anyway if it happens the revs going up and no up shift anymore...so I take it in neutral and start ...
Other years of Nissan Pulsar
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