VehicleVerdict

1996 Nissan D21 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 47 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.7 times the median D21 year — the 1996 model ranks #5 of 12 D21 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Airbags leads the complaint categories with 13 reports (28% of the total).

47

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

7

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

6

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1996 compare to other D21 years?

D21 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1996 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, 1996 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all D21 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1996 Nissan D21 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags1328%
Suspension613%
Tires & Wheels613%
Electrical System49%
Engine36%
Seat Belts24%
Brakes24%
Lighting24%
Body & Structure24%
Transmission24%
Visibility & Wipers12%
Other12%
Fuel System12%
Speed Control12%
Steering12%

Does the 1996 Nissan D21 have recalls?

3 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.

98V234000LightingSeptember 21, 1998 · 100,032 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. A REAR LAMP WILL NOT ILLUMINATE BECAUSE THE METAL BARREL IN THE LIGHT BULB SOCKET MOVES OR SEPARATES FROM THE PLASTIC SOCKET HOUSING DUE TO INADEQUATE HEAT RESISTANCE OF THE PLASTIC AT THE LAMP OPERATING TEMPERATURE.

Consequence

THE STOP/TAIL COMBINATION LAMP OR THE TURN SIGNAL LAMP WILL NOT FUNCTION.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BULB SOCKETS IN THE REAR COMBINATION LAMPS.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, FELL ASLEEP AND RAN OFF THE ROAD HITTING 5 TREES FRONTAL IMPACT AND SIDE WHICH DIDNOT TRIGGER THE AIRBAG SENSOR AND THE DRIVER AIRBAGD DID NOT DEPLOY CAUSING INJURIES TO THE OCCUPANT IN THIS ACCIDENT. *SLC ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · November 9, 1996 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE ABOUT 40 MPH NOTICED SUDDEN VIBRATION. CONSUMER THEN STATED THAT DRIVING THE VEHICLE ABOUT 65 MPH THE VIBRATION IS VERY NOTICEABLE. TOOK VEHICLE TO A DEALER, AND THEY SAID IT'S NORMAL FOR A SMALL TRUCK TO DO THAT, AND IT WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO ABOUT IT. CONSUMER ALSO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · June 26, 1996

“FIRESTONE SAID 6 YEAR OLD TIRE NOT COVERED IN RECALL. HAD GOOD TREAD AND NOT LOW ON AIR PRESSURE. BLEW OUT SIDEWALLS AND BELTS WITHOUT ANY WARNING THAT TIRES WERE LOSING AIR. *TS *NLM [REDACTED]DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12-12-02 CUT OVER TO ARTEMIS[REDACTED]762204”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · May 22, 2002

“I BOUGHT THE TRUCK IN 1999 FROM THE ORIGINAL OWNER, IT HAD 29,800 MILES ON IT. THE TRUCK HAD 59,500 MILES ON IT WHEN THIS HAPPENED. I WAS DRIVING THE TRUCK WHEN THE ENGINE STOPPED AND SMOKE CAME OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I OPENED THE HOOD TO FIND THAT THE MAIN ENGINE WIRING HARNESS ALONG SIDE OF THE…”

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

“I HAVE HAD AN EMISSIONS PROBLEMS (MIL) CONTINOUSLY SINCE OCTOBER 1996. THE EMISSION SYSTEM WAS REPLACED BY NISSAN IN 1998. THE MIL STILL COMES ON AND I AM GETTING ABOUT 16-17 MPG ON 13.59 GALS. I HAVE WRITTEN LETTERS TO NISSAN AND HAVE TALKED TO NUMEROUS NISSAN SERVICE PERSONNEL BUT HAVE GOTTEN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 23, 1996 · crash

1996 Nissan D21 — common questions

Is the 1996 Nissan D21 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 47 complaints put the 1996 model at #5 of 12 D21 years. It is one of the D21 years to avoid.

What are the most common 1996 D21 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (13 complaints), suspension (6 complaints), tires & wheels (6 complaints).

Does the 1996 Nissan D21 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1996 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.