VehicleVerdict

1993 Nissan D21 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 49 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.8 times the median D21 year — the 1993 model ranks #4 of 12 D21 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 4 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across tires & wheels (8), electrical system (7), and engine (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

49

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

4

Crash-involved

6

Fires reported

4

Injuries

1

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1993 compare to other D21 years?

D21 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1993 highlighted159 complaints1986: 0 complaints1987: 0 complaints1988: 1 complaints1989: 5 complaints1990: 1 complaints1991: 35 complaints1992: 21 complaints1993: 49 complaints1994: 76 complaints1995: 159 complaints1996: 47 complaints1997: 72 complaints
D21 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1993 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all D21 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1993 Nissan D21 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Tires & Wheels816%
Electrical System714%
Brakes510%
Engine510%
Transmission510%
Steering48%
Fuel System48%
Seat Belts48%
Body & Structure36%
Suspension36%
Seats12%

Does the 1993 Nissan D21 have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

09E012000LightingApril 7, 2009 · 16,270 units

Defect

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.

06E049000LightingMay 24, 2006 · 27,176 units

Defect

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“I PURCHASED VIPER P22570S14 IN LATE 99. BETWEEN DEC 02 AND JUN 03 I HAVE HAD 3 SEPARATIONS/BLOWOUTS & 1 LARGE BULGE WITH STEEL SHOWING. THE 3 BLOWOUTS OCCURRED AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, BUT LUCKILY NO ACCIDENTS OR INJURIES, JUST HIGH HEARTBEATS. I STILL HAVE 2 OF THE TIRES IN MY POSSESSION. WHAT OPTIONS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · June 16, 2003

“I DROVE SOMEWHERE, PARKED THE TRUCK AND I SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING AND SAW SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I ASKED SOMEONE IF THEY HAD A FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND THEY DID. I OPENED THE HOOD AND THE GUY USED THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER TO PUT THE FIRE OUT. IT STARTED IN THE WIRING HARNESS UNDER THE HOOD.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 15, 2005 · fire

“WHEN THE EMERGENCY IS HITCHED UP TO BE IN OPERATION THE REGULAR BRAKES AR INOPERABLE, CAUSING THE FRONT DRIVER'S WHEEL TO LOCK UP. THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes

“TIMING BELT SLACK ADJUSTER PIVOT BOLT BACKED OUT HITTING THE GUIDE WHEN CAUSED THE TIMING CHAIN TO BREAK ALSO CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE VALVE AND VALVE PLATE. *MJS ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine

“WHEN SLOWING DOWN AND TRYING TO DOWN SHIFT AFTER EXITING AN INTERSTATE, I FIND THAT THE CLUTCH PEDAL IS COMPLETELY DEPRESSED (BOTTOMED OUT) UNEXPECTEDLY, RESULTING IN INABILITY TO DOWN SHIFT OR MOVE GEAR SHIFT TO NEUTRAL. THIS HAPPENS INTERMITTENTLY AND WITHOUT WARNING. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 7, 2006

1993 Nissan D21 — common questions

Is the 1993 Nissan D21 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 49 complaints put the 1993 model at #4 of 12 D21 years. It is one of the D21 years to avoid.

What are the most common 1993 D21 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are tires & wheels (8 complaints), electrical system (7 complaints), engine (5 complaints).

Does the 1993 Nissan D21 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1993 Nissan D21. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Nissan D21 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the D21 years to avoid are 1995, 1994, 1997, 1993, 1996. The cleanest record among D21 years belongs to 1987.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.